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Cruising With a Baby: 8 Things to Know Before You Board

The sleepless nights… the dirty diapers… the constant need for attention. Having a baby is enough to make any parent dream of a vacation somewhere warm.

And while we’d all love to have an extended break, the truth is that taking a cruise lasting up to a week — and leaving the kid at home — is out of the question for many parents. It’s simply a long time to leave a child in the care of another when they are still so young.

The great news is that a cruise is among the best vacations you can take with a baby. If you are within driving distance of a port, there are no stressful plane rides.

Cruise ships also offer tons of activities and places to eat onboard, all within walking distance, unlike on land. That means you don’t have to worry loading up tons of kid gear just to go get dinner. There are also a number of ways that cruise lines cater to parents of young kids — including in-room babysitting — to make a cruising extremely convenient for parents of babies.

With this in mind, there are a few things you should know before you step foot on your ship…

Babies Must Be Older Than Six Months

Want to sail with a newborn? It’s not allowed. Your child must be at least six months old at the time of embarkation — not when you book the trip. This rule is for health purposes as younger infants are still rapidly developing. If something were to go wrong, the cruise lines don’t have the facilities on board to treat such young kids. Once the child reaches six months, they are free to board and set sail.

Bring Your Child’s Birth Certificate

While it’s unlikely your baby has a passport, they still need some sort of papers to travel on a cruise. That’s why you’ll need to be sure you pack a birth certificate issued by a government agency (not the hospital). This will allow your baby to travel in and out of the country on closed-loop cruises that begin and end in the same port.

Fares For Babies Are Cheap (But Not Free!)

One of the best things about cruising is that it’s inexpensive to bring along your baby. Fares are full-priced for the first two occupants of the room, but then discounted heavily (40-70%) for a third person in the room. If traveling with two kids, then the fourth fare is also discounted.

When traveling with a baby, it can seem like paying any fare at all is too much. After all, you’re going to bring their food and babies can’t enjoy the activities on board. Still, considering that there is room, access to the ship and more, paying some fare is appropriate. It’s nice that there is a large discount for a third passenger. Also, many excursions do let you bring babies for no additional cost.

No Gratuities For Babies on Some Cruise Lines

One way you can save more with bringing a baby? On some cruise lines you aren’t expected to add additional gratuities for the baby. For example, Carnival recommends gratuities of $12.95 per person, per day, that is distributed to the dining staff, room steward, and others. While all gratuities are technically optional, it’s considered proper to pay your share. However, Carnival doesn’t expect you to pay more for having a baby in the room. If your kid is under two years old, then there are no tips expected for them.

You Can Order Pens on Board (For Free)

One of the biggest questions is where will the baby sleep? Due to suffocation hazards, babies aren’t supposed to sleep in a regular bed due to suffocation hazards. Cruise lines know this and will offer a pen (Pack ‘n Play) for the child or a crib. It’s free of charge. All you have to do is call them up in advance of your trip (we’d recommend at least two weeks before departure) and let them know you need one. It will be waiting for you in your cabin when you arrive.

Prepare to Have Your Baby in Tow Almost Always

While cruise lines have a ton of activities to entertain kids, including play areas dedicated to specific ages, they aren’t designed for kids under two years of age. In fact, you aren’t allowed to drop your kids off in these areas on most cruises until they are older than two. That means you’re going to have to watch your baby pretty much the entire trip. That’s no big deal for most people, but if you were expecting to simply drop off your kid and hit up the casino or nightly show, then it might be a rude awakening.

Onboard Babysitting Is Available

Just because kids can’t be dropped off at anytime in the kid areas on the ship doesn’t mean you have to have them constantly in tow. Cruise lines offer babysitting on board their ships. For example, Royal Caribbean offers babysitting between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. for $19 per hour . Carnival offers its Night Owl service between 10:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m. for just $6.75 per hour and additional times during the day for a few hours. (Royal Caribbean ended their program in September 2018.)

Pack Everything You Need, Like It Won’t Be Onboard

Yes, a place for your baby to sleep will be provided if you let the cruise line know in advance. For everything else, be sure to pack it. This includes formula, diapers, sound machines, pacifiers, and anything else your kiddo may need. Baby items aren’t available on the ship like if you left your toothbrush at home.

If there is a real emergency, you will be able to find items in port, but that’s of little help when you’re in the middle of the Caribbean Sea. While we usually suggest packing light for adults as you usually need less than you bring, we suggest overpacking for babies. You simply don’t want to not have something you really need for your kid when you are in the middle of the ocean.

Note: Some larger items like high chairs and strollers are available, depending on your cruise line. We suggest calling them directly if you have a question about what to bring.

Have tips for bringing a baby on a cruise? Let us know in the comments below…

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Using baby monitor onboard

Vieliar

By Vieliar , January 16, 2019 in Family Cruises

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We're leaving in less than 2 weeks for a cruise on the Millie...we have a Fisher PRice 900mHz monitor  https://www.evababygear.com/best-baby-monitors/ ...we've used it at bed n breakfasts & numerous hotels so we could swim in the pool while the baby slept (she is now 20 mos old). It has worked thru 2 floors of major hotels....any chance it would work on a cruise ship? Our cabin is almost directly below the pool (actually, right below the spa, but near the pool) and we were thinking about bringing it for the same reason...for afternoon naptime, we can go up one level and hang out at the pool while she sleeps. Anybody tried it before? Thanks!

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gerif

I doubt it would work due to the ship’s steel structure. You could sit on your balcony and be able to use it. You really should know that multiple people have access to your cabin during the day. Do you really want to leave your child alone?  Sorry, old granny here, but have you never heard of Madeline McCann?

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I would definitely not leave my kids unattended in the cabin. What about bringing a stroller that reclines with a shade, so baby can nap in the pool area? 

I wouldn't trust the baby monitor. DH and I have looked into bringing walkie talkies so we can split up, but still communicate (daughter can go in pools, but son can't), but I have seen many mixed reviews. It seems you need to be in the right place at the right time for those types of things to work.

chengkp75

As others have noted, a ship is totally different than a hotel.  Your cabin is steel, it is surrounded by the steel structure of the decks and bulkheads that make up the ship, the doors are steel, the pool is steel.  All of this steel makes even getting wifi or audio (radio) signals to cover any distance without special features (repeater antenna tuned to the radio's frequency), let alone video.  I would not expect a video baby monitor to work over more than one or two cabins away (maybe 15 feet).  The higher frequency of the monitor's signal is also worse for steel penetration than lower frequencies used for audio radios and the wattage of these monitors is low, also reducing the ability to penetrate steel.

