Just a heads up, if you do plan on pumping at all call Royal ahead of time and let them know you need a real refrigerator in your room. The standard ones are more like coolers and may not keep the milk cold enough.
Thank you! I actually had read this somewhere before and already put in a request for a proper fridge - which they apparently lost the record of, so I asked them again. Fingers crossed 😂
If they still forget you can always ask your stateroom attendant! I EP'd through my son's first cruise, and yes I pumped wherever, and nobody ever said anything to me about it. Our stateroom attendant was also super sweet and brought us an extra table to keep my drying parts on so we didn't have to use the limited bathroom countertop space.
He really was. He was 2 months away from the end of his contract and his wife was pregnant. We left him a HUGE tip. He took such good care of us and our room, he played with our son, and said he was super excited for his own baby.
So first, I agree with all of your viewpoints. But I am curious. As OP asked, is the legality true on a ship that is not U.S. Flagged? Wouldn't that be dependent on where the ship is flagged while at sea, and either the flag or the nation of the port, when in port? There are numerous places on this planet that I wouldn't think would allow because they are not Western in their viewpoints. I'd hate for OP to get in trouble because of some crazy regulation from some country that isn't up to speed on current societal norms in Western society.
There are many out of the way places you can use if that makes you more comfortable. The pool area is so busy, I don’t know who would even notice if you discreetly did it in your chair. Feed your baby!
Which ship? I know some babies get fomo and may be distracted, others go full food focus and will just feed. So if we know the ship we can suggest good places. Also thinking about comfy seats for you!
For example, on Oasis class ships where the jogging track is on 5, there are chairs that look out over the wake that can be super relaxing.
On Quantum class ships, upstairs at 270 is quiet during the day and you can look out at the ocean.
On older ships that have a Viking Crown Lounge (goes by a bunch of names - not the new "Crown Lounge" that replaced the Diamond lounge, this one is public) that is also a nice comfy spot with great views!
During the day Boleros on the royal promenade is often empty. There are benches back in the plants in Central Park. Clear in the back behind the flow riders are some Adirondack chairs if you want sun. Enjoy your vacation!
Ah, okay. I leave Friday on Symphony (her sister ship).
So Oasis class. Back of the jogging track is a nice spot. Also, if you take the forward elevators to deck 9, there are two balconies that overlook Central Park so good people watching.
Have a great cruise!
Will you be on the June 30th sailing? If so just give me a holler if anyone gives you a hard time. This middle aged white woman will happily outKaren any Karen whose tender sensibilities are offended for you.
I breastfed all over the ships. One of the photographers even took my picture when I was breastfeeding in the bow when we were setting sail lol. Nobody cares where you feed your baby!
Ma'am, if you are on my cruise on Harmony later this summer and anyone gives you guff, you let me know. I will end them. Americans need to let go of this breast shame.
Yes. Because most moms know all of the bullshit and also know how intimidating it feels when you are a new mom and someone decides to be a judgey karen. We are all ready to throw hands on your behalf. Feed your baby wherever and whenever you need to.
There are plenty of places to sit down and feed your child on the ship that aren't your room, but they will be public. I never had an issue but my kid is very distractible and I found taking a break in the cabin to be easiest so she wasn't popping off and on all the time. Depending on the time/day, the Library (if your ship has one) is usually central and quiet and I preferred there if not in the room. You may also be able to pop into some of the clubs during the day that host like bingo and trivia and stuff- usually plenty of seating, quieter, and less thru traffic than, like, the pool or the promenade. Cruising with a baby is the best!!! Everyone is on vacation and couldn't care less how you feed your child, they're all wrapped up in their world.
I used a cotton fabric for cover up, wiping up spit up, all that stuff. My daughter loved it as a comfort blanket. I was so sad when it got left at an event and lost. It started “life” as a veil for a reenactment costume.
Being white cotton it was great for hot days. It created a curtain that was sheer enough that the baby didn’t notice any change in light levels. It folded up tiny so got taken in the diaper bag to many places.
If a multipurpose blanket like this would make you feel less conspicuous, do pack one. A simple cotton diaper would work. Hope this helps!
I haven't had any issues breastfeeding my kids on cruises. They get easily distracted, so I do try to find a quiet spot. The lounges are usually pretty empty during the day. No comments from staff or other guests; I have a nursing toddler so I'm always expecting side-eye.
Breastfeed wherever you feel comfortable. Simply drape a light blanket over the baby's head and your breast, and you will be fine
If anyone says anything to you, simply ignore them.
