yet another newbie ?

[mistee]

I know I can prob find some answers cruising the forum but my internet service keeps going out so thought would be easier to post.

 

never been on a cruise so not really sure what to do!

 

looking to cruise in DEC out of baltimore or philly or someplace not to far... I know there are some bahama cruises then..

 

it will be me, hubby, dd12, ds5 and ds2..

 

can we fit in one cabin or do we need 2? which is cheaper?

 

really any info/ help would be great cause i am clueless..

 

thanks

Irene

[uppitycats]

I know I can prob find some answers cruising the forum but my internet service keeps going out so thought would be easier to post.

 

never been on a cruise so not really sure what to do!

 

looking to cruise in DEC out of baltimore or philly or someplace not to far... I know there are some bahama cruises then..

 

it will be me, hubby, dd12, ds5 and ds2..

 

can we fit in one cabin or do we need 2? which is cheaper?

 

really any info/ help would be great cause i am clueless..

 

thanks

Irene

 

Start with a travel agent, preferably someone local, where you can sit down and discuss all this, face-to-face. They'll have (free) brochures on all the cruise lines, and be able to help you choose among them. They'll be able to give you estimated costs, and talk about all the other expenses you'll encounter -- liquor, soft drinks, tips/gratuities for the cruise staff, taxes and port fees -- all expenses above and beyond any "cheap fares" you might have seen. You'd have to come up with what you think you want to spend, and then see if there is a match somewhere among the options. And then you'd want to explore the children's programs that might be offered, and what they might cost (generally they're included with the fare price, but you usually would tip the workers at the end of the week.)

 

Obviously one cabin would be cheaper than two..but crowded. Cabins aren't nearly as large as hotel/motel rooms, for example. There are some "family" cabins and suites, but those cost more, too. Sometimes you can find connecting cabins -- an interior door between them, where you could put the kids to bed in one, leave the door open (or ajar), and you and husband can be in the other one, and feel secure.

 

A good conversation with a travel agent would help you begin sorting through all this..and wouldn't cost you anything until you actually decide which cruise you want, and begin the booking.

[silentbob007]

Your cruise options are limited out of northern East coast ports, especially in the winter. 5 to a cabin or not will depend on the type of cabin and age of the ship ... I think in your case, as was suggested above, a face-to-face meeting with a travel agent would be a good starting point. Once you have a few specific options in mind, this board can be more helpful to you .... :)

[GORDONCHICK]

Out of Baltimore, there's the Carnival Pride, or Celebrity Mercury and RCCL Enchantment of the Seas, but the last two are doing 9 day cruises. I figured you were looking for a 7 nighter? I found nothing out of Philly, but out of NYC/NJ, there is NCL Gem and NCL Jewel and Carnival Miracle, plus RCCL Explorer of the Seas (but doing 9 nighters). The only ship out of those I have personal experience on is Mercury, and I don't think she has cabins for 5.

 

One thing I will mention is that there are few inside cabins (the general cheapest way to go) that will hold 5, and you would be wall to wall beds. I know some Carnival and RCCL ships do have family cabins that will hold 5, but a good travel agent should be able to tell you difinitively which ones those are. Two cabins would give you two bathrooms, which may be important to some families.

[slrteach]

Newbie here. Just booked Carnival Pride from BWI for Nov 7. We decided to get two connecting rooms. The kids will have the inside cabin and we will take the balcony. This will be the first cruise for the boys ages 11 and 7. My husband and I cruised about 10 years ago on the Big Red Boat!:) I don't even think they exist anymore? Any experienced cruisers, I welcome your advice. Especially about excursions? Not really sure what to do? They seem really expensive? :eek: I guess some people just stay on the ship rather than book them? What do you think experienced cruisers?

[Johnthed0g]

Some ships don't allow minors to have their own cabin???

Some stay on the ship but most get off at the ports either on their own or with escorted ship's tours.

[MrsPete]

Any experienced cruisers, I welcome your advice. Especially about excursions? Not really sure what to do? They seem really expensive? :eek: I guess some people just stay on the ship rather than book them? What do you think experienced cruisers?

Ship excursions are really expensive, but private options abound. Look into the options here on this site -- there's a thread for each island. You can do a private excursion for a fraction of the ship's price. Don't let people scare you into thinking you'll be left behind if you choose a private tour. The ship will let you know what time it'll leave; be back well in advance.

 

Some people do enjoy staying on the ship. The pools will be less busy, and the spa runs specials. They won't have programs of any type running during shore stops. Food service'll be a little limited -- which doesn't mean that you'll be hungry. Not in the least!

 

And if you don't want to do an excursion at all, you can just get off the ship and walk around the shops near the port. In some places you can walk (or take a taxi or perhaps even a bus) to a public beach.

 

Do not feel that you're held hostage by the ship's foolishly high prices. If my choices were taking ship excursions or staying on the ship, I'd stay on. I dislike ship excursions that much. They're overly large, they force you to stay for long periods in shopping areas that've given them kick-backs, and you are not free to stop for the restroom or a drink at your own leisure. It's like being on an elementary school field trip.

[MrsPete]

Some ships don't allow minors to have their own cabin???

Some stay on the ship but most get off at the ports either on their own or with escorted ship's tours.

Any ship will allow minors to be booked in a cabin connecting to their parents' cabin.

[Johnthed0g]

Any ship will allow minors to be booked in a cabin connecting to their parents' cabin.

Good, wouldn't want to mislead anyone but I thought I would bring it up in case.

[uppitycats]

Some ships don't allow minors to have their own cabin???

Some stay on the ship but most get off at the ports either on their own or with escorted ship's tours.

 

Technically no. What happens is that one parent books one cabin, the other parent the other...and then switch when they get on the ship.