Cruising with baby?

[peanutter]

Ok, so DH has got it into his head that a cruise would be good for us - to take some time out, away from work, away from home, in the sun, with no distractions of newspapers, emails, clients, etc. Just us and DS and sun and sea and little islands and good food and entertainment and swimming and entertainment.

I can see his point, but have never really been interested in cruises, so am not yet convinced.

Having checked out prices, it actually doesn't look any more expensive than going to Qld for the same amount of time, so I'm not thinking "no" necessarily.

But I wonder whether it's practical in the slightest to go with DS. If we went in November, then he would be 18 months old.

The sort of ones we'd be looking at are the 7-14 or so day ones where it goes from Sydney around Noumea, Fiji, whatever...

Has anyone done it? With a small child?

Pros? Cons? Thoughts? Experiences?

Cheers...

[human bean]

I've cruised but not with a little one...... just be sure to check with the cruise line how far in your pregnancy they'll allow you to cruise. I think most may not be past 24weeks but don't quote me on it.

It does sound like a lovely idea and hope you enjoy it if you go!

[Amaunet]

Friends have just returned and while they had a great time, they found having to stay in the cabin with their kids once their bedtime came was restricting iykwim. They were in a group and would take it in turns/tag team and put all the kids to bed together but it became a bit of a drag. Will your LO sleep/go to bed in a pram if you wanted to stay "out"?

That said, we noticed the same problem on our recent holiday in a hotel, maybe it's one of the issues holidaying with the kidlets!

[lilima]

Do you know 100% that you don't get seasick? I was sick pretty much the whole time. It is be even worse being sick and looking after a child. I am also not sure if you can go once over a certain amt weeks pregnant.

[Taurean]

The majority of cruises don't allow children under 3 so that could be an issue for you. We looked into a cruise but it's on the back burner until all our kids are old enough. Bummer

[peanutter]

Hmm, all the P&O ones I've looked at so far seem to allow babies?

Re seasickness, I've never had it. Now, morning sickness might be another thing though, as last time I had that for 32 weeks quite badly ... hmmm ...

[Taurean]

Hmm, all the P&O ones I've looked at so far seem to allow babies?

Re seasickness, I've never had it. Now, morning sickness might be another thing though, as last time I had that for 32 weeks quite badly ... hmmm ...

Have you spoken to P&O or checked the fine print? I'm certain they don't allow kids under three. I posted info about this in another cruising thread recently. I was so disappointed when I found out

Maybe it's under one year? Will track down the other thread. We've been looking at Kids Clubs lately so under 3 might be related to that and my preggy brain may have it's wires crossed

[*TripleJ*]

i remember looking into one and its babies under 1 arent allowed which put or holiday on hold having a 3 month old when we were going to go

[peanutter]

ah, our Josh is 14 months, and ziggy will still be in utero

but I will need to check out whether I can go while UTD.

[Taurean]

Yeah, it was the 'no kids under one' rule I was thinking of. A lot of cruises have kids club but don't allow kids under 3 so something to keep in mind.

Not sure about cruising while UTD. Good question! If you are allowed to go, I'd definitely be getting travel insurance though. We have two domestic trips planned during this pregnancy and I've taken out insurance for both. One of them is quite a pricey holiday so I just don't want to risk losing that much money not to mention it's nice to know I have all bases covered if (heaven forbid) something happens pregnancy related.

[FabFiona]

Not sure about crusing, but if you are looking for a good holiday I'd recommend the Raddison on Denaru Island, Fiji. Totally geared towards families. We went and had a lovely time.

I've also heard the Hilton is good. I got quite a good deal on expedia.com

[traylee01]

wondering if anyone went on the pacific sun P&o
im wanting to take my 8yr old along on the sun from brissy to whitsundays would love feedback