Questions for those cruising with 6 mos - 1 year old

[MommyMeNDisney]

I'm a FTM and this will be my first time cruising with a baby. My DS will turn 1 on our Disney cruise. I have a few questions for parents who have cruised with your little ones during this age range:

1. We're flying to the port city. A friend may be dropping us off at the port; otherwise, we'll be taking a hired car or shuttle. What do I do with the car seat while onboard? Can I give it to the porter with my checked bag to have it delivered to our stateroom or do I have to carry it around until our room is ready?

2) DS may not be walking by the time we cruise. Should I carry his stroller on when we board or use my Moby wrap to carry him around? Not sure how much he'll weigh then.

3. My DS doesn't normally use a sound machine to sleep, is it necessary on the ship to help DS nap and sleep at night? We have one at home, it doesn't help him sleep.

4. DS is cloth diapered. Is there a high demand for washer/dryers onboard? Will I have any issues washing his diapers onboard? Are there laundry facilities on every deck? What's the best way to bring liquid laundry detergent onboard? I'm considering ordering from Babies Travel Lite, but I still have to figure out how to get the detergent home. I didn't see an option for travel size detergent on their site.

5. How are the cribs onboard? Do I need to bring my own crib sheet?s)?

6. Can I bring my own pop up beach tent to shield DS from the sun during our time on CC? Any recommendations to help make the most of CC with DS? I'm going to bring beach toys (bucket/shovel).

7. How's the seating in the MDRs on the Dream, booths or chairs? I'm thinking of bringing his travel booster seat.

I'm sure I have more questions. Do you have any tips/recommendations to help make traveling with a baby easier? Thanks in advance.

 

[lanejudy]

Welcome to cruising!

1. If your friend can keep the car seat for you, that would be my first preference -- but that assumes you have no need for it during the cruise. Note that taxis in foreign ports may or may not have adequate seatbelts or latch for carseat installation. If your friend can't keep it for your, I say keep it with you (do you have a travel system stroller?) Luggage is not handled gently onboard and I would be concerned about possible damage checking a carseat with the porters. Your choice, though, as it is allowed.

2. I personally preferred a stroller when DD was young. Again, personal preference choice.

3. Not necessary if not used at home.

4. We did cloth -- at home, but always used disposables when traveling. There are a few laundry rooms onboard, but not on each deck. Choose "off" hours for doing laundry. I pack laundry pods or Purex sheets when bringing laundry supplies for traveling. I don't believe Babies Travel Lite can deliver to DCL ships anymore, but you could have supplies delivered to your pre-cruise hotel/home and then bring it yourself to the port.

5. Pack-n-plays. I would bring my own sheet but I believe others have posted sheets were provided.

6. Popup tents are not allowed and might be confiscated. If it's a little infant-sized one, you might get away with it, but I honestly don't recall seeing any on the beach.

7. Most MDR seating is chairs. DCL will provide a booster unless you have a particular preference for your own. I don't recommend one with a tray as there isn't much room between tables to leave his seat pushed out far enough to use the tray without blocking someone at the table behind you.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[erin brown]

Hi!!
#1 Idk about the car seat we didnt bring one with us either time, we drove our first cruise and 2nd we had a rental.
#2 If you use a stroller bring it, and your carrier. We do not own a stroller and only BW, with that said, you may want to consider upgrading by the time you go. Chances are very high that after 6m old your DS will not fit in a moby. Stretchy wraps are not designed for over 15/20lbs it gets saggy and uncomfortable. You can message me if you have questions on that.
#3 if he doesnt use it at home, then I would not bring it. There is a tv in the room you can set to a music channel and cover it with a towel or something just to give sounds.
#4 I have never had an issue with washing machines on board. Go early you should be fine, also at sea days will be more crowded. Can you do something like a FLIP with a disposable insert for travel? As a mom who clothed for 2 years, I never took them when I traveled. You can look into honest diapers for dispoables or like I suggested a cover with a disposable liner. You really will hate traveling with cloth
#5 They give you a pack n play for the room, and have sheets for it
#6 you can bring anything that you want to carry around at his age you can just do buckets and play in the sand, he will be too little to care
#7 do not bring a booster, they have highchairs and booster seats.

