Newbie needs help

My husband are very interested in going on our first cruise to celebrate our 40th anniversary. We would like to take our 2 daughters and our 2 grandchildren (ages 11 and 6) along. (Both our daughters have cruised before). Because of jobs (teaching) and school our dates are limited to fall break (October 2012) or spring break (March 2013). I have done a lot of research but still can't decide on where to go or what ship. At the moment the Eastern Caribbean looks good but very limited for our dates. Any suggestions, ideas, information would be greatly appreciated.

The best idea would be to find a good local travel agent and talk to them. TA's don't cost you anything and can be very helpful for new cruises.

There are a lot of ships for spring break, but you're greatly limited in October because many ships are still in Europe. Also, October is still during hurricane season.

We always cruise during these two times also. For October, you will find the prices are cheaper because it is still hurricane season. That said, you won't find as much selection as the ships are not returning to the Caribbean until later in the month. I assume you are looking at the first week of October.

I am looking at the Allure of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas and some NCL ships out of New York City.

Since you haven't been on a cruise before, you might want to investigate Carnival as they have a lot of cruises and they have a great children's program for your grandchildren. Also varying lengths of cruises.

Highly recommend the Eastern Caribbean for a first timer. Beautiful beaches.

Prices will be higher for the spring sailing but you may have more choices.

Weather will be great no matter which month you choose.

Happy 40th!

Since we get 2 weeks off for fall break (Oct. 15-26) and only 1 week for spring break (March 25-29) I thought October may give us more choices. Maybe not. The closest ports for us would be Charleston, New Orleans or Port Canaveral and they are 10 hours or more away if we drive. Airfare (for 6 or 7 people) would add about $2500-$3000 to our costs. I would like to keep the costs down for our first cruise (what if we don't like it or get sea sick?), but would have to go drive down the day before and get a room for the night if we choose not to fly. So many decisions!!!

Since we get 2 weeks off for fall break (Oct. 15-26) and only 1 week for spring break (March 25-29) I thought October may give us more choices. Maybe not. The closest ports for us would be Charleston, New Orleans or Port Canaveral and they are 10 hours or more away if we drive. Airfare (for 6 or 7 people) would add about $2500-$3000 to our costs. I would like to keep the costs down for our first cruise (what if we don't like it or get sea sick?), but would have to go drive down the day before and get a room for the night if we choose not to fly. So many decisions!!!

If you are off Oct. 15-26, you will have many more options than the first week of October like I thought (that's when our fall break is).

You will have a wonderful time on the cruise and probably will want to book another one! Don't let the hurricane thing bother you. We have been out there many times and the ships always divert their course. We always fly. By the time you add in gas costs, meals, parking at the port, hotel for six or seven people, the difference is not that much.

Here is a nice itinerary from Miami that is long and takes in the Eastern and Southern Caribbean. On the NCL Sun (one of my favorite ships) and the prices are good. About $1,600 for two in an inside -- 11 days.

DayLocationArrivalDepartureSunday, October 14, 2012Miami--04:00 PMMonday, October 15, 2012At Sea----Tuesday, October 16, 2012At Sea----Wednesday, October 17, 2012St.thomas08:00 AM05:00 PMThursday, October 18, 2012Roseau09:00 AM05:00 PMFriday, October 19, 2012Bridgetown08:00 AM05:00 PMSaturday, October 20, 2012St.lucia08:00 AM05:00 PMSunday, October 21, 2012Philipsburg, St. Maarten09:00 AM05:00 PMMonday, October 22, 2012At Sea----Tuesday, October 23, 2012At Sea----Wednesday, October 24, 2012Miami08:00 AM--

The Carnival Dream is going out of Port Canaveral and doing a Western Caribbean itinerary for seven nights -- $1400 for two in an inside.

Saturday, October 13, 2012Port Canaveral, Florida--04:00 PMSunday, October 14, 2012Fun Day At Sea----Monday, October 15, 2012Cozumel, Mexico10:00 AM06:00 PMTuesday, October 16, 2012Belize City, Belize08:00 AM06:00 PMWednesday, October 17, 2012Roatan, Honduras10:00 AM07:00 PMThursday, October 18, 2012Costa Maya, Mexico07:00 AM03:00 PMFriday, October 19, 2012Fun Day At Sea----Saturday, October 20, 2012Port Canaveral, Florida08:00 AM

I suggest Disney Fantasy (7-day Caribbean) or Disney Dream (4-day Bahamas) for your October sail dates. This period is traditionally the lowest season for DCL cruises and their prices are more reasonable, as compared to their price in March. The Disney Magic also sail out of Galveston, TX. DCL has basically doubled their capacity in the last 2 years, and lately I am seeing a lot of price discounting either shortly before or after final payment date, and more specifically for the 7-day cruise. Their cabins are generally larger and most have split bathrooms. We have done it twice for our multi-generations families and friends and had a great time.

But if you are doing in March then I don't recommend DCL mainly because of their unreasonably high price at that time, when better value can be found elsewhere.

