Leaving out of NY/NJ/MD in February

[peggy924]

I have never cruised but am thinking of booking a cruise to Florida/Bahamas in February when my kids (ages 4 and 6) are on winter break. We are thinking of leaving from NY, NJ or Baltimore.

 

I can't stand winter and love getting away for some warm weather. But, I am worried about leaving from such a cold port (but like that I can save money on flights.)

 

Has anyone done this? What was your experience the first and last days of the cruise?

Also, any input on Norwegian Jewel or Gem or RC Enchantment of the Seas would be appreciated.

 

Thanks in advance!

[njhorseman]

Yes, we often cruise from NY at that time of the year. Of course the weather won't be warm the first day out or the last day back, but to us it's preferable to flying.

 

We cruise on both NCL and Royal Caribbean (among others) and like the Gem and Jewel, but haven't been on the Enchantment. From where we live in Central NJ I wouldn't even consider driving all the way to Baltimore, when we can be in Bayonne for the Explorer of the Seas, or New York for the NCL ships, in a little under an hour or a little over an hour, respectively.

[peggy924]

Thanks! I'm in Essex county, quite close to NYC and Bayonne but leaning toward a baltimore departure b/c it has an extra stop in key west.

 

This is probably a silly question but I'm a newbie so bear with me: what is there to do on a cruise all day if it is too cold to hang out at the pool?

[njhorseman]

Thanks! I'm in Essex county, quite close to NYC and Bayonne but leaning toward a baltimore departure b/c it has an extra stop in key west.

 

This is probably a silly question but I'm a newbie so bear with me: what is there to do on a cruise all day if it is too cold to hang out at the pool?

 

The NCL ships have adult-only spas (thermal suites) that we buy passes to on winter cruises, and hang out there on the sea days.

 

Some like to spend a little of their time and money in the casino or at bingo. There are small libraries on the ships. Sometimes they play movies in the show room. The ships all have a variety of shops where you can spend your money. There are usually a variety of activities like trivia contests, wine or martini tastings (extra cost), cooking demos, etc. There are kids clubs for your children.

[138east]

The Explorer has a giant indoor hot tub in the fitness center plus numerous outdoor hot tubs that can be better in chilly weather than tropical weather. Just because it may be too cool to hang out at the pool in a bathing suit, there is no reason why you can't go outside if the weather is nice. You may be able to rock climb, play minigolf, or use the sports court.

 

What are the itineraries you are considering? I've been to Key West - interesting - but I wouldn't pick a cruise itinerary just to get back to that port.

[Betsy's Mom]

Be aware that it is not really hot in the Bahamas in Feb. Outdoor swimming is not usual in Feb. Check the temps on Google. We have sailed from Baltimore twice in the winter. THe second day the weather usually becomes sit in the sun warm. The pools often stayed cool the whole trip-12 days. In Feb. you really need to go further south for hot weather.:(

B.

[jackretired]

Baltimore is a great port. Enchantment is a great ship, but not the size of some of the newer ships (lacks some extra items like ice skating rink, but is easier to get from place to place). Enchantment has the solarium which is a covered (weather controled) area of the deck for adults only. In very cold weather children are allowed in some hours.

 

Make sure you have warm clothes for getting back off in any of these ports. It maybe good weather on the day you sail and bad weather on the day you return.

 

I have two cruises booked for Enchantment.

 

Parking at the port is very nice, but is $15 per night. A lot of people (including me) elect to arrive in Baltimore a day early (I call it weather/road insurance) and stay at a hotel offering breakfast/parking during the cruise/shuttle to & from the ship for less than the cost of parking at the port. It is a trade off, what ever works for you.

[peggy924]

Thanks for all the input! I just assumed Bahamas was warm enough in February was warm enough in February. I will look into that. Of course, it will be a marked improvement over Nj weather in February. LOL! I wanted a Florida/Bahamas itinerary so that my kids could go to Disney and Atlantis. We were avoiding the st marteen/st Thomas cruises b/c I don't think there is enough for the kids to do. I might have to rethink this though....

[trish1c]

If you want warm ports & aren't all that interested in on board activities, short cruises out of these ports in winter will be a disappointment. The 1st & last day are cold; you need to be indoors. These are not days you can lounge & enjoy the pool. It could even snow.

You get about 3 warm days if you are lucky. They aren't always beach days.

We do like to sail on the longer trips -- 10+ days b/c they go father south. The Gem has a rock wall & bowling. The Jewel doesn't. With kids that could be a consideration. One does a Nickolodean theme which might be fun.

[Richpontone]

It looks like a better bet for the kids

[Feelin' Nauti']

Be aware that it is not really hot in the Bahamas in Feb. Outdoor swimming is not usual in Feb. Check the temps on Google. We have sailed from Baltimore twice in the winter. THe second day the weather usually becomes sit in the sun warm. The pools often stayed cool the whole trip-12 days. In Feb. you really need to go further south for hot weather.:(

B.

Totally agree.

 

In Feb a Southern cruise would be best. Eastern even Western Caribbean waters tend to be on the cool side.