Just booked my cruise today for my family of four. The cruise is set for January 2024.. 2 of my children are sailing free and i received an additional discount. By then i will have a 13, 11, 9 year old.. our first cruise. We definitely can't wait.. i have been binge watching your videos and taking notes!! You are greatly appreciated!!
I dont think i heard this one in the video, but one tip I highly recommend is if you have a baby or small toddler bring a carrier. I found this a better method of getting around with my baby on our cruises then using the stroller. If you carry them on you, you can easily take the stairs instead of waiting for an elevator. Also, if the ship is particularly busy it makes it easier to get around. We used the stroller mostly getting on and off the ship and walking around ports.
I agree! I brought a toddler carrier for my 2.5 yr old wnd glqd i did because he was going through an extra clingy phase precisely when we cruised 🙄 we brought an umbrelle stroller and he never sat in it because he would not let go of me so i was glad to have the carrier.
@5:20 To go along with the tip; Arrive 1 day early. You should get travel insurance. Yes, some credit cards offer this but be sure to read the fine print! When I travel I have a lawyer with me so you better bet that we read the fine print and I can't tell you how many times CC's have changed the travel insurance policy so I had to go out and get supplemental travel insurance. That insurance has saved me so much over the years from people getting sick or weather at airports result in flight delays that caused us to cancel somethings. When you spend $$$ on a cruise whats an extra 3% fee.
Have your child wear a yellow (or bright green) shirt and/or hat when going on excursions. That way if you lose sight of them you'll be able to spot them a lot sooner.
I have been watching a lot of your videos and they are a really great resource for my family of 5 with an 11, 10, and 5 year old. Looking to do our first cruise and get in on the kids sail FREE! Big money saver from what I have seen.
@@lonnaproctor9547 We have not gone yet, unfortunately we have had some unexpected medical bills and surgery come our way. We are optimistic about getting our first cruise in yet this year, but too early to tell. Our family is doing well, just things got set back a little sadly.
6:42 If you’re getting the UDP with the intention of eating at one or more specialty restaurants daily (which I do because I prefer to dine in smaller crowds and avoid buffet serving utensils), it’s not necessarily more expensive to buy the package for the kids as well-even though I just booked the trip last month I paid $76 for my child’s UDP on our April ‘23 7-night Oasis cruise, so I’m breaking even after dinner every night and one snack in Playmakers.
Great video! Makes me wish we had taken the kids sailing when they were smaller. Now that they are preteen and full blown teenagers, can you do a video on cruising with teenagers? My greatest fear is that we’ll get on the ship and they will turn their nose up at the “teen club” because they are too cool for that and try to join us on all the activities for adults. (Then we won’t get as fun of a vacation!) Need a video to help them understand how much better the cruising experience is for them if they take advantage of the age appropriate stuff and get the freedom to explore “on their own” with their peers (with a little bit of adult supervision) without their parents.
#37 is just what I needed! My youngest would be too young (barely) for an excursion I want to do with the older kids, so that would be a perfect solution for us!
This video was very informative and insightful. Thank you! Hi. I'm planning a 5-7 day cruise for this June for our family of 5 out of FL. 3 children are ages 9, 7, and 1. Hoping to get a kids sail free deal. Any recommendations anyone?
Great video Matt, I didn’t know about booking two cabins, do you know how much more it would be to add another and if it’s possible to add it after I’ve already paid my reservation? Thanks
Thanks for this video it was so helpful. I need to send a email to get this list via pdf. I’m looking to book a cruise for my kids and I have a 1 years that’s going and need help tips and info on cruise with a toddler.. this was great! Thanks so much..
Most of them do. There's just a few that dont, but I don't have a list. One easy way is to quickly look at the ship's deck plans for where Adventure Ocean is located and verify you see a nursery listed.
6:42 this one I don’t understand. Are the specialty restaurant prices for kids cheaper on board then online? Online it says $12,99 and there is a special running for $10,99
question: do they use lanyards? should I bring them for our 34 kids at our family reunion On Oasis? can they get them punched or do I need a pouch for the sea card?
#13 Question - my kids are 12 & 8, I’ve taken your advice and not booked a dining package for them? Are you absolutely sure this works? As there isn’t any more availability to add them in now. We were planning on going to Chops, Wonderland and Izumi Hibachi
Anyone have a Voyager of the Seas cruise compass for its sailing out of San Juan for its southern Caribbean cruise it is currently running? Or Matt is there another way to reach out via your blog? The most recent one anyone shared was from October and I would love to get a taste of what’s in store for my family! Thank you for all your content!