Try to do some comaprison with the other ships suggested here. You may find Disney, at a per diem level, may still be higher than the other lines but October is probably the month you can find the better value in DCL's terms.

Sorry but for 6 people Disney would cost about as much as a new car. You will have more options with Carnival even though they are not as nice. Find a ship that has what you all want. My kids love the movies under the stars and the comedy club. They also have water parks and sport courts. ;)

Since we get 2 weeks off for fall break (Oct. 15-26) and only 1 week for spring break (March 25-29) I thought October may give us more choices. Maybe not. The closest ports for us would be Charleston, New Orleans or Port Canaveral and they are 10 hours or more away if we drive. Airfare (for 6 or 7 people) would add about $2500-$3000 to our costs. I would like to keep the costs down for our first cruise (what if we don't like it or get sea sick?), but would have to go drive down the day before and get a room for the night if we choose not to fly. So many decisions!!!

Not sure what part of Tennessee you are flying from but Allegiant Air has some really cheap flights from Chattanooga to Tampa. They only have flights on certain days--so it could mean staying an extra day in Tampa for you--but I just wanted to throw it out there to see if this would be helpful in your decision making.

Linda

How about Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas from Port Canaveral? Or, Enchantment of the Seas out of Baltimore?

Or, how about a Canada/New England cruise out of NY or NJ in October? Caribbean Princess and Explorer of the Seas would be our choices, but there are many others.

If your daughters have cruising experience, get suggestions regarding cruiselines and itineraries from them, too. They may have a favorite ship, or a cruiseline they didn't like so much, so their preferences might help you narrow down choices.

If you drive to any port make sure you get a hotel that has a shuttle to and from the port and where you can leave your car for free. WE always do this if we have a long drive to the port. I can't help you with New Orleans but know of hotels with free parking & shuttles at the other ports. Let me know if you want info on them.

Since we get 2 weeks off for fall break (Oct. 15-26) and only 1 week for spring break (March 25-29) I thought October may give us more choices. Maybe not. The closest ports for us would be Charleston, New Orleans or Port Canaveral and they are 10 hours or more away if we drive. Airfare (for 6 or 7 people) would add about $2500-$3000 to our costs. I would like to keep the costs down for our first cruise (what if we don't like it or get sea sick?), but would have to go drive down the day before and get a room for the night if we choose not to fly. So many decisions!!!

There are carnival cruises out of Norfolk in October. We are sailing from here in 2 weeks.

Not sure what part of Tennessee you are flying from but Allegiant Air has some really cheap flights from Chattanooga to Tampa. They only have flights on certain days--so it could mean staying an extra day in Tampa for you--but I just wanted to throw it out there to see if this would be helpful in your decision making.

 

Linda

If you're from Tennessee - maybe New Orleans would be a good alternative. Conquest(7nights) and Triumph(5nights) are great, and I believe they are quite a bit cheaper out of NOLA than some other ports. From my experience, Spring Break prices are about double what they are for October. Whatever you choose, have a great trip.

For 6 persons, I would agree to leave out Disney, sorry way too expensive.

Also, there are a couple of other ports to consider - Tampa and Jacksonville.

Most of these ports offer 3, 4 or 5 day cruises that are very economically priced, but well worth it. The ships are generally a little older, but still good. Carnival Dream and Freedom of the seas are newer out of Port Canaveral, but of course pricier.

My personal experience was the Carnival Fascination out of Jacksonville for 4 or 5 nights. Ship is refurbished, and in great shape. Lots of fun for young and old. You can extend your holiday buy spending a few days at local attractions, beaches. We spent 2 days at Hilton Head Island.

Whichever you choose, have fun with your family and make good memories.

Thanks everyone for the advice. I definately will look at Alegiant for air choices. I have family in Daytona and they use them a lot.

My daughters have been to Cozumel, and to the Bahamas, so they would like to see something different. We usually do beach vacations and we have a pool at home so those are not big draws for us. One daughter is a biology/science teacher and the grandkids are animal lovers so I thought the caribbean might have more that would interest them. We have been to WDW 10 or more times (starting in 1975) so Disney is not a priority.

Do you all think it is better to book early or wait and try to get a lower price?

Thanks for all your help!!!

........Do you all think it is better to book early or wait and try to get a lower price?

If you are confined to school holiday times only, then book early because cruises sell out and prices go up at peak times.

If air fare is not a problem and you are willing to be flexible about dates and ship and cabin choices, then you can get some terrific price breaks on Caribbean cruises by waiting for the last minute closeout sales. Often they will practically give away the remaining unsold cabins.

Also keep an eye open for any special discounted rates for which you or other members of your party may qualify, such as senior or military or resident rates. Those discounts come and go, sometimes being offered one day and gone the next.

Being as you want to go on these specific dates, and that there are 6 of you, you may want adjoining cabins. I would recommend you book early for best selection. 3 to 4 months is good. Pay your deposit only. Then check the prices for your cruise a few days before your final payment is due.

If the price has gone down, the cruise line will adjust it for you. But only before the final payment is due.