Also maybe look into a water sling, that way you can wear him into the water at CC <3

Just relax and enjoy your vacay

 

[MommyMeNDisney]

Welcome to cruising!

1. If your friend can keep the car seat for you, that would be my first preference -- but that assumes you have no need for it during the cruise. Note that taxis in foreign ports may or may not have adequate seatbelts or latch for carseat installation. If your friend can't keep it for your, I say keep it with you (do you have a travel system stroller?) Luggage is not handled gently onboard and I would be concerned about possible damage checking a carseat with the porters. Your choice, though, as it is allowed.

2. I personally preferred a stroller when DD was young. Again, personal preference choice.

3. Not necessary if not used at home.

4. We did cloth -- at home, but always used disposables when traveling. There are a few laundry rooms onboard, but not on each deck. Choose "off" hours for doing laundry. I pack laundry pods or Purex sheets when bringing laundry supplies for traveling. I don't believe Babies Travel Lite can deliver to DCL ships anymore, but you could have supplies delivered to your pre-cruise hotel/home and then bring it yourself to the port.

5. Pack-n-plays. I would bring my own sheet but I believe others have posted sheets were provided.

6. Popup tents are not allowed and might be confiscated. If it's a little infant-sized one, you might get away with it, but I honestly don't recall seeing any on the beach.

7. Most MDR seating is chairs. DCL will provide a booster unless you have a particular preference for your own. I don't recommend one with a tray as there isn't much room between tables to leave his seat pushed out far enough to use the tray without blocking someone at the table behind you.

Enjoy your cruise!

Thank you so much for the though response! I've cruised several times before. This will be my first Disney cruise and my first time cruising with a baby. So, I'm sure I'm over thinking a lot.

#1 - right now, I'm not sure if my friend will be available to pick us up after the cruise. If she can, I can leave the car seat with her. I have a travel system, but I read someone's recommendation not to bring it. They said the stroller is too big/hard to maneuver on the ship. So, I was thinking of bringing an umbrella stroller instead.

#4 - I think I better use disposables. Thx

#5 - the website gave the option of a crib or pack-n-play. I chose a crib. Are they all pack-n-plays? No cribs?

 

[sunflowers138]

I'm also a FTM and traveling next month with our 13 month old. To help you, I am answering your questions based on what we plan on doing just so you can see where my thoughts are at with this whole traveling-with-a-toddler thing.

1. I plan on checking her car seat. I am hoping DCL won't have a problem delivering it to our room with the rest of our luggage.

2) My DD is walking, but not very well. I am bringing a lightweight stroller that reclines. I debated bringing the carrier, but have decided against it. Between myself, my DH and my daughter's grandparents, someone can always hold her if need be.

3. My DD uses the sound machine occasionally but it doesn't help her sleep. I'm leaving it at home. (I like the idea of the TV that a previous poster mentioned)

4. Can't help ya here, we use disposibles. I packed some and I'll run to a store before boarding to get more.

5. Can someone let me know if they are Graco Pack and Plays? I need to bring my own sheets from home since my daughter has an allergy to laundry detergent and I don't want to chance any skin issues with Disney's sheets.

6. Didn't even think of this!

7. I'm going to use DCL's high chairs.

 

[MommyMeNDisney]

Hi!!
#1 Idk about the car seat we didnt bring one with us either time, we drove our first cruise and 2nd we had a rental.
#2 If you use a stroller bring it, and your carrier. We do not own a stroller and only BW, with that said, you may want to consider upgrading by the time you go. Chances are very high that after 6m old your DS will not fit in a moby. Stretchy wraps are not designed for over 15/20lbs it gets saggy and uncomfortable. You can message me if you have questions on that.
#3 if he doesnt use it at home, then I would not bring it. There is a tv in the room you can set to a music channel and cover it with a towel or something just to give sounds.
#4 I have never had an issue with washing machines on board. Go early you should be fine, also at sea days will be more crowded. Can you do something like a FLIP with a disposable insert for travel? As a mom who clothed for 2 years, I never took them when I traveled. You can look into honest diapers for dispoables or like I suggested a cover with a disposable liner. You really will hate traveling with cloth
#5 They give you a pack n play for the room, and have sheets for it
#6 you can bring anything that you want to carry around at his age you can just do buckets and play in the sand, he will be too little to care
#7 do not bring a booster, they have highchairs and booster seats.

