mom

I'm thinking about taking a cruise with my two kids, ages 10 and 12, and so far haven't had any luck with bookings with cruise discounters: All the quotes seem to be based on double occupancy plus they have only cabins with two beds (HAL and NCL). Any suggestions how to go about a triple cabin wihtout paying the official cruise price? And does kid no. 1 pay full price? What about the second child?

Paul Therault

Hi mom,<BR><BR>The first two in a cabin will pay full price. Does not make a difference even if one is an infant.<BR><BR>The lower rates are for the 3rd and 4th person in the cabin. The taxes and port charges remain the same on most lines (Disney reduces the tax on those under 5).<BR><BR>Disney is also one cruise line that has reduced rates for 3rd and 4th child in the cabin but the prices for the first two are very high to make up for it (these Disneys are smart guys).<BR><BR>The most reasonable cabins on just about all cruise lines have two lower beds convertible to a queen or king with 2 upper bunk beds. As you go up in price you will find convertible sofas (single and twin).<BR><BR>Hope this helps.<BR><BR>Paul<BR><BR>

Elaine

We took our grand-daughter (a teenager) on an NCL cruise. They didn't have any cabins with upper bunks left so she had a rollaway. The cabin (an outside)wasn't very big and I wondered how this would work but I was very impressed with our steward. That bed was out of the way in the morning if you so much as stepped out, and back up in the evening at the appropriate time. We never saw him so I wondered how he managed this! NCL had a GREAT teenage program and I'm sure they would have the same for the ages of your two. They will have fun!

Dawn Ct

We have had triples and quads on Royal Carribean and this year we have a triple booked on the Celebrity's Galaxy. Usually the rate is discounted for the third and forth passenger but we are paying $410 pp, inside cabin out of San Juan, so I guess they figured they discounted it enough.

Dawn Ct

Mom @sea, Just curious, why would you consider HAL. I have always been under the impression that they catered to older (senior) guests. I know that all lines offer a kids program but I don't think I would consider HAL with more family friendly lines available.

xxx

Definitely do not take kids on Holland America. I had a good experience but the cruise was more than 90% seniors. Your kids would be bored stiff.

mom

It just happens that I looked at HAL and NCL because they're the only ones going to Canada/New England in the summer. Also, wouldn't the percentage of seniors depend on where and when you're going?<BR>Since the New England plan has been cancelled, I'm now looking into other destinations (e.g. with RCL and Princess). <BR>Anyways, sorry for being so dense, but how do you see that there are upper bunks in the cabin when booking via a website, or do you need a travel agent for such extras?

Elaine

Ask your TA for a book..or a brochure. I have one for almost every cruise line that my TA gladly sends whenever I talk to her about a cruise. Each will show many of their ships, their itinerary, general info, etc. And if I'm not mistaken, their is a little indicator for the cabins that have bunks. Granted, your TA will tell you, but they are fun to have and browse through and, once you've booked and been assigned a cabin, you can pull it out now and then as a good anticipator for your up-coming trip.<BR>