90,000+ Club

OMG!  The pool is way to far from your child...no way...don't do that!

The ship's cabins have metal walls, the floors and ceilings are metal....you probably won't get coverage more than 10 ft away.  Teach your little one to nap in a stroller and take them with you!

OzCanuck

Had no problem using ours in NCL’s two bedroom suite when our kid was still in a pack and play. 

But that was only 10-15 feet away, albeit through the steel walls. Never tried it outside the room. 

I used the baby monitor while my wife was putting the baby to sleep to make sure the baby was asleep when I came back to relieve her so she could go see the show. Didn't want to walk in and wake up the baby. But I would lose signal within 20ft of the room. Too much interference.

angie7911922

angie7911922

Baby monitors weren't made to withstand the interference on a cruise ship. I'm guessing it will not work for you.

Also, during the day, the cruise ship employees will have access to your room to clean, make beds, etc. What if your little one wakes up while one of the employees is in the room. It will scare her to death.

cello56

At 20 months old I would be concerned your baby could climb out of the pack and play. Plus, leaving any young child alone in a cabin/hotel room is a bad idea in my opinion. Pretty sure CPS would think so too.

Onessa

Also if you are cruising outside of North America/Caribbean, the regulation as to acceptable frequencies can vary from those used / available in N.America.

So I recently saw that baby monitors were not allowed on Royal caribbean.  I was planning to bring one that was WiFi so we could keep an eye on baby while we hung out in my parents room next door but not sure that that will even be an option.

  • 1 month later...
On 1/16/2019 at 5:39 PM, Vieliar said: We're leaving in less than 2 weeks for a cruise on the Millie...we have a Fisher PRice 900mHz monitor  https://www.evababygear.com/ best-baby-monitors / ...we've used it at bed n breakfasts & numerous hotels so we could swim in the pool while the baby slept (she is now 20 mos old). It has worked thru 2 floors of major hotels....any chance it would work on a cruise ship? Our cabin is almost directly below the pool (actually, right below the spa, but near the pool) and we were thinking about bringing it for the same reason...for afternoon naptime, we can go up one level and hang out at the pool while she sleeps. Anybody tried it before? Thanks!

The monitor will probably (can't guarantee) work between cabins very close by. I just don't know how comfortable I'd feel leaving the baby alone in the cabin since crew can get in the cabin at will since they have keys (room steward, mini bar staff, etc.). When we traveled with my sister in law, she planned to take a walkie-talkie at least, but they're pretty worthless if you need to hear what's going on inside your cabin when your kid is too small to use it. Maybe you should hire a babysitter, as we did? 

30,000+ Club

4 hours ago, reggid said: The monitor will probably (can't guarantee) work between cabins very close by. I just don't know how comfortable I'd feel leaving the baby alone in the cabin since crew can get in the cabin at will since they have keys (room steward, mini bar staff, etc.). When we traveled with my sister in law, she planned to take a walkie-talkie at least, but they're pretty worthless if you need to hear what's going on inside your cabin when your kid is too small to use it. Maybe you should hire a babysitter, as we did? 

The OP sailed in Feb.  EM

  • 6 months later...

I used a video baby monitor on Explorer of the seas several years ago.  My daughter was 10 and my boys were 9.  They were in an inside cabin right next to us.  It worked great.  We couldn't get connecting cabins.  I didn't let them hang out in the room when we weren't in our cabin.  They had to come with us, go to the kids club or be otherwise occupied in a public space, but I wanted to be able to hear and see anyone entering or leaving their cabin.

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Testimonial: My Experience and Advice when taking a Cruise with Baby

Updated: Mar 14, 2023

I was lucky enough to go on my first cruise with my parents and younger sister at the age of 11. 18 years and many cruises later, it was time to take my daughter on her first cruise in June 2022 when she was only 8 months old.

I hope once you have read this you will feel confident that a cruise is a great way to vacation with a baby.

Cruising can be great value for families with small children as children under two tend to sail for free or for a nominal cost. On our first cruise, our daughter actually sailed for free.

However, it is also important to check the minimum age limit for cruisers. Many cruise lines do not allow babies under 6 months of age (12 months for transatlantic cruises) so be should to double check before you book.

When booking, it is worth doing your research on what you would like out of the cruise as there are so many different options and benefits to each boat and cruise line. For baby friendly cruise lines, you have many options. I personally can recommend MSC Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, P&O Cruises, Carnival, Costa Cruises, Cunard, and Norwegian Cruise Line.

Our First Experience Cruising with Baby

For our first cruise, we booked a 7-night cruise leaving from Southampton, UK (our nearest port) on MSC Virtuosa cruising to France and Spain.

cruise with baby reddit

Accommodation/Sleep

We booked a balcony cabin because these are often slightly larger than an inside or outside cabin. On most cruise lines most cabins below a ‘Suite’ grade only have showers and not a bath. I managed to give Lily a bath in the sink, but you may need to take a portable bath for larger babies or toddlers.

Sleep wise, in the cabin that the cruise provided a Chicco pack and play with a thin baby duvet cover and pillow. During the day, while out on deck, we used our pram/bassinet. The sea air and gentle rocking of the ship sent Lily to sleep in no time!

Medical Center

Medical care on cruise lines has vastly improved but it is still small and limited to what they can treat, especially on a sea day when there is no quick access to a hospital. Make sure to have all medication that you may need on your trip. Some over the counter medicines are available to purchase onboard.

If baby has any special medical needs check with your doctor before booking.

Food/Snacks

Lily started weaning at 6 months so trying to figure out what to take was tricky as we were still new to it all.

I took 7 jars of food - please note, you cannot take homemade food onboard - with the hope that there would be plenty of food options to try onboard and there was! I also took plenty of snacks which turned out to be key.

There was so much food on board and it was great for Lily to try so many new things as it is all included in the fare. MSC even had a baby menu in the restaurant. Other lines will puree food if asked or warm up jars of food in the restaurant if needed.

For dinner, most cruise lines offer either ‘freedom dining’ or allocated sittings in the main complimentary dining rooms. We went for the early sitting (6:15pm) because we thought this would be better for Lily.

