Cruise Crazy Family

Stopping in Nassau off RCCL in July. Other than the beach or waterpark, any other cool things to do with teenagers that are not offered by the cruise line? Would love a catamaran ride or river tubing type of activity. 

11 hours ago, MaddyandMax said:

We cruise out of /Newark all the time from Hamilton.  We usually stay in a hotel about 1.5 hours from the port as they are much cheaper.  We found so many hotels charge so much to keep your car there for the week and the shuttle it's not much more expensive to just park at the pier.  Plus much quicker on the way home.

 

If you are booking park and stay make sure you read the fine print.  A lot of hotels now are only providing the shuttle to the port and you have to find your own way back when you get off the boat.

Thank you! That is super helpful. Any advice on a family friendly (teens) hotel? We prefer 3 or 4 stars.

8 hours ago, Dancer Bob said:

Agree with karebare42, except I would plan to arrive much earlier. Allowing for stops, traffic, and driving eastbound at sunrise, that means leaving midnite-ish. Are you comfortable with night driving? All the routes involve some trade-off, but you would avoid a lot of traffic.

Hey there,

we plan on going a few days early. Thinking of 3 nights in hotel to visit NYC for 2 days. Would rather not drive in the middle of the night. Any advice would be great! Have you driven there from Mississauga before?

10 hours ago, karebare22 said:

Hi, we’ve done this drive 3 times, but from Ottawa (about a 7-7.5 hr drive according to Google, no stops. First time (way back in 2010!)  we stayed at the Embassy Suites Newark airport for 1 night, and at the time the price included a shuttle for 2 people to the ship, and parking. There are a lot of hotels to choose from in that area, and shopping mall/outlets close by. Very easy. In 2020 we did the same but got the best rate at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Newark Airport, price included the parking for the week, but there is nothing in that area except a mess of highways. Not sure if there was a shuttle, but Uber was the cheapest option for 4 of us so that’s what we used to get  to/from the port. Last May, we didn’t stay in a hotel overnight. We left our house at 4am, and drove directly to the port, and would have been there around 11:30 without stops (after duty-free, breakfast and gas stops it was more like 1:15). . Parked our car at the port for the week. Quick and easy to just head straight home from there after the cruise. The last scenario is what we will do for future cruises from Cape Liberty. Very smooth and not that long a drive. So nice to be able to drive to the port and avoid flying!

Thank you! Super helpful.

Hello all,

cruising from Cape Liberty in July '23. I see that posts here are a few years old, pre-covid. Any updates? We are not from there. We are driving in. We were hoping to stay at a NJ hotel for 2 nights before the cruise (taking public transit to go into NYC in between days), take a shuttle to the terminal, and leave the car at the hotel. After reading the posts here, I have questions:

1. Is it safe to leave car at the hotel?

2. Is the parking at the hotel truly included or is it extra?

3. How are shuttles from hotel to cruise port? Hard to find space for family of 2 adults, 2 teens? Free?

4. Are the cruise parking lots supervised/safer?

5. What would be a safe area to stay in (3 or 4 star hotel) where we can easily go to a family friendly restaurant for meals?

Thank you!

Hello all,

taking a cruise next month from Cape Liberty, NY. Driving from Toronto. Any advice on best travel route? How long should it take approximately? If we stop overnight, where would be a good idea to do something with the teens? Advice on hotel in New Jersey where we can leave our car for free for a week during the cruise and get a ride to the terminal?

Thank you!

Question: I am sorry if you already answered this but it is taking me so long to read all the posts. Are the pools heated on Serenade to Alaska? I have two children 10-11 years old. We are used to cruising on large ships like NCL Escape, RCCL Allure and Oasis, and I am wondering how they will be busy and like the cruise to Alaska. They don't go to the kids clubs. We are used to cruising the caribbean and going to the private islands/beaches. I think if the pools are not heated and comfortable to use in August going to Alaska from Vancouver, that will make me cancel my courtesy hold.

Thanks!

So we just came back from our cruise on Oasis of the Seas. I thought I would post our thoughts of the tubing here for anyone else looking for info. We booked the Jungle Tubing Adventure in Falmouth, Jamaica via the ship. It was wonderful! Truly perfect for our family of 4 with children 9 and 11 years old with no tubing experience.

The entire excursion was approximately 2.5 hours. Bus had AC and was clean. We had to leave our belongings on a bench at the beach (glad we did not take valuables with us) and then the bus drove us to the top of the river where we were outfitted with safety gear appropriate to everyone's size. We then got into the river as a group of 8 with a guide. We held on to each other's tubes for safety. The speed of the water and the size of the rapids were perfect for beginners. The scenery was beautiful. We returned to the beach where our belongings were untouched. There is a snack bar there with food and drinks for purchase. We were hoping to buy a picture of our experience, but they didn't take one of us. We were told we would have had to tell them at the beginning of the excursion at the top of the river.

