Cruising with an almost 3yr. old question...

[Mark P.]

Hi,
We're kicking the idea around of a 3 day cruise in April of 2004, and our DS will be a month shy of being 3yrs. old then.

Has anyone went with children at or around that age, or should we wait a while longer.

We went in 1999, when our older DS was 5, and we all had a super time.

Thanks for any input

 

[Gillian]

For a 3 day cruise, it probably won't be a big deal, but for a longer trip, where I wanted to have some adult time, I'd probably wait (or go as soon as possible!). The reason is, Flounder's reef nursury is very small & I think an almost 3 year old would be bored there. Our 24 month old was fine, but he did realize he was missing out on something, LOL!

Potty trained 3 year olds can go to the kids clubs, which sound like more fun than Flounders.

Just my thoughts. I'm sure it will work out no matter what you decide!

 

[peg2001]

Keep in mind that if your almost-3 is within a month of turning 3 and is potty trained, he can go to the kids club rather than Flounders Reef. If he is still under 3, even by a day at time of sailing, he cruises cheap (taxes only)!!

We are sailing in Jan 2003, one day before my younger DD turns 3.

Peggy

 

[Travelingmice]

It's really all about what you want out of your vacation. We have sailed twice 9/01 and 9/02. our DS will be three this month. Since he was not old enough for the clubs at any of our sailings, we didn't get to do much without him, but that's fine with us because we enjoy being with him and doing things with him. He loved the pool (take a swim vest). His other favorites were shuffle board, air hockey, eating ice cream (who cares if dinners in a half hour, you had french fries and chicken tenders an hour ago) and just wandering around "checking everything out".

If you really want to sit by the pool as adults and enjoy yourself, wait until 3 and potty trained. If you want to enjoy yourself by making your kids enjoy themselves then go while he's "free".

Either way I'm sure you will have a great time!!

 

[AnnMorin]

Does you child have issues with seperation? I am a preschool teacher (2.9-6yrs) and would be concerned that if your son has not had a lot of practice with separeration (ie: preschool or daycare) the clubs may be overwhelming to him just shy of his three year old birthday. On the other hand if you don't intend on putting them in there he would certainly enjoy the characters etc. If he is not potty trained yet he will not be allowed in the pools so that may be an issue too. Although on a three day cruise he may not even care. On our last seven day cruise my son did not use the pools at all. The novelty has worn off for him. Disney is an excellent line for children and at almost three your son should be able to recognize and delight in seeing the characters come alive.

 

[bill kellum]

my grandson has now cruised four times on the wonder and is two and one half years old. we will be sailing again in february.he loves cruising on the 'disney boat'.we have a great time with our grandson while cruising.i can't even imagine going without him.although there are babysitting services available we have never used them. there is plenty to do on the ship and on shore.