Cruise?? | Mumsnet

WorthyOtter · 2025-04-21T21:25:16+00:00

Were trying to plan a holiday, it will be our first since having our baby (now 8 months). I've never been on a proper cruise. But I quite like the idea of a cruise with a baby - everything's close by, we don't need to venture too far. We are in our early 30s, don't want anything formal just something we can relax. Any recommendations? I've been looking online but worried we're looking at the wrong things. Also, most cruises depart from Southampton and we live in the north west

Pigeonqueen · 21/04/2025 22:27

A lot of cruise lines now offer fly cruises where you can fly to whatever port you wish to depart from and then go from there. Search up various cruises / ships on You Tube - there are so many blogs that will show you everything you need to know.

Original poster

WorthyOtter · 21/04/2025 22:30

Forgot to add, I'd rather not fly. Not a fan of flying, I will and do but the other reason I'd enjoy a cruise is to avoid flying lol

OP posts:

Pigeonqueen · 21/04/2025 22:41

Hmm that does limit things a bit! You’d really have to try and make a short break of the journey down to Southampton and stay overnight the night before if you live so far away. Lots of the surrounding hotels offer stay and park for the duration of your cruise - although CPS parking at the cruise terminal is usually the preferred way to park (although slightly more expensive).

Not many cruises are very formal now, maybe Cunard if anything but even that’s more relaxed than it used to be. Most cruises have one or two formal nights and if you don’t wish to join in there are lots of places you can choose to eat where you don’t have to dress up. P and O and MSC are often favoured by families with younger children / babies. Royal Carribean has more to offer for teens / larger families with active kids. But that’s a huge generalisation. It really depends what kind of people you are and what you like to do.

Original poster

WorthyOtter · 21/04/2025 22:43

Pigeonqueen · 21/04/2025 22:41

Hmm that does limit things a bit! You’d really have to try and make a short break of the journey down to Southampton and stay overnight the night before if you live so far away. Lots of the surrounding hotels offer stay and park for the duration of your cruise - although CPS parking at the cruise terminal is usually the preferred way to park (although slightly more expensive).

Not many cruises are very formal now, maybe Cunard if anything but even that’s more relaxed than it used to be. Most cruises have one or two formal nights and if you don’t wish to join in there are lots of places you can choose to eat where you don’t have to dress up. P and O and MSC are often favoured by families with younger children / babies. Royal Carribean has more to offer for teens / larger families with active kids. But that’s a huge generalisation. It really depends what kind of people you are and what you like to do.

Going from Southampton isn't an issue really, we're happy with some entertainment on the evening, nice places to eat, few activities through the day. Thanks for the recommendations I'll have a look

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avignon1234 · 21/04/2025 23:14

I really would not do a cruise with an 8 month old if the port is not near you. I'm a seasoned cruiser. Unless you go out of Southampton, which you would have to travel down to, then you are sort of scuppered anyway as it is such a long journey down by train or plane. Cruising with a baby or kids is not impossible. and plenty enjoy it, but (and this is my personal opinion) but it is not the easiest of holidays. Most of the "enjoyment" is based around adult stuff (fine dining, drinking) and that is if you have a nice smooth cruise. In the last four I have been on, we have had rough seas on two, not too bad for us, good sea legs and all of that, but it is debilitating for many, and you cannot get off it. There are few baby friendly facilities on a cruise ( for example no kettles in rooms ) It is only my opinion, but I would book a good airbnb or hotel in a resort that did flights from the North West, and cope with a 2 hour flight with the little one. Hope this helps x

sweetpickle2 · 22/04/2025 13:16

I'd suggest P&O- they have nurseries on the ships (others probably do too but they're the ones I know of) and if you get the right ship/itinerary, will be very family friendly. The day nursery is for you to accompany, but they also have a night nursery so you can leave your baby with someone while you go and do things in the evening.

Iona is one of the more popular ships for being family friendly, there's a MN review here https://www.mumsnet.com/reviews/pando-cruises-iona-review

An honest review of P&O Cruises' Iona | Mumsnet

Our verdict of a family cruise onboard P&O Cruises' Iona ship including a review of the cabins, restaurants, amenities, kids' clubs and entertainment.

https://www.mumsnet.com/reviews/pando-cruises-iona-review

Original poster

WorthyOtter · 22/04/2025 16:22

sweetpickle2 · 22/04/2025 13:16

I'd suggest P&O- they have nurseries on the ships (others probably do too but they're the ones I know of) and if you get the right ship/itinerary, will be very family friendly. The day nursery is for you to accompany, but they also have a night nursery so you can leave your baby with someone while you go and do things in the evening.

Iona is one of the more popular ships for being family friendly, there's a MN review here https://www.mumsnet.com/reviews/pando-cruises-iona-review

Thanks so much x

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Dearover · 22/04/2025 16:38

P&O is very baby friendly. Definitely kettles and a fridge in your room. You can warm up food. Baby friendly children's only tea time. Wallace & Grommit (I think) are their mascots.

Iona & Arvia are huge. Britannia is probably my favourite from the family ships. Ventura is smaller and a bit scruffy round the edges now.

The best thing about a cruise from Southampton is that you can take absolutely everything with you that you can fit in your car. You can also be on board within 20-30 minutes of your arrival time at Southampton. Many of their deals include free parking.

Crinescene · 22/04/2025 16:48

The only advice I would say cruising with kids is to get a balcony so you can relax at night when they are asleep.