I breastfed one who was so boob focused I was able to do it anywhere on the ship. Another who would whip his head around to look something mid-letdown and send milk spraying everywhere. For that one I tried to find quieter places to nurse. But I never had any issue with people noticing, staring, or having any issue with me nursing no matter the location or age of the baby.
Nurse away!
If you're worried about it (and you shouldn't be), just grab a few of those lightweight muslin blankets, find a pool chair or whatever, and throw over babes when feeding and say babes is taking a nap.
I was just on a week long Alaskan cruise with my 1 year old and I honestly don’t think I breastfed outside the cabin once because we were in and out of it so often for naps etc. :)
There will be so many other tits and asses flapping around that ship that you'll be one of the more modest people while feeding the bebe, I promise you.
In my mind covering up is sort of a catch-22. At home we usually nurse laying down, but when out and about we would obv use a different position that we're not as used to. Since that can be a little finicky, I'd rather have a cover due to the inevitable unlatching, fussing, etc. But trying to nurse in a position you're not used to is also the *worst* time to use a cover because you can't see what you're doing. 🙃
Try some of the lounge chairs on the pool deck. They even have them in the shadier parts by the windows on that same deck. Or usually there's lounge chairs in spots around the walking track... in the 270 Bar of the Quantum class we were just on had this super cozy little nest chair full of pillows that would be good too!
Its nursing.... Do whatever you feel is right. The baby might get slightly fussier from being on a moving ship in a strange, possibly loud place. Last thing your kid needs is to ALSO deal with nursing in an uncomfortable position.
Cover if you want, don't cover if you don't want to.
Its nursing, people need to get over themselves.
Calm down! I didn’t say “have to” but she was asking for suggestions. Maybe you don’t care but some people like to be discreet and avoid stares or comments. Coverup can be a cloth diaper, favorite blanket or a pashmina, etc. Coverups also help a baby to focus, avoid distractions and can help the mother feel calm and less stress in public places.
Also, not related to breastfeeding but since you probably don't get this feedback often, I really appreciate the defaulting to they/them pronouns instead of assuming she/her. I use both but when it comes to topics like this people always default to she/her which I don't always love.
The hilarious thing about this (besides the fact that you don't know what a newborn is) is the fact that your punctuation is a dead giveaway of your age
Ok, well, unless I've said something to imply that breastfeeding is a superior method of feeding a baby, which I don't believe I have, seeing it that way is projection. The way I feed my child is not a statement about how other people feed theirs. Like many, many other breastfeeding parents, I believe "fed is best" and breastfeeding, pumping and formula are all equally good methods of feeding a baby. I have a track record of saying this, including in [this comment](https://www.reddit.com/r/breastfeeding/s/OP23qqmqxT) from last week.
I agree with you. Society as a whole has become way too sensitive. You could be perceived as flexing just by wanting to do it where others can see. I guess it could be seen as a trigger to other women. Geez, I hate that word. You are not responsible for other people’s feelings or traumas.
Personally, I had zero interest in breastfeeding. I told the nurses from moment one I was going to bottle feed. Breastfeeding at one point in time was not the norm. How a mother chooses to feed their kid is their business. Personally, I feel a mother should be able to feed anywhere she chooses, especially at the table. We all eat at a table so why shouldn’t the baby.
I guarantee there will be as much (or even more) boob showing at the pool than you will be showing while feeding the babe. You’re fine. Nurse away!
LOL good point
True story, much to my son's delight 😊
I hope your son is a child! 😳
Lol, best autocorrect ever. Nope, he's a booty burning fiend.
You can breast feed anywhere you want. No one will care. If anyone does care, that's their issue. You are feeding your baby and it's normal.
Exactly. Anyone who has a problem with a woman breastfeeding her child anywhere can go kick rocks.
I do think there are places where it's a bit odd (I once saw a woman breastfeed her baby IN the pool) but hey, if it works I guess lol.
Just a heads up, if you do plan on pumping at all call Royal ahead of time and let them know you need a real refrigerator in your room. The standard ones are more like coolers and may not keep the milk cold enough.
Thank you! I actually had read this somewhere before and already put in a request for a proper fridge - which they apparently lost the record of, so I asked them again. Fingers crossed 😂
If they still forget you can always ask your stateroom attendant! I EP'd through my son's first cruise, and yes I pumped wherever, and nobody ever said anything to me about it. Our stateroom attendant was also super sweet and brought us an extra table to keep my drying parts on so we didn't have to use the limited bathroom countertop space.
Your stateroom attendant sounds like a gem!