Also maybe look into a water sling, that way you can wear him into the water at CC <3

Just relax and enjoy your vacay

Thank you so much for taking the time to provide this thorough response.

#1 - how did you travel in a car without a car seat? Sorry if that's a dumb question.

#2 - thank you for the recommendation. I have a baby bjorn too. Maybe I can use that or my Balboa sling.

#3 - thank you for the TV recommendation. That's a good idea!

#4 - I have a few Flips, but I think I better use disposibles for this cruise.

#5 - do they have cribs or just pack-n-plays?

#7 - how are the booster seats/highchairs onboard? DS is on the small side (17 lbs at 10 months). The highchairs at restaurants are too big for him. I'd love to use the ones onboard instead of bringing my own, if he can sit in it without sliding all over the highchair.

 

[schmass]

You are going to love your first Disney cruise! We took DS when he had just turned 16 months, and it was the best and easiest vacation to take with a little one!

1. We had someone drop us off at the airport in our car, so the carseat stayed at home. We took the DCL bus and planned our excursions so that we wouldn't need a carseat at all during the trip.

2. I would probably bring both a lightweight stoller and the wrap. You probably won't need the stroller very much while on the ship, but it is nice to have. We stored ours under the bed the majority of the time.

3. Our DS uses a sound machine every night at home, but we didn't bring it or need it on the cruise, so I'm sure you'll be fine without it.

4. We use disposable diapers. If you choose to go this route for the cruise, I highly recommend utilizing the Babies Travel Lite service. The diapers and wipes I had ordered were waiting in our room when we arrived.

5. We had a pack n play in the room, and sheets were provided.

6. Not sure...

7. DS sat in a high chair every night in the MDRs.


ETA - We loved this vacation so much that when the 2016 booking opens tomorrow, we'll be booking another cruise. DS will turn 3 on the cruise and our DD due in July will be about 9-10 months!

 

[lanejudy]

Thank you so much for the though response! I've cruised several times before. This will be my first Disney cruise and my first time cruising with a baby. So, I'm sure I'm over thinking a lot.

#1 - right now, I'm not sure if my friend will be available to pick us up after the cruise. If she can, I can leave the car seat with her. I have a travel system, but I read someone's recommendation not to bring it. They said the stroller is too big/hard to maneuver on the ship. So, I was thinking of bringing an umbrella stroller instead. yeah, I guess that depends on the stroller -- smaller strollers are easier to maneuver through the hallways onboard; my thought was a travel system would be easier than carrying both a stroller and a car seat as carry-ons but I've never brought either on a cruise -- I still wouldn't feel comfortable checking a car seat but people do it (someone may be along to share pictures of the luggage piles, it's all just tossed around)

#4 - I think I better use disposables. Thx

#5 - the website gave the option of a crib or pack-n-play. I chose a crib. Are they all pack-n-plays? No cribs? I'm only familiar with pack-n-plays onboard

responses above in red

 

[lanejudy]

Here are the pictures of luggage (I just picked these up from another thread). Your car seat could end up in the middle or bottom of a pile like either of these. I'm thinking of stress fractures in the plastic even if not noticeably broken.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[MommyMeNDisney]

I'm also a FTM and traveling next month with our 13 month old. To help you, I am answering your questions based on what we plan on doing just so you can see where my thoughts are at with this whole traveling-with-a-toddler thing.

1. I plan on checking her car seat. I am hoping DCL won't have a problem delivering it to our room with the rest of our luggage.

2) My DD is walking, but not very well. I am bringing a lightweight stroller that reclines. I debated bringing the carrier, but have decided against it. Between myself, my DH and my daughter's grandparents, someone can always hold her if need be.

3. My DD uses the sound machine occasionally but it doesn't help her sleep. I'm leaving it at home. (I like the idea of the TV that a previous poster mentioned)

4. Can't help ya here, we use disposibles. I packed some and I'll run to a store before boarding to get more.

5. Can someone let me know if they are Graco Pack and Plays? I need to bring my own sheets from home since my daughter has an allergy to laundry detergent and I don't want to chance any skin issues with Disney's sheets.

