Karilc

StefPaints:  We are on the SAME cruise I think!  I saw your name on the roll call perhaps?  Feb 15 2019 Ecstasy?  How old are your grandkids?  My sister and a friend and her family are also traveling with us, so we have 13 people in all! How fun!  All the kids are teens except one of the girls is aged 10 so perhaps your grandkids will join her in Kids Club at some point! 

MtnMommy: It's funny because when we were first planning our first cruise, we were going to have two separate cabins... we kind of liked the idea of having our own time....  but... due to cost we didn't. I just am SO glad we opted to stay with the kids.  They are old enough that we let them be on their own most of the day (and night) and it was so much fun listening to the stories and full out laughing as we were trying to fall asleep.  The ships have curfews and a couple nights we were in bed before the teens (who were always instructed to STAY together, of course!)  Listening to them come in at 1 am, laughing and full of stories was too much fun. When they get to be older teens, you really start to realize that the days of snuggling up cozy in a small space become more and more precious as they get older and on their own. As a step-parent, I already missed out on too many of the early years, so I feel like I'm extra clued in to the reality that "it goes by fast"!  Don't second-guess your choice.  In addition to the showering in the spa -which is a great idea, we also had an informal "don't stink up the bathroom rule" LOL. Ha ha.   That may be TMI (too much information) but it really cuts down on the annoyance factor.  There are SO many public restrooms all over the ship, that it's easy enough to accommodate that "rule". As for space, Just pack light, and spend some time when you first get in the room organizing the cabin, just like you would with a Pop Up.  There really is more space than you think with the closets and drawers as well as space for toiletries in the bathroom. And suitcases fit nicely under the beds. Bring white-boards too, so that all of you can keep track of each other.  With no cell service, the old-fashioned White Boards and Dry Erase markers worked great to let everyone know who was where and where to meet up.  Have fun planning!  Our trip was a surprise Christmas Gift, which was just so much fun to give:  Excuse the small dog barking - Belle was dog-sitting and he was super excitable. 

On our last cruise we found an almost unbelievable fare of $85/US to the cruise port.  That included all taxes and fees! It was on United when they first rolled out their "economy fare".  This year, we couldn't find anything as affordable as that.  So... we are going to ;make the 12.5 hour drive.  We've decided to rent a full size SUV so we aren't putting wear and tear on our own vehicle, nor paying for parking for the week.  Plus, the rental car company will drop us off via free shuttle right at the door of the cruise port, which makes getting to the port convenient. 

Atlantis: 

If you want to do Atlantis -- the best tip I have ever seen - is to actually book a ROOM at the Comfort Inn next to it - even though you wont be actually sleeping in your room -- it comes with full and free (included with the room) access to Atlantis!  You just walk over!  I've never done this, but, there are lots of posts various places about doing so and I think with a family of 5 it is much more economical than the crazy price for the Day Passes.  I think since you are going in August -- You should have plenty of time to book this ahead. 

https://www.comfortsuitespi.com/

I'll definitely let you know how it goes in February as we are on the same ship, same itinerary! 

MtnMommy23:  We are Pop Up campers too.  And have done 5 in a room.  It's easy, cozy and lots of fun!!!  Two adults, 3 teenagers.  You will not only 'survive' you'll have so many laughs - especially at night setting in.  Enjoy!

Some fun things to add in as "stocking stuffers" type gifts:  Snorkle gear for free beach fun, Inexpensive and easy to pack kites are a blast on the beach, White Boards and Dry Erase Markers.  These were invaluable on board.  There is no cell service on the ship.  So.. we put a white board on our door, as well as one inside.  If we needed to leave a note as to where we were and what time we'd be back - this worked great.  Plus it was fun.  Lots of goofy notes left for each other. LOL.  We are driving to the port this year, so we are wrapping up a "neck pillow" for each kid for the long drive, as well as some candy/snacks for the ride.  Also:  rather than buy souvenir tee-shirts - I bought these ahead of time and gave them as Christmas presents.  I love thrift store shopping.  I found Tee shirts for the cruise line, Bahamas tee shirts, and other fun stuff -- in nearly brand-new condition.  There are great deals on eBay on souvenirs and tee shirts that people purchased and now want to sell at a 1/4 of the price! Saved a lot of money on souvenirs and the kids liked getting them as gifts to "look forward" to the trip.....    We surprised the kids.  We posted the surprise to YouTube.  Too much fun!!!! 

Hi MandaR!  We are doing the exact same cruise but in February over Presidents Day weekend! 5 nights on Ecstasy out of Charleston.  With kids! Ages 15, 15 and 17.  This will be their Christmas present.  It's their second cruise. We did a 4 night last year and found that while cruising is not our absolutely favorite type of vacation (we like to go "off the beaten path) that for this age group - cruising is PERFECT.  The kids are never, ever bored and the teens make friends, keep busy and had so much more freedom than they would have on other trips (at least while on ship).   

