First Timer w/Family - Help

[luvdodo]

Hi,

 

We are in our late 30's with 2 boys (7 and 3). This is the first time eever we are planning on going on a cruise.

 

Some points -

 

We'd like a pretty casual setup

Spending - no limitation, need good quality stuff

Live in DC, closer the port, better (we can fly down to the port)

Time - 3-4 days is enough, in December 2010

Activities - For children yes! For us too if we can get some babysitting!

 

 

Appreciate any recommendations you may have, thanks so very much.

 

Dodz.

[DmanFWTX]

We have taken our two girls who are 5&7 on two Disney Cruises and could have not asked for a better all around experience from any perspective! I love the Disney Cruises now better than the others because of how well rounded they are and they hit every detail to a T! The kids camps and sitter help they have is non stop all day and they are happy little kids when they are there. You don't feel guilty leaving them for half of the day with the other campers. The night life is limited but, good enough for me to have a night cap at the sports bar or other bar and not get into trouble. Love Disney! Although we live in Texas so go cheap and do whatever Galveston has to offer to get our Cruise fix on! Have fun! Let me know if you need any other tips.

DmanFWTX

[cb at sea]

I wouldn't fly to a port for 3-4 days....airfare will be more than the cruise itself! However, sailing from Baltimore (or ports north) will mean you'll be in cold weather for about 1/2 of the trip.

 

Almost any cruiseline will give you a good time...NCL is the least "formal", followed by Carnival.

[#1TravelMom]

I would definately reconsider the 3 - 4 days. We've been on 28 cruises, 27 with our children. You will want to fly to a port to get a good itinerary(no flaming please, just my opinion). With the cost and time involved in flying, even 4 days is a short time to relax. Until you get on the ship, unpack, get your bearings, have the children adjust to kid's club, and get settled - it will be the day before disembarkation and you will need to start packing. If possible, I'd definately look into something longer - JMHO.

[Marie51]

Hi,

 

We are in our late 30's with 2 boys (7 and 3). This is the first time eever we are planning on going on a cruise.

 

Some points -

 

We'd like a pretty casual setup

Spending - no limitation, need good quality stuff

Live in DC, closer the port, better (we can fly down to the port)

Time - 3-4 days is enough, in December 2010

Activities - For children yes! For us too if we can get some babysitting!

 

 

Appreciate any recommendations you may have, thanks so very much.

 

Dodz.

 

If you enjoy time in the casino Disney does not have casinos on their ships.

I recommend the Celebrity Century or Royal Caribbean Navigator or Royal Caribbean Radiance. These sail from Florida on 4-5 day cruises in Dec. If there is no limit with spending spring for a balcony cabin.

[walterharris]

I am going to go on a trip with my family to abroad; this is the first time we are going to travel outside the country. Can anyone kindly tell me what the factors that I should consider before travelling to abroad?

[imsulin]

I am going to go on a trip with my family to abroad; this is the first time we are going to travel outside the country. Can anyone kindly tell me what the factors that I should consider before travelling to abroad?

 

Where, exactly, is "abroad"? TIA.

[fisherhum]

We have beenon a couple of cruises with the kids ( from when they were 4 to 10). In all cases we picked the cruise based on the interary. I think 6 or 7 days is a great length. We have tried to find a trip with interesting kids friendly port stops and a couple of sea days. If you only have 2 days at sea then we found it wasn't difficult to keep the kids busy as it was all still new. We sailed rcl and Hal, both with 4 stops in 7 days. My kids loved the kids clubs.

We are leaving next week on the ncl star so we will see how that goes.

[SingleFatherofDD]

If you read the post carefully, you will notice his definition of abroad. It seems the poster's meaning of abroad is traveling outside of the US to another country. However, he does not mention what country they are traveling to.

[beachchick]

If you enjoy time in the casino Disney does not have casinos on their ships.

I recommend the Celebrity Century or Royal Caribbean Navigator or Royal Caribbean Radiance. These sail from Florida on 4-5 day cruises in Dec. If there is no limit with spending spring for a balcony cabin.

 

I'd say that if there is no spending limit, they should go for a family suite on whatever cruise line they choose. If the ship doesn't have a two-bedroom suite, then two connecting balcony cabins or mini-suites would be good.

 

beachchick