Parents taking us on a cruise, trying to help plan....

[Kristinemomof3]

My mom is working with someone, but wants me to help find suggestions. She wanted to look at CCL, the lady gave her several RCCL cruises. We want a family cruise, at least 9 people going (not sure how that will work?) my parents, my brother & gf, and dh & myself and 3 kids (i'm thinking they can just bunk together if needed, dd 15 & 2 ds's 13 & 11). We homeschool, so they are pretty close siblings. We are looking in November or December. Any suggestions? Thanks,

Kristine

[maryred]

Contact a trusted travel agent, preferable one that has been certified as a cruise industry specialist, or contact a particular cruise line's Personal Vacation Planner. If you try to book on your own you will have to make bookings where each cabin has at least 1 adult 25 or older for each cabin that contains anyone under 21. A TA or PVP call override this protocol as long a the cabins are within a certain distance of each other based on the youngest age in that cabin.

Again when self booking the random cabin availability generator that many of the online booking engines use may not show you multiple cabins categories in close proximity to each other. So if you want the kids in an inside cabin, mom wants an Ocean View, and your bother and yourself want 2 separate balcony cabins the computer may show you ones scattered all around the ship all on separate screens.

 

The one reason I can think of that you mom's lady helper is trying to steer her towards RCI is they offer family suites w/ 2 bedrooms that sleep up to 8 persons. The lady may think she's doing your mom a favor by cutting down on the cabin count. The lady maybe right but the problem I see with that is on the ship's that RCI offers these family cabins they tend to be near the bow, the section of the ship w/ the most movement. If mom is adamant about a particular line, date, or itinerary tell her to stick to her guns unless the other person can make a logical & compelling argument as to why another possibility make more sense.

 

So here's my advice: First figure out what types of cabins everyone wants, Interior, Ocean View, Balcony, Aft Wrap Extended Balcony, Jr or Mini suite, a regular Suite, a Family Suite, or a Grand Suite. Then proceed to figuring out the cabin arrangements, does mom want the grandkids w/ her or does she want a cabin all to herself & you want the 3 them in an adjoining or across the hall cabin from DH & you. KIM most cruise lines do have cabins that sleep up to 4 souls, but only a few dozen or so per 100 cabins of the same category. Then contact some one that knows the cruise industry or inside the cruise line to aid in booking multiple cabins.

[Kristinemomof3]

Thanks, I should have added that the lady is a trusted travel agent. My mom was the one that asked about RCCL to start with. I am just looking for suggestions on ships for CCL. Thanks.

[Donna_In_India]

Many of the cruise lines have similarities and usually have a specific reputation. I also planned a cruise for 12 of us (this June on the NCL Breakaway). We have 5 kids in the group (aged from 4 to 15) so making sure that there were enough activities for them was a high priority for me. I think RCI/RCCL is an excellent choice for families - especially for kids the ages of yours. You have a choice of ship class/size. I like the big ships - so much to do, so many dining options, etc. I just sailed on the Carnival Breeze (brand new "big" ship) after not sailing Carnival for over a decade. While there were some good points, they weren't enough for me to sail Carnival again anytime soon. We also just sailed on the NCL Epic and loved it.

 

I don't know your budget - but the family suites are usually expensive. You can book connecting cabins for less. For the booking just make sure that there is one adult in each cabin. Once you're on the ship, you can change the sleeping arrangements to have the kids bunking together. I am personally not comfortable with having kids/teens sleep in their own cabin which is not connected to an adult's cabin.

 

Since you are a large group, I'd book early to get a good rate and the ship/itinerary/cabins you want. Avoid the holidays (unless you are specifically looking for that) since there will be a holiday "surcharge". It's nice to sail in December though since the ships are decorated for Christmas.

 

Do your research on the rest of the details - excursions, etc. Ship's excursions are more expensive and usually involve A LOT of people together. You'll find plenty of recommendations here in the ports of calls section for guides, tours, etc.

 

Have a great cruise whatever you decide!

[janetz]

First tell your mom to be sure the agent she is talking to is a member of the CLIA

http://www.cruising.org/

 

 

Also check the BBB to be sure this agent/company has a good rating.

http://www.bbb.org/us/

Last, I would suggest looking at RCCL Freedom Of the Seas. :D

http://www.cruisecritic.com/reviews/review.cfm?ShipID=358&kw=63126&eagid=1365629049&eng=CCSEM&content=&gclid=CLCG-bjp4rQCFYtQOgodh0kAGg