Help! I don't know where to start planning the specifics...

lisabees · December 28, 2005

Is there a book or something? Seriously, there are so many details and I have four kids, so I really need to know what I'm doing. We're going on the Voyager to the Western Caribbean in February.

What excursions are best for a family? What are the pros/cons of booking privately vs. the ship? We're supposed to be going to Grand Cayman, Ochos Rios, Cozumel, Labadee.

Do I sign my kids up for Ocean Adventure beforehand? Do I need reservations for shows/restaurants? What about activities? Do I need reservations for Labadee activities?

Do we have to attend formal nights? I really don't want to pack extra clothes, let alone shop for them. What are the other food options during those times?

I am feeling very overwhelmed and really don't want to feel that I wasted tons of time and money because I had no clue...

Lisa

Libracruzer · December 28, 2005

Hi Lisabees:

I will try to help a little; however I have not cruised with children along.

You do not need to attend any of the formal nights; the casual "Windjammer" is open every night for dinner. There is always room service; there is 24/7 food in the promenade. There should also be a Johnny Rockets on board.

You do not need reservations for any of the dining rooms, except the specialty restaurant (optional for a $20 per peson fee). The shows are posted for times according to your assigned dinner seating; there are tickets for the ice show, they are free as well.

I would think that you enroll the children when you board; they will be given special bracelets to wear prior to boarding, and you can get all of the information for the programs then.

In Labadee there might be some reservation items but you should learn about that from the daily newsletter the "Compass" that will be left for you. The Pursers Desk (or front desk) is always a great place to get information that you need. You can see the ship's excursions on line at RCI; there is a general debate on these boards as to what is better - private, or the ship's excursions. You can find information for your ports on their specific board.

Take care, hope that I helped, Karen

wrp96 · December 28, 2005

I'll try to answer some of your questions.

Shore excursions: ship excursions tend to be more expensive and more crowded than independent excursions, but if there are delays the ship will wait for you if you are on a ship excursion but not if you are off on your own. You need to search around and weigh what sounds better to you. Some excursions you can only find through the ship. Others you can only find through independent operators.

You don't need to pre-register for Adventure Ocean, but do go to the orientation the first day. I've heard that if you want your kids to go to Johnny Rockets w/ AO then you do need to sign them up the first day.

No reservations are necessary for the shows in the main theater. You will need to pick up tickets for the ice shows, but they will have 2 showings for each of the dining room seatings. The compass will tell you when and where to pick up tickets (which are free). Very few activities, if any, will require signing up ahead of time. Watch the compass and it will let you know if any preregistration is required. Usually you just show up for an activity. Occasionally you will have to pay for an activity on board, but the compass will indicate that as well.

The only restaurant you need to make reservations for is Portofino's if you want to go there (it's wonderful and worth the $20pp charge). If you decide you want to eat at Portofino's you might do that the night the kids are at Johnny Rockets w/ AO as it is for ages 13 and up only. Johnny Rockets requires no reservations but can sometimes require a wait. It has a $3.95 per person cover charge plus the cost of any drinks, including milkshakes.

Labadee - if you know you really want to do an activity like parasailing or waverunner then go ahead and sign up now, otherwise just wait. Sometimes there won't be slots left but only for the more limited things. Otherwise you'll be fine signing up once you get to the island. Things like snorkeling, and the play areas don't bother signing up for ahead of time as there will be plenty of opportunities available once you get to the island.

If you don't want to attend formal nights, you can eat in the Windjammer (buffet), order room service, or grab snacks from the Cafe Promenade. You might let your server know ahead of time that you won't be attending though so he won't wait for you if you decide not to attend.

Cuizer2 · December 28, 2005

Is there a book or something? Seriously, there are so many details and I have four kids, so I really need to know what I'm doing. We're going on the Voyager to the Western Caribbean in February.

What excursions are best for a family? What are the pros/cons of booking privately vs. the ship? We're supposed to be going to Grand Cayman, Ochos Rios, Cozumel, Labadee.