They will call the cabin and leave a voicemail if you aren't there. Parents of young children can also be given portable phones on a case by case basis.
Is a drink package recommended for kids? I purchased the refreshment package for 3 kids aged 8 13 and 16. Wondering if it's a waste of money. Any advice is welcomed!
I would NOT recommend a drink package for kids, or at least not for the 8 year old. If your teens drink a lot of soda, it could be worthwhile for them.
@Royal Caribbean Blog Thank you for the quick response! My kids don't drink any soda and I was going to get it for the fresh squeezed juice, tea, mocktails and smoothies. We're going on the 4/16 Eastern Carribean itinerary on the Oasis. I will take your advice and cancel if there are sufficient free refreshments.
Kinda tricky question but would help ease my brain for planning! Our cruise leaves March 4th and my toddler will turn 3 2 days into the cruise, will they keep her in the babies and tots or bump her up to the 3-5? Thanks to anyone who might know in advance!!
I'm considering a RC cruise with my son. We've only done Carnival before. My son is 7 and autistic. He usually gets along better with the area for 5 ish year Olds. Carnival has been fantastic with my son but I want a elevated experience. Do you know how RC handles special needs? Generally my son has no special needs other than being at a maturity level 2 or 3 years younger and a super picky eater. I'm just looking for a comparison if you know?
I am going on a cruise Symphony of the Seas July 2024. One of my kids is autistic. Does Adventure Ocean take kids that are autistic? Does anyone here have any experience with Adventure Ocean and how they handle autistic children?
Nope I'm not going to pay thousands of dollars to have my kids there at my tablet they're not even allowed to do that for more than about an hour or two a day at home that's if they behave and do their chores
Just booked my cruise today for my family of four. The cruise is set for January 2024.. 2 of my children are sailing free and i received an additional discount. By then i will have a 13, 11, 9 year old.. our first cruise. We definitely can't wait.. i have been binge watching your videos and taking notes!! You are greatly appreciated!!
It's January have fun yall 🎉🎉🎉
How was the cruise?
We're going on Jan 10th with a 10 and 11 year old on Utopia. Our first as well
I dont think i heard this one in the video, but one tip I highly recommend is if you have a baby or small toddler bring a carrier. I found this a better method of getting around with my baby on our cruises then using the stroller. If you carry them on you, you can easily take the stairs instead of waiting for an elevator. Also, if the ship is particularly busy it makes it easier to get around. We used the stroller mostly getting on and off the ship and walking around ports.
Thanks for the tip!
Agree
I agree! I brought a toddler carrier for my 2.5 yr old wnd glqd i did because he was going through an extra clingy phase precisely when we cruised 🙄 we brought an umbrelle stroller and he never sat in it because he would not let go of me so i was glad to have the carrier.
#37 is genius!!! The captain will never leave you if you are late from an excursion. “Oh the kids are still onboard? Ok we will wait.” 🤣
@5:20 To go along with the tip; Arrive 1 day early. You should get travel insurance. Yes, some credit cards offer this but be sure to read the fine print! When I travel I have a lawyer with me so you better bet that we read the fine print and I can't tell you how many times CC's have changed the travel insurance policy so I had to go out and get supplemental travel insurance. That insurance has saved me so much over the years from people getting sick or weather at airports result in flight delays that caused us to cancel somethings. When you spend $$$ on a cruise whats an extra 3% fee.
Have your child wear a yellow (or bright green) shirt and/or hat when going on excursions. That way if you lose sight of them you'll be able to spot them a lot sooner.
And then everyone follows your advice so everyone's kids are wearing green or yellow 🤣
I have been watching a lot of your videos and they are a really great resource for my family of 5 with an 11, 10, and 5 year old. Looking to do our first cruise and get in on the kids sail FREE! Big money saver from what I have seen.
That is awesome!
Did you go yet? How'd it go?
@@lonnaproctor9547 We have not gone yet, unfortunately we have had some unexpected medical bills and surgery come our way. We are optimistic about getting our first cruise in yet this year, but too early to tell. Our family is doing well, just things got set back a little sadly.
Great video!!! As me and my wife are taking our son Jayden on his first cruise on wonder of the seas Jan 7th so this video was awesome! Thanks Matt !
