Cruise with Small Children / Family Reunion
Dec 26, 2023, 8:51 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2014
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Cruise with Small Children / Family Reunion
Hi all, did a search but didn't find a specific thread for cruising with small children ( 1yo - 7yo).
Wife and I have only done 2 cruises, 1 onboard Ruby Princess and another on Harmony of the Seas. No kids back then, but from memory we gathered that Princess has DIY laundry rooms. However Royal Caribbean ships have much more activity / cool features although these would be for teens and older.
We are looking to do a cruise sometime in Feb , and not more than 2 weeks. Been searching around and departing Barcelona looks to tick most of our needs especially weather wise (prefer cooler climate). Preferably not USA / Canada as some of us would need to apply for Visas.
Wife and I have only done 2 cruises, 1 onboard Ruby Princess and another on Harmony of the Seas. No kids back then, but from memory we gathered that Princess has DIY laundry rooms. However Royal Caribbean ships have much more activity / cool features although these would be for teens and older.
We are looking to do a cruise sometime in Feb , and not more than 2 weeks. Been searching around and departing Barcelona looks to tick most of our needs especially weather wise (prefer cooler climate). Preferably not USA / Canada as some of us would need to apply for Visas.
Dec 27, 2023, 9:21 am
#2
Join Date: Jul 2009
Programs: Delta Gold, silver, what yr is it?
Posts: 2,417
February is off/shoulder season for most locations - I don't think there are many Med or Baltic cruises during that time frame.
Since you don't really know what you want yet, I'd recommend looking at a consolidator website like vacationstogo.com - you can pick the time frame, length of cruise, region etc and see what is available. Then you can look up cruiseline/ship specifics, reputation, activities for kids etc.
Since you don't really know what you want yet, I'd recommend looking at a consolidator website like vacationstogo.com - you can pick the time frame, length of cruise, region etc and see what is available. Then you can look up cruiseline/ship specifics, reputation, activities for kids etc.
Dec 27, 2023, 10:01 am
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2010
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As you mention the need for US/Canada visas, consider looking at some European based cruise lines as they may offer cruises that entirely skip the need to enter the US. For example a lot of British cruise lines will begin/end Caribbean cruises in Barbados instead of the US.
As said above, med cruises are less common in winter, so you may have few choices if you want to stick with that region. Another region to consider is cruises out of Dubai, I believe MSC may offer some.
As said above, med cruises are less common in winter, so you may have few choices if you want to stick with that region. Another region to consider is cruises out of Dubai, I believe MSC may offer some.
Dec 27, 2023, 3:24 pm
#5
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: GRR
Programs: Delta Plat & Million Miler
Posts: 1,376
Answers to Some of Your Questions
Hi all, did a search but didn't find a specific thread for cruising with small children ( 1yo - 7yo).
Wife and I have only done 2 cruises, 1 onboard Ruby Princess and another on Harmony of the Seas. No kids back then, but from memory we gathered that Princess has DIY laundry rooms. However Royal Caribbean ships have much more activity / cool features although these would be for teens and older.
We are looking to do a cruise sometime in Feb , and not more than 2 weeks. Been searching around and departing Barcelona looks to tick most of our needs especially weather wise (prefer cooler climate). Preferably not USA / Canada as some of us would need to apply for Visas.
Wife and I have only done 2 cruises, 1 onboard Ruby Princess and another on Harmony of the Seas. No kids back then, but from memory we gathered that Princess has DIY laundry rooms. However Royal Caribbean ships have much more activity / cool features although these would be for teens and older.
We are looking to do a cruise sometime in Feb , and not more than 2 weeks. Been searching around and departing Barcelona looks to tick most of our needs especially weather wise (prefer cooler climate). Preferably not USA / Canada as some of us would need to apply for Visas.
You are right that RCCL will have more activities for older children but Princess can be a solid choice.
Both will have children's programs but be sure to research carefully as some lines will allow one year olds to sail but will not take them into the children's programs until age three or so.They want them toilet trained
Basically, you are responsible for all their care if they are too young for the program. To me, noit a deal breaker as we just took a 4 month old on a cruise of Nowegian fjords. But you want to go in witrh your eyes open.
I'm not sure I understand the visa concern but you did not say where you all have citizenship so I don't want to presume. If you are US citizens, and you go to Barcelona, everyone will need passports, including the 1 year old.
It sounds like you might want to find a travel advisor that specializes in cruises. They can help you with options. Usually you pay the same as if you book it yourself.