cruisin with baby

[CRUZLIN]

Hi everyone,
We are celebrating my dad's 70th birthday aboard the Pride (Leaving Sept 17th-24th). I will be traveling with my husband, mother and father and 10 month old baby. Any ideas on what type of excursions to do?? (considering we have a little baby??) Port of call are PV, Mazatlan, Cabo San Lucas.

Also, do you think I will be able to find food onboard for the baby to eat?? or do I need to pack lots of baby food??

Thanks for the suggestions

[Dave]

I've never seen baby food provided by the cruise line, nor have I seen it for sale on a ship. You will need to bring your own.

As for tours, you definitely need to avoid anything that requires lots of walking. I'd stick with the simple tours such as the bus tours of town. These don't take long and will be more comfortable for the baby - and the rest of you too.

We took our son on his first cruise at 20 months old. While it generally went well, I'm sure I had more fun than my wife did.

I don't think a baby is going to hold up a tender line or buffet line. Most people I've seen with little ones will find a table and let one parent sit with the child while they take turns hitting the buffet line. As for the tenders, well, I wouldn't think someone with a baby is any more trouble than someone with a walker, cane, or wheelchair - all of which are quite common on cruises.

[Dave]

Hey IslandCruz,

Did lbt43 hijack your forum ID?

[Jim C.]

Dave.. I thought the same thing...

While bringing a baby is more work, I have seen many people doing it. But as Dave says, I'd bring your own baby food as you never can be certain what you will be able to find aboard. Nor would I feel comfortable trusting anything I would find abroad.

Have you tried contacting the cruise line? Maybe they offered baby food so you don't have to pack it? Its worth a call...

[CRUZLIN]

Thanks for all the advice with the baby and excursions...I hope to have a great time on the Cruise.

[PC GUY]

Speaking of cruising with a baby, is there a charge for bringing a baby on the ship? Do they charge the "3rd person" rate?

My wife and I are expecting our first child in a few weeks, and might be going on a cruise in the winter.

The plan is to take the "World's Oldest Daycare Service" aka Grandma with us, I know she will be charged the 3rd person rate, but what about the baby?


Thank You

[jkbrown38]

We are going on the Inspiration on 9/17 with a 15 mth old and they do charge the 3rd person rate.

[Dwayne]

I don't think it is right to do that either. I just called Carniival and they said 4 months. I am really dis-appointed with this practice. I was told 4 months and older would pay 3rd guest fare. This is rediculous unless you want a 3rd berth. If you have a twin/king, and don't need anything special, I think should be for free for an infant.

[Jim C.]

The other thought here is if you plan on taking the baby past December, the baby will need a passport! (So will Grandma BTW)

Just another thought. I do agree that charging a 3rd person rate (at least full rate) is silly. The baby is not going to eating food or enjoying the shows or taking up any extra room. I think they should not charge for them unitl Camp Carnival will take them. (Which I think is 6 months??) And even then, maybe just charge for Camp Carnival usage because you may not even do that (with grandma along)