Opinion on driving 16 hours for a 4 night cruise...

[paminohio]

I would LOVE to be able to take my family (husband and 3 kids) on a cruise this year. We live in Ohio so the closer ports are NJ, NY, MD, and MA so I'm not able to get a short cruise where it's warm. Flying everyone to FL will cost over 1,000, which would then make this quickie, inexpensive trip NOT very inexpensive. We are drivers...we drive to Florida every year so the drive is not a huge deal. We recently drove 16 hours straight through from Orlando. Anyway...the drive to Jacksonville is only about 14 hours and to Mobile only 15 hours. I would like to hear opinions on whether it would be worth it to drive that long for a 4 night cruise on either the Holiday or the Celebration. Would my kids (ages 15, 7, and 5) enjoy themselves on these ships in October? Is Camp Carnival good on these ships in the fall? How are the pools? I assume these older ships do not have slides, but are the pools kid friendly?

Sorry for the LENGTHY question! I just really want to take my kids this year on a cruise and am trying to find a way! We are not taking our regular family vacation this year so we can put some money into our home (build a deck, etc.) so that is why I'm looking for something inexpensive (which is hard for a family of 5!) I figure we could do a 4 nighter on an older ship for under 1500.00.

Anyway...all opinions and comments welcomed!!

Thanks,

Pam

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[Ronath]

What about driving time to New Orleans? The Inspiration will be here and that's larger ship (with more to do for the kids maybe).

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[tef43]

Not many kids aboard October sailings, even on Carnival, since they are all supposed to be in school. There's some, but not a high number. Camp Carnival would be running activities programs, so it's not like they would be left with nothing to do.

The Fantasy-class ships do indeed have pool slides, but not as extravagant as, say, the Triumph. The Paradise's slide was a simple right turn into the pool.

Fourteen hours is not an onerous drive for a four-day cruise. But that statement comes from someone who would jump in the car and drive eleven hours to attend the Bristol night race.

Tom <--- Curmudgeon of the Seas

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[Jasonsterling]

I'd say if the price is right and if your family is used tolong drives I would do it. I've never been on the smaller ships but I've heard people rave about them. You might also check some of the reviews written about any of the ships you're interested in traveling on.

The time of year should be fine temperature wise for traveling to the Carribean.

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[scottp]

I say DO IT!!!!! Drive every inch of the way!!
Going down will be no problem. Everyone will be soooooooo excited!! Coming home will be a different story. Everyone will be tired and will get on everyone else's nerves!! But you can endure anything for 16 hrs. I guarantee your kids will LOVE it!!

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[paminohio]

Ronath: I was also considering New Orleans...have to check the prices, though. Like I said, I don't want this to be an expensive trip, especially right before Christmas! If I can do it for under 1500.00 total, that would be great.

Glad to hear others think it would be worth the drive. We ARE drivers so it's not that big a deal.

Any more comments??

Thanks!!

Pam

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[mojean]

I was gonna suggest what about New Orleans too, 'cause ours will be a close to 12 hour ride. You do what you gotta when you wanna cruise, that's how my sister's taking her son on a 7 day, 2years ago we did the Fantasy was shorter and cheaper. We were gonna drive to Pt Canaveral year before last but they came out with the friend fly free or something like that so we jumped on it and rented a car once we got there. May have to stay over somewhere on the way back home though, definitely will be too exhausted to be doing a sixteen hours ride. We done Dallas, TX a few times, maybe twice we actually stopped at a motel on the road. Riding is as tiresome as driving when you're making sure the driver stays awake. I also agree it won't be too many children in October.

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[crzndeb]

I don't know if something over the Thanksgiving week is do-able for your family, but there are usually more kids on that week in the fall.

[aqusis]

[QUOTE] But that statement comes from someone who would jump in the car and drive eleven hours to attend the Bristol night race.

_Tom <--- Curmudgeon of the Seas_

QUOTE]

Ahh....another Bristol fan....we do both the March and the August Race, great race weekend before last. We are lucky though, just under 4 hours for us! Nothing like the roar you feel in Thunder Valley!

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[tef43]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by crzndeb:
I don't know if something over the Thanksgiving week is do-able for your family, but there are usually more kids on that week in the fall.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
And significantly more expensive. I get the impression that the OP is looking for off-peak pricing, hence October.