Do I sign my kids up for Ocean Adventure beforehand? Do I need reservations for shows/restaurants? What about activities? Do I need reservations for Labadee activities?

Do we have to attend formal nights? I really don't want to pack extra clothes, let alone shop for them. What are the other food options during those times?

I am feeling very overwhelmed and really don't want to feel that I wasted tons of time and money because I had no clue...

Lisa

Yes, there are books. Go to a book store (I go to Borders). Look at the books and find one that provides you with the information you are seeking. They do exist. I have been on five cruises and still buy the books.

You seem stressed enough. I would suggest you not book any excursions privately. The advantage of a private excursion, if you do your homework and find a good one, is price. The advantage of a RCI booked excursion, easy (you tell RCI what you want and they take care of the rest) and if something happens, and you get back late, the ship waits for you (the ship will not wait for a private tour).

You sign your kids up for Ocean Adventure on the day you board the ship. You will get a seating assignment for the main restaurant, that is your "reservation" for the week. The only show you need a reservation for is the ice show. They will announce when tickets are available.

Labadee is your first stop. You can make reservations, but you can also join in most of the activities once on the beach (it is a private beach - not a private island). I suggest you don't make reservations and play it by ear. You seem to be under enough stress. You can have fun without making reservations on Labadee.

You do not have to attend formal nights. However, "formal" dress is not necessary. If you just look good (such as Sunday church clothes) you will be fine. Otherwise, the buffet will be open.

I was on this same cruise on the Navigator in Aug 2004. Here is a link to some photos you can look at. Click on any photo to make it bigger ...

http://www.cruise-addicts.com/photogallery/main.php?g2_view=core.ShowItem&g2_itemId=90195

The idea is to relax and have fun. Don't try to do too much or not only will you not have fun, your kids will be burned out and you will need a vacation to recover from your cruise.

Sheffie · December 28, 2005

Great help so far!

My suggestion would be to be SURE to take the kids to Stingray City in Grand Cayman. It is an experience they won't forget! You will be the BEST mom! Here is a list of private vendors that I have gleaned from the GC board. We used the Buccaneer. It is a catamaran and the timing of the excursion was perfect for us.

Sailboats:

Buccaneer: http://caymanislandsdiscounts.com/Stingray_City_Buccaneer_Excursion.htm

Captain Bryan’s: http://grandcaymancruiseexcursions.com/StingrayCityCaptBryans.htm

Motorized:

Captain Marvin’s: http://www.captainmarvins.com

Nativeway: http://www.nativewaywatersports.com/shiptours.html

Sotos: http://www.sotoscruises.com

Have a great cruise, no matter what you do. As Cruizer2 said, relax and have fun!

PappaSiera · December 28, 2005

For information on the various ports, the Port Of Call boards here on Cruise Critic are a great source. also, the excursions pffered by Royal Caribbean should be available for your sailing by now, go to THIS SITE, click on the "Go" button under "Purchase any Shore Excursion, Worldwide." and enter your booking information, then browse the excursions they offer. This will give you information on what is available, and what time(s) the excursions depart.

If you do book privately (I book about 75% of my excursions privately), be sure that you understand any cancellation charges that you may acure due to the ship not making the port.

Besides that, the best advice I can give is "Don' wory man. Everyting is cool"

BeachBumMama · December 28, 2005

Scour these boards like there's no tomorrow, you'll find all the information you can need and even some information you didn't need to know. lol You can do a search on your particular ship to find some tips but you'll have to read through alot of information. And the ports of call for your destinations is the best bet to plan your excursions and what to do. The planning is half the fun.

Ohunion Cruzers · December 29, 2005

Yes, there are books. Go to a book store (I go to Borders). Look at the books and find one that provides you with the information you are seeking. They do exist. I have been on five cruises and still buy the books.

