As our 5th anniversary approached, we knew we wanted to celebrate with a trip that would create lasting memories. With a toddler in tow, we yearned for a destination that offered both family-friendly fun and a touch of luxury. We were quite anxious, though. Could a cruise truly cater to both our desire for a romantic getaway and our little one's boundless energy? Thankfully, the answer was a resounding yes!
In December 2019, just before the world changed, we set sail on Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas for a cruise to the Bahamas. This being our first cruise, we opted for a shorter 3-night trip. Here’s a peek into our unforgettable adventure, complete with handy tips for traveling with little ones.
Day 1: Setting Sail with A Pleasant Surprise
The anticipation built as we boarded the ship, ready for a three-night cruise to the Bahamas, with stops at the iconic Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau.
The first day was all about settling in and exploring the ship's incredible amenities. From the moment we stepped onboard, we were greeted with smiles and the luxurious feel of the ship. One of the highlights was the sailaway party from Miami, a vibrant celebration on the pool deck that set the tone for our adventure. The ship's facilities were impressive, offering everything from theater shows and ice-skating performances to mini-golf and water parks. Our son was mesmerized by the sights and sounds, and we were thrilled to begin our journey.
However, the day wasn’t without its hiccups. Upon arriving at our stateroom, we discovered that the carpet was wet. Concerned about the potential for mold, especially with an infant, we promptly informed guest services. To our delight, they upgraded us to a suite at the front of the ship. This suite was not only spacious but also quieter and had a beautiful balcony. It was a pleasant surprise that significantly enhanced our experience.
Tips:
- Speak Up: If something doesn’t seem right, report it immediately. Cruise staff are usually very accommodating.
- Upgrade If You Can: Suites are quieter, larger, and often come with added perks.
- Choose a Cabin with a Balcony: A balcony provides a safe, enclosed space for toddlers to play and offers adults a refreshing escape with ocean views.
- Arrive Early on Embarkation Day: To maximize your adventure, plan to arrive early to begin exploring and enjoying the amazing amenities. We were able to board the ship as early as 10 AM. Note that your state rooms may not be ready until around 1 PM. The ship departs around 5 PM.
Day 2: Perfect Day at CocoCay 🌞🏝️
The second day brought us to the much-anticipated Perfect Day at CocoCay. The island lived up to its name with sunny skies and endless activities. CocoCay boasts the tallest waterslide in North America and the largest freshwater pool in the Bahamas. There’s truly something for everyone.
I spent the morning snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters, marveling at the vibrant marine life. My wife, on the other hand, found her paradise in a hammock, gently swaying under the palm trees. Our son was overjoyed at the water park, splashing around and giggling with delight.
The intense sunlight made us grateful for our good quality sunglasses. With the white sandy beaches reflecting the sun's rays, having proper eye protection was essential. For anyone planning a beach vacation, sunglasses are a must. If you prefer style and quality, check out our collection of designer sunglasses here to find the perfect pair for your travels.
Tips:
- Pack for All Weather: Caribbean weather can be unpredictable. Bring versatile clothing layers and rain gear.
- Bring Familiar Toys and Snacks: Keeping a routine helps alleviate anxiety for young children. We packed our son's favorite toys and snacks to make him feel at home.
- Don’t Miss Coco Loco: The island’s signature frozen drink is a must-try. Perfect for a beach day!
- Be Prepared for Extra Costs: Thrill Waterpark comes with an additional charge. We paid it for the experience, but whether it’s worth it depends on individual preferences. My wife thought it was overpriced, I thought it was a fair deal. Watch out for the Daredevil's Peak though. The lines were just so long, it was not worth it for us. My favorite spot at Thrill Waterpark was the adventure pool with an obstacle course. My son's favorite was the wave pool.
- Buffet Options: Enjoy a buffet on the island similar to the ship’s Windjammer buffet.
- Invest in Lightweight Strollers and a Baby Carrier: Traveling with a one-year-old had its challenges. We purchased a lightweight stroller which was a lifesaver, though tricky to push on the beach. A baby carrier was our backup for those sandy strolls.