The benefit of a set time dining is that you will have the same table and waiters every night, and the highchair is already set up. With this option, the waiters also get to know your needs and they were brilliant with Lily!

cruise with baby reddit

The benefit of Freedom is you are not tied to a sitting time. Which with a baby can be difficult and we were often running to our early sitting!

You will also usually have speciality dining venues which come with a cover charge and a 24-hour buffet, for more informal dining. Alternatively there is room service if you want a more relaxed evening in the cabin.

Breakfast and lunch we ate in the buffet, and luckily there was plenty of choice for Lily. She loved the pancakes, scrambled egg and yogurt and fruit. The baby food jars and snacks came in handy when we were ashore or if she just fancied giving her some food on the balcony rather than heading out of the cabin.

Highchairs are provided in all the restaurants, but I packed a fold up pocket highchair which was great for sitting in different areas of the ship and for out and about in port.

cruise with baby reddit

Bottles/milk

Lily still has 3 formula bottles a day. Because of this I packed washing up liquid, sponge, and kitchen roll for cleaning the bottles. I also brought cold water sterilising tablets and a large tupperware box (I marked the line of amount of water needed on the container, so I didn’t need to take a measuring jug) to sterilise the bottles in.

There usually is a kettle in the room to boil the water (at least in European Cruises). If not, ask for one or ask the cabin steward for boiling water or use the tea/coffee making facilities in the buffet for hot water. The cabin stewards are always on hand to help.

All cabins will also have a fridge to store the bottles. You usually can ask the cabin steward to remove the mini bar items if you don’t plan to use it them.

Tip: On the day you board the ship make sure you have enough milk/formula for the rest of the day in your hand luggage as sometimes your main luggage won’t get to your room until the evening.

I would recommend taking some of baby's favourites in addition to some brand-new ones to give to them on the cruise. I found the new toys kept Lily far more entertained. Thankfully she also enjoyed watching everything that was going on so she actually didn’t need too many toys.

Clothing/Swimwear

Pack layers! Even on a hot weather cruise it can become a bit cooler in the sea breeze in the evening so remember colder weather items as well.

Some cruise lines to do not allow swim nappies/diapers in the main pools but many of the newer large ships have splash areas for very young children which will allow babies. Definitely something worth checking!

For my full packing list, you can find that here.

cruise with baby reddit

Getting around the ship

For our cruise, we purchased the Ergobaby Metro stroller (c ode TWB10 will get you 10% off ) which is narrower and folds down much smaller than your regular pram/travel system. It fit through the door of the cabin and stored away under the bed which was great when you have limited space.

We love exploring when we board the ship as there is so much to see! Along with her stroller we also took this Osprey carrier and she loved it! With a carrier, you can freely walk around the ship without having to worry about elevators or squeezing past any awkward spaces with a stroller.

Changing facilities

There were plenty of public toilets on the ship with changing facilities and you are never too far away from your cabin if you want to pop back.

Tip: You cannot buy baby items onboard most ships, however those with nursery/baby clubs usually have a stash of diapers/wipes, but this not openly advertised so be prepared!

Many cruises are now offering kids clubs on board, a place to drop off your children to be looked after during the day. If you plan to use this service, I would recommend checking this out as soon as you get onboard so you can register your child’s place as there may be limited spaces.

On some cruise lines such as P&O there is even a night nursery onboard where you can drop baby off whilst you head out for the night. You will be given a pager to be contacted on if baby wakes.

Overall cruising with Lily was a fantastic experience and it was everything I was hoping for and more. Being able to visit a different city or country each day is a wonder experience for anyone, but especially children! They never get bored!

Cruising has come a long way with family friendliness over the years and there is so much variety on offer, no cruise line is the same so do your research before you book, but if you are well prepared then you should have a fantastic time on most ships!

Cruising is not for the oldies anymore!

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The Complete Guide to Taking a Cruise With a Toddler

Last updated: January 2nd, 2024

Couple playing with their toddlers on the beach

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Anyone who has traveled with a toddler before knows the experience can be overwhelming. After all, toddlers fidget on flights, don’t adapt well to new bedtime routines, and sometimes refuse to eat different foods than those they get at home.

For these reasons, maybe you’re hesitant to book a cruise with a toddler. The truth is, taking a toddler on a cruise is easier and more fun than you might expect. In fact, after sailing with your young one for the first time, we won’t be surprised if you start making a family cruise a yearly tradition.

Toddler wearing hat and sunglasses sitting on a luggage

Still, there are many factors to consider before booking your next cruise vacation for your family. From the best kind of stateroom to the excursions you’ll want to sign up for, here is everything you need to know about taking a toddler on a cruise.

How old should a child be to go on a cruise?

Infants must be at least 6 months old in order to be able to travel on most cruises with Celebrity. For transatlantic cruises, transpacific cruises, and some cruises to South America , as well as cruises with three or more consecutive days at sea, children must be at least 12 months old.

Woman carrying her toddler at the beach

For those traveling with toddlers over 6 months old, there are various programs onboard tailored to entertain them, including Toddler Time, for kids under 3, and Camp at Sea, for kids ages 3 -12.

What are some of the best cruises for toddlers?

If you’re cruising with your toddler for the first time, these are some of the best cruises to book.

Cruises with departure ports close to your home city

Taking a flight before boarding a cruise with a toddler can be taxing on both kids and parents. By picking a departure port close to home, you’ll be able to cut down on travel time before your cruise even begins, ensuring a smooth trip once you do take off on your actual vacation.

If you don’t live near one of our departure ports, consider breaking up your travel time by spending a day or two in the city you’ll sail from. This will also give you the chance to stock up on some travel essentials like diapers, their favorite snacks, and sunscreen.

Shorter cruises

If you’re taking your first cruise with a toddler, you might want to book a shorter itinerary (3-4 days) to see how your little one adapts to the sea. If your toddler has traveled well on a cruise before, go ahead and book a longer itinerary (7-10 days), but we recommend choosing one with multiple port stops and few consecutive days at sea in order to avoid seasickness and allow more opportunities for activities on land.

View of dolphins playing in Bahamas beach makes it the perfect cruise with a toddler

Cruises with family-friendly destinations

While we offer fun and exciting shore excursions in all of our port cities, some are more family-oriented than others. For example, little ones might not find a European city tour as interesting as a day swimming with dolphins in the Bahamas. Browse our website for family friendly excursions  before deciding on which cruise you’ll ultimately embark on.