Tom <--- Curmudgeon of the Seas

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[paminohio]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>
And significantly more expensive. I get the impression that the OP is looking for off-peak pricing, hence October.

_Tom <--- Curmudgeon of the Seas_
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

You got it!!!

Pam

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[crzndeb]

That's true...with a family of 5 you can't really do the cheapy quarantee...I got a guarantee 4a on the Elation over Thanksgiving week for $410 +$171 taxes...I thought that was pretty good. But the $410 was $250 the week before, so yes, it is more.

[CruiseFever]

This is a no brainer.

Drive!

If that's what it takes to cruise then do it.

Unless (and here's the icky part nobody wants to hear) ANY of your plans put you in financial jeopardy.

The very last thing you want to do is go deep into debt to go on a cruise.

One of the great things about cruising is that you've paid for 85% of your vacation up front, before you even get on the ship. Coming back home to a mountain of debt worse than anything Santa and Christmas could ever muster is bad news and not worth it.

BUT!

With some realignment of your priorities it's quite possible that you are already spending money on stuff that could be spent on your air or cruise fare. In order to cruise more often we forgo many needless expenses that we wouldn't have thought twice about spending money on before.

Case in point: This afternoon I am trying to figure out what is wrong with my lawn mower so I can fix it. In the olden, pre-cruise, days I would have gone and bought another one. Now, the last one I bought was a fine John Deere model that should out-live me and it should be less expensive to operate in the long run.

Get it?

DD went to X store to buy clothes and got "three things for what I would have paid for one thing at Z store" Yeah but how long will they last?

Your comment <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> I just really want to take my kids this year on a cruise and am trying to find a way! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Says a lot.

I think you CAN take them on a cruise for $1500 or less if you're willing to drive.

One strategy would be to plan the time and the trip but not buy the cruise till the last minute. It's risky in that there might not be any last minute deals so I'd plan your window of time loosely and make it for some sailing out of Miami where lots of ships sail from.

For example, on the Carnival site right now is a 4 day on the Fascination for $299pp but you have to be able to sail on 04/19/04. Short notice but that cruise comes up on the specials a lot. It was our first cruise and its a good one. If you'd like to make it a liitle longer consider a pre or post cruise day in Florida staying at an inexpensive hotel you bought through priceline. You can stay anywhere you want since you have a car and save a ton over the areas that most cruise passengers pick for pre or post stays.

I know that coming from the midwest (where we live) you'll love it there.

I really think you can do this.

The cruise fare, including port charges and taxes, will eat up your budget so you'll have to find some more money someplace....simply not going out to eat or to a movie AT ALL between now and then usually does it for most people.

The Itinerary on that one is great for budget minded (like us) cruisers. Key West is a short call and while fun you won't need to spend a lot ashore. We went ashore, walked around, saw Jimmy Buffets Margaritaville, ate the best piece of Key Lime Pie in the world then came back to the ship.

Cozumel is a long call but a taxi ride to a beach with lunch packed that you got from room service is a cheap and wonderful day in port.

I think its all a matter of planning and budgeting starting right now.

If it sounds like a lot of gymnastics to get to go on a cruise? It is

If you're wondering if it's worth it? It is

Here's more to consider:
http://www.lifeiscruising.com/what_s_next_

Good luck

Happy Cruising

Chris

www.LifeIsCruising.com (http://www.LifeIsCruising.com)

Next up:
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[paminohio]

We vacation in FL often (have relatives in Cocoa and Tampa) so we're very accustomed to the drive. I'm was picking Jacksonville because it's the quickest drive...would like to NOT have to stay overnight and waste another day to get down there, seeing as we're taking the kids out of school. However, if the ship sails on Saturday or Sunday, we could do that and choose a cruise out of Port Canaveral and have my aunt drive us to the pier and save on parking. So, I know there are alot of possibilies. We always stay in FL for at least a week, so that is why I was wondering if a cruise is worth the drive if it is only for 4 nights. Our first ever cruise is in May (my husband and me alone!) so I don't have anything to compare it to yet. I was hoping everyone would say 'yes' it's worth it.

1500.00 would be fine for me to pay...I don't want to spend 2500.00 and fly, though.

Anyway...keep the comments coming and thanks so much to those who have already responded.

