Toddler friendly holidays

After my 2nd miscarriage I decided that I wanted to get away from it all. I need to give my body a break and I want something to look forward to over the next few months of waiting, I am a very impatient person. I don’t want to have to wait too long so we are looking at going away in April or May. I want to have a holiday with just the three of us, something we haven’t actually done yet.  I want it to be suitable for Rosalie who will be 20 months in April but also be enjoyable for mummy and daddy too. I would also like to see a bit of sun!
Caribbean
A Caribbean holiday sounds like bliss and just what I need. Sun, sea and not much else! I think Rosalie would love playing on the beach every day. An all-inclusive resort would cater for our every need, beach, a splash pool for Rosalie. The temperature in Cuba at this time of year is 25 degrees. What is putting us off is the long flight time and possibly a long transfer to our hotel.
Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are around 21 degrees at this time of year. This will be hot enough for us and probably a better temperature  for Rosalie. We have been here many times before so we know what we will be getting. Beach, pool, sun and maybe a few days out. The shorter flight time is more ideal for a toddler too.
UK 
We are considering staying in the UK. We can pack as much as we can fit into our car and simply drive to our destination. We looked at staying in a forest lodge in the New forest. Although the weather is not as reliable as abroad we decided we would plan lots of days out so it wouldn’t really matter. The New Forest is very close to Peppa Pig World which I think my Peppa obsessed toddler will love.
Cruising

This is a little different and not something we have ever really considered before. The main advantage of going on a cruise is that there would be hardly any travelling. We live about an hour away from Southampton so could simply drive and board the boat there. There are no hold limits so you can take as much luggage as you like. There are plenty of activities on board to keep a toddler entertained and you get to see lots of different countries.

Can you tell where we have chosen to holiday this year??!

I still can’t quite believe we have booked it.WE ARE GOING ON A CRUISE!!

Yes, we have booked to go on a cruise this year. Here’s Why…
  • We love food
I have been told the food on board is rather special. This was something we were really disappointed in at the all-inclusive resort we stayed in last year.
  • Toddler Activities
There will be so much for Rosalie to do on board the boat. Toddlers like the simple things, activity classes, and a splash pool will keep Rosalie entertained and the Independence of the Seas has both on board. They also run crafting sessions for you to drop into with your little one.
  • Reasonable cost

Although pricier than a holiday to the canaries or a stay in this country, it isn’t that much more expensive seeing as it includes everything. It is a similar price to what we paid for a week’s holiday at Holiday Village resort last year but we are getting a two week holiday instead of one!

  • We get to see the world!

We have chosen to go on a Mediterranean  cruise. The boat will be stopping at Gibraltar, Barcelona, Nice, Rome, Valencia, Malaga, and Seville. I have always wanted to go to Barcelona and Rome so we will get to tick two places off our travel list. Let’s face it there are not going to be any city breaks for two happening anytime soon with a young family.Having never been on a cruise before I am a little nervous as I don’t know what to expect. On paper this seems to tick all the boxes I just hope it doesn’t disappoint. This particular cruise itinerary has a good mix of sailing days and country visits. Our sailing days will be all about Rosalie taking her swimming and to the toddler activities. Whilst our days in port will be filled with beach days and sightseeing. It seems like the perfect mix. I just hope it suits us all!

Have you been on a cruise with a little one? Do you have any tips for cruising? Where will you be going on your family holiday this year?

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17 Comments

  • Reply
    Nicola Eld
    11th February 2016 at 11:43 AM

    Ahhhh those all sounds amazing, I think you've sold me on a cruise though! Haha. I wish! I've never been abroad and planned to go for the first time with my little girl. I'm so sorry you've also experienced loss; I recently lost my Lily to SIDS. Infant loss, stillbirth or miscarriage; it shouldn't happen. Super strong mama! Hope you have an amazing holiday! x

    • Reply
      Sarah Cantwell
      12th February 2016 at 6:29 PM

      Thank you lovely. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. There are no words but sending you lots of love. Perhaps you should join us on our cruise? Xx

  • Reply
    Mums Little Loves
    11th February 2016 at 11:52 AM

    this sounds amazing! Sounds exactly what you all need right now, the perfect escape to get away from it all and just enjoy your little girl and make loads of memories together xx

    • Reply
      Sarah Cantwell
      12th February 2016 at 6:30 PM

      Thank you. That's the idea I just hope it all works out. I always get a little nervous planning something I've never done before xx

  • Reply
    Amanda Jenner
    11th February 2016 at 12:46 PM

    Yay this sounds awesome and i'm sure you'll have a brilliant time. I've heard great things about food on cruises and the service is supposed to be brilliant. And you'll get to see some beautiful parts of the world. Amazing that you'll be able to drop Rosalie off to do some activities. Hope you are doing ok lovely – horrible what you've been through recently and hopefully this will give you something to look forward to xx

    • Reply
      Sarah Cantwell
      12th February 2016 at 7:06 PM

      Thank you hun, you have made me even more excited to go!! Xx

  • Reply
    Loving My Finley
    11th February 2016 at 3:21 PM

    They all sound so amazing! Id love to be going on holiday abroud right now!

    • Reply
      Sarah Cantwell
      12th February 2016 at 7:07 PM

      This time of year is so depressing isn't it? Makes you need something to look forward to xx

  • Reply
    oana79
    12th February 2016 at 12:41 PM

    We have been on two cruises before having Emma, would love to go on one with her but finances are tight this year. But we are going to the Caribbean next year, as I won the competition at Christmas with BritMums so something to definitely look forward to!xx

    • Reply
      Sarah Cantwell
      12th February 2016 at 7:08 PM

      Oh wow! I've never been to the Caribbean but it looks so beautiful. You will have an amazing time I am sure xx

  • Reply
    Tanita
    12th February 2016 at 6:29 PM

    Oh how exciting, we have never been on a cruise, but my aunt worked on a cruise line and have been on board before there are so many activities and things to do. I am sure you will have such a lovely time. You are stopping off at some beautiful places too. x

    • Reply
      Sarah Cantwell
      12th February 2016 at 7:10 PM

      It looks like there is lots to keep our cheeky monkey entertained and lots of wonderful places to explore xx

  • Reply
    Pamela | Life With Munchers
    12th February 2016 at 10:00 PM

    A cruise sounds great! I love that everything is catered for and you can really just switch off. I'm terrified of boats though!

    • Reply
      Sarah Cantwell
      15th February 2016 at 8:42 PM

      My mum is too! I think she may have a nervous break down while we are away. Both her babies, floating in the middle of the sea for two weeks!!

  • Reply
    Janine Dolan
    12th February 2016 at 10:12 PM

    I have never been on a cruise before.
    I'd love to as like you said it's the perfect way to see so many different countries. The only thing I would be worried about is the sea and getting sea sick.

    • Reply
      Sarah Cantwell
      12th February 2016 at 10:21 PM

      I am a little worried about that but hoping I'll be fine. I'm just not going to think about it 🙂 xx

  • Reply
    Mummy B Blog UK Family Lifestyle
    15th February 2016 at 7:54 PM

    Sounds amazing! I have never been on a cruise but it does sound appealing, especially with kids (which I never imagined it would be!). Have a wonderful time xxx

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