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Two weeks ago we got back from our 7-day cruise on The Rhapsody Of The Seas via Royal Caribbean. It was a small boat but perfect for having a four-year-old. Mostly, the cruise was definitely great for the itinerary. Our 7-day cruise included: Cayman Islands, Cozumel, Belize and Costa Maya. Crusing with a toddler who suffers from ADHD .

Every year my husbands family goes on Super Bowl cruises. My first cruise was only 3 days but this one was 7 days.

Prior To Cruising

Purchase either Sea Bands or some type of motion sickness medication or patch. You can also get prescribed the patch which you place behind your ear. I ended up purchasing Dramamine. My first cruise the water was super choppy and I got the worst motion sickness. A didn’t end up having a problem. He was a huge trooper.

For Kids

Normally cruise lines will offer a kids section where you can drop your kiddos off. Royal Caribbean offers their program Adventure Ocean. It goes by age (3-5, 7-9, 10-12 and a teen section) and they have plenty of activities for them. I was a little hesitant at first but when I needed a break during the day my husband and I would just drop him off.

They had 3-hour blocks and you could pick up anytime. The best part A loved it. It was literally like he was in prek for the week so I didn’t feel so guilty having him leave school for a week. If you really need it you can pay $7 per hour after 10 pm until 2 am. In case you wanted to stay out. A lot of the adult shows were after 10 pm. Since it was a smaller boat they didn’t have access to water activities but he still loved it.

Food

Depending on where your room is located depends on what time you have dinner. They have two dinner times 5:30 pm or 8 pm. When you’re at the pool all day 5:30 seems super early. You will be offered to dine in their main dining section where you will receive a three-course dinner. Two nights during the seven-day cruises you will have an informal and formal night. You can order anything and double your options if needed. They had a couple other restaurants on the ship. You just end up paying via your tab at the end of the week.

They also have an everyday food option. I’m not sure if every boat has the same option but the last two cruises I’ve been on its been the same place called the Wynnjammer. It’s basically an all you can eat buffet. If you choose not to dine in the main dining room then this is where you can get okay food. We still ended up dining in the main dining hall. I felt that I can eat burgers/regular food anytime when I’m not on vacation.  

Drink Packages

They ended up having several packages via alcohol, soda, and top-shelf liquor. If you want any type of soda without paying for it. It is definitely worth it. If not you end up paying out of your pocket via card or use your SEAPASS card (you’re given this before boarding the ship. It’s your room key also it’s needed to purchase anything via cruise ship)after  Drink packages can be purchased ahead of time after you end up booking the cruise. I literally received emails daily. Plus if you wait until you board to purchase it ends up being more expensive.

Excursions

We chose to pick some family excursions since we had A with us. One good thing about taking excursions via your cruise line is they will not leave without you. One thing I do know alot of people get scared about. Plus it becomes more safer.

Calico Jacks via Cayman Islands

When arriving to our destination in Belize we decided to go to the little shops. One shop had a small sit down bar that had the best drinks.

We took a city tour of Belize which we were able to stop at a local rum factory.

Boat tours were being offered when we got to Cozumel that was pretty affordable. Even though A fell asleep halfway into it we had a blast.

All in all were glad we ended up bringing A on his first cruise at the age of 4. It was the perfect age where he got to socialize kids at Adventure Ocean but also spend time with his family and still have a blast. We even booked another one for Feb 2019 and it will be a bigger cruise ship.

What age would you start cruising with your kiddos?