Days 3 & 4: Disappointment with Weather
Our next stop was supposed to be Nassau, but the weather had other plans. Severe storms forced us to spend the last two days inside the ship. The high winds and heavy rains were challenging, especially since our upgraded suite was at the front of the ship, where the movement was most felt. The constant rocking and noise from the wind made it difficult to enjoy the amenities.
Despite the rough seas, the cruise staff did their best to keep everyone entertained and comfortable. Unfortunately, I did experience some seasickness due to the ship's movement. The balcony, which was a blessing during good weather, became a source of noise as the wind tossed the furniture around.
Tips:
- Choose a Midship Stateroom: For better stability and less motion, opt for a room located in the middle of the ship.
- Be Prepared for Port Cancellations: Weather can be unpredictable. Have backup plans for onboard activities.
- Pack Enough Essentials: We nearly ran out of diapers, so it’s better to pack more than you think you’ll need.
Evaluating the Cruise: Likes, Dislikes, and Extra Packages
Overall, our cruise experience was filled with highs and lows, but it was undoubtedly unforgettable. We enjoyed many aspects of the cruise, such as the excellent childcare options and the variety of activities. The Tots Program provided much-needed adult time, allowing us to enjoy the ship’s amenities without worry. The program had areas for kids of varying age groups, from babies to older children, offering activities and care by trained professionals. Children must be at least 6 months old to sail. The nursery for babies 2 and under requires a reservation and comes at a per-hour charge. For older kids, no reservation is needed. Kids aged 3-5 enjoyed specially designed activities that kept them entertained and happy, giving parents peace of mind.
One of the biggest advantages was the abundance of entertainment options. We left our child at the Tots area and enjoyed romantic evenings at Broadway theater shows, ice-skating performances, musicals, and even dance parties. It was the perfect blend of family fun and couple’s time.
We were quite disappointed that we didn't get to visit Nassau as planned. Although the cruise staff did their best during the severe storms, more proactive and clear communication regarding weather changes would have helped manage our expectations and reduce disappointment. Additionally, having more robust contingency plans for inclement weather could have greatly enhanced our experience.
When it comes to extra packages, we made strategic decisions to balance enjoyment and cost. We did not purchase the specialty dining package on this cruise as it didn’t seem worth it. However, on our next cruise aboard the Symphony of the Seas three years later, celebrating our 8th anniversary, we tried their Wonderland specialty restaurant and absolutely loved it. Highly recommend it for a special dining experience.
We did purchase the WiFi package for a single device and shared it between us to minimize costs. This approach worked well and kept us connected. We also opted for the beverage package, which included non-alcoholic cocktails and bottled water. We skipped the alcohol package, finding it more cost-effective to purchase individual drinks as needed.
Additionally, we bought the smallest photo package, which was worth it. The photos captured beautiful memories that we still cherish today, displayed proudly on our wall.
Tips:
- Evaluate Extra Packages: Decide based on your preferences and budget. Sharing a WiFi package can save costs.
- Drink Packages: Non-alcoholic beverage packages can be worth it for access to bottled water and mocktails.
- Photo Packages: A small package can be a great investment in preserving memories.
- Formal Dining Experience: Your room will be allocated the same seating each night. We had photo services at the dinner table, adding a special touch to our dining experience. There are a ton of other dining options. The Windjammer breakfast & lunch buffet was my favorite, offering a wide variety of options for both breakfast and lunch with dishes from around the world.
- Dress to Impress: The cruise features formal nights, Caribbean-themed dressing, and other special occasions. Download the Royal Caribbean app to preview your trip and prepare accordingly.
- Laundry Services: Available but at an extra cost, so pack accordingly. Irons are not allowed in staterooms. For us, one checked luggage, my backpack, and my wife's diaper backpack were sufficient for 3 nights.
Final Thoughts: A Family-Friendly Cruise Filled with Memories
Our 5th anniversary cruise was an adventure filled with fun, challenges, and unforgettable memories. If you’re considering a cruise with young kids, we highly recommend it. Just be sure to plan ahead, pack wisely, and take advantage of the ship’s facilities. Don’t forget to explore our travel essentials, including bags and luggage, to ensure you’re well-prepared for your next adventure here.
Happy travels, and may your journeys be as memorable as ours!