Are cruises fun with toddlers?

Of course they are! Cruises are fun for kids of all ages, and there are plenty of activities to keep your toddlers entertained.

Kids under the age of 3 can enjoy Toddler Time at the ship’s playroom, where they’ll be able to play with educational toys and interact with other kids around their age. Parental supervision is required during Toddler Time, but children don’t have to be potty trained in order to participate in Toddler Time activities. Certain toys and books will also be available to check out and bring back to your stateroom.

Celebrity Cruises Camp at Sea colorful interior to enjoy cruise with a toddler

Camp at Sea

Potty-trained kids over 3 can participate in our Camp at Sea program. Open every day from 9:00am to 10:00pm, Camp at Sea’s entertainment center offers activities for kids with all kinds of interests, including STEM-oriented excursions, Xbox tournaments, culinary experiences, and art programs.

For parents who want to enjoy a couple of hours off or perhaps a romantic dinner, the Camp at Sea program also offers afternoon and slumber parties at different hours of the day. During these parties, kids will eat a meal and enjoy activities while being supervised by our youth staff, so you can rest easy that they are being taken care of while you get to enjoy some alone time. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.

What should I pack for my toddler on a cruise?

Toddler sitting on a small luggage

Preparation is key when traveling with a toddler on a cruise. For those about to cruise with a toddler, we recommend packing the following essentials in your suitcase:

  • Passport or proof of citizenship
  • Baby monitor
  • Umbrella or foldable stroller
  • Inflatable tub, which will come in handy since most staterooms only have a shower.
  • Medicine/First Aid kit with kids acetaminophen, band-aids, aloe gel, and antibiotic cream
  • Two outfits per day, in case there are any spills or accidents
  • One formal look
  • At least 3 swimsuits
  • Sandals or water shoes
  • White noise machine
  • Baby body wash and lotion
  • Childproofing supplies, such as outlet plugs

What’s the best stateroom for families cruising with a toddler?

The type of stateroom you choose when taking a toddler on a cruise depends on your personal preference and budget. While all of our staterooms are family friendly, there are some advantages if you decide to book a higher category of stateroom on your cruise while traveling with children.

Elegant interior of Celebrity Edge Sunset Veranda Stateroom

Veranda Stateroom

Parents traveling with toddlers may want to book a veranda stateroom because it gives adults a little more in-room flexibility. Since kids generally go to bed earlier, a veranda stateroom allows parents to sit outside on their private veranda and still keep an eye on their kids sleeping inside. Just because they have an early bedtime doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the view—and maybe even a glass of wine.

Oceanview Stateroom

For parents of rowdier toddlers who might prefer to book a room without a balcony, our ocean view staterooms offer you peace of mind and large windows to take in the view outside.

Spacious interior of Celebrity Edge Royal Suite living and dining areas with large windows

Royal Suite

If you prefer to cruise in a more spacious and exclusive stateroom, a suite is your best bet. Not only do our suites offer private rooms, living areas, and outside verandas, they also include concierge service—which might come in handy if you’re having a particularly difficult day with the kids—access to VIP areas of the ship, and plenty of space for active toddlers who like to move around.

What will my toddler do on a cruise?

There are plenty of fun activities for your toddler to do while on a cruise!

To start, all of our ships include a large outdoor pool, in which kids of all ages who are potty trained are welcome to swim, play, and splash around while onboard.

Woman and two kids camping out at Celebrity Cruises Lawn Club at night

At the Lawn Club, a half-acre area laden with real grass, kids are free to run around, play croquet, or enjoy a picnic, all while taking in the magnificent view of the open sea all around.

Kids under the age of 3 can enjoy Toddler Time at the ship’s playroom, where they’ll be able to play with fun and educational toys and kids in their age group.

Older toddlers who are potty trained can also enroll at Celebrity Cruises’ Camp at Sea program, which is open every day from 9:00am to 10:00pm. At Camp at Sea, kids will be entertained with daily activities like science excursions, video game tournaments, art activities, and even culinary challenges.

Woman and two toddlers walking on boardwalk at the beach

In port, choose from a number of family-friendly shore excursions that you and your toddler will enjoy. The possibilities are endless.

What will my toddler eat on a cruise?

Cheeseburger topped with onion rings with fries on the side

What to feed a toddler on a cruise ship can be worrisome for parents of picky eaters. Luckily, our cruises make it easy. At our main dining room, toddlers will be able to order from our kids menu, which includes favorites like spaghetti bolognese, grilled cheese sandwiches, mini margarita pizzas, and cheeseburgers with fries.

If your toddler is too tired to make it through a sit-down meal, we also offer an in-room dining kids menu that includes chicken skewers with yogurt sauce, hot dogs with fries, and a variety of desserts.

The buffet is an excellent option for parents cruising with toddlers. There’s a huge selection of food and the setting is more casual and relaxed. Plus, the buffet has an ice cream and dessert station that’s sure to appeal to any toddler.

Should I bring a stroller?

Toddler walking beside light stroller

Cruise ships can require a lot of walking to get from one area to the next. Make it easier on your little one, and on your back, by bringing a stroller onboard with you.

We suggest leaving the big bulky stroller at home and bringing a lightweight umbrella stroller that folds up compactly, so you can store it under your bed or in the closet of your stateroom.

Woman carrying toddler inside a baby carrier

If you don’t want to bring a stroller onboard, you can also opt for a baby wrap or baby carrier that can comfortably hold your toddler.

Strollers and carriers will come in handy while in port, too, particularly if you’re planning on doing some shopping or walking to and from the cruise ship and town.

What type of shore excursions can I bring my toddler on?

When planning your day in port with a toddler, a family-friendly shore excursion makes for a fun, hassle-free day.

We offer plenty of kid-friendly shore excursions that can be enjoyed by all members of your party. If traveling with a toddler, make sure to choose a shore excursion that doesn’t have an age restriction.

Toddler playing on sandy beach

Also keep in mind that an excursion that requires a lot of sitting, like those which include long bus rides in port, won’t necessarily be the best or easiest activity for your toddler Instead, look for excursions that involve short and easy hikes, or an activity they’ll get a kick out of, such as panning for gold during Alaska cruises or a water park excursion in the Caribbean .