Pam

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[caugh51654]

Wasn't there an announcement recently that Carnival is moving a ship to Mobile? I am thinking that would be even closer than New Orleans...

Happy Sailing (however you have to get to the ship)!

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[Cotton]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by paminohio:
...the drive to Jacksonville is only about 14 hours and to Mobile only 15 hours.

Pam, as you already know, the Holiday will be homeported in Mobile at that time. N.O. would be another two hours' drive, so I would rule that out.

How are the pools? I assume these older ships do not have slides?

There are three pools on the Holiday. Main pool w/nice, curving slide (YES, older ships have slides!) ~ Small 'wave' pool at the rear of the Lido Deck, and a Children's pool on the Promenade Deck.


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[newbie2cruise]

hI WE ARE FLYING FROM CHICAGO TO FLORIDA FOR ONLY 59 EACH WAY SO YOU MAY WANT TO CHECK INTO THAT. I KNOW USAIRWAYS AND SOUTHWEST RUN CHEAP. MAY BE EASIER :0

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[hilltopfamily]

Well, we just did the drive for our family of 5 to go on the 5 day Celebration cruise from Nebraska to Galveston, so I'd have to say "yes, do it".

here is the link to my review, if you're interested in giving it a look-see! (hope it works! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif
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Penny
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[NewCruiseAddict]

Last June I took my cousin and her friends on a graduation cruise (only 4 day) and we drove to Long Beach. That was about a 13 1/2 hour drive as we live in northern Utah. To us some of the fun is the drive. We usually try to break it up on the way home by staying a night in Vegas which is about mid point, but not always.

Cass

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[brian5]

Does the Goodtime II still sail?

Brian
Destiny 10/26/03

[paminohio]

Brian: Yes, it does!! Maybe I should take the family on that, instead! Would be cheaper! Are you originally from this area?

Thanks for the info re: flying, but with 5 of us, there is no way we can do it for less than 1,000. Way to much for a quick, cheap vacation!

I've got it narrowed down to three choices: Holiday out of Mobile (15 hour drive), Celebration out of Jacksonville (14 hour drive, plus we have relatives there that could take us to the pier), or Fantasy from Port Canaveral (16 hour drive, relatives there, also)

The Fantasy is only 4 nights, the other two are 5 nights. The price difference is minimal. Although with 4 nights we'd save another 50.00 in tips by not being on the ship that extra day. So, I guess we'd save like 200-300 by only going 4 days.

With Mobile, we'd have to pay to park (anyone know how much that would be?), plus no where to go before the cruise if we want to drive all night and catch a few winks before.

UGHH..decisions, decisions! I haven't even taken my first cruise and I'm already stressing about my second!

How is the Celebration? Slide on this pool? I KNOW that is something my kids will love and this cruise is for them.

Thanks again,

Pam

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[brian5]

Yeah, I grew up in Elyria before moving to the warm, tropical paradise of NE Indiana.

Not to disuade you, but there wa a post around here not more than a week old about 'ships you wouldn't sail again' or something. I breezed through it, but it seems like the Holiday was a pretty popular entry on that topic. It also seems like one of the Carnival ships out of Canaveral is really new, and one's really old.

Of course, any of them would be slightly more exotic than the Goodtime II, or Miller's ferry, especially in October.

P.S. [URL=http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=927093444&f=969097554&m=25110459]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=927093444&f=969097554&m=25110459] Here's that thread

Brian
Destiny 10/26/03

[This message was edited by brian5 on 04-08-04 at 10:00 PM.]

[This message was edited by brian5 on 04-08-04 at 10:00 PM.]

[novasgirl]

Hello Pam. How did you book the cruise you are taking in May? It's been my experience that a travel agent that is worth their salt, could assist you with a lot of these arrangements and even offer some advice on location, modes of transportation and such.

Mine is excellent in that respect. Each time I have planned a trip with her assistance, she has come up with some of the best ideas! Things I would never have thought of on my own.

Speaking of flying, I am a diehard fan of AirTran. They always seem to have great rates/routes, and are awesome to fly with (in my humble opinion).

No matter what, keep at it and research all you can. It will be worth your while and the kids will think it's awesome! It truly is a one of a kind trip you'll never forget!

Hope you enjoy whatever you decide.

