Cruises

"You are in luck--as I just got back from a cruise with a 1.5 year old with several friends with kids between 5 months and 2.5 years.

I'm really happy I did it and would do it again in a heartbeat--but it was a lot of work and there were a number of logistical problems.

How much you enjoy it will really depend on your expectations--we just knew that we weren't going to be having nights partying and going to all the shows b/c we were going to bed early with baby--and that is pretty much what all the families did--except one night when we had a "girls night out" and the dads stayed with the kids. I know some cruise lines say babysitting is available if you request far in advance--but we never even considered that.

Other issues:
1) unless you are splurging for a big room--you are going to have to
sleep with your baby b/c the regular rooms really don't have space for a crib or pack'nplay. Not a problem for us--since we co-sleep anyway, but other families weren't thrilled.

2) US REGULATIONS PROHIBIT SHIPS FROM ALLOWING NON-TOILET TRAINED KIDS IN POOLS. This was very disappointing for us. and the source of a number of tantrums when my son wanted to jump in the pool. IT meant we simply could not be in the pool area. However, there are some ships that have splash zones for babies. You might want to check into that.

3) Dinner can be a real challenge b/c they can take a LONG time to serve--often more time than our kids were willing to sit patiently (I was at a table with a one year old.) Doing the buffet is one option—or just being prepared with a lot of distractions.

4) Almost none of the high-chairs had straps to hold in the kid—and mine kept trying to climb out of his--although once I talked to the headwaiter about it she made sure we had seats with straps at our table.

In general, although family cruise lines are pretty family
friendly--they aren't all that prepared for babies and toddlers--but
there is still a LOT of fun to be had."