Cruising with a toddler? Easy Peasy!!

I have just got back from a short cruise on the Queen Mary 2 with my husband and son Charlie who has just turned 2 years old.

We chose this cruise as it was just 4 nights. As it was our first time cruising with Charlie we thought a sort cruise would be ideal to see how we got on. WOW!! We loved it! It was so easy!

Our journey started with an early train down to Southampton, once we arrived we took a short taxi ride to the cruise terminal for check in. What a difference from airport check in, no huge queues, no worrying about the bottle of water I had left in my bag or the can of deodorant!! Check in was nice and smooth as we had a little one we were taken through the priority security check queue. We were on board enjoying lunch in the Kings court buffet by 2pm. Not bad considering we travelled from Edinburgh.

After lunch off to deck 6 it was. We found the play zone right at the back of the ship with a small outdoor pool.  The staff in the Play Zone were all great really nice girls and made us feel at ease about leaving Charlie with them. The Play Zone was full of toys, activities and a nice little reading corner too. Once registered we took Charlie out on deck for a little wander and found Charlie’s favourite, a soft play pirate ship with a slide and some little tikes cars!!

After burning off some energy it was off to the Chefs Galley for the kids dinner which is served daily between 1645 – 1730. This is ideal for families as most young children like to eat early.

By the time Charlie had finished his dinner it was back to the cabin to get Charlie into his onesie for a few hours at the Play Zone. So off he went with daddy whilst I got ready for a rare child free night! They did offer us a pager however we declined. We knew Charlie would settle fine, its a great thing though if maybe you are a little unsure about leaving your little one. I did call the Play Zone after about 20 minutes to be told Charlie was fine doing a drawing and that I didn’t need to worry I should go and enjoy my dinner!!

Its not often you get a FREE babysitting service so we made the most of it!! Pre dinner drinks in the Chart room, dinner in the Britannia and a little boogie and some cocktails in G32 nightclub where the resident band VIBZ were fantastic. Then it was time to collect Charlie who was sound asleep!! We got him straight back to the cabin and settled in the travel cot, result all of the days excitement must have caught up on him he slept in until 9.30am!!

Charlie enjoying some Belgium chocolate!

I will be honest, I wasn’t worried leaving Charlie in the Play Zone, all the staff were fantastic and Charlie goes to nursery when we are at home and I know how much he loves it. They offered a great range of activities with different themes including space, under the sea and pirates. On port days the sessions were 2pm-5pm & 6pm-11pm, with an extra 10am-12pm on a sea day. We used the Play Zone on many occasions, for us it was fantastic and I cannot recommend it enough.

Charlie was so sad to leave all the staff got big hugs. Since getting home he keeps asking for ‘big boat’!!

Cruising with a toddler is a winner for us. Its a holiday where you get to spend time together as a family but also mummy & daddy get some me time to enjoy all the facilities on board. I’m already looking for our next family cruise, I have decided it will be P&O’s Azura or Ventura. I know what to expect with the kids club and I know we wont be disappointed.

Pleases be aware though not all of the kids clubs on board start at 2 years, some do not start until 3 years. Call me on 0800 408 6104 to hear about some of the great family ships available.