Judy

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Glory 4/2004

[catnipper]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by tef43:
Not many kids aboard October sailings, even on Carnival, since they are all supposed to be in school.

More and more schools are doing a fall break - when we went during Columbus Day weekend, I think I saw more children that time than in the summer - go figure!
I also met several folks from the midwest that had driven to New Orleans. If you like the driving -- go for it! Great memories for the kids, even though they may fight in the car!
Have fun!

Cathy


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Holiday 6/2003
Sensation 10 2003
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[brian5]

.

[brian5]

http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=927093444&f=969097554&m=25110459] (http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=927093444&f=969097554&m=25110459)


Here's that @$# link, although I can't get the html editor to hyperlink it properly . . .

[MrsPinkMonkey]

A long drive sounds great to me!

DH and I are driving 8hrs to get to the Long Beach Port for a great time on the Paradise this coming Oct.

Enjoy!

Til' our First Cruise!
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[august1963]

Personally, if it's farther than 4 hours, I would fly, but that's just me. I hate driving and I hate being the passenger. Doesn't Carnival offer a cruise out of New York? We live in Michigan and it only took us 5 hours to drive to Buffalo. Does ATA fly out of Ohio? They're always good for a really good rate. P.S. We're moving to Columbus this summer.

Jubilee 1988
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Sensation 1998
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[ginag]

http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif Go for it! We drive from Kansas to Galveston, about the same driving time. It really isn't that bad. How often do you get to do things like this?! It'll be great! Good Luck!

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[Pride CD to be]

I don't see anything wrong w/ the drive...I'm leaving today to drive 16 hours for a 7 day on the Inspiration

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[dznymom]

Well, it sounds like you know what you're getting yourself into as far as the drive goes and you have some good options. I say GO FOR IT!

I just wanted to comment that on the cruises with less kids, there are usually still plenty. My kids tend to have a better time when the ship has less kids. It's easier for them to make friends, the play areas are less crowded, and for the young ones it is easier to make a connection with the counselors. Sometimes the summer and holiday sailings that have tons of kids are overwhelming even to the kids!

You CAN do this on a budget and still have a blast.

Chris in NH

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Until our GLORY Cruise!

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[brian5]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by august1963: Doesn't Carnival offer a cruise out of New York? We live in Michigan and it only took us 5 hours to drive to Buffalo.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Buffalo may be in NY, but it is a long way from the Altantic. I did the drive from Pam's area to NYC recently, and it was quite a bit longer. Plus, I only went to Trenton, then took Amtrak into the actual city. I don't know where the Carnival dock is in NYC, but chances are the traffic hassels, outrageous parking fees, and extra cost of pre/post hotels in the Metro area would far outweigh any cruise savings for her and her family.

Brian
Destiny 10/26/03

[paminohio]

The reason I don't want to sail out of NY is because I want it to be WARM from the time we board until we get off! Plus, the sailings from NY/NJ/MD/MA are more expensive...I would pay the same as if I flew to FL. We normally take a huge vaca every year (which I research to death like my May cruise and the hopefully upcoming October one) and generally spend 3,000ish. This year we're NOT going on a vaca (we're building a deck, pool, etc.) so that is why I'm trying to find something under 1500.00 that will still be enjoyable. We can drop 500.00 doing a day an an amusement park since there are 5 of us and my husband is very generous and the kids get souveniors, food all day long, etc., so I figured a 5 day cruise would be so much more worth the money!

YOu all have me convinced that the drive would be worth it. As I said, we're very good car (van) travellers so that is not an issue. I did see that thread re: the ships to NOT sail on...but I think my kids would still have a blast. I have probably decided on Jax since my aunt is there and can take us to the pier and it's also the shortest drive.

As far as using a TA...I live for the research!! I did a ton of research before booking my May cruise and then found a TA that would give me the best price. I have been corresponding with her, however, re: question I have for the upcoming October cruise and she has been very helpful. However, I always have to find an active forum and ask a million questions until I'm satisfied I've made the right decision!

So thanks so much for taking the time to help me out!!

Pam

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[FlipperMs]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by tef43:
Not many kids aboard October sailings, even on Carnival, since they are all supposed to be in school. There's some, but not a high number. Camp Carnival would be running activities programs, so it's not like they would be left with nothing to do.