I would recommend this excursion. It wasn't too long or too hot for our family. Just perfect.

We have only been on two cruises, both with Disney - the Western and Med. For financial reasons, we are trying to decide on another cruise line. We’ve been told that Disney spoiled us and that we will be disappointed in other cruises. I know there will be differences and I was hoping you could help me understand them so that we can make a well informed decision. Thanks for your help!

How old are your kids? We cruised a few times with Disney. We have also done NCL and RCCL. We will not do NCL again until the kids are grown up. They loved the waterslides on the breakaway class ship, but that's it. The staff and the shows are really not kid friendly. Even the kids' club has no windows to the outside. Feels like a cave.

RCCL is more expensive, but less then Disney. Choose a ship with the Dreamworks Characters if your kids are into that. The shows are kid friendly, the activities are plentiful, you will enjoy the pools (especially compared to Disney), and the kids' club offers great family science activities.

I haven't used these services, but last year I had investigated all of this and decided to just take a taxi. It cost us $76 USD plus tip. Well worth it for 4 of us. I just asked the concierge at the hotel to book one for me that morning.

I need shuttle service from Ft Lauderdale airport to Port of Miami and back. Need suggestions please.

Looked at: Metro Shuttle Service, Howard's Ground Transportation, Jiffy Jeff Transportation and FLL Shuttle Service on Trip Advisor.

I would like to know your experience with any of these or others I have not seen. Thanks!

Yes, from Miami Internation to the port.

I heard a rumor that a taxi is a flat rate of 27 dollars from Miami to the port?

I feel like it really depends on how much you want to be on the ship and how many excursions or days in port you will enjoy off the ship. We have young kids and we often enjoy the port days on the ship when it is practically deserted. Our kids don't enjoy walking a lot or learning about history and culture. Therefore, we would put more emphasis on the ship and what it has to offer, especially for our kids, because if they have a good time, so will we (pool, splash pad, kids' club, shows, etc.). If you plan on spending a lot of time on shore, pick the better itinerary.

We have done Carnival, Celebrity, RC, and Norwegian. Our kids do not like to go anywhere without us, including the kids' club, so we do not plan according to the best kids' club, but there is no doubt in our mind that Disney is well worth the money for a 6 year old, kids' club or not. Carnival, Disney and RC all have some ships that include movie characters, so if you go with one of these companies, I recommend you check that the ship has these. Norwegian was really not very kid friendly other than the great choices of waterslides on Breakaway class ships and large pools.

Finally, consider if you care about loyalty programs. If so, go with a cruise line you have already cruised with. Perks start up right away on your second cruise. Check out the perks to see if it means anything to you. Even if you cruised with them a long time ago, they will locate your info and give you the points.

My husband (36), myself (34) and our son (6) are looking to do a Caribbean cruise end of this year beginning of next. I did a Caribbean cruise in high school but dont really remember much. I have just started my research but have heard this is the best place to go for advice and help. We are not sure which cruise would be the best one for us that means ship and ports. Obvi something family friendly is important. Being that it is our first time to the Caribbean I would like to be able to see the most see spots if possible. I know that may be different for a lot of people but getting some ideas would be helpful. We have done Carnival to Mexico and I did Royal Caribbean in high school so any and all options are a consideration for us. I really appreciate the help and hopefully a point in the right direction.

Thank you

Are you cruising by yourself? Couple? Kids? I feel like it really depends on how much you want to be on the ship and how many excursions or days in port you will enjoy off the ship. We have young kids and we often enjoy the port days on the ship when it is practically deserted. Our kids don't enjoy walking a lot or learning about history and culture. Therefore, we would put more emphasis on the ship and what it has to offer. If you plan on spending a lot of time on shore, pick the better itinirary.

My head is hurting I have spent that much time researching these cruises. I am looking at carnival cruises out of Miami in April. I have the option of the Eastern Caribbean on the Glory or the Southern on the Vista. The Vista is more expensive but I can' t decide which itinerary. Eastern is Grand Cayman, Mahogany Bay, Belize and Cozumel. Southern is Grand Turk, La Romana, Curacao and Aruba. Does anyone have any useful information on either the ships or ports that might help sway my decision? I love the idea of visiting Mayan Ruins but would prefer to be on a newer ship, that said I sailed on the Fascination last year and we had a good time. I'm just fed up now and can't come to a decision!

Hi, we would like to book a RC excursion in Falmouth, Jamaica, to do with our kids aged 9 and 11 this coming August. We don't want anything too long or two expensive. So we were interested in the 2.5 hour excursion entitled: Aqua Tubing Adventure. There are so many different excursions including tubing, that we cannot differentiate these among the tubing reviews. Has anyone taken this specific excursion who can tell us if we can hold on to each others' tubes as we go along? All other excursions show picture of people holding together as a group, but this particular one shows a child on their own tube. My husband is against this excursion if that is the case.

