Questions About Cruises (Or Just a Vacation) with a Toddler and Infant....

I've been on 5 cruises and ,of those, two were w/ our kids. We love cruising w/ the kids. We took my son to Alaska (NCL) when he was 2 1/2 years old and last year took him (then 4) and my daughter (then 1)on a Caribbean cruise (Carnival). We had a window on the Alaskan cruise and a balcony on the Caribbean one. I liked the balcony because it allowed us to sit out there and read while the kids were napping. Your kids will be too young for the kids programs but we still managed to enjoy ourselves without it.

Have you considered Franklyn D. Resorts in Jamaica? It is an all inclusive that comes with a nanny. Yes, you get your own personal nanny from 9am -4:30 pm -- then she can be hired after hours for $4/hour. We went last Feb. with a 5 year and 2 year old. It was nice to have someone sit in the room while the little one napped. I will say, the biggest downfall was the food...... it really wasn't that good. But, it was warm, and beautiful. The place is very comfortable -- not a luxury resort -- but small which is nice for the kids. I think if you Google "FDR Vacations" you can find the web-site. ( I doubt it is more than going on a Disney Cruise.)
You can contact me if you wanted more info. Good luck!

G.,
Honestly, I think your kids are too young to get much out of a family vacation, and you and your husband will be spending countless hours just sitting around while your children take naps or go to bed early. Trust me, you'll have WAY more fun without the kids, and they'll be WAY happier at Grandma and Grandpa's (or somewhere similar) during the time that you are gone. If you have family or friends who will happily take your little angels, take advantage of it and have a nice vacation with your husband!
Good luck,
Amy K

We went to Disney World for my 5 yr old's birthday. My son was about 10 1/2 months when we went. Not sure if you're nursing but they do have a nursing station (possibly more) at the Disney/Universal parks. My son did pretty well traveling but he doesn't sleep real well in the stroller. I brought a long a front/back carrier for the times he just got restless. He loved the water areas but we did go in Sept so, it was very hot/humid then. We did go on a different vacation (extended my husband's work trip) in January and my son who was 2 1/2 months old did pretty well but the carrier was what helped the most. With kids you just have to have lots of pit stops along the way - don't plan too much. Unfortunately, at their age, I don't think they'll get much out of a vacation. Going to the local zoo or a museum would have the same effect as a trip. Altho they enjoy the plane, beach, warmer weather - they just can't grasp where they are and that it's a vacation. For us, both trips we did bring along our parents - my parents in Jan and my in-laws in Sept. It was nice to have extra hands and have babysitters for a couple nights to ourselves. Otherwise, if you're wanting to get the most for your money - I'd say, leave the kids with the grandparents or other relatives and have a nice trip alone. It will actually feel like a relaxing vacation for you then. IF you're nursing . . . I remember going on my first trip child-free when my dtr was 9 months and it worked out just fine to pump.

Your kids likely won't remember it at all. I would save Disney for when they're older or go now if you plan to go again in a few years.

My family went to Disney when I was 8, and my brother was 7. I remember most of it and my brother remembers hardly anything.

Hi G.,
I just love Disney cruises! I've been on a few - only with adults - but have paid attention to the kids programs and areas since I would like to take our son one day.
Here is the scoop - there are anywhere from 3-7 day cruises. The 3 and 4 day cruises only go to the Bahamas and then one day at Disney's Castaway Cay (their private island which is amazing). The 7 day cruises have either a western (key west, cozumel, grand cayman, Disney's Castaway Cay) or eastern caribbean (usually St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Castaway Cay) itinerary.
Honestly, I would agree that it might be a bit difficult with children as young as yours. They can participate in the programming once they are 3 years old. This would give you and your hubby a break to enjoy some of the adults only activities. They do have daycare (Flounders Reef) for kids as well but I hear it is quite expensive.
If you do decide to go I do think a verandah/balconey room would be worth it so you and your husband could still enjoy the beautiful coean while the kids nap. Inside staterooms are fine and I've stayed in them before with no problems (sleeping is nice cause it is really dark) but I prefer at least an outside stateroom so I can see the ocean.
There are three pools (one for little kids, one for families and one for adults only). There are lots of character meet and greets and programming just for kids and families.
If you really want to do Disney maybe you should consider a land/sea package. These combine Disney World with the cruise. I think you spend 3 or 4 days in the parks and then 3 or 4 days on the cruise. I think you can book these through a travel agent or directly with Disney.
Let me know if you have any other specific questions - I have loved all of our cruising experiences (NCL, Royal Caribbean and Disney) but think that Disney is by far the best (for adults only or for families.)