1. First, if you're budgeting I hope you are doing an inside cabin for 5?  We considered two cabins - thought it would be nice to have extra space and a bit more romantic trip with adults only --- but due to cost we decided to just one cabin.  Let me tell you - we are SO HAPPY we did!  It wasn't even the money. Mostly because it was a blast going to sleep at night listening to the chatter, stories, jokes, laughing etc....   We felt like kids again too! Very fun for a family vacation. 

2. Don't worry about space.  There is enough! Just don't bring extra stuff! If you are a planner, this is a perfect way to spend your time -research what to bring - and what not to bring - and keep it minimal.  Then pare down some more.  You don't need shampoo or conditioner (ship provides) and don't need a hair dryer or beach towels.  So, don't bring them and take up valuable cabin space.  So as the poster notes above - no need at all to bring beach towels! They take up a lot of space, are hard to 'dry' in the room, and it's much easier to use the ships towels that they launder and you just get a fresh one when needed!

3. Each kid can bring 12 cans of a beverage they like. (Must be unopened cans).  The ship provides lemonade, ice tea, juices as well as FREE hot chocolate.  None of our kids did the expensive soda packages.  With so much food, and so many options, they really never missed it, or even asked! 

4.  Don't do any excursions.  They are ridiculously expensive.  Paradise Cay is on Eluethera, and you can have a very inexpensive day there -- or a super expensive day.  Plan ahead.  Bring your own snorkle gear for inexpensive fun.  Take part in the basic hot dogs and hamburgers meal.      Nassau is not our favorite port.  But there are beautiful and free beaches that you can get to on the local jitney (bus) and spend the day free.  Eat a hearty breakfast, and then plan for dinner on the ship.  You can save money by not eating on the island - and waiting till you get back to the ship.  There aren't a lot of ports I'd suggest this, since I think spending money in the local economy, as well as trying new foods is important.  But, you can go to Fish Fry and eat inexpensive local items for snacks - rather than an expensive sit-down meal. 

5. There is so much to see and do on the ship that is free -- we were surprised that the kids never really "asked" (aka "begged") to do the more expensive stuff.  Between meeting other kids, the water slides, mini golf, shows, games, kids club, etc....   you really can keep your extra expenses to a minimum. 

6. I just collect free lanyards whenever I can.  They are stupidly expensive if you wait to buy them at the gangway to the ship.  And while they are only $5/10 -- when you multiple that times 5 - it adds up.  I agree with you about trying to skimp where-ever and however you can!  Why waste $40 on lanyards.   I just found some at our local Salvation Army.   We didn't all use them, but the kids did like having them. 

Ask away and other questions, I'm just in planning mode myself now - put down the deposit yesterday!!

Kari  

Hi Mhoven! Sounds like a fun trip. I would agree with the poster who suggested not to return to the ship. We have traveled in Mexico many times (including with teens) though not via Cruise ship. The food is delicious, fresh and very inexpensive. Try local food, do not get swept up in needing to be at "Americanized" chain restaurants.... lunch can be as little as $2/3/4 dollars if you find local restaurants and/or street food and it's wonderful!!

Another option is to book a shorter cruise because of the smaller price tag. They are still a great experience (maybe more so with younger kids) and you can always book a few nights at your port if you want to make a full week vacation. We just booked 4 nights to the Bahamas on Royal Caribbean for 4 children and 2 adults for a little under $2,300 -- including airfare! We booked on our own and got one of the new 'bare bones' airfares that only let you travel with a very small personal item (not even a full carry-on) per flier. We got flights from NY to FL for only $86 person on United all taxes and fees included. We booked with a Frequent Flier Miles card that allows me 2 free checked bags, so we'll share the free big checked bags, pay for just 2 carry-ons ($25 each) and share space. We are booked in two state rooms -- booked as 1 adult and 2 kids in each room, though with tweens we will have the 4 kids in one room, and we will have our own room, right next door. Inside cabins. Make sure you get rooms with bunks if you plan to split up the rooms that way. A big savings is traveling over a one day school break (MLK day) rather than a holiday or longer spring break. Prices are radically less. Yes, they will miss 4 days of school -- we find that pulling them out of school is the only way we can afford these great trips -- we plan far in advance with teachers and guidance counselors, and require the kids to do some studying and make sure homework is done each morning before the day begins. We do not do any cruiseline excursions - beach days - exploring ports on our own is more than enough excitement and we prefer the cultural experience of wandering on our own rather than 'pre-packaged' fun. Traveling inexpensively beyond the "family of four" really can be done!!