Book Your Family Cruise

Ready to enjoy an unforgettable family vacation with your toddler? Browse our cruise itineraries online or contact one of our friendly vacation specialists at 1-800-852-8086.

Related Itineraries

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Cruise Addicts Message Board Forums

  • Cruise Lines
  • Carnival Cruise Lines

Traveling with BABY!

  • Thread starter Leiden
  • Start date Mar 1, 2004
  • Mar 1, 2004

This is the first cruise I'm taking as a family (!) We are cruising on the Fantasy April 1st. This is my husband's very first cruise - and it took a ton of coercing to get him to go! I have a 7month old baby that my husband absolutley refused to leave behind .... anyone had any experience with the babysitting service on board? I really hope to get some couple time in!  

My baby has been in three cruises. I loved the baby sitters and they gave me a pager. I only really used them like three times because the first time he was only 8 months and the other times I had someone along to help. He is not cruising again until he turns two and can join in the Camp Carnival activities. Another thing, he got seasick (or home sick) and would throw up even though the ship didn't move a lot... It was not a real "vacation" They told me I didn't have to tip for him, but I ended up tipping a lot more than I had to because everyone was so gracious and helped me clean up after him. One time the waiter at the main dinning room had rice made specially for him since his stomach was upset! and I have seen their kitchen, this was not easy!!! Good luck!!!  

Just curious....those of you that have and those of you that will be cruising with an infant, did you have to pay full fare for them?  

I paid the third person fare for him on all cruises... I can't remember all the prices, but the first time it was on the Triumph seven day on 12/07/2002 that time we paid $540 pp for me and my husband and $340 for the baby, all taxes included.  

You would think they would offer a better discount. After all, they can't use Camp Carnival until age 2, can't go in the pool unless potty trained, how much food are they really going to eat. We are cruising in April with our 5 year old and leaving our 1 year old twins home. We just couldn't justify bringing them. So they are going to have a lot of fun staying behind and being spoiled by their grandma's. We made it up to them by bringing them to Disney in November. Happy Sailing and have fun!  

  • Mar 2, 2004

Yes - I did have to pay for her! I believe the fare was slightly reduced from ours, but only by about $50 or so - which may be the third person rate. I elected to get airfare separately, because, again, I didn't want to have to pay for an airline seat when she'll just sit on my lap. I thought that charging for an infant was quite unfair since I'll have to pay $6/hr for babysitting.  

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These parents are blaming their daughter for getting left behind by their cruise ship

Dad and daughter pointing from cruise ship

ozgurcankaya/Getty

"I wanted to scream that they were not going to inconvenience 3,998 people because two could not understand what a schedule was."

By Christina Marfice June 11, 2024

If you’ve ever been on a cruise before, you know how much they drill into you that when you go on excursions or leave the ship at any port cities, if you aren’t back on time, you will be left behind . Cruise ships simply do not wait around for late passengers. End of story. But one poor teen on Reddit’s “Am I the A——” forum posted a story where their parents didn’t make it back on time during a family cruise—and somehow expected their teenage child to get the ship to wait for them.

“I graduated from high school back in December. As a gift my parents got me a cruise. It was also for my 18th birthday. It was also a family vacation. We usually stay at all-inclusive resorts but I have always wanted to go on a cruise,” the teen wrote. “I told my parents it was different and that if we went on excursions we had to follow the schedule no matter what. Well it was a week-long cruise and they would not head back to the ship when I said it was time to go. They were busy shopping and bargaining with the locals. I finally said that I was heading back to the ship. My mom waved me off.”

AITA for abandoning my parents at an island in the Caribbean so I could get back to our cruise in time? by u/ProfessionalTax7753 in AmItheAsshole

They continued, “The missed the departure. By a lot. Like 45 minutes. They got ahold of me through WhatsApp. They wanted to know why I didn’t get the boat to wait for them. I wanted to scream that they were not going to inconvenience 3,998 people because two could not understand what a schedule was.”

Related: Reddit dad asks if he’s wrong for sticking to his daughter’s potty training routine on vacation

What happened next was what happens to every cruise passenger who does this: “They ended up having to fly to the next port from there and it was expensive. They are pissed at me for leaving them behind. I don’t know what I was supposed to do. They literally told me that they knew what they were doing.”

The teen regrets even wanting to go on the trip at all now.

“I wish I had never asked for this. They are making me miserable because I left without them,” the teen wrote.

Ugh, what a terrible situation these parents are putting their child in, when it’s absolutely crystal clear who is at fault here. We only hope this poor kiddo took some comfort from the literal thousands of strangers on the internet who flocked to write the obvious truth that the parents are at fault.

“Your parents are acting entitled. Tell them you saved them the expense of a third ticket to the next port,” one of the highest voted comments says.

Related: How to Survive a Disney Cruise With Your Kids

A response to that comment adds, “Google – cruise ship leaves passengers behind – then show them. Story after story of the same thing happening to others who didn’t make it back before departure from Port. They are lucky they were able to fly to next port, many others have been stranded or worse.”

Another top-voted comment reads, “Your parents are in the wrong… You would never have been able to prevent the cruise ship from leaving. They have a schedule and they keep to it. The ship waits for no one. This is ALL on your parents.. They didn’t respect the ship schedule.”

Yet another put it in these terms that the parents might be able to understand: “Do they think a plane would wait 45 mins for them?”

How would you have handled this situation?

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This 18-Year-Old Left Their Parents On An Island To Get Back To Their Cruise On Time And The Parents Are Mad Because They Missed The Departure

"They wanted to know why I didn't get the boat to wait for them. I wanted to scream that they were not going to inconvenience 3,998 people because two could not understand what a schedule was."

Alexa Lisitza

BuzzFeed Staff

Previously, we discussed a set of chronically late parents who arrived 3/4 of the way into their child's wedding , and they had the audacity to be upset that the wedding start time wasn't held for them.

cruise with baby reddit

Now, we're one-upping some parents' inability to read the room with a mom and dad who gifted their kid a cruise vacation for the teen's birthday and graduation. Here's what happened in the teen, ProfessionalTax7753 's own words:

Note: This entry has been edited for clarity. 

"I graduated from high school back in December. As a gift, my parents got me a cruise for my 18th birthday. It was also a family vacation. We usually stay at all-inclusive resorts, but I have always wanted to go on a cruise. I told my parents it was different and that if we went on excursions, we had to follow the schedule no matter what."

