Please help us choose our first cruise

My hubby and I have 4 kids so needless to say we are NEVER alone. We were planning on spending the first 2 weeks in Flordia with the kids for summer vacation. WELLLLL...we changed our mind so this is wh I need help!!!Im looking for a cruise that ports out of any port in Flordia, I believe there is one in South Carolina it could port there also. We already have out condo in Orlando booked til the 9th. I have a friend that is gonna come down hang out a few days with us then take the kids home. So we are looking for a vruise thhat leaves either June 8th June 9th or June 10th. 9th or 10th would be the best. I have found a few but I know yall know your stuff.. Please educate me!!! I only foumd a few porting out on those days. If yall know of an can you tell me wha one yall would choose! Thanks so much for just reading m long post lololol:o

Welcome to Cruise Critic! You will doubtless get lots of suggestions here on CC, but your best bet would be to talk to a cruise specialist in your area. He/she can answer all of your questions, and try to match you up with the cruise that would best suit you. You can do some preliminary searches on line yourself by going to each cruise line's web site to see what is available on the dates you're considering. The two most likely will be either Royal Caribbean or Carnival. If possible, I would suggest choosing a newer ship that has a variety of on board amenities. You didn't indicate what length of cruise you're thinking about. I would suggest at least a 5-day, or longer if possible. Keep in mind that June is also family vacation time, so you can expect to see lots of families with their children. Good luck with your search. It's only fair to warn you that cruising can be addictive.:)

There are two Carnival and one Royal Caribbean leaving out of Miami on the 10th. There is a Carnival leaving Tampa on the 10th. Jacksonville has a Carnival ship departing on the 10th. There is a Carnival, Disney, and Royal Caribbean leaving Port Canaveral on the 9th and a Carnival on the 10th. On the 9th Royal Caribbean and Carnival have sailings out of Port Everglades. Plenty for you to choose from. Enjoy your cruise!

Also, something to think about...I know you stated you wanted to cruise during the summer but be prepared to shell out $$$$$$. Unfortunately, summer months can add $200-400 :eek:more per person versus any other time. But for most it's just the nature ofthe beast. Good luck!:D

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

One of the reasons for higher prices in the summer time is that many of the other ships have left to do Alaskan and European cruises thus the choices are fewer.

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

As mentioned, I would speak with a Cruise Specialist who can help you. I would ask friends and others who you know who cruise if they have a Cruise Specialist they would recommend.

Keith

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

 

One of the reasons for higher prices in the summer time is that many of the other ships have left to do Alaskan and European cruises thus the choices are fewer.

That may be one reason, but summer time is peak season for vacations in general, whether it's a cruise or land-based vacation. With higher demand, the cruise lines are able to charge more, as opposed to an off-peak period.

Since you'll be in Orlando, I recommend the Freedom of the Seas (Royal Caribbean). They do alternating Eastern/ Western Caribbean out of Port Canaveral, every Sunday. Come to the Royal Caribbean board to read some great reviews of this ship!