Hi, we would like to book a RC excursion in Falmouth, Jamaica, to do with our kids aged 9 and 11 this coming August. We don't want anything too long or two expensive. So we were interested in the 2.5 hour excursion entitled: Aqua Tubing Adventure. There are so many different excursions including tubing, that we cannot differentiate these among the tubing reviews. Has anyone taken this specific excursion who can tell us if we can hold on to each others' tubes as we go along? All other excursions show picture of people holding together as a group, but this particular one shows a child on their own tube. My husband is against this excursion if that is the case.

They send out emails regularly with specials once you have booked. No worries, you won't miss it. These specials are often repeated too, so if you miss one, no worries.

We are on Allure for the April 28, 2019 sailing. When I log on to the RC website it is saying the drink package is not currently available. How far in advance does the drink package go on sale?

 

 

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If you are a control freak like me, you will want to make reservations. I usually work around excursion days, etc. I have kids so we usually choose the shows that have earlier start time, etc. If you don't show up, they will give your seats away with 10 minutes to go. The reverse is also true, if you do not have reservations, you can show up 10 minutes before and hope to get a seat. You may have to wait in a long line. It is nice to be able to make reservations so you don't stand in line or are disappointed with missing a much anticipated show.

hi all,

 

first ever cruise so doing some research.

 

on the cruise planner you can "add to cart" seats for the shows.

 

Is this just so my itinerary updates or do you need to reserve seat timings now?

 

many thanks

I agree with this. That way, I get exactly what I want, but I can usually get an extra perk from my TA. When the price dropped, I just called my TA and they got me a better deal as well. To get these price drops though, you will likely have to stay on top of that yourself.

I do all of my homework first, then call my TA to give her the details, ship, dates, room #, etc. She does all the phone calls with all the hold times. I use a local agent that I have know a long time.

We were there with our kids last year. We were at the beach you can see right from the ship, which is on the right of the island when you disembark. There was not a lot of shade. You can rent a large umbrella. They will install it in the sand for you. We are considering it for this summer when we return there. I wish it was like Disney's Castaway Cay where there are plenty of umbrellas for free.

First time with RCL, so first time to Labadee. In looking at photos, I see clamshells but no umbrellas. Do they have them? If not, can you bring your own. The clamshells are nice, but know they can also block any breeze, so we would much rather use an umbrella for shade. Thanks in advance for any help.

I have read recently that there is a travel advisory for Jamaica due to gang warfare. We are stopping in Falmouth, Jamaica with the Oasis of the Seas and I was hoping to take my family on an excursion. Any advice? I read many reviews that say that the ship excursions are very crowded. I was hoping to arrange our own but now I am reluctant.

Not sure this is considered Carabbean. Does anyone have any insight on doing excursions on your own or any good tour guides? If I am in wrong place for this post, please let me know where I should be. thanks

If you have never been to visit the Mayan ruins, it is worth it, but it is quite a long bus rider from the ship, so keep that in mind, especially depending on whether you are traveling with young children or people with mobility issues.

What kind of shoes do you need (if any) for river tubing in Falmouth Jamaica (adventure falls excursion)? And do you need insect repellent? Not sure of the logistics and what to bring!

When reading the reviews about these types of excursions, I saw people saying when you get there, they tell you you must have water shoes and they sell them there, but after complaining, they let people wear their own shoes.

We just came off the Allure recently and just booked for the Oasis. Since so many of you are posting reviews about it now, I thought I would ask about the drinks. We don't buy the package since we don't drink much but we are trying to convince some friends to come on their first cruise with us. They usually do all inclusive vacays to Mexico so they think the drinks packages are a must, yet don't want to pay the price.

Questions:

1) I know that the drink package is $70Cdn per person per day. I think we still have to add tips? On the package price or each time we get a drink?

2) Can you actually get this package on a daily basis? or you pay for the week?

3) Can you sometimes get a deal prior to sailing on the cost of the package? If so, what is the best deal to look out for?

4) If we don't get the package, what are other options? Prices? (For example, I think you can get a 12 bottle of beer deal. What is the deal? Of what is typically the cost of a "regular" beer or drink of the day?)

Thanks!

Sonia

Hey there everyone!

 

Due to Air Canada and other carriers leaving from Canada cancelling flights to Puerto Rico, it was necessary to change my itinerary, ship and date. I went from the Jewel to the Oasis. I had purchased a beverage package a few weeks ago during a buy one get one 50% off sale which came to $41 per day. RCI refused to transfer this to my new date which is 2 weeks later. I have now purchased the beverage package under the same buy one get one 50% off but it is $45 per day. Are the packages generally more expensive on the larger ships?

Did you book your cruise directly with RCI or through a travel agent? Sometimes travel agents can offer promos and incentives. Talk to them.

Probably change in exchange rate if your paying in Canadian Dollars.

Canadian dollar is stronger now anyways. My understanding is that prices are not more because it is a bigger ship, but because it is a newer ship.