Glad it was helpful!
Taking my son Jaydin also 😂
Just got back from our first cruise and it was amazing! Thank you so much for all the tips😁
So glad!
6:42 If you’re getting the UDP with the intention of eating at one or more specialty restaurants daily (which I do because I prefer to dine in smaller crowds and avoid buffet serving utensils), it’s not necessarily more expensive to buy the package for the kids as well-even though I just booked the trip last month I paid $76 for my child’s UDP on our April ‘23 7-night Oasis cruise, so I’m breaking even after dinner every night and one snack in Playmakers.
Great video! Makes me wish we had taken the kids sailing when they were smaller. Now that they are preteen and full blown teenagers, can you do a video on cruising with teenagers? My greatest fear is that we’ll get on the ship and they will turn their nose up at the “teen club” because they are too cool for that and try to join us on all the activities for adults. (Then we won’t get as fun of a vacation!) Need a video to help them understand how much better the cruising experience is for them if they take advantage of the age appropriate stuff and get the freedom to explore “on their own” with their peers (with a little bit of adult supervision) without their parents.
#37 is just what I needed! My youngest would be too young (barely) for an excursion I want to do with the older kids, so that would be a perfect solution for us!
This video and the tips are great! So excited to cruise for the first time this weekend!
Hope you enjoy it!
Love this video thank you so much
This video was very informative and insightful. Thank you! Hi. I'm planning a 5-7 day cruise for this June for our family of 5 out of FL. 3 children are ages 9, 7, and 1. Hoping to get a kids sail free deal. Any recommendations anyone?
Great video Matt, I didn’t know about booking two cabins, do you know how much more it would be to add another and if it’s possible to add it after I’ve already paid my reservation? Thanks
I cannot wait...
I am regretting buying my kids a dining package because the kids menu does not look as appealing as the regular menus
Is there a way to set a spending limit on a child's SeaPass?
Do kids get fed in adventure ocean? Can we bring food for him? We have a 5 hr excursion that goes through lunch. Trying to figure out arrangements
No they only feed them in the nursery
No they don’t
Thanks for the replies. Sounds like we may have to rethink our excursion
No, they do not. AO closes for lunch and dinner so kids can go eat
@@RoyalCaribbeanBlog even on port days? Thought they were open straight through
Thanks for this video it was so helpful. I need to send a email to get this list via pdf. I’m looking to book a cruise for my kids and I have a 1 years that’s going and need help tips and info on cruise with a toddler.. this was great! Thanks so much..
Looking forward to being here!
Hope you love it!
How do I find a Royal Caribbean travel agent?
Thanks for the great information. Do you know which ships have nurseries.
Most of them do. There's just a few that dont, but I don't have a list.
One easy way is to quickly look at the ship's deck plans for where Adventure Ocean is located and verify you see a nursery listed.
What is the best cruise to go on with kids? I currently have kids ages 12-2. I want to take them on a cruise in the next 2 years.
Same, leaning towards a Bahamas Cruise 4-7 day options…one that has a stop at the cruise company’s private island…most kids love the water and pools……
Do you have a video on the best cruise ship for toddlers/preschooler age?
Any ship with a nursery and baby splash zone
What is a good age to allow your children to unsupervised around the ship? Is there an official policy?
This is a really nice video
Thank you!
The ocean adventure
Could my 10yo stay with my 15yo or they have to go to the proper age location?
6:42 this one I don’t understand. Are the specialty restaurant prices for kids cheaper on board then online? Online it says $12,99 and there is a special running for $10,99
Kids tips!!
Which ships have the "new" Adventure Ocean?
question: do they use lanyards? should I bring them for our 34 kids at our family reunion On Oasis? can they get them punched or do I need a pouch for the sea card?
What are some of your favorite ships for kids? I mistakenly thought the Allure had water slides and definitely don't want to make that mistake again.
The cruise chat? How is that do I have to install app on there cell? And create an account for them?? Of royal Caribbean?
Can you add the link you mentioned early on into the description? I didn't see your cruising with kids page from searching the site.
Amen to all of this!
Hi
Just booked a cruise with my parents
#13 Question - my kids are 12 & 8, I’ve taken your advice and not booked a dining package for them? Are you absolutely sure this works? As there isn’t any more availability to add them in now. We were planning on going to Chops, Wonderland and Izumi Hibachi
I have teens 14 and up. Will they be allowed in lounges, shows and near music? They are mature and not into most of the kid activities.
