bubblemama007

OP- It sounds like you have lots of help onboard. We have done something quite similar, only ours were 12, 10, 1, and 2 at the time. 2 cabins, unless it is a financial impossibility. We are planning to be on a cruise this time next week. With 4 children, 12, 11, 3, and 2. 2 cabins booked. Yes, you will be taking strollers, diapers, wipes, bottles, extra clothes, etc. It is still worth it. Look up the Under 2 playtime at Camp Carnival. Also, consider paying the extra fee for the Under 2 babysitting, if your DH family isn't willing to watch babies for you. If they are, my favorite is to book the thermal spa week long pass. You could even sneak your shower in, after your spa visit. Alone, with no little hands under the door. Well, at least that is how it can be at my house. Hope you take the vacation, plan for the adventure, and enjoy every minute.

Please tip the kids camp workers. They are not covered in the pre paid gratuities. (Not everyone as kids...) So, please tip them. We take $10 per child in camp, in $1s, the last night. They split it out between them. You could take more. I would not take less, especially if you use the service each day. We carry our own bags, 1 per person. We do prepaid gratuities. We tip $2 per room service order. We also tip taxi drivers, excursion operations, etc.

As an artist, and as an art teacher, it is more personal for me.

The majority of the people who sail on the voyages we have enjoyed, come from areas with brilliant, local artists. If they truly wanted something "to match the couch" or for his "man cave" , they would do better to commission something locally. They would save money, possess an original, and keep their money within their local economy.

Again, it is more personal for me.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2016-12-14/ever-bought-artwork-on-a-cruise-prepare-to-be-seasick

The above link is interesting, related reading. At least for those of us who not fans of the Park West cruise line art galleries. We plan to be onboard a Carnival ship in September. I will be happy to report back that they are gone. Of course, we shall see.

Just a side note for your kids -

 

Take RootBeer, etc. over to the Lido deck to the diy soft serve ice cream machine for floats. It’s available 24 hours a day. They will always have glasses there as well. Enjoy your cruise!

 

 

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Fabulous idea! Thank you for the suggestion. :) They will be thrilled to put it into practice.

Well, this was certainly enlightening and entertaining!

We have decided to bring the soda onboard.

Our family has been a soda package purchase one for the last seven cruises. The service has declined for us, especially the last two cruises. The lack of service, increased wait times, and even more limited options no longer make the convenience worth the cost. So, we shall find out if the hassle is worth the savings. The soda is a big deal on vacation, since I am one of those scary mamas who limit things like soda, red dye, and screen time on a regular basis. My older two look forward to their root beer on vacation. This, hopefully, will translate into motivated helpers when going through security to board the ship.

Any suggestions as to the method of toting will be appreciated. Currently deliberating the pros and cons of the boxes versus an additional rolling suitcase filled with soda cans... (and yes, I am serious. When traveling with toddlers and pre teens, logistics matter.)

Thanks to those of you with helpful and/or entertaining advice. It is much appreciated. Not sure who I would be leaving the toddlers with, if they weren't on the ship. Glad there are those of you with lots of family to take your kids for a week at the drop of a hat. I wouldn't know about that sort of thing. Our kids travel with us. They also enjoy lots of time at the Camp Carnival. Whose staff members we get to know and whom we tip well at the end of our stay.

This will be our second cruise with 4 children. The last cruise we took with them, we bought the BB package. it felt like we were spending an inordinate amount of time just waiting to get our soda card verified, scanned, signed, and soda received. For the amount of money we spent, it did not seem worth it.

So, what do y'all suggest?

Do we buy the BB package and continue to wait for our drinks?

Or, do we tote our own soda onboard?

Along with the diaper bag, two strollers, and carry luggage...

Chankanaab is easy to get to on your own. Just get a taxi, for two of you it should be $10 from the pier. You can print out a coupon from their website, to save a bit on the tickets. If you like uncrowded and gorgeous, this is the place for you. Felipe Estrada is the best guide in the park. If you take his gardens tour (recommend that you do!) hand him your camera. He can take magical pictures. They might be the best ones on your vacation. Be sure to bring cash for a tip, too. Lockers and snorkel gear can be rented for $10 , or less, if you haggle. Bring your own snorkel, though. (Personal, you know)

In NOLA, it will probably still be hot. Even in September. If you haven't seen Marci Gras World, you should go at least once. I second the WWII museum. Well worth the visit. Fun cafe and vintage shop on the property. The Cafe Du Monde inside RiverWalk has the shortest lines and is right on the water front. Snoballs are our personal favorite. Key Lime Pie, Pralines, Nectar, and Birthday cake are our family favorites. Ask for creme on them. The best!

It took our cards 4 days to arrive in the mail. It did save us over $200. So, it was worth taking the quizzes, earning the points, etc.