Seeking Cruising Parents of Twin Toddlers

[Zebras]

Hi,
My partner and I have gone on 2 Rfamily cruises with young kids, but now have 7 month old twins. We're considering doing the July '08 cruise, but are concerned about what it might be like in the room (2 cribs/pack n plays), stroller, car seats to store etc. etc. Any experts out there? We'd be getting one of the lower priced rooms.
We're also wondering in general how it was for the parents (did you go to shows? was it fun or just like being home with twins but harder?) ;)

thanks!

[maia138]

Hey Zebras!

I am an ex-nanny turned child psychologist (I was a nanny to twins for a year and a half between finishing college and starting grad school) who is hoping to be on the Summer '08 cruise. I can't say that I know what it's like to cruise with toddler twins, but I was with my twins from 18 months to almost 3 years and we took on all kinds of day trips all over southeastern Michigan. Our "best friends" were another nanny and her 3-month-younger triplets who accompanied us on many of our journeys. What a blast we all had! After my experiences, I would totally vote for taking the kids. It would be an experience you'd cherish for a lifetime. And heck, if you need a little help on the ship, feel free to look me up - my skills may be a little rusty but I bet they'd come back quickly!

Good luck to you!

[Zebras]

Thanks for your reply, our biggest concern is that the room won't be big enough for our bed, their pack n' plays and all of the rest of their gear...not to mention us Moms hoping to bring a bag too! So if there's anyone out there who can enlighten us, we'd be most appreciative!

[bafisher]

Hello,
We traveled with twin 2 year olds on the first cruise. The small room was a tight fit and we didn't have car seats or pack and plays. We also found it amazing the amount of diapers needed...an entire suitcase :)
Definately don't let it hold you back...but travel with space saving ideas!!!!! There are usually washing machines or services that can help you consolodate your clothing packed!

[Zebras]

Thanks for the reply, so did you all sleep together in the one bed? Did you have a stroller? How did you manage not to have to do carseats? We're so mired in formula and making baby food, I guess I forgot that they could probably eat ship food by that time? Yes, the diapers will be a big section of the room I guess! :)
We appreciate the help!
Vicki

[cebii]

We've been on three cruises with our twins. They were 15 mo, 27 mo and were three on this last one. We tried the packnplays the first time, but it was easier to have the steward set up the trundle bed and all sleep together. It was crowded in the room, so we stored as much as we could under the beds. We used cheap umbrella strollers to save weight and space. We did not take car seats to the cruises out of New York because the cab drivers don't usually give you enough time to set them up, anyway. We didn't spend that much time in our rooms. Bring a dvd player to keep them occupied when you have to be in the room for a long period.

The first year (Nova Scotia) we used the Nanny service on several evenings so we could have some adult time and see the shows. The nannies were good overall, but set up more to deal with infants than active walkers. We complained, and they hopefully have made some adjustments. The past two cruises we've used the kids crew and the twins love it. They also love the toddler toy room where they can have some unstructured play time and you can meet other parents.

You will have your hands full, but it is certainly worth the effort.

as for food - you will love the garden cafe/kids cafe - food available anytime your kids need it, lots of fresh fruit. We took a wheeled carryon full of diapers and brought it home full of souveniers. You will find that the crew and other passengers are quite helpful. As for the lack of carseats, we just carried them on our laps.

[Zebras]

Thanks so much for the response! I think ours will be too young for a trundle bed, so we'll have to think this thru. Best wishes!!! Vicki

[cebii]

Thanks so much for the response! I think ours will be too young for a trundle bed, so we'll have to think this thru. Best wishes!!! Vicki

On the Dawn, putting the trundle up gives you a bed that goes all the way across the room. There isn't room for them to fall off, and you are all sleeping on one, giant bed.

[Zebras]

Interesting, thanks!