It's been 18 years.

[Mowiteem]

Our last cruise was just the two of us in 1993. It was our honeymoon 8 nights to Bermuda on Celebrity's Meridian. We are finally planning a family vacation cruise. The boys are 6 and 12 and this will be their first cruise. We are limited as to when we can go. I am a teacher and my husband is a landscaper. What this means is are options for travel are winter break (dec. 24-02), February 18-21(too short) or August 2012. What do you think my best travel month would be and any suggestions on cruise lines. Oh I almost forgot--very important. I won't fly so my ports are Bayonne, ny, md, and possibly Boston. I am from nj so Bayonne would be my first choice.

[cb at sea]

If you have to sail from a northern port, it wil take about 3 days off the total cruise being in cold weather...that would be the downside to cruising from the north in the winter! Both coming and going will take time to get to "warmth"!

 

Of course, in Aug., there's always a chance of hurricanes...but the ship will avoid storms. Your itinerary may change if there is a storm brewing. However, if there's no storm, you're good to go! Hot weather the entire time!

 

I think your kids would really enjoy an RCI ship...lots to do on all but the oldest ships. Carnival is a good cruiseline, too....plenty for everyone!

[rebeccalouiseagain]

My vote is Celebrity to Bermuda or Holland America to New England. You may also like Princess to New England. I think all of these would be good choices. Royal Caribbean has been my least favorite.

[milton333]

I'd plan for August, and look at Royal Caribbean (Freedom or Oasis class ships) or Carnival to have things for the kids to do.

[Essiesmom]

You might also consider Baltimore as a departure port. EM

[rebeccalouiseagain]

I live in Baltimore but would not sail on Carnival or Royal out of Baltimore. The ships are older and I have not gotten raves about them.

 

I would do Celebrity Summit to Bermuda. That's the one I am doing this August. Can't wait!

[Mowiteem]

Thank you for the suggestions. It's a challenge to plan this trip with such a limited calendar.