NCL Jewel Cruise Question for Family cruise

[baflagg]

Thinking of booking the FL/Bahamas cruise out of NY in May. I'll be traveling with my husband and our 3-year old daughter.

 

We're planning to book a balcony room but I was curious as to what the difference is in the room categories: BA, BB, BC, etc....

 

As far as offshore excursions I'm not really sure how much we would participate in any of those as we really are looking to just spend some time by the pool and beach but are there any excursions that anyone would recommend that would be suitable and enjoyable for a 3-year old.

 

With regards to the ship we do plan to use the kids program at times so we can enjoy going for dinner one night, the casino and maybe a show. Are there any shows that my daughter might enjoy?

 

Appreciate any input. My last cruise was Boston-Bermuda 11 years ago so I'm sure alot has changed since then.

 

Thanks.

[asylum575]

We were on the Jewel western Caribbean in April 09.

 

DS5 loved the kids program.

 

They offer one show where the kids club brings the kids to the show. It's cute to watch your kid get better seating than you. Front row please, LOL

 

We were on NCL Spirit NY-FL a few years back and did the Disney excursion. $150 pp which covered the park admission and bus ride. DS was 3 back then and enjoyed Disney. Not enough time at the park.

 

In Nassau, I would take the water taxi/ferry and walk to Atlantis. I didn't like the way they herded us like cattle into a taxi or minivan. I wouldn't feel comfortable without a car seat in those cars.

[MissKathy107]

I'm planning to book in the morning today. I spoke with a rep from NCL and she told me that for balcony rooms, they're giving us a 2 cat upgrade. I think the only different of the rooms are the decks... not sure though. Did you book yet? They wouldn't give me onboard credit so I'm gonna try to see an TA tomorrow before going with a NCL rep. I might get the mini suite considering that the extra sixty something feet will help make space for my 6'5" hubbie, 2 and a half year old girl and a 9 year old family friend.

[China1234]

We got off the Jewel on 1/31 and our DS age 4 had a blast in the kids club. They took the kids to two shows during the week and we took our son on one seperate days. He loved the shows with the music, dancing, and singing. Most of our excursions consisted of the beach. He had fun playing in the water and sand. We made sure that we brought all of the essential sand toys. He also loved the pool on the ship. There is a waterslide and spent most of the sea days going up and down the slide.

[randyamy]

I'm planning to book in the morning today. I spoke with a rep from NCL and she told me that for balcony rooms, they're giving us a 2 cat upgrade. I think the only different of the rooms are the decks... not sure though. Did you book yet? They wouldn't give me onboard credit so I'm gonna try to see an TA tomorrow before going with a NCL rep. I might get the mini suite considering that the extra sixty something feet will help make space for my 6'5" hubbie, 2 and a half year old girl and a 9 year old family friend.

 

We are on the 5/15 sailing and went with a cat AF mini-suite for the extra room and the bathtub. For the price difference, it is worth it IMHO. The balcony cabins are mostly all alike, just differrent deck and location.

 

You should always get some "bonus" for booking. If you look around, you should be able to find an agent that discounts or gives you an OBC.

[mccannme]

We are on the 5/15 sailing also - in a mini suite - and bringing our 3 year old son. We opted for the suite for the tub and extra space! I didn't find anyone that would offer OBC either.

 

Do you think there is enought time to do the sea world excursion? The boat docks at 12 and leaves at 8 I think. I just wondered if that is enough time to enjoy sea world?

[Mommy2Brielle]

We are taking my DS who will be 3 at time of sailing and DD who will be almost 5.

I am assuming you have the same itinerary as we will in May on the Jewel.

I have done these same port with my daughter when she was younger....

 

I agree with above opinion, that there is not enough time at Disney given the expense. We plan to rent a car and stay more local at Port Canaveral..there are a few things that we are looking into: a zoo, or something along those lines.

When my daughter was younger we rented a car and spend the day at Downtown Disney...however, now that she is older and has friends that have gone to Disney, I think just doing that will be a tease. We will wait to take them to Disney when we can fully experience it!

 

In Nassau, we are going to probably go to one of the nearby hotels. (not the ATlantis)That is what we did the last time and it was enjoyable way to spend the day. A few years back, we just went tot he hotel and noone bothered us there, we didnt need day passes...from my research on the Bahamas board, now you have to purchase passes at these hotels or rent a day room.

 

The day at the private island,...maybe we will venture to the beach for a little bit, but I think we will opt to each lunch on the ship and not hurry over so we dont have to deal with the crowded, crowded beach. I just remember it being so crowded the last time!

Which week in May are you going?

[mjkacmom]

The last time we went, we booked a room at comfort suites and used the facilities at Atlantis, but I wouldn't do that with a 3 year old (it's HUGE!). The time before, we took a 5 minute walk over to the Hilton, and got a daypass for the pool and beach.