First Cruise Recommendation(s)
Apr 2nd, 2010 | 11:56 AM
#1
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Joined: Oct 2007
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First Cruise Recommendation(s)
We're a family of 4 (kids 11 & 16) looking to go on our first cruise. Since we love the water (snorkeling, etc) we're looking at Carribbean cruise out of Florida (5-7 nts). I believe we will get 2 rooms so budget is of some concern. However, since this is our first and probably last cruise for a number of years, we'd like a better than average ship experience. Any ship, cruise line, and/or itinerary suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Apr 2nd, 2010 | 02:55 PM
#2
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 896
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I would suggest that you check out www.cruisecritic.com
Although we haven't been on Princess, you might want to check them out. Also talk to your travel agent.
Although we haven't been on Princess, you might want to check them out. Also talk to your travel agent.
Apr 2nd, 2010 | 06:09 PM
#3
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,334
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Royal Caribbean with all it's rock climbing, ice skating,e tc.. would be perfect.. Prices are coming down right now.. To cut costs y ou might want to book two cabins.. one an inside across the way from y our cabin.. the kids can use it although it's officially not allowed.. or you can get a family suite
Apr 3rd, 2010 | 08:07 AM
#6
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,737
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Some ships offer connecting cabins. Unfortunately, most of them are balcony and outside only. have you consider booking a suite and have all 4 of you in the same cabin? The only negative is sharing one bathroom.
RCCL is a good choice with the rock claiming and those type of activitiies, However, don't pick a ship just becasue they have those type of "cool activities". Some Celebrity ship has real grass putting greens on their ships. Princess offers Moves under the Stars (100 foot screens at the pool deck) on their Grand Class vessels. Disney may or may not not be high on the list for the 16 year old but the 11 year old would love it. So don't rule out Disney crusie line though they are a bit more expensive but it s a unique experience.
We have cruised with our kids (all 4 of us) in the same cabin. The 3rd and 4th person extra charge is much cheaper than a having second cabin. Our experience was pretty good and no one comaplaint. We spent most of the time outside the cabin anyway except during bed time. The only bad things is the morning bathroom rush but it could be scheduled, or for thise bathroom emergencies, use the public bathroom.
There is so much to do on a cruise ship (especially the mega ships) that we don't stay in the cabin all that much. We had a suite (an upgarde) on our last trip. We thought we would use the cabin more as there is so much more room. At the end of the day, we didn't spend any more time in the cabin than usual although we did enjoyed the extra space and things offered.
Look into a 7 days rather than 5 days. Look for stops on islands with great beaches. If it is my choice, I will pick Princess/Celebrity over Carnival/RCCL. (RCCL owns Celebrity and Carnival owns Princess) The price is not all that much different but you will have a better experience for yourself on Princess or Celebrity: less PA annoucement, less in your face booze selling. Those 2 crusie lines do things a little bit more subtle. As to kids, they will love it just the same and there is just as much to do on Celebrity and Princess and keep them busy.
When you plan your budget, consider the extras. Tipping, soft drinks, shore excursions and some spending money comes to mind. Check out if the teens progrm cost money. The ship may not charge money, but keeping up with the Jones could be expansive. Feeding the arcades, etc etc ... Our kids were not in any programs at all and we spent some time together but not all the time.
They roamed the ship, played basket ball, ping pong, mini golf, enjoyed the pool, watched movies or live shows just to name a few. They also enjoyed the ice cream bar and the made to order pizza sll hours of the day. And there are so much more activities on the mega ships now comparing to when they travelled with us years ago.
If budget is a concern, book one cabin (outside cabin) and have 4 of you in the same cabin. It's only crowded at night when the beds are down. Even closet space shoudln't be a problem if you each have one full size suitcase.
Save your money and book one cabin unless the 3rd and 4th person charges are the same as having an extra cabin.
Good luck!
RCCL is a good choice with the rock claiming and those type of activitiies, However, don't pick a ship just becasue they have those type of "cool activities". Some Celebrity ship has real grass putting greens on their ships. Princess offers Moves under the Stars (100 foot screens at the pool deck) on their Grand Class vessels. Disney may or may not not be high on the list for the 16 year old but the 11 year old would love it. So don't rule out Disney crusie line though they are a bit more expensive but it s a unique experience.
We have cruised with our kids (all 4 of us) in the same cabin. The 3rd and 4th person extra charge is much cheaper than a having second cabin. Our experience was pretty good and no one comaplaint. We spent most of the time outside the cabin anyway except during bed time. The only bad things is the morning bathroom rush but it could be scheduled, or for thise bathroom emergencies, use the public bathroom.
There is so much to do on a cruise ship (especially the mega ships) that we don't stay in the cabin all that much. We had a suite (an upgarde) on our last trip. We thought we would use the cabin more as there is so much more room. At the end of the day, we didn't spend any more time in the cabin than usual although we did enjoyed the extra space and things offered.
Look into a 7 days rather than 5 days. Look for stops on islands with great beaches. If it is my choice, I will pick Princess/Celebrity over Carnival/RCCL. (RCCL owns Celebrity and Carnival owns Princess) The price is not all that much different but you will have a better experience for yourself on Princess or Celebrity: less PA annoucement, less in your face booze selling. Those 2 crusie lines do things a little bit more subtle. As to kids, they will love it just the same and there is just as much to do on Celebrity and Princess and keep them busy.
When you plan your budget, consider the extras. Tipping, soft drinks, shore excursions and some spending money comes to mind. Check out if the teens progrm cost money. The ship may not charge money, but keeping up with the Jones could be expansive. Feeding the arcades, etc etc ... Our kids were not in any programs at all and we spent some time together but not all the time.
They roamed the ship, played basket ball, ping pong, mini golf, enjoyed the pool, watched movies or live shows just to name a few. They also enjoyed the ice cream bar and the made to order pizza sll hours of the day. And there are so much more activities on the mega ships now comparing to when they travelled with us years ago.
If budget is a concern, book one cabin (outside cabin) and have 4 of you in the same cabin. It's only crowded at night when the beds are down. Even closet space shoudln't be a problem if you each have one full size suitcase.
Save your money and book one cabin unless the 3rd and 4th person charges are the same as having an extra cabin.
Good luck!
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