Single Mom with 2 year old?

[wwaaww]

Dear All,

I am a new member to this group and hope you'll be able to give me some advice.

I am a single Mom who has not had a vacation in over 5 years. My Mother (who raised me as a single parent) is terminally ill and once she passes away, it's been suggested that I take my 2 year old daughter and 'run away' for a little while. The idea of a cruise came to mind since I've been on several (the Norway, mostly) and always enjoyed them. Here are my questions:

Is it possible to get last minute deals on a week long cruise -- I mean a good deal? Believe me when I tell you, I am exhausted and once the funeral is over, I'd want to go within two weeks.

I haven't received my brochure on the DCL yet so, can someone enlighten me as to how they charge single parents traveling with 1 toddler? When I called the Disney Cruise line phone number, I couldn't get a straight answer.

What kind of activities do they have for not yet potty trained 2.5 year olds to participate in?

I've heard they do offer baby-sitting but it's on a first come, first served basis. I love my daughter dearly, but, I'm going to need at least 2 hours to myself each day (for sleep, a massage or a good cry). How quickly does this service book up? I'm thinking they do have a massage / spa service?

Do they provide cribs? What about side rails for beds? Is it true they put chocolate chip cookies on the pillows at night?

Has anyone here traveled with a 2 year old? I have a very adaptable little girl with a good disposition. Have you taken an umbrella stroller?

I'm sure they have poolside cafe's with breakfast bar and lunch time fare. What types of non alcoholic drinks do they have on offer during the day? Other cruises I've been on had ice machines, lemonade or Hawaiian punch, iced tea and ice water available at all times. Are you allowed to fill sippy cups with these?

That's all I can think of at this point in time. Thank you in advance for your help.

Sincerely,
The Very Exhausted Wendy

 

[nancyz]

Wendy,

I can't answer all of your questions, but can answer a few.

On the Western, these were the days and hours of operation for the babysitting ($6/hour). My SIL said the nursery does book fast, so you need to know in advance what you want to do, book it and then go to the nursery to book the appropriate time. So, once on board, book your spa time, then go over and book your nursery time. Nursery opens at 1:30pm on day of embarktion.

Sunday: 12pm - 4pm, 5:15pm -12am
Monday: 1-4pm, 5:15 - 12am
Tues: 7:30am - 1pm, 5:15 -12am
Wed: 10am - 4pm, 5:15pm - 12am
Thur: 10am - 2pm, 5:15-12am
Fri: 1-4pm, 5:15pm - 12am

Other than character appearances and the mickey pool, which is very shallow in some areas, those are the only activities I saw for a 2.5yr old. I'm sure there are some small activities in Flounder's Reef Nursery.

Cribs are provided as my SIL used one for her 18mth old. The pull out bed in the sofa isn't very high off the ground, so your daughter may do fine without a side rail.

An umbrella stroller is a must for you. There were quite a few of them on board along with the regular strollers.

As for non-alcoholic drinks, milk, water, hot tea, and coffee are free all day long. For $35, you can buy a mug for unlimited soft drinks. The Topsiders buffet has punch and iced tea at lunch. Soda is free at the restaurants for lunch and dinner. I think you could get lemonade, but you had to pay for it. I filled up sippy cups and my water bottle quite a bit at the free water/milk station.

Chocolate chip cookies are available at night from room service. Great for bed time snacks. We ordered milk also, and tipped the guy $2. Room service is free, so we tipped. Chocolates are left on the pillows.

I hope this helps.

Nancy

 

[Pugdog007]

To my knowledge, there are no last minute deals on DCL. The only discounts they offer are for early booking.

If there are only 2 people occupying a room, both will be charged as adults. You must pay 2 adult fares before getting a discounted child's fare.

 

[mmouse37]

As pugdog said....DCL does charge two adult fares even if it is for 1 adult and 1 child. You might be better off if you can get another adult to come with you. That way your 2 year old will pay a significantly less amount. You could add up the total cabin price and split it three ways to bring down everyone's cost.

Just a thought, though you still might want to just travel with your child, as you will be getting over some tough times. Good luck, and unfortunately DCL does not offer any last minute deals.

MJ

 

[Tay N Evie's Mom]

But, her child is under the age of 3, and would normally come under the infant rule. Does anyone know if she would still have to pay for the other adult fare then? That may be why she's getting conflicting answers from DCL.

 

[taswira]

I think one adult cruising with an infant would either have to pay for 2 adults <I>or</I> pay as a "single" adult. Depending on the season, category, availability on a particular cruise, EB discounts, etc., that rate can end up being an extra 50% (like paying for an adult fare and a half). Since DCL did not give you a straight answer, they might judge it on a case-by-case basis. But I don't see any way you could book within two weeks (or even two months) and get a good deal.

 

[*Huey*]

I thought I read somewhere about having to pay 200% of the per person rate on categories under 4 or something and 175% on categories 1 - 3 (as a single.) Is that true??

I am also a single parent and have looked in to getting around paying for two adults but haven't found any ways yet...

al

 

[Kaa]

The single supplement is 175%. It would be less expensive to book at the single supplement rate since the child is under the age of 3. Children under 3 only pay government fees and taxes, which is less than $200. When you call DCL, ask if you can book yourself at the single supplement and book the child at the rate of an infant (their description of a child under 3).

Good luck!

 

[taswira]

I am a p/t TA and have sometimes booked single clients at 50% above one adult fare in cat. 7. Other times that has been unavailable. But the "good deals" were <I>never</I> short notice!