You seem stressed enough. I would suggest you not book any excursions privately. The advantage of a private excursion, if you do your homework and find a good one, is price. The advantage of a RCI booked excursion, easy (you tell RCI what you want and they take care of the rest) and if something happens, and you get back late, the ship waits for you (the ship will not wait for a private tour).

You sign your kids up for Ocean Adventure on the day you board the ship. You will get a seating assignment for the main restaurant, that is your "reservation" for the week. The only show you need a reservation for is the ice show. They will announce when tickets are available.

Labadee is your first stop. You can make reservations, but you can also join in most of the activities once on the beach (it is a private beach - not a private island). I suggest you don't make reservations and play it by ear. You seem to be under enough stress. You can have fun without making reservations on Labadee.

You do not have to attend formal nights. However, "formal" dress is not necessary. If you just look good (such as Sunday church clothes) you will be fine. Otherwise, the buffet will be open.

I was on this same cruise on the Navigator in Aug 2004. Here is a link to some photos you can look at. Click on any photo to make it bigger ...

http://www.cruise-addicts.com/photogallery/main.php?g2_view=core.ShowItem&g2_itemId=90195

The idea is to relax and have fun. Don't try to do too much or not only will you not have fun, your kids will be burned out and you will need a vacation to recover from your cruise.

The following expectation can be found on RCI’s Web Page:

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/customersupport/faq/lifeOnboardFaq.do;jsessionid=00003r7uyfPObwi9-KWfJ3UFI4U:v2mocc7o#8

What are the dress codes onboard?

There are three distinct types of evenings onboard: casual, smart casual and formal. Suggested guidelines for these nights are:

Casual: Sport shirts and slacks for men, sundresses or pants for women

Smart Casual: Jackets and ties for men, dresses or pantsuits for women

Formal: Suits and ties or tuxedos for men, cocktail dresses for women

3 to 4-night cruises include one formal night and the remainder are casual nights.

5 – night cruises include one formal and the remainder casual nights.

6 – night cruises include two formal nights, one smart casual and the remainder are casual nights .

7 to 9-night cruises include two formal nights, one smart casual night and the remainder nights are casual nights.

10 to13-night cruises include two formal nights and two smart casual nights, and the remainder are casual nights.

14+ -night cruises include three formal nights and four smart casual nights and the remainder are casual nights.

We appreciate your usual parental guidance and cooperation in observing these easy guidelines with your children.

Cuizer2 · December 30, 2005

The following expectation can be found on RCI’s Web Page:

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/customersupport/faq/lifeOnboardFaq.do;jsessionid=00003r7uyfPObwi9-KWfJ3UFI4U:v2mocc7o#8

What are the dress codes onboard?

There are three distinct types of evenings onboard: casual, smart casual and formal. Suggested guidelines for these nights are:

Casual: Sport shirts and slacks for men, sundresses or pants for women

Smart Casual: Jackets and ties for men, dresses or pantsuits for women

Formal: Suits and ties or tuxedos for men, cocktail dresses for women

3 to 4-night cruises include one formal night and the remainder are casual nights.

5 – night cruises include one formal and the remainder casual nights.

6 – night cruises include two formal nights, one smart casual and the remainder are casual nights .

7 to 9-night cruises include two formal nights, one smart casual night and the remainder nights are casual nights.

10 to13-night cruises include two formal nights and two smart casual nights, and the remainder are casual nights.

14+ -night cruises include three formal nights and four smart casual nights and the remainder are casual nights.

We appreciate your usual parental guidance and cooperation in observing these easy guidelines with your children.

As you can see, these guidelines are for adults, not children. No one expect you to spend a lot of money on a nice suit for a child that will grow out of it before (s)he has a chance to wear it again. Also, it is well known that the guidelines are not strickly enforced. If you and your children are dressed nicely, you will have not be asked to leave the "formal" dinner. I see lots of children (and adults) who are not wearing a jacket, tie or floor length dress that attend the "formal" dinner. However, when everyone looks sharp, it makes for a very nice looking formal night picture.

