1st cruise in two weeks!!! Mariner of the Seas!!

[sweetjoie]

hi everyone!
i have been pouring over magazines and websites for the last couple of weeks! i can't wait to escape this frigid weather we're having (toronto)!! winter seems to have extended their stay!!! so i stumbled upon this website, very informative! i've been told that the RCCL was one of the best so i am definitely looking forward to a great first experience. however, i have some concerns, i have a 2 yr old daughter and from what i understand, the daycares don't take children under 3. although they have a babysitter service, i would much rather her be able to play around in a safe environment. does anybody have any input on this, would be greatly appreciated! also, how are the spas services on the ship? is it worth it? im in the process of packing, any special advice?
thanks!!!! two more weeks!!!!!!!!!!

[Natalia]

Congrats on your first cruise and =welcome aboard! We are glad to have you joining us! Im sorry I cant help you regarding RCI's childrens program as my boys are older than yours. You can always call their customer service # and ask them directly. You can get that number off their website. Also, check out <http://cruisediva.com/> for packing lists and cruise tips. If you have specific questions, ask them here and/or on the community board (thats where a lot of the seasoned cruisers hang out). Also, you can do a search for a certain subject or port, etc. Very helpful, theres loads of info in these boards. If I can help you further, feel free to drop me an email :)

Edited to add: Check out the post "MY 1ST CRUISE", posted by sunnycali.... theres some great advice for first time cruisers there.



Post Edited (03-14-04 23:24)

[dldancer]

I don't have the answers to your questions, but I wanted to say...

=welcome :newbie Glad to have you on board. Hope you'll pull up a chair and stay a while. :wave

Oh, and... =funsign

[ljeanbrown]

RCCL's childrens program is for ages 3 and up and they must be potty trained. Sorry you won't be able to use their program, as it is a good one. Carnival is the only childrens program that I remember that takes 2 year olds. You will still be able to have a great cruise though, as this is your first I hope you have a wonderful time :wave

[Ali]

Welcome Aboard! As Laurie posted, RCI will not take kids under 3, nor those that are not potty trained. Babysitting services are usually only provided at night, not during the day. Here's a great link for packing and getting things ready for a warm weather cruise. Calgon Pages

Ask away with your questions here on the RCI forum. There are many of us with tons of experience with Royal Caribbean.

[lizardstew]

=welcome I'm glad you found us!

You will have a wonderfule time! I love RCI as do many people here and I have had nothing but great experiences. I leave in a couple of hours for my next RCI cruise and I sail on the Mariner on October.....so I can't wait to hear about your trip!

I can tell you this. You will find a lot of negativity (especially lately, for some reason.) and although it's always good to get advice, remember to take it with a grain of salt. If you go with the right attitude, you'll have the trip of a lifetime even if there are a few bumps along the way.

Enjoy the short countdown to your frist cruise.....you'll soon be addicted like the rest of us!

[sailingrose]

Welcome aboard and congrats on your first cruise. RCI has a childrens pool and I too believe the babysitting is only in the evening. I'm sure that some of the crew will pay extra attention to your daughter as a lot of them have kids at home and really miss them. Enjoy your cruise.

One important item......please be sure to bring enough children's medicine, tylenol, cough, etc as those are not always readily available aboard.

[Minnie56]

Congrats!

You will have a blast! I was on Mariner for the New Years cruise and it is a beautiful ship! Enjoy:-)