Baby Cruising & Cruising with Babies

When beginning to type this post, my intentions were simple: upload a video of Holden doing some of what is called "cruising" (or when a baby starts taking steps while holding on to the couch, coffee table, or other pieces of furniture). But then I got distracted by reading about "cruising with babies," or baby-friendly cruises (you know, like the ones where you get on a big boat and stop at every colonial tourist trap in the Caribbean, which is now coated in a luxurious layer of BP's finest). Actually, I shouldn't knock cruises since (1) I have never been on one, and (2) we're going on one next year -- but it's to Alaska, so it's different (as if).

Wait, first, let me get back to where I started -- Holden's semi-cruising (not the boat kind). I say semi-cruising, because he had some help from daddy. He's not able to pull himself up onto the couch, so I give him that little boost. But he's doing such a good job these days of balancing and holding himself there without falling, and he even tries to take a step or two each time (before he takes a dive into the rug). Here's the video of him in his early attempts at cruising, baby-style:

While Googling "baby cruising," I came across WAY more websites about going on actual cruises with babies, and which cruises are the most baby-friendly. It was a learning experience. I mean, did you know that many cruise lines offer babysitting services ... for as little as $6 per hour!! Yes, I said $6 PER HOUR! Unfortunately, they don't send their services to St. Louis (way too far from any port of call). Many also have nurseries, and youth programs for children over the age of 2 (but they do not need to be potty trained on many cruise lines -- except Norwegian Cruise Line, which requires parents to carry a beeper in case a diaper change is necessary). Disney is the only cruise line with bath tubs on all rooms (try bathing your fussy 6-month-old in one of those super-cramped stand-up showers). And after baby goes to sleep, you can't leave the room to enjoy the partying ... yes, even in international waters, I think it's still a crime. But for an additional fee, you can get a room with a veranda/porch, where you can enjoy some quiet time while the little tot sleeps.

All in all, though, cruising with a baby sounds like a lot of planning and extra fees. I say parents should have the opportunity to escape for a cruise and leave baby with grandma and grandpa (oh, and by the way, that's what we're doing next year ... Grandma and Grandpa Campbell just plain rock!!!!).