Canucks5 Posted January 13 Report Share Posted January 13 Any tips that you can provide! I usually over pack but am trying to avoid that if possible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted January 13 Report Share Posted January 13 Introduction to bringing toddlers on a Royal Caribbean cruise Canucks5 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canucks5 Posted January 13 Author Report Share Posted January 13 Thank you so much! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JFCruise Posted January 13 Report Share Posted January 13 Some tips: 1. Sign them up to Adventure Ocean on the first day, they have fun activities that kids love and gives parents some time to enjoy the cruise. 2. Don't worry about them dressing "well" to the MDR. Unless that's your thing. You will most probably see adults in shorts and tshirts, so there is no reason for a kid to not wear shorts and tshirts. The problem is that many toddler will make a mess of their clothes while eating so they can't repeat. 3. If you are traveling with your partner, give each other some "alone" time to just enjoy during the day. You have no idea how an hour being in the pool alone or just taking a nap can make your whole cruise better. 4. Also, if traveling with a partner, you can take turns sleeping in with the kids and the other one can go to a show/bar/casino/whatever. There is also the option of leaving the kids in Adventure Ocean (for a cost), but at least in my case leaving our kid past its bedtime is a total no-go. 5. I'm not sure how to put this without sounding bad but...trust the lifeguards in the pool area. I mean - definitely make them wear the floating vests and keep an eye on them, but depending on their ability by the pool, you will be able to take a step back. This one time, a lifeguard basically told me something like: "yeah, you can stay in your seat if you want, we got your kid". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokeybandit Posted January 13 Report Share Posted January 13 10 minutes ago, JFCruise said: 1. Sign them up to Adventure Ocean on the first day, they have fun activities that kids love and gives parents some time to enjoy the cruise. I interpreted "toddlers" as being too young for AO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JFCruise Posted January 13 Report Share Posted January 13 1 hour ago, smokeybandit said: I interpreted "toddlers" as being too young for AO They do have a program for kids under 3, but it costs extra - unlike AO at least. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crown&AnchorEsq Posted January 15 Report Share Posted January 15 @Canucks5 There's plenty of tips and tricks that those of us cruising with infants/toddlers can pass on but ship info will be helpful in giving you the best tips. Some ships have nurseries and baby splash pads (great for the toddlers) some do not. Oasis class ships have carousels which you will undoubtedly get to ride 30 times a day, etc. For the most part, if your ship has a nursery you want to not only sign up in AO the first day but you also want to reserve your preferred times (you can be limited to as little as 8 hours across the cruise depending on the demand for the nursery) There is an added cost but its $6-8 per hour, well worth it for a special night, excursion, quiet time, whatever you need. Kids that are not potty trained are not allowed in the regular pools or splash pads (only baby splash areas). Depending on how you are traveling, if you need diapers have them drop-shipped to your hotel ahead of time and bring more than you think you need. In addition to the windjammer for quick bites remember that room service continental breakfast is free. Kids love their early morning pastries Canucks5 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canucks5 Posted January 15 Author Report Share Posted January 15 great thanks for the tips! we'll be on symphony of the seas. The drop ship to the hotel idea is great thanks so much for that tip! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crown&AnchorEsq Posted January 17 Report Share Posted January 17 Symphony is great for the little ones. We've done Oasis class twice twice with kids, once with a 3.5ish and 1 yo and then 6 months later with 4 and 18 month old. Symphony has both nursery and baby splash pad so make sure you bring swim diapers if not everyone is trained. Anyone over 3 goes into the more traditional AO program, essentially pre-school at sea, under 3 goes to the nursery which requires pre-booking hours and should be your first stop after you get on board (except maybe to get some pizza from Sorrentos if the kids are hungry. We tend to avoid windjammer day 1, it is crowded quickly and trying to coordinate getting food for the toddlers and getting highchairs if needed can be tough. Consider park cafe if your kids will eat grilled-cheese/tuna melt type offerings. Know your kids, but feel free to take them to the MDR/Coastal Kitchen if they can manage a 60 min meal. The staff love them and will work with you to keep them entertained and also learn very quickly to have a fruit/cheese/app of some sort of immediate consumption on arrival. Try mini-golf early in the morning one day, you will probably be awake before most of the ship and while toddlers do not necessarily know how to play they enjoy knocking the ball around and if you're there early enough there is seldom anyone to be bothered by it. Two annoying caveats/pet peeves. Look at the cruise compass for the splash pad opening times, they are frequently no open until about 10am. Clearly someone without kids is coordinating that schedule. Also, the staff do not like any cross-contamination between the diapered and non-diapered splash pads so your potty-trained kids may be prevented from playing in the babysplash pad. Lastly, splurge on the bionic bar at some point, a shirley ginger costs like 4.50 and the kids think its the best. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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