Recommend inexpensive cruise for family

[tupper10]

We are looking to go on a cruise next spring or summer for 2 adults and 4 "children" ages 19-25. We would prefer to leave from a NYC port. What line would you recommend and room set up. Any help would be appreciated. :)

[janetz]

Fron NYC you can do a 8 day Carribean on Carnival Legend (ours is in Sept), or NCL Dawn cruises from NY to the Bahamas. From NJ you can go to Bermuda. There are certain cruise websites that have an option of searching the cruise by port. Cruise.com is one.Summer will cost more and since your children are young adults, you can cruise during the spring. Since your "kids" are older, you have to decide what type of cabins you want. Pick a ship (I hear the Legend is a great cruise) and look at the cabins and deck plans. The lower the deck, the cost is less, as with a inside cabin (no window) is less that one with a window, etc. The kids, eh, they won't care if they have a window, they will never be there, just to sleep. You may want to consider a oceanview or balcony, with a connecting cabin, or an inside across the hall from you...Lots of options! Lots of fun to plan...:D

[I&MsMom]

Spring will be less costly than the summer, and you are likely to find the best prices on Carnival or NCL out of NY.

 

I agree with the previous poster, use an on-line TA which allows you to specify the departure ports, and have a look see. You don't necessarily have to book this way, but it will give you an idea of your options!

 

You also might want to check here for a group cruise out of NY next spring. CC group cruise pricing is usually very attractive, and the amenities don't hurt either!

 

Enjoy the search, and, hopefully, bon voyage!!

[wrp96]

Also, look at Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas which sails out of Bayonne, NJ. It does 5-night Bermuda sailings and 9-night Caribbean sailings.

[2Cruise4Ever]

NCL also goes to Bermuda out of NYC. We recently booked the Dawn for 6/16/07 which goes to the Bahamas (2 stops) and then to Bermuda. The prices go up the following week for Summer season. And, the prices are a little lower the week before this, too. We booked this week because our kids will be out of school the day before the cruise.

 

Happy Sailing!!!:D

[Bonnie J.]

We thought Jan. had lowest prices but are finding Dec. before Xmas is the losest at the moment. When you book ask if they will honor a lower price if the price goes down. I wouldn't hesitate to get two inside cabins. I see them advetised at $399 frequently. We've had cabins with names, balcony & outside cabins but, for the price have no problems with inside. If your 4 young kids are in one cabin, tell them to use the shower in the Spa. They are old enough not to need to be right next door. If your cabin does not have robes, ask your steward for them.

We've neen on the Legend twice and really like it and the 8 day cruise! Let me know if you have questions about her - bonniejns@hotmail.com - subject 'cruising'

[happy cruzer]

Ok since you mentioned inexpensive and I am cheap, I will jump in here.

 

You might want to check out prices of :

 

parking

transfer from and to parking if any

excursions or tours during the cruise

beverage costs ( wine, beer, mixed drinks, sodas, bottle water, and juice are not included) there are soda cards and wine packages, daily drink specials that help in this area.

if you want specialy foods - sometimes an upscale restaurent is on board and has an extra charge, sometimes gourmet coffee is extra, sometimes ice cream - check this one out by ship

photos from the ship photographers can add up

bingo and casino

spa visits

tips for the staff (this one is a real biggie and some people like to do it in cash)

 

These things will add up, I find that for two cheap :p people for 1 week we usually spend an additional $400 but it can be alot more.

[cherylandtk]

I would add to check out senior rates (55+) and/or military rates if anyone in your party qualifies. Carnival has some terrrific reduced rates in both categories, with other lines having slightly less attractive deals, but still reduced.

[tupper10]

Thanks for all the advise. I will look into Carnival. We've cruised on Celebrity but I know my "kids" wouldn't like it. The question is we will like Carnival. I heard it was very noisy - we've done Royal Caribbean but the do not go where we want to go out of New York and the prices were very high.

[janetz]

Tupper, we are trying our first Carnival cruise on the Legend in September. I have read so many reviews and almost all are positive. We enjoyed Celebrity but loved Princess. Any cruise is a good cruise!

[Bonnie J.]

You will be pleasnatly surprised when you go on the Legend! Second time we were on her, New Years Eve cruise, '05, Bob Dickerson was on board for the entire cruise. He is the CEO and president of Carnival. He chose the Legend for his family and he could have been on ANY Carnival ship!

Make sure you go to the deli where they make great sandwiches to order. My husband really likes their Reuban! We have them make sandwiches which we take ashore for lunch in my collapsible cooler. The Maitre'd is a big fan of Frank Sinatra and boy can he sing. He sings everynight in the dining room, sometimes standing on a table! You will like the Legend- we like it bette than the newer Glory & Valor!