I’m going on oasis in 2023 so I watch the vid you posted on it and I got a Christmas gift to go on icon in 2024 so I watched that vid too
Anyone have a Voyager of the Seas cruise compass for its sailing out of San Juan for its southern Caribbean cruise it is currently running? Or Matt is there another way to reach out via your blog? The most recent one anyone shared was from October and I would love to get a taste of what’s in store for my family! Thank you for all your content!
Voyager just started sailings there and I don't yet have one, sorry!
Is there a way for adventure ocean/ daycare to contact me on the ship/ me contact them if I don't have an internet package or chat package?
I’m on Harmony currently and we put our 3 y/o in Adventure Ocean twice. They gave us a ship cellular phone.
They will call the cabin and leave a voicemail if you aren't there.
Parents of young children can also be given portable phones on a case by case basis.
The best one I didn’t know was the discount on the speciality dining. Not to buy the package for your kids! I had no idea !
Does the Nursery & AO have additional cost, or is included with the cruise fair?
AO is complimentary until 10pm. Nursery always costs extra
Is a drink package recommended for kids? I purchased the refreshment package for 3 kids aged 8 13 and 16. Wondering if it's a waste of money. Any advice is welcomed!
I would NOT recommend a drink package for kids, or at least not for the 8 year old. If your teens drink a lot of soda, it could be worthwhile for them.
@Royal Caribbean Blog Thank you for the quick response! My kids don't drink any soda and I was going to get it for the fresh squeezed juice, tea, mocktails and smoothies. We're going on the 4/16 Eastern Carribean itinerary on the Oasis. I will take your advice and cancel if there are sufficient free refreshments.
Kinda tricky question but would help ease my brain for planning! Our cruise leaves March 4th and my toddler will turn 3 2 days into the cruise, will they keep her in the babies and tots or bump her up to the 3-5? Thanks to anyone who might know in advance!!
I was told that the child must be the age at time of boarding, but I think you can always ask
@6:42 I think kids meals have increased for few bucks but I think its only +20% in 2024.
Does Royal Caribbean have a way to put a spending limit on their children’s seapass cards?? I’m worried about my teens overspending 😅
Ok nevermind I just had to keep watching the video lol!
Wich ship is it?
I'm considering a RC cruise with my son. We've only done Carnival before. My son is 7 and autistic. He usually gets along better with the area for 5 ish year Olds. Carnival has been fantastic with my son but I want a elevated experience. Do you know how RC handles special needs? Generally my son has no special needs other than being at a maturity level 2 or 3 years younger and a super picky eater. I'm just looking for a comparison if you know?
If you don’t have a passport for your child, do you only need a birth certificate? Or do you need a birth certificate AND a photo ID?
Just birth cert. I know that much. I took my 2 and 5 year old last year on a 3 day out of Florida
Just birth certificate if they are under 18
Great video ❤
Does adventure ocean allow kids with special needs/autism?
Kids tips
Lovely tips but I will not bring on extra snacks and will never leave my kids on ship while off the ship on excursions. No way!
If you have a stroller are only single strollers allowed or are double strollers as well?
The cabin hallways are so narrow I do not recommend a side by side double stroller. The front seat and back seat double strollers should be fine.
I cant buy the spectrum of the seas is expinsive
am going there plus BUY THE P E N A N G only cruise
I am going on a cruise Symphony of the Seas July 2024. One of my kids is autistic. Does Adventure Ocean take kids that are autistic? Does anyone here have any experience with Adventure Ocean and how they handle autistic children?
Which ships have the "new" adventure ocean programs?
Wonder, Oasis, Navigator and Odyssey
🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
I do not have suit. So show me how to cruise!!!
20:17 no way this kid is playing clash royale on a cruise💀
20:17 bro is still in arena 1💀
I’m traveling with 5 children and I’m petrified 😂
I was told toddler or small children under 2 yrs old cant go on cruise ship🤔
Interesting, shame a lot of these don’t apply to the ships that come to our country as these ones shown and talked about are the bigger ones 😭
I guess the rip-offs you can't say they're rip off huh
We never cruised when our kids were young. Now that they are adults they don’t want to go with us.
Nope I'm not going to pay thousands of dollars to have my kids there at my tablet they're not even allowed to do that for more than about an hour or two a day at home that's if they behave and do their chores
Walkie-talkie is a good option when cruise 🛳 for comunication