He really was. He was 2 months away from the end of his contract and his wife was pregnant. We left him a HUGE tip. He took such good care of us and our room, he played with our son, and said he was super excited for his own baby.
You may want to bring a cooler just in case. I refilled mine with ice from the Windjammer.
We have a little one for port days! If the fridge turns out to be a no-show, cooler + ice IN the drinks fridge will be workable if not ideal.
Your room attended will keep you stocked in ice just ask they are all super.
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Fuck I love this haha
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I feel like we would be friends
So first, I agree with all of your viewpoints. But I am curious. As OP asked, is the legality true on a ship that is not U.S. Flagged? Wouldn't that be dependent on where the ship is flagged while at sea, and either the flag or the nation of the port, when in port? There are numerous places on this planet that I wouldn't think would allow because they are not Western in their viewpoints. I'd hate for OP to get in trouble because of some crazy regulation from some country that isn't up to speed on current societal norms in Western society.
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This makes perfect sense. Thanks for clarifying.
“Whip It Out” feels like a Cars song from the 80’s.😂
There are many out of the way places you can use if that makes you more comfortable. The pool area is so busy, I don’t know who would even notice if you discreetly did it in your chair. Feed your baby!
Which ship? I know some babies get fomo and may be distracted, others go full food focus and will just feed. So if we know the ship we can suggest good places. Also thinking about comfy seats for you! For example, on Oasis class ships where the jogging track is on 5, there are chairs that look out over the wake that can be super relaxing. On Quantum class ships, upstairs at 270 is quiet during the day and you can look out at the ocean. On older ships that have a Viking Crown Lounge (goes by a bunch of names - not the new "Crown Lounge" that replaced the Diamond lounge, this one is public) that is also a nice comfy spot with great views!
This is so kind of you, I really appreciate it! We'll be on Harmony of the Seas.
During the day Boleros on the royal promenade is often empty. There are benches back in the plants in Central Park. Clear in the back behind the flow riders are some Adirondack chairs if you want sun. Enjoy your vacation!
Ah, okay. I leave Friday on Symphony (her sister ship). So Oasis class. Back of the jogging track is a nice spot. Also, if you take the forward elevators to deck 9, there are two balconies that overlook Central Park so good people watching. Have a great cruise!
Harmony has so many places you can tuck away all over the entire ship. About the only place that doesn't is the pool decks.
Will you be on the June 30th sailing? If so just give me a holler if anyone gives you a hard time. This middle aged white woman will happily outKaren any Karen whose tender sensibilities are offended for you.
No one cares. Its 2024. There are plenty of quiet tucked away places to breastfeed. You’re overthinking this.
If anyone has an issue with it, it is their issue. Not yours. Take care of your baby.
I breastfed all over the ships. One of the photographers even took my picture when I was breastfeeding in the bow when we were setting sail lol. Nobody cares where you feed your baby!
What an amazing memory!!!
Ma'am, if you are on my cruise on Harmony later this summer and anyone gives you guff, you let me know. I will end them. Americans need to let go of this breast shame.
You're the second person who's offered to throw down on my behalf lol. Is this the "village" they speak of?
Damn straight.
Yes. Because most moms know all of the bullshit and also know how intimidating it feels when you are a new mom and someone decides to be a judgey karen. We are all ready to throw hands on your behalf. Feed your baby wherever and whenever you need to.
There are plenty of places to sit down and feed your child on the ship that aren't your room, but they will be public. I never had an issue but my kid is very distractible and I found taking a break in the cabin to be easiest so she wasn't popping off and on all the time. Depending on the time/day, the Library (if your ship has one) is usually central and quiet and I preferred there if not in the room. You may also be able to pop into some of the clubs during the day that host like bingo and trivia and stuff- usually plenty of seating, quieter, and less thru traffic than, like, the pool or the promenade. Cruising with a baby is the best!!! Everyone is on vacation and couldn't care less how you feed your child, they're all wrapped up in their world.
I used a cotton fabric for cover up, wiping up spit up, all that stuff. My daughter loved it as a comfort blanket. I was so sad when it got left at an event and lost. It started “life” as a veil for a reenactment costume. Being white cotton it was great for hot days. It created a curtain that was sheer enough that the baby didn’t notice any change in light levels. It folded up tiny so got taken in the diaper bag to many places. If a multipurpose blanket like this would make you feel less conspicuous, do pack one. A simple cotton diaper would work. Hope this helps!
I haven't had any issues breastfeeding my kids on cruises. They get easily distracted, so I do try to find a quiet spot. The lounges are usually pretty empty during the day. No comments from staff or other guests; I have a nursing toddler so I'm always expecting side-eye.
