What are some financial cruise tips when bringing babies & toddlers? Family vacations create wonderful bonding moments that can create fun memories that last a lifetime. Some parents hesitate to book cruises when they have infants or toddlers. Young children do not necessarily have to be a burden if you consider these tips: Are child discounts available for shore excursions? Save money while cruising by checking with the on ship excursion desk for child rates on various shore activities. Alternatively, some families choose to plan their own excursion. You will save some money and also have the freedom to return to the ship if the kids get tired. Once you are on a tour set up by the ship, you are stuck for the duration. How do you bathe a baby when the cabin has no bath tub? Free and low cost cruise deals usually include "inside" cabins which have no view and few amenities like bath tubs. Creativity and teamwork is the answer. Some parents have had success when they team together. One parent gets in the shower in their swim suits and holds the baby while the other parent washes the child. Should you tip the youth counselors at the end of the cruise? Gratuities are a personal decision. However, it is customary to thank anyone that makes your vacation easy and memorable with a gratuity. Many ships offer organized, age appropriate youth programs that are run by professionally trained staff. This allows kids to hang out with other kids and the parents can get some alone time. On some ships, youth counselors combine their tips, so you can hand any of the counselors an envelope with your tip in it. Is a balcony worth the extra money? If your child will be napping during the day, a cabin with a balcony is a convenient solution to keep the room quiet and not disturb your child. When the child naps, the adults can retreat to the balcony and enjoy a peaceful view with a good book and a refreshing drink while listening for any stirrings from the little one. Ships without balcony rooms may have a curtain in the cabin which allows the room to be split in two and provide a visual and sound barrier to help the child fall asleep easily. Cruising to the Bahamas with children can be a memorable getaway. Following these tips can help you stay within budget without necessarily having to break the bank.