A Florida mother is facing four counts of child neglect after authorities say she left her four young children — including a two-month-old baby — alone inside their North Miami Beach apartment while she took a three-day cruise to the Bahamas.

Nathalie Belizaire, 29, was arrested after returning to Miami aboard the Carnival Conquest on September 28.

According to the arrest affidavit, the children were discovered without adult supervision two days earlier, after the father of Belizaire’s infant became concerned about their welfare and called 911.

THE CRUISE TICKET RAISED THE ALARM
The investigation reportedly began after the infant’s father saw a post on Belizaire’s WhatsApp story on September 24 that appeared to show a Carnival cruise ticket.

He told police that when he spoke with Belizaire, she said the children would be staying with their great-grandmother while she was away.

But according to the arrest report, the children were never brought to their great-grandmother’s home.

Two days later, the father went to Belizaire’s apartment. He said he could see a television on through the blinds and hear children inside.

Concerned that they might be alone, he contacted police.

OFFICERS FOUND FOUR CHILDREN INSIDE
North Miami Beach police and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue responded to the apartment.

Because of concerns for the children’s safety, responders forced entry into the residence.

According to the arrest affidavit, officers found all four children inside without an adult present.

The children included a two-month-old infant and a two-year-old, while the other two children were reported to be older.

Police said the siblings were found together in a bathroom.

Authorities later spoke with the children’s great-grandmother.

According to investigators, she said Belizaire had told her that she would bring the children over before leaving town — but never did.

Belizaire’s brother also reportedly told investigators that she had contacted him and asked him to check on the children.

POLICE SAY SHE WAS ALREADY ON THE CRUISE
Investigators determined that Belizaire had purchased a three-day Carnival cruise to the Bahamas.

The ship departed from PortMiami on September 25.

By the time officers discovered the children on September 26, Belizaire was already away on the cruise.

Detectives subsequently coordinated with federal authorities at PortMiami, where Belizaire was expected to return on September 28.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers took her into custody as she disembarked and transferred her to North Miami Beach police.

SHE NOW FACES FOUR CHILD NEGLECT COUNTS
Belizaire was charged with four counts of child neglect without great bodily harm.

The charges concern each of the four children.

The allegations have not been proven in court.

Belizaire declined to speak with investigators after her arrest, according to the arrest affidavit. Her attorney later told the judge that Belizaire denies the allegations.

THE JUDGE WAS CLEARLY TROUBLED
Belizaire appeared before Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Mindy Glazer for a bond hearing on September 29.

The judge expressed disbelief while reviewing the allegations.

CBS Miami reported that Glazer questioned how four children, including a very young infant, could have been left without adult supervision for the duration of the trip.

The judge also noted that the allegations described a situation in which the children were reportedly left alone for several days.

Despite the judge’s comments, Belizaire’s attorney emphasized that the allegations had not been proven and that her client denied them.

BELIZAIRE WAS RELEASED ON BOND
The judge ultimately set bond at $2,500 for each count, for a total of $10,000.

Belizaire was ordered to have no contact with her children, directly or indirectly, while the case proceeds.

She was also ordered not to possess firearms, weapons or ammunition.

She was released from custody after posting bond Tuesday evening.

The children were reported to be safe and were placed in foster care, according to local reporting.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Belizaire has not entered a plea in the criminal case.

Her arraignment is currently scheduled for November 24, 2026.

The Florida Department of Children and Families is also expected to investigate the circumstances involving the children.

At this stage, the criminal case remains an allegation-based proceeding. A charge is not a finding of guilt, and Belizaire remains entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty in court.

SOURCES
North Miami Beach Police Department: