Flounder's Nursery

[Aimelyn1]

Hi,

We are leaving for a 7 night cruise to the Eastern Caribbean in 2 weeks and traveling with a 1 year old and a 4 year old. I have time booked in Flounders for my 1 year old's afternoon nap time and on certain nights from 8pm to 10pm, when he would normally go to sleep. Is it possible to get more time in the nursery if it's available or are you really limited to the maximum amount of hours that they give you? Also, I'm wondering if the kids can really sleep in the nursery, since that's mostly what we are planning on using it for. Any tips for traveling with a 1 year old would be much appreciated as well.

TIA

 

[A10560]

We traveled when our son was nine months old and yes they can sleep in the nursery. They have a different room for the cribs.

When you get on the boat you can book more hours for the nursery. The limit of ten hours is lifted since others can book then also. I suggest doing this early in your trip and not waiting to the day when you want to add more hours. Castaway Cay day books up quick so I would make sure you get the time you want for that day first.

 

[Aimelyn1]

Thanks for the tip on Castaway Cay. Do the pagers work if you leave the ship? I was worried about leaving the ship with either one of the boys still on board.

 

[andrewsmommy]

Pagers do work on CC (we know from experience!) and yes, they can nap at Flounders. My 2.5 year old napped there last week - I was surprised he would. They will rock them to sleep if you need them to (we did not).

 

[jaurban]

How long do they let a child cry it out - we have a 14 month old (will be 16 months when we cruise) that is terribly upset when mommy leaves her with the sitter. (We have been told that she does stop after a bit though.) At the kid's center at the health club they call after 15 minutes, and I have not been able to have her go more than 25 minutes without being called. If they do this at Flounder's we are sunk I think, as we will barely be into our dinner or my spa appointment before being called out. I was hoping they take a bit more time. Any thoughts?

 

[kcashner]

They now allow 18 hours of booking in advance on a 7 night cruise, 10 hours on 3 and 4 night cruises. You can typically get more time after boarding--they hold you to the 18 until the first evening to give everyone a chance to get that much, then you can basically book as much more as you want.

As to how they will handle your child--give them instructions as to what you want. If you are going to the fitness center and need a good hour to work out, tell them that; they will do everything possible to content your child for an hour. If you are going to Palo, let them know; again, they'll work extra hard to not need to call you. Each mom is different--one mom will have a "if he doesn't settle down in 10 minutes, call me; another will feel that she really wants her hour "off" and is paying for it. Neither is right or wrong, it's just how each wants her child to be cared for. If you tell them what you want, the CMs will attempt to do as you wish.

They will tell you that pagers do not work off the ship, but reality is that they work a short distance at all ports.

One thought--if you splurged on a cabin with a balcony, nap time is a great time to enjoy reading/sipping tea/etc. on your verandah. In fact, it's one of the reasons I suggest a balcony if you have young children who need to nap. Your idea about Flounder's for naps is great too!