We are leaving on 10/18 and are booked in an oceanview stateroom for 2 adults and 2 children, ages 2 and 7. My concern is - where are my kids going to sleep AND is there a bathtub? This was booked through my DH's company and the info I am getting is little if any. I am flipping out thinking we need to upgrade! Any info will be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!!!!!!

Edit: fixed typo in discussion description.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: IslandCruz,

You would not be booked in a room with less capacity than you have people. Depending on which ship you are on you will either have upper-lower arrangement (bunk beds that fold down from the ceiling or wall for night time, over two singles or a queen for the adults) or a queen bed with sofa sleeper (your room steward will most likely have all these sleeping options made up by the time you return from dinner. There is nothing you will need to do to get things ready for your kids). If you have a brochure with deck plans of internet deck plans of your ship you can find your room and there will be a little symbol--in the key it will indicate if there is a sofa bed or upper, most likely.

Oh, yeah, the tub. Most standard interior rooms and balcony rooms do not. Some Jr. Suites do depending on your ship. The deck plans can tell you this too based on room catagory. The showers have removable heads on hoses though if little ones don't want it pouring over their heads. The bathrooms are small and you might get drenched helping them, however!

We are on Enchantment of the Seas. Thanks for the info but I guess my husband understood my concerns and is upgrading us to a balcony. I feel better about this knowing I can either put my kids in the sofa bed OR make a soft pallett on the floor since my 2 yr old will more than likely fall out of the bed. He is a mover! By any chnace - do you know if they have cribs or pack and plays? Thanks!!! So glad I found this site!

keep in mind, you still will not have a tub

thanks - this bites! I am sooo not looking forward to this trip!

quote:

thanks - this bites! I am sooo not looking forward to this trip!

The first thing you should do is get a positive attitude going about the cruise. It will make a world of difference for you. Just my opinion to try to help. I call mine my "cruiseattude". I'm sure you will have a great time and a wonderful experience.

I'm am cruising on the 18th too, and can't wait.

Dwayne

quote:

Originally posted by unsurecruiser:
We are on Enchantment of the Seas. Thanks for the info but I guess my husband understood my concerns and is upgrading us to a balcony. I feel better about this knowing I can either put my kids in the sofa bed OR make a soft pallett on the floor since my 2 yr old will more than likely fall out of the bed. He is a mover! By any chnace - do you know if they have cribs or pack and plays? Thanks!!! So glad I found this site!

Yes, they have pack & plays and you should call and reserve one in advance.

I think going on a trip is very stressful, especially with small children.

It will all work for you. I know it looks bad now since there is so much to do but you will feel so much better once you get on the ship. I really hope you have a great time & I have a feeling you will. Please let us know how it all works out. Have fun & enjoy.

unsurecruiser- The FIRST thing you need to do is to take a deep cleansing breath and relax. You are going to drive yourself insane worrying about this cruise. Its supposed to be a relaxing vacation.

You are not the first person to cruise with a 2 year old. The cruise lines are set up to be more than able to handle your needs. They do have cribs available and there will be enough room for all of you in the cabin (even without the upgrade which to be honest, only adds on the balcony to the cabin size unless you got a junior suite balcony cabin).

The lack of a tub has not seemed to be a big issue for other families with small children. As Islandcruz stated, the shower head is on a hose and you can take it down to rinse/shower off a little one. The childrens activity personnel are wonderful too... don't worry about it so much, they have it down to a pretty good system. Just be sure to attend the kids orientation party/meeting and all will be explained to you.

unsure cruiser we started taking our kids when they were 3 and 5 now they are 15 and 18 and have been on over 20 they love it my son who is now 15 will be on his 3rd cruise this year they just love it once you try it you will be hooked mike

ps you and your kids will love the kids area... they will not even miss you!!

We dreaded our first cruise. It was "earned" as a sales incentive through my husband's business. What in the world were we going to do for a WEEK? We are officially addicted. All travel is stressful with small children. This is travel with a fixed base for you, endless possibilities for food, staff that will bend over backwards to meet your needs (if you meet someone who doesn't, ask someone else--staff that isn't helpful or overly helpful are in the minority)--it may turn out to be one of the least stressful things you could choose to do with kids. (think Chevy Chase's ill-fated car trip to Wally World--there are a lot more difficult options for family fun.) My kids have always been along for the cruise (Although my youngest had her best voyage in-utero) and we wouldn't trade it for anything.

My nephew is a year and a half and my in-laws are concerned about taking him on a cruise. The main thing they are worried about is that he won't understand that he can't run around and play under the rails. I don't know what to think, but it makes me a little nervous. He's too young for the Adventure thing, so I am not sure what to tell them.

There are definitely no bath tubs unless you are in a suite. The balcony in the room would make me nervous with kids too.

The balcony door can be locked when you are not supervising. The rail is safer than on anybody I could name's deck here at home. You will do fine with the balcony unless you are raising such a terror he should be kept on a leash at all times, and if that were the case you would probably know it and not be attempting the vacation. Relax and enjoy. I have only met two people in my life who didn't enjoy cruising--one only wanted to golf on vacation and nothing else, and one couple wanted to "be alone" all the time--not sure what resort destination will provide that--camping maybe? The room will be adequate. Kids need to experience a shower sooner or later or swimming lessons at the Y are going to be a shocker. There is staff to help you--plan to tip. If the dining room is too much for the kids you can do room service or a buffet (in and out in your own time). The baby sitters have more experience than any teen in your neighborhood and your mother-in-law combined. This is going to fun for all of you. I have been in your shoes and attitude will save the day.

Dear unsure--Relax and Enjoy,we have been cruising for over 55 years now , for myself since age 7, there have been many play companions and many happy children's hours spent aboard.

We have traveled with babies and growing children in many oceanview (i.e.-no balcony cabins) staterooms without tubs.

There has never been any kind of a problem,we all were kept busy--relaxing! The most difficult time in my life was 13 months between cruises (I am retired USAF)!

Just relax and enjoy- once you do it you'll have trouble thinking of any other kind of a vacation!

Bon Voyasge,

BillyBuzzy