MM2174

Late to the party here, but I was on the Mardi Gras for Christmas and it was the same! I won’t sail during Christmas again. It was a bad experience!

Haven't seen it mentioned here, but I feel like the dress code is more strictly enforced on longer cruises, and during certain times of the year, such as around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the New Year. So if you are going on a short cruise, less than 5 nights, and you aren't cruising during the holiday, it should be fine.

On one cruise, I saw a grown man in gym shorts, a t shirt, and sports sandals in the dining room during formal night. No one said anything, and I was honestly shocked. I wouldn't even notice someone in nice jeans and a button up shirt, they would blend in just fine. Gym shorts and sandals, on the other hand, were completely out of place and that man stood out in a horrible way.

My kids are 2, 3, and 5, and we have cruised with the kids multiple times. We mostly try to avoid excursions due to the wait times. Even if an activity seems like it will be fun for everyone, most toddlers will not be happy having to wait for the excursion to start, take a bus ride, etc. You also need to consider what time the excursion takes place and how early you will need to meet for the excursion, which can sometimes be up to an hour before the excursion is scheduled to start. Are you going to have to wake up your child to get there? Does it fall during his nap time? Lunch time? Many excursions are 4+ hours, can he handle that or will he be fussy? If he is potty trained or in the process of training, consider that you may not have access to a restroom.

We stick to doing things on our own time instead of booking an excursion ahead of time. We take things as they come... kids are in a good mood? We find a tour when we get off the ship. Things like glass bottom boats, anything involving animals, or just going to the beach. The last thing I want to do is deal with one (or more) of my kids throwing a tantrum on a crowded bus. It's no fun for me, and it's not fair to all of the other people trying to enjoy the excursion.

You know your child. You know how patient they are, their likes and dislikes, and how they handle certain situations. Consider these things when reading about the available excursions. It's okay if you don't find one that works. There are plenty of things to do at each port, and your whole family can still have a good time.

I'm sure this isn't the answer you were looking for, but this is my best advice. I've been where you are, and I have made the (wrong) choice to book an excursion that *I* wanted to do.

Good Luck!!

It was offered on the Sunshine when I cruised earlier this month (December 10th). It was an 8 day rather than 7, so maybe SummerXU is right and it's only available on longer cruises.

I leave on the Paradise tomorrow for a 4 night. They haven't switched to the American Table Menu yet, so it will be interesting to see if it's offered.

The sushi bars offer sake, so I was wondering if the sake is included with the cheers program? If anyone that is cruising soon could ask while on their cruise, that would be wonderful and I would greatly appreciate it! I don't cruise until December, so I have time.

Thanks guys!