Cruising with Newborns: A Guide for Discerning Families Choosing Disney Cruise Line
Key Takeaways:
- Book a stateroom with a verandah for extra space and fresh air.
- Request baby amenities like cribs, diapers, and bottle warmers.
- Pack essential supplies such as diapers, wipes, and food.
- Bring a stroller for easy transportation and naps.
- Consider flying at night and request a bassinet in the plane.
- Bring additional adults to help with childcare.
- Book nursery reservations early to secure desired times.
- Book a suitable excursion, like visiting Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique or going on a family cruise.
Cruising with Newborns: Disney Cruise Line
Cruising with newborns requires meticulous planning and preparation. Here’s a guide to make your Disney Cruise Line vacation with little ones a memorable and stress-free experience:
Before Embarkation:
Plan ahead to enhance comfort and convenience:
Book a stateroom with a verandah: Fresh air and relaxation are crucial, and a verandah provides a designated space for infants.
Request baby amenities: Cribs, playpens, diaper disposal units, bottle warmers, and sterilizers are available on request.
Pack supplies: Diapers, wipes, formula, bottles, and baby food should be packed in ample quantities.
Bring a stroller: Strollers offer easy transportation and nap time solutions.
Air travel: Evening flights minimize sleep disruptions. Request a bassinet for the flight.
Book nursery: Early reservations are recommended to secure availability during desired times.
Consider additional adults: Grandparents or other helpers can provide childcare and support.
Plan excursions: Choose infant-friendly activities, like Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique or family cruises.
When bringing babies on Disney Cruise ships, you will find a wide range of baby-friendly amenities and services designed to make your trip as enjoyable as possible. Here are some tips for cruising with infants.
Navigating the Cruise Ship with Young Children
As you embark on your Disney Cruise Line vacation with your newborns, navigating the ship can be a breeze with the right strategies.
Plan ahead: Book a stateroom with a verandah to enjoy fresh air and relax in privacy. Request essential baby amenities like cribs, playpens, and bottle warmers.
Pack smart: Bring an ample supply of diapers, wipes, formula, and baby food. Invest in a stroller for convenience and nap time.
Maximize the nurseries: Take advantage of the complimentary nursery service aboard the ship. It provides a safe and supervised environment for your little ones.
Explore the ship: Utilize strollers to explore different areas of the ship. Discover age-appropriate play spaces like Nemo’s Reef, offering entertainment and socialization opportunities for infants and toddlers.
Plan dining: Consider booking dinner reservations early to secure a spot at family-friendly restaurants. Utilize the early dining seating to avoid peak hours.
Enjoy adult time: Consider booking Remy for an adults-only dinner date. Bring a monitor to keep an eye on your sleeping baby in the stateroom.
Prioritize safety: Use the Safe-Go system by the pool to secure your belongings while keeping an eye on your child. Stay on the ship in Nassau to avoid the hassle of transportation and crowds.
Embrace the experience: Bring a reusable swim diaper to save on expenses and reduce waste. Pack a balcony room to enjoy private outdoor space for relaxation and fresh air.
Key Takeaways:
- Book a stateroom with a verandah for privacy and fresh air.
- Request baby amenities and pack essential supplies.
- Utilize the complimentary nursery service for a safe and supervised environment.
- Explore the ship using strollers and discover designated play areas for infants and toddlers.
- Plan dining reservations early and consider early dining seating.
- Take advantage of adult dining options and use a monitor to keep an eye on your sleeping baby.
- Prioritize safety by using the Safe-Go system and considering staying on the ship in Nassau.
- Embrace the experience by bringing a reusable swim diaper and opting for a balcony room.
Citation:
Disney Cruise Line. (n.d.). Frequently Asked Questions: Traveling with Infants and Young Children. https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/faq/traveling-infants-children
Dining and Entertainment Options for Families with Newborns
When embarking on a cruise with your newborn, dining and entertainment options become a crucial consideration. Navigating these options can be overwhelming, but with careful planning, you can create a memorable and enjoyable experience for your little one and the whole family.
Dining Options:
- Main Dining Rooms: These formal dining rooms offer a sophisticated ambiance and an extensive menu. High chairs and booster seats are available for your newborn.
- Casual Dining: For a more relaxed dining experience, the buffet-style restaurants provide a wide variety of cuisines. They also have designated areas for infants, including high chairs and bottle warmers.
- Room Service: Enjoy the convenience of dining in the comfort of your stateroom. Room service offers a limited menu but can cater to specific dietary needs, including baby food and formula.
Entertainment Options:
- Nurseries: The Small World Nursery on the Disney Dream and Fantasy ships provides a dedicated space for infants and toddlers with cribs, toys, and supervised care.
- Play Areas: The Nemo’s Reef play area is designed for children ages 3 and under, offering interactive games, toys, and a supervised environment.
- Disney Character Meet-and-Greets: Throughout the ship, you can find designated areas for meeting beloved Disney characters. These encounters create magical memories for both your newborn and you.
- Movies and Shows: Disney films and live performances are shown in dedicated theaters, providing entertainment for the whole family.
Key Takeaways:
- Staterooms with verandahs offer fresh air and relaxation for you and your newborn.
- Early dining reservations ensure flexibility in your schedule to accommodate your baby’s needs.
- The Small World Nursery provides a safe and supervised space for your infant.
- Room service offers a convenient dining option with baby-friendly menu items.
- Plan entertainment options that suit your baby’s age and interests, such as play areas and character meet-and-greets.
Citation:
Disney Cruise Line. (n.d.). Traveling with Infants & Young Children – Frequently Asked Questions. Disney Cruise Line. https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/faq/traveling-infants-children
Health and Safety Tips for Parents of Newborns
Cruising with newborns requires careful planning and preparation. Here are crucial Health and Safety Tips for Parents of Newborns to ensure a safe and enjoyable voyage:
Pack a Comprehensive Diaper Bag: Prepare a diaper bag with an ample supply of diapers, wipes, changing pads, a portable changing station, and any necessary ointments or creams.
Carry Essential Medications: Consult with your healthcare provider to obtain any prescription medications or over-the-counter medications necessary for your newborn. Keep these medications within easy reach.
Ensure Clean Feeding: If bottle-feeding, sterilize bottles and nipples thoroughly. If breastfeeding, maintain proper hygiene to prevent the spread of germs.
Monitor Hydration: Keep your newborn hydrated by offering frequent feedings. Consider bringing a portable water bottle with purified water for quick access.
Provide a Safe Sleeping Environment: Choose a designated sleeping area with a firm mattress and secure bedding. Avoid loose blankets or pillows that pose a suffocation risk.
Stay Vigilant with Sun Protection: Protect your newborn from harmful UV rays by using sunshades, hats, and clothing with UPF protection. Apply baby-safe sunscreen as directed.
Maintain Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer. Regularly clean surfaces that your newborn may come in contact with, such as play areas and strollers.
Seek Medical Attention When Needed: If your newborn exhibits any signs of illness or discomfort, such as fever, diarrhea, or vomiting, contact the onboard medical center immediately.
Key Takeaways:
- Pack a well-stocked diaper bag with essential supplies.
- Carry necessary medications and ensure clean feeding practices.
- Provide a safe sleeping environment and protect your newborn from sun exposure.
- Maintain hygiene and seek medical attention if health concerns arise.
Citation:
– Healthy Cruising with Kids
