Cruising with kids

[Jaycee]

So, we are looking at doing a cruise around June next year, the boys will be 3 and 6. We're looking at doing an 8 or 10 night cruise around the pacific islands.

Looking for anyone who's been on a cruise with kids to share their experiences. Would you reccommend it? Is safety an issue with young children? I've never been on a cruise ship so have no idea what the railing etc is like

Any information would be greatly appreciated!

Also, how much spending money did you go through when you visited the ports etc and any onboard extras?

[Doing my best]

Haven't been yet, but we have booked one for April next year. We are going with my cousin and her family.

My kids will be 4 & 6 at time of cruise. I have lots of friends who have been with kids and they all tell me it is a lot of fun for all..

[Amaunet]

I have friends who have been. They enjoyed it during the day, but found the night times a bit of a waste because the kids needed to sleep and someone then had to stay in the cabin with them and missed out the evening stuff.

On just cruising in general, my mum is a cruiseaholic and her advice is to go with the best cruise company you can afford. P&O are really only 3 star (in her opinion) and companies like Royal Carribean and Holland America are much higher quality (food, accommodation, entertainment). I hear Carnival are family friendly but not sure about their quality.

[Miss_Dee]

I went a few years ago with family and friends of my parents. One of the couple had 4 boys under 6, one who had special needs. They loved it! Mum and Dad got to spend some quality time together and the kids all had a great time in the kids club. They raved about how wonderful it was for quite some time.

[Amy_jellybean]

I'm off on a 9 night South Pacific cruise in 6 weeks with our then 10 month old. Ill pop back and let you know how we go but from a travel agent point of view they are very popular.

I've booked hundreds of families on them and they are a huge hit! You unpack once and get to visit lots of places. Be aware though that they are really strict on kids swimming, no swim nappies and kids must be 100% toilet trained to go in the pool.

[Taurean]

I'm off on a 9 night South Pacific cruise in 6 weeks with our then 10 month old. Ill pop back and let you know how we go but from a travel agent point of view they are very popular.

I've booked hundreds of families on them and they are a huge hit! You unpack once and get to visit lots of places. Be aware though that they are really strict on kids swimming, no swim nappies and kids must be 100% toilet trained to go in the pool.

Amy, which cruise line are you going with? All the cruises we looked into wouldn't allow children under 12 months. I'd love to know the ones that take littlies!

[Amy_jellybean]

We are doing royal Caribbean rhapsody of the seas. The South Pacific one they only have to be 6 months :-)

[Taurean]

Awesome!!! Will keep that in mind! Enjoy too, can't wait to hear about it!

[Jaycee]

Thanks for the info everyone!

Amy_jellybean, definitely pop back and let me know what you think!

[Taurean]

I'm off on a 9 night South Pacific cruise in 6 weeks with our then 10 month old. Ill pop back and let you know how we go but from a travel agent point of view they are very popular.

I've booked hundreds of families on them and they are a huge hit! You unpack once and get to visit lots of places. Be aware though that they are really strict on kids swimming, no swim nappies and kids must be 100% toilet trained to go in the pool.

Amy, how'd your cruise go last year? We are considering a Sth Pacific cruise ex Brisbane in July this year (with P&O). Our girls will be 2.5 years and almost 5yrs so older than your DS was but I'm still interested to hear how you went.