6. Didn't even think of this!

7. I'm going to use DCL's high chairs.

Thank you so much for responding! Would you mind posting on here how everything went after your cruise?

#1 - if I have to bring the car seat onboard (checked), perhaps the car seat bag will protect it from being damaged. Fingers crossed.

#2 - do you mind sharing the name of the stroller you're bringing?

 

[The7ofUs]

I went to the Babies Travel Lite website this morning to order for our May cruise. It appears that they are no longer open for business. Disappointing!

 

[sunflowers138]

I will report back towards the end of April.

the stroller is Summer Infant 3D Lite.

 

[sunflowers138]

I just saw the pics of the luggage.

I have a bag for the car seat but I doubt it will protect it from that nasty looking pile! Maybe bubble wrap it then throw the bag over it for protection?

 

[MommyMeNDisney]

You are going to love your first Disney cruise! We took DS when he had just turned 16 months, and it was the best and easiest vacation to take with a little one!

1. We had someone drop us off at the airport in our car, so the carseat stayed at home. We took the DCL bus and planned our excursions so that we wouldn't need a carseat at all during the trip.

2. I would probably bring both a lightweight stoller and the wrap. You probably won't need the stroller very much while on the ship, but it is nice to have. We stored ours under the bed the majority of the time.

3. Our DS uses a sound machine every night at home, but we didn't bring it or need it on the cruise, so I'm sure you'll be fine without it.

4. We use disposable diapers. If you choose to go this route for the cruise, I highly recommend utilizing the Babies Travel Lite service. The diapers and wipes I had ordered were waiting in our room when we arrived.

5. We had a pack n play in the room, and sheets were provided.

6. Not sure...

7. DS sat in a high chair every night in the MDRs.


ETA - We loved this vacation so much that when the 2016 booking opens tomorrow, we'll be booking another cruise. DS will turn 3 on the cruise and our DD due in July will be about 9-10 months!

Awww, thank you so much for this response! Gosh, I thought I was excited before! Now, I'm super duper excited! Everyone keeps telling me I'm wasting my money by taking him on an expensive cruise while he's so young; but, I really think DS is going to enjoy it! Your posts makes me even more confident of this! Thank you!

#4 - so, Babies Travel Lite is still available? It sounded like a great feature when I saw it online. Since I'm going to now use disposibles, I'd rather have them delivered to save space in our luggage. Is the shipping cost for Babies Travel Lite expensive?

 

[MommyMeNDisney]

You are going to love your first Disney cruise! We took DS when he had just turned 16 months, and it was the best and easiest vacation to take with a little one!

1. We had someone drop us off at the airport in our car, so the carseat stayed at home. We took the DCL bus and planned our excursions so that we wouldn't need a carseat at all during the trip.

2. I would probably bring both a lightweight stoller and the wrap. You probably won't need the stroller very much while on the ship, but it is nice to have. We stored ours under the bed the majority of the time.

3. Our DS uses a sound machine every night at home, but we didn't bring it or need it on the cruise, so I'm sure you'll be fine without it.

4. We use disposable diapers. If you choose to go this route for the cruise, I highly recommend utilizing the Babies Travel Lite service. The diapers and wipes I had ordered were waiting in our room when we arrived.

5. We had a pack n play in the room, and sheets were provided.

6. Not sure...

7. DS sat in a high chair every night in the MDRs.


ETA - We loved this vacation so much that when the 2016 booking opens tomorrow, we'll be booking another cruise. DS will turn 3 on the cruise and our DD due in July will be about 9-10 months!

Oh, I forgot to say...congrats on your LO on the way! How exciting!

Also, how many days/nights was your Disney cruise with your DS when he was 16 months?

 

[MommyMeNDisney]

Here are the pictures of luggage (I just picked these up from another thread). Your car seat could end up in the middle or bottom of a pile like either of these. I'm thinking of stress fractures in the plastic even if not noticeably broken.

Enjoy your cruise!

WHOA! I had no idea! Thx for sharing these pics. Wow, I need to rethink the car seat thing.