"well, it was a week-long cruise, and they would not head back to the ship when i said it was time to go. they were busy shopping and bargaining with the locals. i finally said that i was heading back to the ship. my mom waved me off.".

"They missed the departure. By a lot. Like 45 minutes. They got ahold of me through WhatsApp. They wanted to know why I didn't get the boat to wait for them. I wanted to scream that they were not going to inconvenience 3,998 people because two could not understand what a schedule was."

"They ended up having to fly to the next port from there, and it was expensive. They are pissed at me for leaving them behind. I don't know what I was supposed to do. They literally told me that they knew what they were doing."

"I wish I had never asked for this. They are making me miserable because I left without them," the teen concluded. 

cruise with baby reddit

As I'm sure you can imagine, the comment section was full of people reassuring the teen that they were not in the wrong.

"Not the asshole," user  OwlPal9182  said. "They seriously think the ship will delay for 45 minutes, yea no. The docks and ship have a schedule to keep. They are adults and need to be responsible for getting back on time. Which is something you have figured out in less than 6 months of being an adult. At least you don’t have to go on any more vacations with them after this."

If the parents were capable of being on time for the plane ride there, then they could have gotten back to the ship on time.

"Do they think a plane would wait 45 mins for them? Clearly they were able to navigate that. You are not the asshole,"  Toasterinthetub22  wrote. 

Furthermore, how exactly were they expecting their kid to hold up an entire cruise ship?

"What precisely do they think you could have done? Kidnapped the captain? Staged your own drowning? You didn't abandon them; they abandoned you. Don't let them weasel word this around to being your fault in any way, shape, or form!"  The_Coaltrain  said. "I'm really sorry your parents have ruined this for you. It's pretty pathetic of them to blame you for their extremely easy to avoid, deliberate, bad decision. They owe you at least two apologies: one for ignoring your sage advice in the first place and the second for behaving like spoiled 4-year-olds. Not the asshole, and I really hope you make your parents read this thread."

Besides, if they had listened to their parents, all three of them would have had to book travel from one port to another.

"Look at it this way, you saved them having to pay out for a third airline ticket. They were warned, thought they knew better, and now are facing the consequences. Ask them sincerely what else you were supposed to do in reality when they’ve signed contracts as part of being on the cruise? I guarantee the cruise line has it in writing that passengers are responsible for getting themselves back to the ship on time,"  I_wanna_be_anemone  said. 

Some even recommended the teen have an employee explain the importance of time to their parents:

"I would 100% ask for help from an official looking employee, and make my parents stand there with their straight faces and have to listen to that employee explain it to them,"  Silmariel  said. 

In my personal opinion, I don't think any cruise manager will be able to convince these parents that they were wrong. So, best wishes to the teen and future vacays without them! What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments.

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Man Who Lives On A Cruise Ship Shares Pros And Cons And Expenses Of This Life

Kevin martin's monthly expenses, including accommodation, meals, and other essentials, are surprisingly reasonable..

Man Who Lives On A Cruise Ship Shares Pros And Cons And Expenses Of This Life

Kevin Martin shares the pros and cons of living on a cruise ship.

Who doesn't love traveling and exploring new places? Long drives through scenic hills, cruising on the open ocean, and embarking on exciting tours are on everyone's vacation wish list. But imagine if you could live permanently in these vacation-like settings.

It would be a dream life for most travel enthusiasts. But an American man is already living this dream and also documenting his life through vlogging.

Ditching his traditional life, a former military man and lawyer named Kevin Martin decided to trade his briefcase for a balcony at sea. This 48-year-old from Missouri isn't just vacationing on cruise ships; he's living the dream full-time. He documents his unique lifestyle through vlogs on YouTube, including the financial realities-both the good deals and the hidden costs-of calling a cruise ship home.

Having explored various lines like MSC, NCL, Princess, and Royal Caribbean, Kevin even shares tips on how to make this unconventional lifestyle surprisingly affordable.

According to The Metro , during the month of March 2024, Kevin sailed to St Kitts, St Lucia, Barbados, Grenada, Grand Cayman and Aruba, to name a few. For the entire month on the ship, he spent a total of 1,615 pounds. To break it down, 1,080 Pounds of this was used on his accommodation and the inclusive buffet dinners on board the vessel. In that time, he spent just 22 pounds extra on meals that weren't included in the above package.

Kevin's monthly expenses on his cruise ship lifestyle were Rs 162,985 (around 1,615 pounds). Here's a breakdown of his costs:

Accommodation & Meals: Rs 108,993 (around 1,080 pounds) Extra Food: Rs 2,220 (around 22 pounds) Phone: Rs 8,578 (around 85 pounds) Insurance: Rs 4,238 (around 42 pounds) Healthcare: Rs 1,917 (around 19 pounds)

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"I plan on integrating cruising into my travel plans in the future... I hate flights. I loved my year on cruise ships," Kevin told The Metro.

He explained that if he had to do it again, he would vary the itinerary a bit more and see different places.

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18-Year-Old Goes Viral for Abandoning Parents in the Caribbean to Board a Cruise Ship on Time

A Reddit user is going viral for leaving their parents in the Caribbean to board their cruise ship on time, and the story may leave you in a divided internet camp. 

Picture this: your parents generously gift you a lovely family vacation as a combined gift for your recent high school graduation and 18th birthday celebration. It's your first cruise, which is something you've always wanted to experience. You're enjoying your time with your parents on one of the Caribbean islands the ship is stopping at, but when it's time to board to leave for the next port, your parents won't accompany you, so you head back on to the ship without them. 

This is the story of a Reddit user who posted last week to ask an online community of 17 million people whether they were in the wrong for abandoning their parents. The person explained their side of the story, and even said they tried to warn their parents that cruise ships follow strict schedules and would not wait for them between ports. 

"Well it was a week-long cruise and they would not head back to the ship when I said it was time to go," the teen  wrote. "They were busy shopping and bargaining with the locals. I finally said that I was heading back to the ship. My mom waved me off. [They] missed the departure. By a lot. Like 45 minutes. They got [a hold] of me through WhatsApp. They wanted to know why I didn't get the boat to wait for them. I wanted to scream that they were not going to inconvenience 3,998 people because two could not understand what a schedule was."

