#1TravelMom

I would give a slight edge to the ports for the Adventure. But, the Anthem is a much nicer ship with interesting things to do. We like both ships, but the Anthem definitely stands out. The trapeze classes and bumper cars are unique to this ship. We have this ship in mind for the future again - so much fun!

I highly recommend travelguard. We had friends who files a MASSIVE claim - no problem - prompt refund.

We have done 10+ on each - RCCL, Princess, and NCL. For different reasons, we love some ships on all three. I would say overall, Princess is the most formal, then RCCL, and NCL fairly casual. The crowd tends to be the same - slightly older and more formal on Princess with the most casual on NCL. We like the newer, larger ships. We just feel there is more to do. Others prefer the smaller ships and almost detest the larger ones. I honestly can say I've never been on a terrible cruise - just ones that I preferred over others. I would love to cruise Barcelona to Florida - so jealous!

This is very easy to do on your own. If you go with the ship, you will have to leave much earlier. As another poster said, this a fun place, but there is no "traditional" like you may be expecting. If you look at the google satellite map, you can see just the tiny lagoon.

We will only be at the beach for 2 hours. Just want to lay our towels down for a quick swim. I need to know exactly how to get there - I'm terrible with directions. Also- can anyone confirm that you can still do this.

We've been cruising with our kids since they were a year old. What ports are you visiting? I may have some suggestions.

Another recommendation for Chip of Stingray Sailing. His catamaran is awesome. We've toured with him many times. Never crowded - you will appreciate this when you arrive at the stingrays and see the other boats. No comparison - I'd use him for sure. He has great equipment and it very patient with new snorkelers and children.

Definitely look in to Coba in Cozumel. Absolutely amazing experience! One of the few sights where you can climb to the top of a Mayan Temple. This is one of the few excursions I recommend going with the ship tour - it has a tight time schedule.

Look at Playa Mia. We all really enjoy it there. It is usually much less crowded than Paradise.

This is one of the few times I recommend a ship excursion. If you are both active - go to Coba. It is incredible. You can climb to the top of a Mayan Temple and overlook the jungle canopy. Only a few places in the world that you can still do this. Many any roped off and you can just look at them. Also, swimming in a cenote is amazing!

I have never had a single bite while on a cruise(55+ cruises). I'm not saying it can't happen - but I think it's very unlikely. Normally, I am a mosquito magnet. Everyone else will be fine and I will have many bites.

We just spent 8 days at an all inclusive on West Bay in Roatan. It is so easy to walk down the beach and swim out a very short distance to an incredible reef. There is a large channel with 20-30 feet deep coral on either side. We saw octopus, lobster, squid, barracuda, huge parrot fish, etc. It was one of the best snorkel sights we've been to. It is also a great reef for beginners as much of it is just yards from shore and very shallow.

We have become friends with Rony of ronystours.com. If you book with him, he give you some ideas of what to bring. The children will be so grateful.

Totally doable if this is what your budget will allow. The top bunk is fairly close to the ceiling as the ceiling is lower than most homes. We know lots of people who travel 3 or 4 in a cabin. Is it ideal - no. But, if you want to save your money for awesome excursions, etc - it can be done. Everyone just needs to agree ahead of time that all will need to be patient and considerate. NCL offers 3rd and 4th passenger cruise free(just pay port fees, taxes, and tips). It's hard to beat this deal on some of the newest biggest ships at sea.

This is probably something most people wouldn't even think about. In fact, it is counter intuitive in my opinion. If a $20 bill is perfectly crisp and flat, it almost feels counterfeit to me. I would think a bill with some wrinkles and "age" would be real as it would be hard to print a bunch of counterfeit bills and distress them to appear aged and therefore real.

However, on our last cruise, one of our friends on an island(he's a tour guide) told us what happens. He often receives bills that are wrinkled and torn(even a tiny bit). He thanks customers and takes the money. However, he cannot exchange it at the bank. He maybe able to use it with locals, but for much less than the value it should have. The banks on many islands will not accept money that is not in very good condition. Please take a few minutes and get new bills or bills in excellent condition to pay guides.

