I'm a Cruise virgin...help!

Hi H.,

My fiance and I went on a Carnival cruise last July and they actually have a kids camp on the cruise. You can drop your children off if you and your husband would like some alone time and they do activities in the childrens center. They had some type of parade where the children walked around the cruise ship with the chaperones. Each child has to wear a safety bracelet also, which I think was great. The excursions can be very expensive. We swam with the dolphins in Nassau Bahamas and I believe it was about $300 each. It is a nice experience but if we took our children that would have been too much to pay in my opinion. All of your meals are paid for with Carnival and they even had room service available if you get hungry late at night. They have a menu in each room with what options are available. As someone stated before just ask what all is not included since taxes and tips are not. You do not use cash on the cruise ship either. They have a card that you use and charge to your room. They charge whatever card you put on file with them (I would not suggest using a debit card). If you buy stuff on the ship it will get charged that day. I believe the tups were charged at the end of the trip. Good luck!!

Our cruise that went between the Hawaiian Islands (Norweigan) was the best. I had a great time, even though I lived in Hawaii already. I heard they have one that goes to Alaska, too. Do the choose your own dining thing, not the one where they tell you where & when to go.

Hi. My husband and I took a cruise for our honeymoon and we loved it. We were on Carnival and were also amazed at how affordable it was. What got expensive was the excursions that you could take at the different stops. Our cruise stopped at Roatan Honduras and we did the dolphin excursion where you went to a beach and actually swam with the dolphins. I think that one cost $99 per person. We did excursions at 3 out of the 4 places we stopped so that is where all of our money was spent. Plus we bought souvenirs at each of the places. I didn't see any children on the cruise we were on but I think that Carnival offers some family friendly cruises. I loved the cruise and would definitely go again!

I think some cruise lines have family cruises. I'm pretty sure Carnival has one. I don't know much about them, since I've never been on one, but I'm sure I've seen commercials for them. I would think that would be the way to go, especially if everyone else has kids too.

There are all types of cruises. They have Disney cruises as well as a matter of fact that is what my husband and I had done when we got married. We did the cruise for a couple days and did disney for a couple days. Most cruises have directors that can take your kids away for you so you can do things on the cruise and the kids get to do stuff. The thing about that though is will your kids go with them without you and are you comfortable letting them take your kids. Just check each one out. My husband and I had gone on multiple cruises before kids. I know there were always kids there but really did not notice because of the ship being so big. Anyway have fun.

Hi H.,
I have taken several cruises and I love the Royal Carribean Ships. They have a lot of activities for small children, etc. The last one I took last year was on the Liberty of the Seas Ship. It was great. Went to the carribean. They have several cruises depending where you want to go. Please check out their web site Royal Carribean before you book.

S. D

H.,
A cruise is a fatastic way to go! You will have the time of your life. There are some hidden costs though (still worth it). Keep in mind the taxes and transfer fees. Before or after you book, be sure to check out the excursion page for your stops. While venturing out on your own is fun, I suggest excursions (especially with little ones in tot). They can become costly, but if booked ahead of time you will save money.

The cruise line will also charge you a standard rate for your room and service tips. Once you board, you can have this changed and tip what ever you feel is appropriate. I only say this as they will charge per person and many don't agree with the full tip fee for children.

Have a wonderful time!

Peace <>< ~ B.
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