The teen said their parents ended up having to take an expensive flight to the next port, and are still mad that they were left behind.  

"I wish I had never asked for this," the poster concluded. "They are making me miserable because I left without them."

The internet weighs in on the viral Reddit thread about the cruise parents 

Most if not all of the more than 2,000  responses to the original post stated that the original poster was not to blame, and that their parents brought the unfortunate situation upon themselves. Multiple people even recommended that the original poster take their parents to ask a cruise employee if they would have delayed the ship's departure to wait for disembarked passengers. Many others even suggested the parents should be grateful that they only had to pay for two plane tickets as opposed to three. 

"Used to work on a cruise ship, they incur serious and potentially multiple fees if they're delayed leaving port," one user responded. "They wouldn't wait unless a significant portion of the crew/passengers were for some reason delayed getting back on board. If you had tried to stop them leaving they may have tried to get a hold of your parents as a gesture of goodwill/safeguarding but even if they had got hold of them and they would be too delayed, the same thing would have happened. If you tried to stop it again, they would have literally removed you from the ship or made you come back on board without them regardless."

The person went on to explain that cruise ship staff and excursion teams always make clear to passengers when it is time to return as well as the fact that the ship will not wait for more than a certain amount of time. "You're not the one at fault here," another member reassured. "You clearly told your parents about the schedule, and they chose to ignore it. Cruises run on tight schedules and can't wait for a few people, so you did the right thing by making sure you got back on time. It's unfortunate that your parents missed the boat, but that's on them for not listening and respecting the cruise timetable. They should understand the importance of following the rules, especially when it affects so many other people. You handled the situation responsibly."

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18-Year-Old Goes Viral for Abandoning Parents in the Caribbean to Board a Cruise Ship on Time

Two dozen United Airlines passengers fell ill on flight, had been on cruise

cruise with baby reddit

Around two dozen passengers fell ill on a United Airlines flight from Vancouver, Canada to Houston, Texas on Friday.

Approximately 25 people traveling in a group of 75 had nausea, according to Capt. Sedrick Robinett of the Houston Fire Department. HFD evaluated three passengers upon the plane’s arrival at George Bush Intercontinental Airport but none were transported to the hospital, he said.

“Several passengers who had been on the same cruise and did not feel well were on United Flight 1528 from Vancouver to Houston Friday night,” United told USA TODAY in an emailed statement. The airline did not answer a question about what cruise line or ship the flyers had been traveling on before their flight.

“United Airlines is actively coordinating with health authorities to address the situation,” the airline’s statement continued. “As a precautionary measure, the aircraft will be removed from service and go through a deep cleaning before returning to service. Ensuring the health and safety of our passengers and crew remains our top priority.”

Is there a doctor on board?: Usually, yes. Here's why.

The Houston Health Department referred a request for comment to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"Public health officers from CDC’s Houston Port Health Station worked with EMS to evaluate ill passengers on board," a CDC spokesperson said in an emailed statement. "Most of the ill passengers reported mild GI symptoms. No passengers were noted to have a fever during the flight or upon public health assessment at landing. No passengers met CDC criteria for further public health follow-up. Passengers from the flight continued with their travel plans."

The news comes after dozens of passengers on a Condor flight from Mauritius to Frankfurt, Germany mysteriously became sick with nausea and vomiting last month.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

IMAGES

  1. The best cruise for families with babies

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  2. We say “Baby Can Cruise”!

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  3. Great Reasons to Cruise with a Baby » Kids on the Rock

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  4. Tips for Cruising with Baby

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  5. How to Take a Cruise with a Baby and Have a Great Time

    cruise with baby reddit

  6. 8 Essential Tips For Taking Baby On A Cruise

    cruise with baby reddit

COMMENTS

  1. First time cruise with a baby

    Having a 1yr old will severely impact what you can do and the other activities onboard the ship. That said, I would suggest a cruise line with a kids club or nanny service that allows kids that young. Disney and Royal Caribbean are the lines that most cater to children, so I would start there first. I went on a Disney cruise with my 3 oldest ...

  2. cruising with an infant tips? : r/Cruise

    Lots of advice and tips. Our first cruise the baby was 11 months and just about cruising stage of development. Take a blanket as all you usually get with the travel cot is a fitted sheet. Also a lunch box so you can bit some bread and fruit aside at breakfast for them during the day.

  3. Cruising with a six-month-old. Tips and advice wanted!

    r/royalcaribbean. •. KNWin94. Cruising with a six-month-old. Tips and advice wanted! My husband and I have a cruise scheduled for the spring of 2023. At the time of sailing, our newborn will be six-months-old. While my husband and I are very familiar with cruising on RC, this is our first child and we have zero experience traveling with a baby.

  4. Cruising with an infant : r/Cruise

    Leave the child with Granny and Grandpa and enjoy the cruise. While it might sound fun to do your first cruise as a family, it is not. You will not have fun times by the pool, at shows or intimate dining experiences. You may or may not be able to find a babysitter. The child will be too you for most cruise lines child care and they are not ...

  5. Cruising with a 1 year old : r/Cruise

    Bring plenty of hand sanitizer! My daughter was still putting her hands in her mouth and got sick towards the end of our cruse. She carried on after like it was no big deal. Get some dog poop bags to throw your dirty diapers out- makes a difference in the cabin. Have fun! 1.

  6. Is it worth it? (Traveling with an infant) : r/dcl

    Hey there! My husband and I are thinking of becoming first time Disney Cruise Line attendees. We wanted the opportunity to take a less than week long winter getaway from the harsh Midwest winter with our 1.5 year old before trying for baby #2.

  7. Questions on: 1. Going on an Alaskan Cruise 2. With a baby : r ...

    The only bad thing about taking a baby on a cruise is that you'll have to pay for infant care instead of getting free kids' club access. On most cruise lines, the free kid care kicks in when they're potty trained. Just compare kids/infant facilities between several cruise lines to see what you'll get.

  8. Princess Cruises with a baby

    Wean your baby off the bottle. Start with a straw. Create a suction with your finger. Place in mouth and baby will naturally suck milk. Once child gets the idea, drinking from a straw will be an easy transition. Lots of sipping cups on the market. There will be no way to sterilize bottles on the ship.

