We did an extended family cruise to Alaska on Explorer in August. Our youngest was 2 and 3 months and was not a damper at all! Some things we learned before and experienced on the ship that may help manage expectations. 1. No Nursery on Explorer so babysitting was not an option, I read above that Radiance does have it though so you are already better off! 2. No pool allowed unless fully potty trained so don't show up expecting to use the pool if they are still in diapers. 3. An umbrella stroller is a must, our large one would have been a real pain and take up lots of space in the elevator etc. Get a reasonable umbrella stroller if you don't have one, it's worth it! Even the odd time when he fell asleep we could just go about our day with him sound asleep in it. We got one that reclined a bit and were happy with it. 4. We didn't miss the entertainment on his behalf. He was happy to come and enjoyed the lights and music. We made a point of sitting back row in case but only had to get up and go once. As long as you're respectful of others enjoyment of the show I think nobody is upset that a toddler is there. Depending on how much family is with you they can sit in the middle of the larger group! 5. Early supper time was great and the waiters always brought food right away for the little guy to help stay happy. 6. You specifically asked about excursions so here's what we did! We did bring him along and he did great. Just be mindful of what you book and if there's one you really don't want to miss that a toddler can't join on you may have to make other arrangements. We did whale watching and Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau and the Train and Sled Dogs in Skagway and both were good for toddlers. Another bonus is our 2 year old was free of charge on both excursions so if paying for something they won't remember is a deterrent it shouldn't be and they enjoy the moments! 7. Have fun, Alaska was an awesome trip! An aside is I have been reading these boards for months now and just decided to jump in and comment as we had a 2 year old in Alaska recently! Everyone is very informative and just reading the boards without asking questions helped us tons!
Toddler on an Alaska Cruise
in Royal Caribbean Discussion
Posted
We did an extended family cruise to Alaska on Explorer in August. Our youngest was 2 and 3 months and was not a damper at all! Some things we learned before and experienced on the ship that may help manage expectations. 1. No Nursery on Explorer so babysitting was not an option, I read above that Radiance does have it though so you are already better off! 2. No pool allowed unless fully potty trained so don't show up expecting to use the pool if they are still in diapers. 3. An umbrella stroller is a must, our large one would have been a real pain and take up lots of space in the elevator etc. Get a reasonable umbrella stroller if you don't have one, it's worth it! Even the odd time when he fell asleep we could just go about our day with him sound asleep in it. We got one that reclined a bit and were happy with it. 4. We didn't miss the entertainment on his behalf. He was happy to come and enjoyed the lights and music. We made a point of sitting back row in case but only had to get up and go once. As long as you're respectful of others enjoyment of the show I think nobody is upset that a toddler is there. Depending on how much family is with you they can sit in the middle of the larger group! 5. Early supper time was great and the waiters always brought food right away for the little guy to help stay happy. 6. You specifically asked about excursions so here's what we did! We did bring him along and he did great. Just be mindful of what you book and if there's one you really don't want to miss that a toddler can't join on you may have to make other arrangements. We did whale watching and Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau and the Train and Sled Dogs in Skagway and both were good for toddlers. Another bonus is our 2 year old was free of charge on both excursions so if paying for something they won't remember is a deterrent it shouldn't be and they enjoy the moments! 7. Have fun, Alaska was an awesome trip! An aside is I have been reading these boards for months now and just decided to jump in and comment as we had a 2 year old in Alaska recently! Everyone is very informative and just reading the boards without asking questions helped us tons!