p& o cruises- has anyone been on one, what are they like for childcare?

[666uk]

im looking to book a cruise with p&o for the summer and was looking to find out some info on what they are like and what the childcare is like

Hi We have been on 3 P and O cruises and going on our 4th this summer.We really enjoy cruising. The facilities on board for children are excellant.Clubs for different ages,ranging from 2-17.There is also a night nusery for under 5's.

really?

I would have thought a cruise was a totally inappropriate holiday for a child .. actually anyone under the age of 60 to be honest

prepares to allow prejudices to evaporate by watching thread

Hi Twiglett

Before our first cruise we were really unsure how suitable it would be for children.P and O have the best children's facilities of any holiday we have been on. Age range really varies. In high session normally good mixture of ages.

Cruises are for all ages now. We have been with Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Disney and they were all great.My children are now 9 and 4 and they have been on at least 6 cruises

Cruising is so much better value than all inclusive resorts and some of the caribbean ones are so cheap if you book only a few months out.

I really fancy a cruise but my ds is obsessed with stairs and climbing so don't feel a cruise ship would be suitable this year!

We took a cruise with our 20 mth old as we thought it would be 'easier' than any other sort of hol - we like our luxury and like to travel around and see things. We would normally never of considered a cruise particularly because my parents in law are in their 60's and love them !
We got a mini suite which although a bit pricey was perfect as our room was curtained off from the 'lounge' so we could put Ben down for his nap and still watch tv or sunbathe on the balcony without waking him. The kids club was brilliant - it does start from 2 though so we coldn't actually leave him completely in their care but we just took it turns stay with him and we'd just read a book whilst the staff entertained him, whilst the other would go off and have a sunbathe, so it was great. In the evening we booked ourselves onto the late sitting at 8.30pm. Ben was put down at 7pm then we would get our shower and get drssed up, set the phone to 'listening mode', tell the cabin steward where we were eating and head off to the bar for pre dinner drinks. We could then phone the room every 15 mins or so and listen in to make sure he wasn't crying. Also the cabin steward was always within listening distance and would know where to find us if he heard anything. Ben was always a brilliant sleeper anyway so although initially a little apprehensive about 'leaving' him, it worked out great. Mind you this was all well before 'madeline' and despite it being on a ship with no where for anyone to go with him, i'm not so sure I'd do it now !! Plus our second, Thomas is far more likely to wake up, so we wouldn't do it with him anyway.
Anyway we had a fab cruise around the carribbean, it was easy and the staff were fantastic with Ben - so friendly and helpful. We didn't participate in any of the late night shows or anything - we were too tired as Ben woke early every morning as the sun streamed around the curtains ! They did provide a 'net' along the balcony to help stopping him throwing himself off ! and the dvd player in the suite was essential. The only downside was they kick you out of the room really early despite the plane not being until late at night and they would not budge despite us saying how he needed a lunch time sleep etc Instead we got a day rate in a room on the beach, which was a brill idea - cost of course but we were pleased we did it.