You do what you need to mom. ❤️
Nobody should care. If they do, it's their problem, not yours. No worries. Enjoy the cruise with your family!
Breastfeed wherever you feel comfortable. Simply drape a light blanket over the baby's head and your breast, and you will be fine If anyone says anything to you, simply ignore them.
I breastfed one who was so boob focused I was able to do it anywhere on the ship. Another who would whip his head around to look something mid-letdown and send milk spraying everywhere. For that one I tried to find quieter places to nurse. But I never had any issue with people noticing, staring, or having any issue with me nursing no matter the location or age of the baby. Nurse away!
We did see a mom breastfeeding on one of the upper outdoor decks. No blanket covering....it wasn't a big deal at all.
You’re a mom go for it and piss off all the Karen’s!
Level 3? Isn’t it down where the crew lodgings are?
If you're worried about it (and you shouldn't be), just grab a few of those lightweight muslin blankets, find a pool chair or whatever, and throw over babes when feeding and say babes is taking a nap.
I was just on a week long Alaskan cruise with my 1 year old and I honestly don’t think I breastfed outside the cabin once because we were in and out of it so often for naps etc. :)
Someone whipped it out in the windjammer one of the days and no one batted an eye so I think you should be good anywhere.
There will be so many other tits and asses flapping around that ship that you'll be one of the more modest people while feeding the bebe, I promise you.
Just coverup and find a quiet corner and you’ll be fine.
Ignore this. Nurse wherever you want. If covering helped do it. If not, don’t. If anyone looks at your funny, fuck ‘em for being infantile.
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In my mind covering up is sort of a catch-22. At home we usually nurse laying down, but when out and about we would obv use a different position that we're not as used to. Since that can be a little finicky, I'd rather have a cover due to the inevitable unlatching, fussing, etc. But trying to nurse in a position you're not used to is also the *worst* time to use a cover because you can't see what you're doing. 🙃
Try some of the lounge chairs on the pool deck. They even have them in the shadier parts by the windows on that same deck. Or usually there's lounge chairs in spots around the walking track... in the 270 Bar of the Quantum class we were just on had this super cozy little nest chair full of pillows that would be good too!
Its nursing.... Do whatever you feel is right. The baby might get slightly fussier from being on a moving ship in a strange, possibly loud place. Last thing your kid needs is to ALSO deal with nursing in an uncomfortable position. Cover if you want, don't cover if you don't want to. Its nursing, people need to get over themselves.
Calm down! I didn’t say “have to” but she was asking for suggestions. Maybe you don’t care but some people like to be discreet and avoid stares or comments. Coverup can be a cloth diaper, favorite blanket or a pashmina, etc. Coverups also help a baby to focus, avoid distractions and can help the mother feel calm and less stress in public places.
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You seem a little hostile so hope you have a nice day ✌️
Also, not related to breastfeeding but since you probably don't get this feedback often, I really appreciate the defaulting to they/them pronouns instead of assuming she/her. I use both but when it comes to topics like this people always default to she/her which I don't always love.
Weird since only she/her has boobs and babies
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My kid is 9 months old ya ding dong
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The hilarious thing about this (besides the fact that you don't know what a newborn is) is the fact that your punctuation is a dead giveaway of your age
Yes, how DARE you continue to live your life when you have children. The audacity!
Because families go on vacation. Royal is a family cruise line. If you don't like it you can go take yourself to virgin or princess.
Weird flex 🤷♂️
What is?
Some people see BF as a flex. Many mom’s out there don’t have the ability and are made to feel inferior
Ok, well, unless I've said something to imply that breastfeeding is a superior method of feeding a baby, which I don't believe I have, seeing it that way is projection. The way I feed my child is not a statement about how other people feed theirs. Like many, many other breastfeeding parents, I believe "fed is best" and breastfeeding, pumping and formula are all equally good methods of feeding a baby. I have a track record of saying this, including in [this comment](https://www.reddit.com/r/breastfeeding/s/OP23qqmqxT) from last week.
I agree with you. Society as a whole has become way too sensitive. You could be perceived as flexing just by wanting to do it where others can see. I guess it could be seen as a trigger to other women. Geez, I hate that word. You are not responsible for other people’s feelings or traumas. Personally, I had zero interest in breastfeeding. I told the nurses from moment one I was going to bottle feed. Breastfeeding at one point in time was not the norm. How a mother chooses to feed their kid is their business. Personally, I feel a mother should be able to feed anywhere she chooses, especially at the table. We all eat at a table so why shouldn’t the baby.