The Fantasy-class ships do indeed have pool slides, but not as extravagant as, say, the Triumph. The Paradise's slide was a simple right turn into the pool.

Fourteen hours is not an onerous drive for a four-day cruise. But that statement comes from someone who would jump in the car and drive eleven hours to attend the Bristol night race.

_Tom <--- Curmudgeon of the Seas_

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Eleven cruises so far. Up next:
Shhhh, it's a surprise!<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I'm another huge Bristol fan. I live in Mississippi and have never taken the opportunity to go to this race. How far in advance do you have to attempt to get tickets for either the day or night race? How far in advance do you need to make reservations for hotel rooms in advance for this race?

I believe that Bristol is the best driver's race on the circuit. Not necessarily just about who has the most money to pour in their cars. "IF you're not bumping and grinding, you're not racing".

[Cotton]

I think you've made the right decision on the shortest drive and NO parking fees! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Festivale 1987
Carnivale 1988
Mardi Gras 1989
Pacific Princess 1990
Norway 1994
Holiday 2001
Holiday 2002
Holiday 2003

[ccubedR6]

Pam, my wife and I are going to drive tonight from Sterling Heights Mi, to Cocoa Beach...We are luckily driving with my sis-in-law and her boyfriend so we can switch drivers. Anyways, we are leaving today, staying in cocoa beach tomorrow night, then driving up to port canaveral sunday to dock on the fantasy....Then when we return thursday, we are going to drive up to Daytona and stay for a night, then drive home friday evening so we can be back by saturday evening...I didn't want to fly due to spring break prices beig outrageous...withthe money we save flying, we get to stay at cocoa beach and daytona...

[paminohio]

Good to hear that I am not crazy thinking it's worth it to drive 16 hours for a 5 day vacation! We always vacation for over a week, so, of course, the drive is worth it then. I just wasn't sure if only staying in FL 5 days would be crazy after driving 16 hours.

Pam

until Voyager
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[august1963]

Have you thought about a VCR/DVD for the car ride down? Maybe you could borrow one from a friend. They're a lifesaver with kids in the car.

Jubilee 1988
American Family 1994
Imagination 1997
Sensation 1998
Elation 6/2001
Inspiration 2/2002
Triumph 4/2004

[lunyma]

Hi Pam (from another Pam http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif )
We took our 4 kids on a 4 day cruise from Pt. Canaveral (on RCCL), and drove from Chicago. As long as you're taking them out of school for this (no personal comment)... why not take a couple extra days and go to Disney or Universal for a day or two, before you go home. It will help you all unwind before you drive home. Exhausting, yes, but a change of pace from the cruise.

Pam : )
Emerald Seas 6/20/83
Nordic Empress 6/93
Imagination 3/30/00
Ecstasy 9/4/00
Majesty of the Seas 10/27/00
Triumph 12/16/00
Radiance of the Seas
3/26/01 & 3/29/01
Crown Odyssey 6/24/01
Golden Princess 10/11/01
Spirit 11/11/01
Sensation GGC 1/13/02
Sovereign of the Seas 3/24/02
Imagination 5/18/02
Pride 11/2/02
Explorer of the Seas 3/29/03
Enchantment of the Seas 9/1/03
Serenade of the Seas 10/28/03
Grand Princess 11/16/03

check out my pics at http://community.webshots.com/user/lunyma

[jmurph]

Pam,
We did the drive from Hudson to Miami in November of last year with 4 kids. The difficult part was the ride home! You'll have to make sure that you go to bed early the night before disembarkation, as you'll have a long ride to look forward to. There's a lot to gain from these boards in terms of money saving things.
We got subway for the ride down and those little cans of coke that they sell at Walmart. I am sure as long as your family is used to the drive you will do fine.
We had two inside cabins near the front of the ship which were very small, the 3rd bed was a rollaway.
Don't forget that they will offer you room credits if you book while on board(May) This might help a little bit with the expenses...Have you checked out the USA3000 airlines that is advertised in the Sunday Plain Dealer? A friend of mine just went to Sarasota for $59.00 one way.Don't know if this will help...but you know the price of gas these days.

I say if you can do it, then go for it.