Nonetheless, you can always go to the buffet on formal nights. It is your choice.

suezyq50 · December 30, 2005

I would agree with all the posts. The age of the kids was not mention. Take them to Stingray City, which could be enjoyed by all ages. Dunns River Falls in Ochos Rios is also neat, but requires climbing. There is a staircase on the side if you need to exit. Be prepared for hawkers selling their wares as you leave.

Most of all enjoy yourself.

Ohunion Cruzers · December 30, 2005

As you can see, these guidelines are for adults, not children. No one expect you to spend a lot of money on a nice suit for a child that will grow out of it before (s)he has a chance to wear it again. Also, it is well known that the guidelines are not strickly enforced. If you and your children are dressed nicely, you will have not be asked to leave the "formal" dinner. I see lots of children (and adults) who are not wearing a jacket, tie or floor length dress that attend the "formal" dinner. However, when everyone looks sharp, it makes for a very nice looking formal night picture.

Nonetheless, you can always go to the buffet on formal nights. It is your choice.

Obviously you did not click on the link provided, or did not read the entire RCI dress code request. It does specifically request PARENTS to observe these EASY guidelines WITH their CHILDREN.

Cuizer2 · December 30, 2005

Obviously you did not click on the link provided, or did not read the entire RCI dress code request. It does specifically request PARENTS to observe these EASY guidelines WITH their CHILDREN.

You are correct, it does. I missed that last line.

It still does not change my opinion. Though I do follow the dress code (though I don't like it) I would rather make someone feel comfortable and welcome than uncomfortable and unwelcome. They want to enjoy the cruise too.

Someone else's choice in clothing is not going to change the level of service I receive, nor is it going to change the taste of the food. So, I am not going to allow it to bother me.

It is well known that some cruise lines don't enforce the dress code and some do. Sounds to me like you would be happier on one of the cruise lines that do. Personally, it is that very reason that I have not cruised with HAL or Celebrity yet. I don't like getting dressed up. I can see you do. Okay, so cruise on a ship which does enforce their dress code. But don't go on a ship that you know will not, then complain when they don't.

You pay good money to enjoy your vacation. Why spend it in an atmosphere where you are going to be unhappy? You know that RCI and Carnival do not enforce their dress codes. If this bothers you, why do you cruise with them? Give your money to one of the cruise lines that provides you with the atmosphere you perfer, and enjoy yourself.

Ohunion Cruzers · December 30, 2005

Corporate RCI wants the guideline followed. They would not print it on their website, on their tickets, in the Daily Compass, etc., if they did not want it enforced.

The waitstaff on each individual ship is where the "non-enforcement" problem is prevalent. They are afraid if they turn away diners, they won't get a gratuity.

Cuizer2 · December 30, 2005

Corporate RCI wants the guideline followed. They would not print it on their website, on their tickets, in the Daily Compass, etc., if they did not want it enforced.

The waitstaff on each individual ship is where the "non-enforcement" problem is prevalent. They are afraid if they turn away diners, they won't get a gratuity.

That is a simple problem to solve. All they have to do is offer to fire anyone that does not enforce the code. Likely RCI's offical position is that the code should be followed. However, it seems just as likely that there is an unofficial position that allows employees to look the other way.

At any rate, it is well known that RCI does not enforce the dress code. Okay, that is RCI's problem. If someone like you feels strongly about it, then RCI will lose a potential customer. But it makes no difference to me.

I'll say it again. Knowing that RCI will not enforce the dress code, do not go on an RCI ship and then complain when in fact RCI does not enforce the dress code. If it bothers you, go on one of the other lines that provides an atmosphere more to your tastes.

Ohunion Cruzers · December 30, 2005

I have looked through recent cruise documents - Tickets, Compass, etc. and NO WHERE can I find anything, in writing that states - "Come as you are for dinner in the dining room", "Shorts permitted in dining room for dinner" or "Jeans allowed in the dining room for dinner".

No, everything I read says: