Through My Cooked Lens

What Worked (and What Didn’t)

Now that I’ve shared what we packed with a toddler, here’s what actually worked on board…and what didn’t.

The Backpack Leash Attempt

We tried one of those little backpack leashes for the first time on the ship. Total flop. It might have been helpful if we had practiced at home, but it was not the right place to figure it out.

Day One: Adjusting to Our “Temporary House”

That first half day was a bit stressful with the crowds and excitement. Coop wanted down to explore, but crowded ship areas made it hard. We grabbed some pizza and let him stretch his legs in the back of the ship where he could watch the water. He bumped his head a few times but had the best time.

Since his nap schedule was off from sleeping on the drive, there was no nap this day. He did enjoy his first boat shower and loved running back and forth between our cabin and his Lolli’s.

Dining Lessons Learned

We booked late dining at 8:15 because it fit his schedule at the time. By cruise week, he was a one-nap kid and that dinner was way too late. He gave it his best, but most nights one of us had to leave the table early. One night he even slept on me through almost all of dinner. For the next cruise, we know early dining is the way to go.

Play Time on the Ship

Camp Ocean only offered free play for under-twos in the mornings on sea days, but Coop loved it. We also found a quiet spot on Deck 11 near the breeze breaker that gave him safe freedom to run. He couldn’t do water play since he isn’t potty trained, but that didn’t seem to bother him.

Entertainment Highlights

Coop loved the music shows and had the best time dancing. He joined us for the Dr. Seuss parade (though I mostly carried him) and story time until he got thirsty and we had to grab his cup.

His favorite thing on the ship was climbing in the window and playing with magnets. Booking a window room was a 10 out of 10 choice and we’ve already booked another for the next cruise.

Port Adventures

Roatán
We skipped excursions and went to the free beach. It was crowded but good for us. We forgot his life vest, but Patrick rented one. Coop splashed, played, and then switched to sand time while we snorkeled with Lolli’s help.

Belize
We got off the ship without an excursion and quickly regretted it. Waiting on boats and taxis with a toddler who couldn’t run free was stressful for everyone. We will not get off here again until he is older.

Cozumel
We booked Paradise Beach on our own and it was amazing. Spacious, soft sand that didn’t stick, umbrellas, food and water service, and plenty of room for Coop to play. He was able to enjoy the water safely and we even snorkeled. This was the best port day of the cruise.

Disembarkation

Thanks to Patrick’s cabin choice on Deck 1 near a disembark point, this was smoother than expected. We carried our luggage off, which was a workout. I had two suitcases, a diaper bag, and Coop in the Ergo. Patrick had two more bags and the camera gear. Coop insisted on “helping” push a suitcase, which gave the crew a laugh. The Ergo baby carrier was a lifesaver.

Final Thoughts

Cruising with a toddler isn’t exactly relaxing, but it was fun, memorable, and worth every effort. We learned a lot: early dining is key, window rooms are magic, and sometimes skipping a port is the best decision.

Our next adventure is already booked. We will be heading to the Bahamas in spring 2026 with just us three. We cannot wait to do it again with a little more wisdom in our pockets.