Family Cruise

What if you go to one of those warm places and just go on a boat ride or two to satisfy the rest of the crowd. I am sorry I don't have any advice right now, but I can't wait to see the others. I would like to go somewhere like that myself.

Hi monika.
I am also not a cruise person. My husband and i took our first cruise out of Galveston Tx last march. It was very affordable and we did the 5 day because we weren't sure if we would like it. We did Carnival, and after we got back, we heard from many people that the line tends to be a bit "white trash", which it definitely was! We went to Progresso,MX and Cozumel, MX.

I would not do carnival again, but for the price, it was a good way to see if you like cruises. We are planning on doing the Disney cruise when our new baby is 2 or 3. I also think we would of had more fun with a larger group. We are definitley all inclusive resort people, but you never know until you try.

We did not use a travel agent and we booked our flights through Southwest because it was cheaper. Look online and you can find great cruise sites. Good luck and have fun!

Since you seem to have a lot of questions, I would go to a travel agent. I'm not sure what they are doing these days as far as cost - if they charge extra. I'm an ex-travel agent and when I was in the business, there was no extra charge and sometimes they would have better deals. It was that if the air was with the cruise line and was delayed, you would be covered - if not, then you would be on your own if the ship lefted to get to the next destination. Some people do fly on their own but will go a day early but that adds hotel cost. I think you have to way both options. There are lines that will accomodate 5. Did you consider a Disney cruise? Your kids are still young and may really enjoy that. I totally love cruises and think they are a great vacation and cost effective. Carnival is also a good option. Sorry I can't give you more help but it's been many years and the industry has changed quite a bit. Call an agent - I was with Best Travel and they do have a web site which may also help www.besttravel.com. Even if you decide not to book with an agent, they can answer your questions. Good luck and happy sailing!

We are a cruising family. We have been on Disney (many times) Royal Caribbean, and others. We did what you are doing a few years back with three generations. It was the best vacation my family ever took. There was something for everyone.

I would highly suggest using a travel agent and purchasing the travel insurance. With three generations you never know who might get sick etc and have to cancel at the last minute. It is worth it. I would also save do the 7 day. 4-5 days is so short for all the travel unpacking, get used to where everything onboard is etc.

Other than that I loved all the lines we have been on. I do think my son enjoyed the Disney the best because of the level of freedom. On the other boats kids are sort of expected to be little adults more. On Disney the adults expect the kids to act like kids. I liked that because it was his vacation too. There are plenty of adult only areas where the adults can stay away from the kids and have a nice quiet area. The other thing we loved about Disney was the attention to CLEAN. They pride themselves on being the line with the least illnesses reported. They are constantly disinfecting because of the number of kids on board.

I would be more than happy to talk or email you with more details and ways to save money just let me know
____@____.com

Have fun!
P.

Hi Monika,

A cruise is a great idea for your family and I think you will really enjoy it. Personally, my favorite low cost cruise line is Royal Carribean. I would, however, recommend going through a travel agent. When it comes to vacations, not just flights, it will be very helpful for you. I would also recommend going on the shorter ones for the first time. Make sure no one has sea sickness or anything like that. The ones I have been on are Cozumel-Key West out of Ft. Lauderdale and Bahamas-Private Island-Key West out of Miami. The later was my favorite. Didn't much care for the port area at Cozumel. Also, going out of Florida is a great idea but don't rule out going out of New Orleans or Galveston,TX. You can also find cheap flights out of those areas as well. I have always booked my airfare separate but always fly in a few days early to enjoy the area so it can be cheaper. If you plan on flying in the same day the cruise departs I would go through them, they will hold the ship if your flight is delayed. Good luck and let me know if you have anymore questions. I used to be a travel agent.

Hi Monika,
I have the best travel agent in the world, her name is Lorrie Nash & her # is ###-###-####. She is extremely knowledgeable about cruises & she always gives great honest advise. She also works really hard to find the best prices available.

Hi,

I would suggest looking at Carnival Cruise line they have great deals right now, and yes it's cheaper to fly into Florida. I went on my 1st cruise this past October it was only 3 days and it was a girls weekend. Before u go with a travel agent (they tend to charge more). Normally a room u can sleep 2-4 people u can also get a room that connects to another room. I would call Carnival and talk to them they are very helpful. I just book to go back in october. There is tons of stuff for the kids to do as well. Kids carnival is where the kids can hang out. They are very watchful.

I hope this helps...

I have 2 wonderful kids (6,5) and a great hubby...