 

[Dave2425]

Awww, thank you so much for this response! Gosh, I thought I was excited before! Now, I'm super duper excited! Everyone keeps telling me I'm wasting my money by taking him on an expensive cruise while he's so young; but, I really think DS is going to enjoy it! Your posts makes me even more confident of this! Thank you!

#4 - so, Babies Travel Lite is still available? It sounded like a great feature when I saw it online. Since I'm going to now use disposibles, I'd rather have them delivered to save space in our luggage. Is the shipping cost for Babies Travel Lite expensive?

Look into having a box of stuff sent to your hotel. We've used Amazon Prime to ship baby supplies directly to our resort when we've stayed at WDW.

 

[MommyMeNDisney]

I just saw the pics of the luggage.

I have a bag for the car seat but I doubt it will protect it from that nasty looking pile! Maybe bubble wrap it then throw the bag over it for protection?

Yeah, that pile is bananas, right??? Thanks for sharing the name of your stroller. I'll check that out. I look forward to hearing all about your cruise next month. We go in May. Super excited! I made a big Mickey Mouse waffle for DS this morning for our "pre" Disney cruise countdown. When we start our official countdown, I'll make the Mickey waffle with the Mickey eggs.

 

[Rachel Hanson]

I'm a FTM and this will be my first time cruising with a baby. My DS will turn 1 on our Disney cruise. I have a few questions for parents who have cruised with your little ones during this age range:

1. We're flying to the port city. A friend may be dropping us off at the port; otherwise, we'll be taking a hired car or shuttle. What do I do with the car seat while onboard? Can I give it to the porter with my checked bag to have it delivered to our stateroom or do I have to carry it around until our room is ready?

2) DS may not be walking by the time we cruise. Should I carry his stroller on when we board or use my Moby wrap to carry him around? Not sure how much he'll weigh then. I just wanted to make sure to reply to this one. The Moby is designed for babies/toddlers up to 35 lbs. We'll be taking a cruise in November with our 20 month old and I figure I might as well bring it. It's small so even if we don't use it it won't take up a lot of space.

3. My DS doesn't normally use a sound machine to sleep, is it necessary on the ship to help DS nap and sleep at night? We have one at home, it doesn't help him sleep.

4. DS is cloth diapered. Is there a high demand for washer/dryers onboard? Will I have any issues washing his diapers onboard? Are there laundry facilities on every deck? What's the best way to bring liquid laundry detergent onboard? I'm considering ordering from Babies Travel Lite, but I still have to figure out how to get the detergent home. I didn't see an option for travel size detergent on their site.

5. How are the cribs onboard? Do I need to bring my own crib sheet?s)?

6. Can I bring my own pop up beach tent to shield DS from the sun during our time on CC? Any recommendations to help make the most of CC with DS? I'm going to bring beach toys (bucket/shovel).

7. How's the seating in the MDRs on the Dream, booths or chairs? I'm thinking of bringing his travel booster seat.

I'm sure I have more questions. Do you have any tips/recommendations to help make traveling with a baby easier? Thanks in advance.

 

[schmass]

Awww, thank you so much for this response! Gosh, I thought I was excited before! Now, I'm super duper excited! Everyone keeps telling me I'm wasting my money by taking him on an expensive cruise while he's so young; but, I really think DS is going to enjoy it! Your posts makes me even more confident of this! Thank you!

#4 - so, Babies Travel Lite is still available? It sounded like a great feature when I saw it online. Since I'm going to now use disposibles, I'd rather have them delivered to save space in our luggage. Is the shipping cost for Babies Travel Lite expensive?

Our DS, while older than yours will be, definitely enjoyed it! We also took him to WDW when he was 9 months old, and I thought that was a great age, as well.

I think Babies Travel Lite is still available - we used it 6 months ago. It was definitely more expensive than buying them in the store, but the convenience was worth it for us.

Oh, I forgot to say...congrats on your LO on the way! How exciting!

Also, how many days/nights was your Disney cruise with your DS when he was 16 months?

Thank you - we are very excited for our baby girl to arrive!

We did a 7 night Fantasy cruise, and are looking to do the same next time. The link to my Trip Report is in my signature and goes into a lot of detail about our trip and DS's experience on it - you might find some of our experience helpful.