O.G.

Just please keep in mind that you are on a ship with thousands of strangers. Just because folks are on vacation does not make it a safe environment. We have done many many cuises with our daughter and we have all had loads of fun BUT you cannot give children that age independence on a ship and assume they will be safe. There are all of the same crimes as there are in cities. 

Just off Celebrity Infinity. I am 68 and have done 3 Celebrity cruises and over 10 with RCCL. I think some really critical components to look at are the month, number of sea days, destination of your cruise and what you require. We have found at certain times and certain itineraries the demographic is really a senior crowd. On our cruise last week the average age I am sure was 60 something. I think we saw maybe 10 adults under 35 on the ship. My daughter and son in law would have been bored. They are late 30's and like many of the elements RCCL has incorporated. If it is too chilly for the pool and you aren't interested in the spa in my opinion there wouldn't be a lot for you to do during the day on Celebrity. See if someone will post an activity sheet and you can see for yourself what there is to do on board. Having said that the shows in the theater were excellent and the Infinity singers and dancers were the best I've seen in 23 cruises. Bottom line (in my opinion) I believe your parents will easily find activities, friends, and spaces on many of the RCCL ships to suit them but you may find it difficult to have fun on SOME Celebrity sailings.

Just off Infinity and we (dh and I) had an FV. I booked in mid July for a cruise beginning September. I think it may have been a cancelation.

Just off infinity 9/2 to 9/9/9. We were told you could not use the coupons in the theater or dining room. Also can only use them between 5-7.

The Oceanview cafe is directly above...the risk of early noise is definitely there.

I will say my parents had a family veranda & it was AMAZING--but they were a couple decks down.

I'm hoping to hear from someone who has been on recently. Concerned but determined not to let it ruin the cruise. At first I couldn't believe my good fortune cause we never had an aft cabin with a big balcony and I always wanted to try that. Sorry for the double post. Computer wasn't responding and so I hit the button twice.

Just booked 9199 on Infinity - a family veranda aft. Thought it was a stroke of luck that it wasn't booked. Ship is full.

Now I have found reviews saying it has a deck above where staff are moving/scraping chairs extremely early in the a.m. and actually at all hours. Saying there is no sleep to be found if you are in that cabin. Has anyone been in that cabin and what should we expect?

Any suggestions on just coping with it since we sail Sept 2, ship is full and payment has been made. Two reviews I found said they complained to no avail. The noise didn't stop but they were given wine or a free dinner to appease them. Don't need any of that just want suggestions of handling the issue. If you have been in that cabin we would love to know how bad it really is and any ideas. Thanks

Just off the Liberty. I believe the nursery was open all day on port days. We did use it but were not really happy with it. Our 14 month old is very used to daycare and never a problem. First morning of the cruise we used them and when we picked him up they said he was sick (he was not but he was sleepy and had coughed a few times). They said we would have to go to the ship doctor, pay $150 and get a clearance. I went to guest services and they said it would not cost during the medical center open hours so we went down, they took his temp and called the nursery to say he was fine. First evening we used them they called us and said we needed to pick him up because he was crying. There are several nursery workers but one in particular was not at all warm and friendly. We felt like we were dropping him off for jail as her manor was so cold. It was nicely outfitted however. There is also a room near Johnny Rockets (on the door it says FUEL) they have placed mats and toys down. It was always empty when we went and it was a great place to let the little man run around and go crazy.

Your comments are so right on. I got off the Liberty 5/22. My chicken cordon bleu was dry and very over cooked. The steamed veggies were way too salty. In 21 cruises on a variety of lines we found the food in the MDR on this cruise ranked dead last. I don't eat lamb but others who do at nearby tables said it was delicious. We thought the food in the Windjammer was ok. Chops was exceptional in both taste and service. Maybe that's the plan. Downgrade the food in the MDR so everyone pays for the optional restaurants.

Off Liberty 5/22. We were in mini suite so got off at 8:40. Used a porter for luggage as was suggested to expedite. We were on bus to airport by 9:30.

I know I will be criticized for my comment but I'm going to go right ahead and make it anyway. I worked for a travel agency and therefore had lots of info about crime reports on cruise ships. I also chaperoned many school group tours of middle and high school kids. Having said that the only point I want to make is that cruise ships are not safe communities with our friends and relatives. There are at times predators on the cruise and there have been many incidences of molestations over the years. So even though you may all be wonderful caring parents with mature responsible kids its the other people (crew, staff and passengers) you know nothing about that worries me.

After 20 cruises and many vacations with kids besides the actual kids and any meds/sunscreen there is only one absolutely vital thing that will make or break your holiday and that is your attitude/expectations. Roll with whatever happens - expect the unexpected and choose to have a fun adventure. It very likely will be different than what you are dreaming and that is ok. We have had flights delayed and cancelled, luggage lost, trips to doctors everywhere from Disney World to Istanbul and as long as you keep the right attitude (and no one gets really sick of course) you will have an amazing journey.

Bon Voyage - the girls will love it!

There have been many many incidents on every line from Disney, RCCL, Princess, and Carnival including drowning and molestations. As a former employee in the travel industry I am more aware than the average cruiser that it happens. December alone had two incidences. Please continue to watch your children carefully. They are counting on you to protect them!

Actually, looking at your room configuration, I would not have 1 person in a cabin by themselves. Most lines change a single supplement for those in a cabin by themselves, and drop what I have heard it can be very pricy. I would put one of the older grandkids in that cabin.

Have tried many cruise lines and for your family i would definitely choose RCCL either freedom class or Allure or Oasis. Freedom class rates are better and you would have water slides, rock climbing walls, flow rider for surfing, character interactive opportunities etc. Allure, Oasis etc has face painting, carnival games, merry go round. They also do have a pool for the baby and babysitting in the "daycare" type center for $8 an hr by reservation. The rate would be cheaper than Disney and I believe would provide more cross generational fun.

Yeah, I've been reading about Jamaica & had contemplated a ship day. Think DH will possibly go on organised trip to Dunns river falls while we chill out.

Thanks for the tips so far, I'm busy researching your suggestions tonight.

Just back from Ocho Rios (New grandparents contemplating bringing kids and baby on next cruise.) This is what we found. There is a small beach in front of Margaritaville right where you get off the ship OR if you walk towards town (short walk) there is a guarded beach with a gate - you pay $3 each. It had food and restrooms, loungers etc. It would provide a chance for some play in the sand and water quite close to the ship.

Book a tour with 8. You should post it on your roll call and might get others who are interested. I agree that it is too costly for two.

Sadly, I have been posting it on my roll call and I guess everyone just wants to do Rome.

We are thinking of doing Orvieto on our May 20 equinox trip. The cost is around 550E That's a little more than we would like for the two of us. Since you have been there can you elaborate a little on what your day there was like? Trying to weigh out my options. We are booking with driverinrome if we go and they have great reviews on trip advisor.

Always read in the past that it was fairly easy for unscrupulous folks to attach some type of "readers" onto the ATM and grab some of your info. Anyone know about this? This has always made us very hesitant to use ATM machines and debit cards.