Need recommendations for a family cruise out of Florida
 

We need some advice from those of you who have taken your kids on a cruise. We want to do a short (3-4 night) cruise, mid-March 2001 out of Florida. This will be our first cruise with the kids and it's more or less a trial run to see if we want to attempt a longer one. Therefore, a Disney cruise is NOT necessarily our first choice because of its high cost. Our kids are ages 8, 11 and 14. Any tips on how to get a bargain cruise?

Look up Family Travel Forum for reviews and suggestions.

Sal-Go to Travel Talk Home on this forum and check on the cruise section. They are sure to have suggestions! Happy cruising!

We (two adults) did a Big Red Boat cruise about two years ago. Can't quote the price because it was part of a sales package deal, but we had a ball. It is Warner Bros. characters; lots of activities for kids; ice cream bar, several music lounges, shows, gaming, pool, great food, and a day on a private island with barbecue, snorkeling, hammocks or just sitting in the inlet. In lieu of the island, you could do a day in Nassau.

Here's the bad news: The Big Red Boat, aka Premier Cruise Lines, has shut down operations, according to a recent news story. <BR> <BR>This is particularly bad news for me: my husband, our 14-yr-old son, and I took a 4-day Premier Cruise in late July. Had a great time, despite marginal food & accommodation, because of the excellent, enthusiastic staff and activities -- and the fact that we won a repeat cruise. Now don't know if we'll ever get to use the 'free' cruise -- I guess it WAS too good to be true! <BR> <BR>My daughter and I also did a 4-day Carnival out of Canaveral 3 yrs ago, over her senior-year spring break. It was also fun, and well-priced. Got good prices on both of these, but will have to look up booking info if you're interested. <BR> <BR>BTW, I had been reluctant to book a cruise as a family vacation, because wasn't sure my husband would enjoy it -- he had a great time! Would still recommend starting with a 4-day, though -- anybody can live through 4 days!