Would you take DC on Disney Cruise at one year old?

[kcjcc714]

Hi all,

I'm new here. I wanted suggestions and thoughts on bringing a one year old on Disney cruise.
So my sister is planning a cruise and it happens to fall on DD's first bday. I thought i'd be kinda cool, althought i know she won't enjoy it much. I do have 2 other kids, age 10 and 6 - i know they'll love it. Am I crazy for thinking of taking baby on a cruise? Has anyone done this?
tips? suggestions? The wk after the Cruise will be my oldest son bday as well.
I've had people suggest to leave baby w/family member, but this is not an option for me. I know she won't remember it but i don't want to leave her behind.
TIA
Kathy

 

[alexandrew]

we took our younger DS on his first cruise when he was just 7 months....he of course was too young to remember anything, but Flounders Reef was a convenient, clean, and wonderful place to bring him in the evening....the counselors there did a great job entertaining him....

 

[Mickeyhugger]

I don't blame you for not wanting to leave her behind.

DH and I didn't travel when our DD was 1 (she was an 'busy' little toddler, LOL!).

However, I've known many people who've traveled with infants and toddlers and enjoyed it. I guess it depends on your child.

Would you rather be on a cruise or at home (in your surroundings.) I don't think there's a right or wrong answer on this one.

 

[encmerk]

Just to let you know I took my DD when she was one on an RCL cruise last year, and she loved it. She loved looking at everything. So in regards to your question I would take her. I think she would looking at all the Disney stuff. Also, personally I would have a better time if I knew she was with us. I wouldn't feel guilty leaving her at home, and seeing all the other kids having fun. Don't take that personally it is just the kind of mom I am.

I hope this helps.

 

[Serena6010]

I took my daughter on her 1st Disney Cruise when she was 8 months old. Her 2nd cruise was when she was 20 months. We are also going on the 14 day panama cruise in May...she will be 27 months. As you can guess, we all had a great time or else we wouldn't be coming back :O)

 

[pbharris4]

Our youngest DD will be 2 for a month when we do our 1st cruise. We also have a 9 yo DD. We're doing land/Sea though. Leaving her @ home isn't an option for us because we don't have anyone to watch her..besides..I think she'll love it. If I had someone to watch her..I'd probably still take her. Maybe another time me and my DH will go alone, but it will be neat for both the girls to see whatever there is to see. I traveled a lot growing up and learned a great deal when I was a child from all those trips. I want the same for my kids. I'm not even going to put her in FLounders nursery because they'll just call us back in 30 mins. anyway! You might not be able to do some excursions or other things (the bar, etc.) unless you take turns with your DH. (We're used to that so it doesn't bother us.) Since leaving DC isn't option anyway...bring DC along! I bet DC will love looking at everything!

 

[tecdavidt]

Your two older children are perfect ages so go and have a great cruise with your entire family. When the baby gets older you will have a reason to go back, you want the little one to have the same cruise memories as the siblings. If you are like a lot on the DIS, it may become a yearly event. Our daughter has grown up on DCL cruise vacations. Kathy

 

[maci]

I am just starting to research the whole cruise thing. We are thinking of doing a cruise next year. My kids will be 7,5, and 9 months or so.

Could someone please tell me more about Flounders nursery? I am assuming it is basically babysitting services? Is it open all day and night?

Thanks!