Jean

Ocean Beeze 10/01
NCL Sun 02/02
RCCL Majesty of the Seas 07/02
Sea Princess 02/03
NCL Sea 03/03
RCCL Serenade of the Seas Transatlantic 08/03
Carnival Victory 11/03
RCCL Rhapsody of the Seas....MARDI GRAS!!!!!!
RCCL Jewel of the Seas Transatlantic 09/04
Carnival Destiny 06/13/04
Sapphire Princess Orient/Asia 03/05

[Sherry in WV]

Some travel agencies have motorcoach to ports for cruises. Around here we can take a bus to Phil, NY, or MD. About a 12 hour drive. It would be worth it to me cause I hate driving!

[cwpsy]

We just had a great price on the NCL Dawn out of NY. We went 3/21. They have good kids programs. Check out their bus options, maybe they will do the drive for ya. Good luck

Time till the Carnival Miracle...Weber boarding party: Partae Pirates
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NCL Dawn: 3/21/04

[paminohio]

We're ok with the actual drive itself...I was just wondering because we won't be spending as much time on the ship as we do in FL when we drive. We just spent 8 nights in FL in August (7 at Disney) and drove straight through (16 hrs) on the way home so we know it's very do-able. The kids have their gameboys and a tv/vcr so they do travel very well. I've checked bus prices and they are not only NOT cheap, it takes a whole lot longer to get there so that is not an option. Or, we may do the drive down in two days and just drive straight through the way home. We've done it many times before.

I think I do want to do 5 nights, though, instead of 4...The ship from Pt. Canavarel only is 4 nights so I'll probably pick Jax because my aunt lives there. Unless the cruise out of AL or LA is cheaper and the parking wouldn't matter.

My husband and I leave in May for our first ever cruise...once I get back, I'll be ready to book the October one.

Pam

until Voyager
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[ruttie]

not to knoock the holiday it is a great ship but i think your kids would have a much better time on the celebration or the fantasy.. the drive is definetly worh it and I would do a 5 day over 4 if i could afford it!! the money you save in staying at a relatives would prob help!! Have fun and enjoy!

[jdvmd]

A lot of schools have fall break in October. Ours begins Oct. 16 and know of many people with kids who will be filling up these ships. This would definately be cheaper than going Thanksgiving week.

[luv2cruze]

My wife and I are driving from NJ to Port Canaveral in May. Not a big deal actually, we plan on taking it slow, and stopping to sleep the first night. All in all we chose to drive sloely on the time alotted us. Good luck.
Mike

[jemingway]

I just returned from the Imagination 4-day this morning. Everyone getting off looked like they were going to a funeral. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif I think every person there would have gladly driven 16 hours to do it again. I only had to go from Miami to Ft. Lauderdale, but I would drive to Ohio if I had to. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

JV

[cruisinthree]

We live in Northern Kentucky and have made three cruises from Ft. Lauderdale and Miami by driving. Like you, I find the airfare is too steep for a family of more than two! We drove down and back from Miami just last week for under $800....that included hotels, food, gas, and parking at the pier. I checked relentlessly for good airfares but nothing could come close to flying three of us for $800.00.

The Big Red Boat Oct.1991
Carnival Ecstasy Apr. 1998
RCL Sovereign of the Seas 2000
Carnival Imagination Apr. 2004
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TILL IMAGINATION, APRIL 3, 2004!!!!!

[Kenster]

To the OP, yes, the Celebration has a slide at one of the pools. I think your kids will have a fine time. Though it's plenty big, it's small enough that the kids won't have any trouble getting around.

Carnival Carnivale -1988
Carnival Celebration - 2001
Carnival Celebration -June 2004

[paminohio]

Thanks to all who answered!! I think, that will the tons of 4 and 5 night cruises out of Jax, Port Canaveral, AL, and LA during October and November, I'm going to wait and book something within a few weeks of sailing. I'm thinking I'll be able to get a pretty good deal, seeing as I am pretty flexible on days. I was going to book the Fantasy but am not afraid of something better coming up after final payment and then wishing I had waited. I just think that with ALL those sailings from which to choose, chances of a good deal are pretty high. It's nice to know, though, that there are lots of good things being said about all the older Carnival ships. Even the Holiday has had some good reviews!!! And, since this cruise is for my kids, as long as it has a good pool and they can snack all day long, they will love it!!

Pam

until Voyager
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