  9. Cruising with a Baby: What to Know From Someone Who's Done It

    Yes, you can book the cruise when the child is younger, but they must be at least that age by cruise day. If you are sailing on a transatlantic, transpacific, or a Hawaii cruise, then your baby must be at least 12 months old at the time of sailing. These age restrictions are put in place for medical purposes.

  10. Cruising with a Baby: What to Expect on a Cruise

    Babies and toddlers up to two years sail free on MSC Cruises, with kids aged two- to 11-years-old offered a reduced rate. On Cunard, infants up to 23 months travel free, while two- to 17-year-olds ...

  11. 41 Must-Have Tips for Cruising With Babies, Toddlers, or Small Kids

    Reddit. Email. When it comes to a family vacation with babies, toddlers, or small kids, there's not much that's better than taking a cruise. ... When you cruise with a child — especially a baby or a toddler — it can feel like anything but a vacation. Children are a lot of work, and you deserve to take some time to yourself. Don't feel ...

  12. Excursions with Baby

    14.5k. January 17, 2003. 4 hours and 12 minutes from the closest cruise terminal. #9. Posted May 9, 2022. Well, I'll give you our experience when we took our 1st son on his first cruise when he was a little over 13 months old.

  13. Cruising With a Baby: Which cruise lines are best?

    Carnival Cruise Lines. Minimum age: 6 months. Babysitting: No private babysitting is available. Supervised children's activities are offered at Camp Carnival from 7 to 10 pm for no charge. Sleepover-style babysitting runs from 10 pm to 3 am for ages 6 months to 11 years. Rates are $6 per hour for the first child and $4 an hour for additional ...

  14. 10 Tips for Cruising with a Toddler or Baby

    Royal Caribbean offers a drop off nursery for babies and toddlers 6-36 months. The nurseries include great toys for kids under 3, many of which we have and love at home. The drop off nursery program requires an additional charge. At the time of our cruise, it was $6-8 per hour depending on the time of day.

  15. AITA for abandoning my parents at an island in the Caribbean ...

    I graduated from high school back in December. As a gift my parents got me a cruise. It was also for my 18th birthday. It was also a family vacation. We usually stay at all inclusive resorts but I have always wanted to go on a cruise. I told my parents it was different and that if we went on excursions we had to follow the schedule no matter what.

  16. Cruising With a Baby: 8 Things to Know Before You Board

    One of the best things about cruising is that it's inexpensive to bring along your baby. Fares are full-priced for the first two occupants of the room, but then discounted heavily (40-70%) for a third person in the room. If traveling with two kids, then the fourth fare is also discounted. When traveling with a baby, it can seem like paying ...

  17. Do's and Don'ts for Cruising With a Baby

    DON'T expect cruise-line diaper and baby food delivery service to be cheap. You're going to pay a premium for the convenience. If you can, bring your own onboard. DO bring an emergency kit. Items ...

  18. Using baby monitor onboard

    Baby monitors weren't made to withstand the interference on a cruise ship. I'm guessing it will not work for you. Also, during the day, the cruise ship employees will have access to your room to clean, make beds, etc. What if your little one wakes up while one of the employees is in the room. It will scare her to death.

  19. Testimonial: My Experience and Advice when taking a Cruise with Baby

    On our first cruise, our daughter actually sailed for free. However, it is also important to check the minimum age limit for cruisers. Many cruise lines do not allow babies under 6 months of age (12 months for transatlantic cruises) so be should to double check before you book. When booking, it is worth doing your research on what you would ...

  20. Mein Schiff 7 has arrived in Kiel for its maiden voyage : r/Cruise

    Welcome to r/Finland, the English language Subreddit dedicated to all things related to Finland. Here, every active user enjoys full democratic rights and serves as a moderator. Check out Finlandit.github.io for recent community moderator actions, and join the discussion on Sopuli.xyz, the Finland-hosted Lemmy instance—a Reddit alternative.

  21. The Complete Guide to Taking a Cruise With a Toddler

    For those about to cruise with a toddler, we recommend packing the following essentials in your suitcase: Passport or proof of citizenship. Diapers. Baby monitor. Umbrella or foldable stroller. Snacks. Inflatable tub, which will come in handy since most staterooms only have a shower. Sunscreen.

  22. Traveling with BABY!

    This is my husband's very first cruise - and it took a ton of... Home. Forums. New posts. What's new. New posts New photo/videos New photo/video comments Latest activity. Photo/Videos. New photo/videos New comments. Log in Register. What's new. New posts. ... Traveling with BABY! Thread starter Leiden; Start date Mar 1, 2004; L. Leiden Guest ...

  23. Parents Blame Daughter For Getting Left Behind On Cruise

    Cruise ships simply do not wait around for late passengers. End of story. But one poor teen on Reddit's "Am I the A——" forum posted a story where their parents didn't make it back on time during a family cruise—and somehow expected their teenage child to get the ship to wait for them. "I graduated from high school back in December.

  24. Chronically Late Parents Abandoned By Teen On Island

    As a gift, my parents got me a cruise for my 18th birthday. It was also a family vacation. We usually stay at all-inclusive resorts, but I have always wanted to go on a cruise.

  25. Going on a cruise and I need help figuring out my outfits! : r ...

    I'm going on a cruise and I would like help figuring out an outfit for embarkation day. This would be the first cruise I'm taking with my mom and since they take pictures once you enter the ship I wanna look my best without looking overdressed! Most of the dresses I've found look too fancy for embarkation.

  26. Man Who Lives On A Cruise Ship Shares Pros And Cons And Expenses Of

    Kevin's monthly expenses on his cruise ship lifestyle were Rs 162,985 (around 1,615 pounds). Here's a breakdown of his costs: Accommodation & Meals: Rs 108,993 (around 1,080 pounds)

  27. 18-Year-Old Goes Viral for Abandoning Parents in the Caribbean to ...

    The internet weighs in on the viral Reddit thread about the cruise parents . Most if not all of the more than 2,000 responses to the original post stated that the original poster was not to blame ...

  28. United Airlines passengers fell ill during flight after a cruise

    Around two dozen passengers fell ill on a United Airlines flight from Vancouver, Canada to Houston, Texas on Friday.. Approximately 25 people traveling in a group of 75 had nausea, according to ...

  29. Florida shark attacks: Walton County fire officials urge ...

    Florida fire officials are still asking beachgoers to exercise caution Sunday after three people were injured Friday in two separate shark attacks within just 90 minutes of each other at ...