We have cruised since our girls were babies. Friends often cruise with us. We ALWAYS get asked if kids will be allowed to stay together. We have never had a cruise line allow a child to shift to another age group. However, we have had kids have a great time - even when mom's think they cannot live without their sibling. Kids will perceive what your opinion is and often act accordingly. If you tell them this is a great opportunity to be independent and make their "own" friends - they may think differently than if you make is sound like a terrible, scary thing that they will be separated.

What tour are you considering? I highly recommend Rony's Tours.) ronystours.com We have used him many times. He has great tours - very affordable. If you book with an excursion booking site - they will bid your tour out to local guides. I'd rather book directly with Rony and know exactly what I'm getting. He can customize your whole day - you do exactly what you want at your own pace. Depending on what you'd like to do - I can make some very specific recommendations and places to go. We have been to Roatan many times and just returned from 8 days there at an all inclusive.

Not to impose - just a suggestion. If you have 7 kids traveling with you. Take some large bags of candy, lollipops, tootsie rolls, etc(Sam's Club). Have Rony drive through his neighborhood in Coxen Hole. It is very close the ship. Your kids could hand out the candy and bring smiles to some neighborhood children and also have the opportunity to appreciate the way they live in the US.

We are trying the Seaside in November. Can't wait to try this new ship.

Priority tendering would definitely NOT make the decision to use ship vs. Chip. Just go early to get a tender ticket. You will be off right after the ship excursions. We've gone with Stingray Sailing at least 4 times. EVERY time we see the massive boats packed with ship passengers. No way I would want to be in a crowd for such an awesome experience. Chip anchors away from other boats. You can easily interact with the rays without being surrounded by people. The relaxing sail back to port is amazing. Stretch out and relax on the front of the catamaran - so peaceful.

55+ cruises and these are our favorites. We have used them each many times - all are very friendly and reliable and cost much less than the ship excursion.

Belize - cavetubing.bz Best cavetubing company in my opinon. They all have safety training and have excellent equipment. The caves are amazing - such a neat experience.

Roatan - ronystours.com Rony is just the best. He has great rates and will make sure you have a fabulous day! I recommend visiting the monkeys, zipling(South Shore Canopy), and gorgeous West Bay. Hire a private driver just for your family for only $25 pp, then add the extras you'd like.

Cozumel - Black Hat tours. Crescencio has become a friend. He has a nice van. I HIGHLY recommend Punta Sur. A little further than all the "popular" beach locations - but it's so incredible. Relax in a hammock with very few people in sight compared to shoulder to shoulder at the closer beach clubs. Beautiful sand and a nice reef.

Grand Cayman - Stingray Sailing Chip will make sure you have a great time whether you are a pro snorkeler or first timer. Stretch out and relax on his catamaran. The stingrays are amazing. From Chip's boat, carrying 20+/- people, you will see the ship excursion double-decker boats just packed with people - totally different experience. His prices are such a value for a fabulous day!

Sorry - I didn't know that the NCL Excursion was deep sea. We did sea little boats bringing in big barracuda. I don't thing tuna and swordfish were in season when we were there. We'd definitely like to try this sometime.

We were just in Roatan for 8 days. There are many boats along West Bay that will gladly take you fishing. I'd recommend searching what fish are in season for your visit. I personally would not schedule ahead of time as the weather could be bad or seas could be high and most of the boats are fairly small.

Contact Ronystours.com There is a great zipline(South Shore Canopy) just minutes from a gorgeous beach area in West Bay. It is very easy for him to drop of those who want to zip and take the others to the beach. Then, go back and get the zipliners and bring them to meet those at the beach. Very easy to do - spectacular day for everyone!

I would guess you went to West Bay. Beautiful sand beach with very shallow snorkeling just offshore.

There are probably 200 or more. We take gifts/supplies for 60 each time. Rony keeps a list and rotates the children with each visit. You can do what is most convenient for you. For example, take several tote bags or something similar with small items(pencils, erasers, tablets, candy, etc.). Rony can drive you to several locations in the community, the kids will see you and come to you. Hand the items out until they are gone. OR Pack a specific number of bags/drawstring bags/backpacks with items. Let Rony know in advance - EXAMPLE: I am bringing 6 backpacks of items for girls age 8-12. He will make arrangements to meet the children. Rony also volunteers coordinating/coaching soccer. Soccer balls are also greatly appreciated.