How about the 5-day Carnival Elation from New Orleans Saturday, Oct. 20. You can have a leisurely drive down and back. Are you thinking of 2 or 3 cabins? If 2, then are you putting 4 in one cabin? Then you might need an inside cabin -- not sure if the Elation has any window or balcony cabins that sleep 4. Rivera deck has lots of inside cabins that sleep 4. Of course, these might already be booked. Also, October is still in hurricane season -- something to consider.

The girls are going to New Orleans in July for a teaching thing. We also went there last July so not particularly keen on the idea of going there again this soon.

I was wondering if we book 2 adults and 1 child in each of two rooms (hopefully adjoining rooms) if we could switch up and let both kids stay with us (if the girls wanted to stay out late one night) or let them both stay in the girls room (if my husband and I wanted some privacy, wink, wink?

.........I was wondering if we book 2 adults and 1 child in each of two rooms (hopefully adjoining rooms) if we could switch up and let both kids stay with us (if the girls wanted to stay out late one night) or let them both stay in the girls room (if my husband and I wanted some privacy, wink, wink?

The only consideration would be making sure that each cabin has sufficient berths to accommodate the number of people who may sleep there, unless you intend for the grandchildren to sleep on the floor.

Most cabins will have at least one couch or loveseat or fold-out chair or pullman bed that comes down from the ceiling or wall that can sleep another person.

If you look at the deck plans, there are usually diagrams with codes indicating what type of sleeping arrangements are available in each cabin.

The girls are going to New Orleans in July for a teaching thing. We also went there last July so not particularly keen on the idea of going there again this soon.

I was wondering if we book 2 adults and 1 child in each of two rooms (hopefully adjoining rooms) if we could switch up and let both kids stay with us (if the girls wanted to stay out late one night) or let them both stay in the girls room (if my husband and I wanted some privacy, wink, wink?

Some cruiselines (RCI, Princess) will allow you to book the children into their own room if it is next door to your room, so no need to split them up in order to have adults on each reservation and then shuffle them around once onboard.

Since we get 2 weeks off for fall break (Oct. 15-26) and only 1 week for spring break (March 25-29) I thought October may give us more choices. Maybe not. The closest ports for us would be Charleston, New Orleans or Port Canaveral and they are 10 hours or more away if we drive. Airfare (for 6 or 7 people) would add about $2500-$3000 to our costs. I would like to keep the costs down for our first cruise (what if we don't like it or get sea sick?), but would have to go drive down the day before and get a room for the night if we choose not to fly. So many decisions!!!

Whether you're flying or driving, I strongly recommend coming in at least a day ahead of time. There are so many things that can cancel or delay a flight, and if traveling during hurricane season, that adds another factor (if weather is threatening, an airport near your port may be closed). The plus for getting there early is that you can relax, maybe do a bit of sightseeing, shop for anything that was accidentally left behind.

I would suggest finding a "cruise specialist" (a TA who is knowledgeable about cruises) who can match you with the right cruise. Also, be sure to get your cabins together (either side by side or across the hall) and mark your bookings "no upgrade" so that you don't risk some of you being moved to another deck. IMO, the kids are way too young to be alone in a cabin so I don't recommend that.

Most cruiselines have a kids' program that will keep your kids busy and happy. A day by day program should be in your cabin on the first day so that your kids can look it over and make sure they get to the kids' area when there's an activity they're interested in. Usually they will be in different age groups, unless there's few kids onboard, but they'll make plenty of friends. Not sure how many school districts do have a break at that time (our daughter is in the LAUSD, which is the second biggest school district in the country and there's no days off for October...winter break is in late December/early January and spring break next year is in late March).

If you do go on a Caribbean cruise and the weather service announces a hurricane is forming, the itinerary will get changed (eastern to western and vice versa).

Are the mothers of the two grandkids one or both of the daughters also going on the cruise? If not, you might need a notarized letter. I'm not sure what exactly is in the letter, but it is something about having permission to take the children out of the country and granting medical authority. If neither of the fathers are going, the mothers might need the letter anyway. Not sure.

If you really want to splurge on a trip, maybe try the Freedom of the Seas from Port Canaveral, Florida, combined with a trip to Orlando (Disneyworld and other places). Just a reminder that Easter is March 31 in 2013. I suspect most Spring Breaks will be the week before Easter next year.

Yes, the grandkids mother (our older daughter) will be going along with us. Not sure if their dad will be able to come or not. We took the whole family to WDW in 2005 and 2009 and plan to return soon. If we delay the cruise until next year (and that is looking like a probability) then we will probably go to WDW this fall or next spring.

Yes, the grandkids mother (our older daughter) will be going along with us. Not sure if their dad will be able to come or not. We took the whole family to WDW in 2005 and 2009 and plan to return soon. If we delay the cruise until next year (and that is looking like a probability) then we will probably go to WDW this fall or next spring.

I'm not sure if a notarized letter from the dad is required, but it won't hurt to have one for each child.

I'm not sure if a notarized letter from the dad is required, but it won't hurt to have one for each child.

The OP doesn't know where they are cruising to yet.

If going to Mexico and only one parent is traveling, yes, you do need a notorized letter stating that are allowed to travel with the one parent.