My Dad is going to take us on a cruise this summer! We've never been on one so we need some advice. The girls are going so what are the best cruises for kids? Where not exactly sure where we are going yet... Bahamas, Eastern or Southern Carribean...
We're not going to Alaska (even though that's where my Dad wants to go- ha!) and probably not Mexico!
What is the best way to book a cruise? The prices I've seen on-line through Carnival (which is the cruise line that has kids on it, right?) are really good right now!!
I think the Disney Cruise would be fabulous, but we plan to leave out of Galveston, so that one is out! Maybe in a few years! :)
Ok, give me any advice you have!!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
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Whitney, I think you're crazy not to go to Alaska! We lived there for several years and it's breathtaking. Summertime is the best time to be there and I think a Caribbean cruise would be better in the fall/winter months when the sun is not so strong. If you were to go to AK, I would suggest flying into Anchorage and touring by land, take the train down to Seward and cruise out because if you only cruise you will not see the state and miss the best parts. There are beautiful trails, a zoo, Iditarod dogs you can visit, a chocolate factory that is neat- neat things that are kid friendly.
Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean have great kids' programs.Carnival passengers tend to be a younger crowd,families and more singles than RCCL. Carnival's ships are decorated more festive while RCCL's ships are more subdued/classy. Stick to the 7 day cruises. Three, four and five day are too short. Carnival's Eastern cruise out of Galveston is not a true East Caribbean cruise. It does the Bahamas and Key West. A true Eastern Caribbean usually includes St Thomas, St Maarten, and/or Puerto Rico. RCCL only does Western Caribbean cruises out of Galveston. Most Western cruises include Jamaica, Cozumel (Mexico) and Grand Cayman. You have to decide what type of cruiser you are. Is the cruise more important or the ports? Are you looking to relax and be pampered or are you looking for an adventure? Some cruisers never get off of the ship because they are there for the on board experience and the sailing. If you want to see different places and do optional excursions, you want to look at the ports.
I am LOVING me some Royal Caribbean, but have also traveled with Carnival. I did both without children (amen for grandparents), but I have friends' whose children LOOOVVVEEEE the Camp Carnival for kids on the Carnival cruise line. I'd say it's more kid friendly than Royal Caribbean for sure, but that's my OWN personal opinion. If you go to the Bahamas and get off at Atlantis, you MUST eat at Carmines restaurant. MUST!
I've been on two cruises but I don't have children so can't give you advice on that. But I can agree with Tara G. I have been to Alaska and loved it! I took the Alaskan railroad and it was breath-taking. Sometimes I can think back and feel myself on that train that is how much I loved it ;)
I'm sure you'll make the right choice and have a blessed time.
We went on Royal Carribbean and it had tons of kids on it also! We left out of Galveston as well! I think the one we went to went to key west, florida, grand caymon islands, and cozumel, but those always change! Good luck!! My parents have also been on the carnival cruise and I think that went to Bahamas and they really enjoyed that too!!!
Hubby and I are going on a Carnival cruise to Mexico the first week in August to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary. It is the first cruise for both of us, so we are excited! We sail out of Galveston. I don't have any advice for you, but I'm sure all of you will have a great time whichever cruise you go on. How fun!
When it comes to whether to book online or via a travel agent, it depends on a couple of factors. If you can find an ECC (Elite Cruise Counselor) MCC (Master Cruise Counselor) or ACC (Accredited Cruise Counselor) you want that person to be your travel counselor. Those certification courses are years long because they require the candidates to sail on numerous cruises, take exams, do shipboard inspections and learn everything about the cruise industry, the cruise lines, the cruise ships and cruise itineraries. If there are no ECCs, MCCs or ACCs in our area you can see if there is anyone listed as a cruise expert. However, some people label themselves experts if they sailed twice on a cruise line. Ask them about their cruise experience. What you don't want to end up with is a travel counselor who does not have cruise experience or is not passionate about cruises. They won't be able to counsel you and help you book a cruise vacation that exceeds your expectations. Those type of agents are "order takers" not counselors. A lot of agencies charge service fees for booking your cruise. If they cannot supply you with a top-notch agent, then book on the web. On the web you have instant access to discounts and the cruise lines' websites are packed full of information if you have time to do the research. Also, the telephone customer service reps at the cruise lines can also answer any of your questions. There are numerous online only agencies that sell cruises, but I would stick with the cruise lines' websites. They tend to have better customer service and if something should go wrong, working with a mega virtual cruise agency can be an exercise in frustration, long response times and poor communication. With a local, brick & mortar agency you can at least drive over and physically sit down with the counselor to resolve issues. Also, local agencies are more apt to make things "right" in a small town like Abilene. As for Alaska, those cruises are breath taking, but the average age of an Alaska cruiser is approx. 60. Also, you may want to do that as a couple and leave the girls home. A Caribbean cruise on Carnival or RCCL will be more fun for them. (Sorry, another long, long winded comment.)--Brenda
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