nmuhockey12

Would like to be between 200&350 max per night if possible - just wanted to know what’s out there hat makes the most sense for us! Thanks!

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I will be flying down to MIA with kids (4&6) in January on a Friday morning and meeting up with my husband and mother in law either that day or the next in anticipation of sailing on the Allure that Sunday. Meanwhile, I’m prepared (I think, although I’ve never done it!) to Uber from MIA to the hotel with the kids as I doubt my husband will be there yet. (They are driving down so we can post cruise in the keys without having to rent a car,his idea not mine lol). I will probably need to check in early with minimal luggage (car seats and backpacks, maybe one bag if any). Would love a pool to play in, food close by, maybe if I’m pushing it a park or playground even. I thought I wanted to be on the ocean but after much research it feels like the cost of that wouldn’t be worth it. We have always cruised out of FLL and got as close to the beach as possible up there so we could walk and walk but Miami appears to be a different animal. We obviously are not wanting to be part of the party scene so it sounds like we should avoid South Beach (maybe we just drive out there?!?). Thought maybe I could find a nice bay view room but that seems harder than I thought As well. Reading through these boards and trip advisor there are much recommendations for Hampton Brickell-would this be a kid friendly area where we could explore the surrounding area and be safe? The breakfast buffet looks awesome and I see there are plenty of other good restaurants close for other meals plus Publix! There appears to be self parking in the building for a fee which appears to be unheard of so that’s a plus for when hubby gets there. However, when I attempt to make a reservation for five the online system doesn’t let me. I’m not sure what day my husband and MIL will be down and would hate to have to buy a second room not knowing if we really need it or not. I’m sure even if they got down there Friday night we could make it work, the kids are little and can sleep anywhere. Has anyone had this situation (or close) and just got the one room anyway or is that going to be an issue? Or, should I be looking elsewhere? Obviously there are a billion hotels around to choose from, but I’d like something nice, affordable and with stuff to do around it that can accommodate our party. Thanks so much for your help and sorry for the long winded post - just a MIA newbie out of my comfort zone!

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Thanks Apex, I know they had a splash area on the independence when we took our son two years ago. It will be a deal breaker if big brother can play in the water and lil sis can't since she is a huge water girl. I guess if we are going to pay big money for a cruise it may as well have something for everyone. Thanks for the advise!

Yeah I though at least someone would chime in on the kid friendly ness of either ship...I'm sure whichever we pick we will be fine. Trying to narrow down by timeline and price and will just research the ships the best I can and make the best of it when we get there!!

After a two year cruising hiatus I decided that we are GOING on a cruise in January. My kids will have just turned 2&4 at this point, only one of which will be classified as potty trained. When our son was 14 mos we took him on the independence and though I wouldn't call it a relaxing vacation, it was nice. Pre children, for our honeymoon, we were on the Allure and though it was big and crowded in the common places, there were some things that I think the kids would love. I'm not too concerned with the kids clubs as I don't see that happening, but I'd like to know if both boats have the toddler splash area that was on the independence and if there is a height requirement for carousel on freedom. Also, any other tidbit or opinion would be great. We can can get 8 days on freedom for less than 7 on harmony so that is a bonus price wise. I think they'd love the carousel on the bigger ship but otherwise wonder if it's just too big (and slightly awkward layout) to enjoy with the kids. I contemplated trying Norwegian for the first time just for the flexible dining perks but it appears if pools are no go for the littles.

Thanks so much for the info on Independence with a one year old - I'll be in the exact same boat (huh,huh) here on Jan 12th with my then 14 mo old! I can't wait. This will be my 8th, my husbands 4th and my son's 1st cruise. I know it will be different than our previous cruises, but I'm super excited to see his reaction to everything! We also bought a balcony for this cruise anticipating needing to spend more time in the room than normal. I'm totally fine sitting on the balcony reading during naptime!! (At home, that's when I'm doing dishes, folding laundry, etc.!) We are working on transitioning to whole milk from breast milk right now (I don't want to have to figure out a way to carry two weeks of milk from MI to FL and keep it cold!!) but are still in bottle stage. Were you able to warm up bottles anywhere? Was there a fridge in your room to keep cold milk? I'm hoping that I can keep his supply right in our room and thinking that I can always just fill a cup with the hottest water out of the tap and warm it (at least slightly) that way. We are trying to transition to cooler milk + a sippy cup as well, but it just isn't going to happen in that time frame. We are on his time frame, lol. Thanks for the tips - I'm just now looking for the what to pack list and came across this review, music to my ears!!!