Transatlantic with a 1yr old?

[SquishTheWhale]

Am I nuts to consider a 14 day transatlantic on Harmony of the Seas with our son who will be 1 and a half by then? Hes 8 weeks now and we can't wait until we can get back cruising with him!

I was eyeing up a 7 day med itinerary on Harmony in Oct 2021, but it seems we could do the 14 day transatlantic for the same price (plus the more expensive flight home). We had in mind to only get off the ship for quick wanders anyway on port days as long excursions would be too much for the little one. The transatlantic only has 1 port stop in Malaga (which we have been to but happy to go again). We love megaships so are pretty happy to make the ship the destination and just enjoy hanging out and letting baby do whatever he wants. We could take turns in the evenings to see the shows while he sleeps in the cabin etc.

So I'm curious if anyone else has done a transatlantic with such a little one? Did you enjoy it or do you think we shouldn't do it?

Looking at a central park view interior- anyone have any experience how that works with a young child as the 3rd guest? Is there a sofa bed or can we request a cot?

[arielrocks]

We were considering it next year with ours who would be 4 and 2 but decided against it. Purely for the reason that if it was rough and you or the toddler got sick it would be awful for you all and ruined.

We’ve done 2 cruises with ours now and enjoyed each, it’s been the easiest easy to travel with a baby. P and O were crazy baby friendly!

[SquishTheWhale]

Originally Posted by arielrocks

We were considering it next year with ours who would be 4 and 2 but decided against it. Purely for the reason that if it was rough and you or the toddler got sick it would be awful for you all and ruined.

We’ve done 2 cruises with ours now and enjoyed each, it’s been the easiest easy to travel with a baby. P and O were crazy baby friendly!

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Very good point about him possibly getting sick! We did P&O with my family including my 3yr old nephew and they were great with him

[vampiress88]

Mine were 3 and 4. Only did a week tho. Both loved it. Both fine. It was me that hated the rough night and was sick. But not for long

Should have been going back on it a few weeks ago and we have one next year.

Looking back to how mine was at 1. Eldest I would have taken. She was easy. Youngest I wouldn’t have she was more difficult. But as I had them close it wouldn’t have been possible anyway at that age.

We did taken them to caravan sites tho. So mostly stayed in. Went for walks and did pub at night. Could have done that on a boat.

[Omega1]

Not exactly the same but we did a week on the Ventura last July with our DD, SiL and twin 8 month old grandsons. They really enjoyed it and P&O were excellent, providing all necessary equipment and baby food. The boys went to the night nursery between 7 and 11pm whilst we had a leisurely meal together in the dining room. We got off in every port and walked around or used public transport. It worked out very well.

[arielrocks]

I can’t comment on the night nurseries because we never felt comfortable leaving them, But it’s an amazing service for those that wish to use it. We used to settle them down then sit on the balcony with a glass of wine.

[mrsmickey]

I would think it’s a better age to do it than when they’re a bit older. They won’t be going stir crazy, will have limited ability to just wander off, and a cruise is a perfect holiday where you just don’t need to think about things so can just properly relax. You’re not limited on luggage so can take quite a bit on board in terms of nappies, bottles, clothes and equipment - although you may have a problem for the flight home which may not be fun!

[lilo82]

Yes I did it with mine when he was 1. We did New York and Washington.
Then when he was 2 we did Chicago and Boston.
It's perfectly doable. Lots of people said no you won't be able to but we made incredible memories and had a fab time. Said 1yr old is now going to be 11yrs old.

[babycanaansmum]

Yes our first cruise was a transatlantic on the Disney magic our daughter was 2 at the time. The harmony crossing with one stop in Malaga would be a good one I think in our experience of transatlantic cruises Barcelona to Miami is usually a smooth and warm sailing. My daughter is usually train bus and car sick but has never been sea sick at all. There is lots to do and the crew are so so helpful and it would be a relaxing trip. The shows are also on the TV which is handy too 😊

[SquishTheWhale]

I think we've decided to look at a 7 night cruise from Southampton instead- find out if he gets seasick on that instead of a transatlantic with no escape! Plus while I'd prefer Royal, if we go with P&O he can use the pools in swim nappies and hes almost free to take (£50).

Thank you everyone for your advice