Thoughts on changing itinerary with baby in tow

[Sleepyluke]

We have a cruise booked in about a year that included 6 adults from mid 60s down to 32, a 4 year old and now have just learned that there will be a 6-7 month old too for the ride. We were originally looking to do Alaska and planned to travel to Seattle then up to Vancouver for a day or 2 then do the cruise and come home.

We are for sure going to still cruise, but logistically seems a lot more daunting with a baby and baby stuff in tow. We can move the cruise out a little bit more and drive to Galveston and enjoy the same ship (Wonder) or even fly to Orlando and let Disney shuttle us and our junk around. We have don't his in the past with a then 13 month old and we really had a good time.

So would any of you hesitate at the Alaska trip at this point, or still go with it, but maybe eliminate a few of the moving pieces? Caribbean? Any words of wisdom?

For selfish reasons too, I am having WDW withdrawals and think that 4 would be a great time to revisit at least a park....

 

[jdb in AZ]

I don't think Alaska with a baby would be any more difficult than the Caribbean. At least the baby won't get heat rash. A baby who isn't walking yet is easier than a 13-month old toddler.

The minimum age on a Disney cruise is six months (a year old for Panama Canal or transatlantic.) Make sure the baby will be old enough.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

My understanding, and you'd need to validate this because I am talking out my bum here, is that a lot of excursions (both Caribbean and AK) will not take the infant. Selection with the 4YO is also weaker.

It depends on if AK would be a one and done or not. There's a lot that wouldn't be an option with the infant.

 

[DnA2010]

We just did Alaska with 2 babies (mine and my sisters) I think it would be easier than the heat of the Caribbean. Seattle and Vancouver are easy cities to visit with babies in my opinion. Let me know what areas you would like me to go into as far as specifics

 

[cmph]

I know plenty of people who like taking babies to beaches, but it made me nuts. My kids were super blondies, so maybe I was just way more nervous about the sun than others. Personally, I'd rather strap a baby into a stroller to browse/shop/eat in Alaskan ports.

However, if you don't care at all about ports and are cruising for the ship - then either one is going to be fine. Is the Galveston sailing a 7 night that goes to Key West, Nassau, and CC? We did that. Key West would be super easy with a baby in a stroller, very walkable, humid but not insanely hot in the winter. There was a lap child (not that young, more like 1) on our semi-sub excursion in Nassau. It's not quite as exciting a cruise as Alaska, unless you grew up in the Pacific northwest.

You might want to check out the trip reports section, particularly this one https://www.disboards.com/threads/l...ka-with-a-mini-mouseketeer-ketchikan.3522760/ I started to read it a while back and looks like she didn't finish it, but it might have some helpful info for you.

 

[Dug720]

Whatever you decide, make sure that baby will be at least 6 months on embarkation day or said baby will not be permitted on board.

 

[KashasMom]

There are so many great excursions and things to see in Alaska - even for a 4 year old but not for a 6-7 month old baby. In addition it most likely will be too cold so an infant couldn't even enjoy the pool. I cruised a few times in the Caribbean with my kids when they were under a year old but waited until they were older to enjoy Alaska. They baby will enjoy the beach - a pail and shovel can keep a baby busy for a long time. Bring a hat, plenty of sunscreen, protective top, etc. You don't need to sit in the sun. You'll also be able to use the pool on the ship...and a definite plus in my book is spending some time at a park!

 

[gotomu212]

In December I'll be cruising with a 6 month, 2 day old baby (not my first Disney cruise, but my first with a baby). I plan to do a trip report to speak to our specific baby experience. I am already impressed that I was able to reserve a pack-&-play and diaper genie for the room and a high chair for the dining room.

We're also planning to really utilize the nursery, including while we go on an excursion. Hopefully I'll be able to provide a lot of info.

 

[cheribelle]

There are so many great excursions and things to see in Alaska - even for a 4 year old but not for a 6-7 month old baby. In addition it most likely will be too cold so an infant couldn't even enjoy the pool. I cruised a few times in the Caribbean with my kids when they were under a year old but waited until they were older to enjoy Alaska. They baby will enjoy the beach - a pail and shovel can keep a baby busy for a long time. Bring a hat, plenty of sunscreen, protective top, etc. You don't need to sit in the sun. You'll also be able to use the pool on the ship...and a definite plus in my book is spending some time at a park!

My statement is meant for another topic but please please please do not let infants in the pool. Pools on DCL are for potty trained children with no diapers. My daughter got very sick from a cruise with a water—born parasite. There are splash pads you can use on DCL.
https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/faq/onboard-activities/pool-restrictions/

OP I don’t know if that will affect your decision or not. I’m sure infants are fine at a beach though .

 

[bumbershoot]

I see no problem in your itinerary for a baby. We took ds up to Seattle and on the train up to Vancouver. Simple.

Only reason we didn't cruise with him was money and we used cloth diapers and didn't have enough for a week, so we couldn't be away from a washer that long. (And dcl was not something I was interested in then) Otherwise cruising with him wijkdnhave been terrific.

The relative coolness of the area would have been good too. Put baby in a cozy parent-facing carrier and they are snug and warm. If some adults want to do tours that don't allow babies then they do them and other adults stay with baby.

 

[DnA2010]

There are so many great excursions and things to see in Alaska - even for a 4 year old but not for a 6-7 month old baby. In addition it most likely will be too cold so an infant couldn't even enjoy the pool. I cruised a few times in the Caribbean with my kids when they were under a year old but waited until they were older to enjoy Alaska. They baby will enjoy the beach - a pail and shovel can keep a baby busy for a long time. Bring a hat, plenty of sunscreen, protective top, etc. You don't need to sit in the sun. You'll also be able to use the pool on the ship...and a definite plus in my book is spending some time at a park!

Actually you can't take babies in cruise ship pools- not till they are potty trained

 

[KashasMom]

Yes, SO sorry...I did not mean pool, I meant splash area!! I have seen parents taking diapered babies in the pools and one even removed baby's diaper and brought the child in AFTER being told no diapers in the pool! PLEASE do not bring diapered babies in the pool!!

 

[ahain]

As PP said, (and per DCL website) Your child needs to be at least 6 months of age on the day of sailing for most itineraries. The minimum age for Transatlantic and Panama Canal itineraries is 1 year of age on the day of sailing, in case you were pondering any of DCL's longer itineraries as well..

 

[Sleepyluke]

I guess I a, overthinking Alaska with a little one in tow. We did fine for an evening at the park and cruise out of canaveral but figured several steps may add to the chore of vacation. May still consider it.

For those of you thinking about it dcl is the best vacation with baby or Todd
Ear we have ever been on. They make it easy to have fun just remember you are on vacation and go with it. We have some great pictures of our then 13 month old playing with Pluto at 11 pm in the atrium one night. Myra she had a nap and was ready to play. We are terrible parents!!!!!