Questions about cruising with family. I have fears.

[LoriLoriLori]

Hello,

 

This is my first post on CruiseCritic. I have been reading for about a month and I am a little overwhelmed with information and I have some apprehension about going on a cruise. Thank you for allowing me to ask a few questions.

 

Background info: Our family: Two parents, (ages 42) and two boys (ages 11 and 14). We want to have a blast this summer on a family vacation. We live in a popular beach town on the Atlantic coast of Florida and for the past several summers we usually just head to Universal Studios for a couple days or to Tampa/St. Pete for baseball games and Bush Gardens. We have never been on a cruise as a family. I have been on one cruise (sailed to Mexico with friends at age 18). My husband went on one cruise to the Bahamas when he was 19. This year we want to do something a bit more extravagant (like a cruise!) but I have some concerns:

 

1. Since I live in a tourist town/state already (with beautiful beaches), I'm adverse to touristy ports with pushy vendors. Most people are probably adverse to tourist traps, but they are a big turnoff for me. I am thinking the Eastern Caribbean might be a better cruise for us (Virgin Islands and CoCoCay on RCI) because it might be less "touristy", where we can do our own thing, but that is a pure guess.

 

2. I'm afraid the cruise we want to take (RCI Freedom of the Seas out of Port Canaveral, FL) will be a big commercial. Is this true? Is it a tacky sales pitch? Are there going to people trying to sell us something at every turn?

 

3. Cigarette smoke. I like smokers and nonsmokers but I pretty much can't stand a lot of cigarette smoke.

 

4. Boredom. I've read that a lot of the activities during the day on RCI are a sales pitch. I want do fun stuff. We are social drinkers but won't be drinking much, if any, with our kids. I am okay with reading on a chair for hours but I need some fun stuff to do, without it being a veiled sales pitch. Both my husband and I love to sightsee and we have been on more extravagant vacations (London, San Francisco, DC, Boston, etc.) but we haven't been on a "real" vacation in years because of time and budget.

 

5. Stateroom. We don't have a huge budget and were thinking of getting one stateroom. Is this a mistake? What can you tell me about the rooms? I need one to sleep four people.

 

Thank you so much for any advice or comments. I am sure this kind of question has been asked before. My kids (especially my 11-year-old) desperately wants to go on a cruise. My husband is ambivalent but is a go with the flow kind of guy. He isn't searching to be miserable and would have fun anywhere. I think his largest concern is the length of the cruise (seven nights). There are shorter cruises out of Port Canaveral (Enchantment of the Seas) but my kids aren't enthusiastic about the ship. My main goal is for my kids to have a blast and for us to make some memories. Thanks again.

[Hlitner]

Honestly, with all your fears and doubts, kids not being enthusiastic, no big deal to be on islands with beaches, etc. we would think you could find better family vacation ideas other then a cruise. We say this as avid cruisers (nearly 4 years on cruises to over 100 ports on 6 continents). RCI has turned their cruise line into an amazing product that is largely dependent on the maximizing of onboard revenue (selling things) to drive profits. Nothing wrong with this business model, but it sounds like something you prefer to avoid.

 

Hank

[paul929207]

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

 

1. Ports - yes, there will be people trying to sell you stuff. I just ignore them and keep going. They will give up. Do not say no thanks or anything else to them. Do not enter into a conversation with them. Over the years, I have become very good and walking very close to some stationary object so that the vendor has no where to go.

 

2. We haven't been on RCI. On other lines, yes, there are sales opportunities, but they were never overwhelming

 

3. All lines now have restrictions on smoking. Check with RCI before you book to be sure their policy works for you

 

4. Cabins are small. If you put 4 in one, you must plan. Who uses bathroom when. The bathroom is usually one room with a sink, toilet and shower. I would also be sure to learn where the nearest public restroom is. You never know when someone will need to know NOW.

[koyli55]

Waking up in a different place each day is very special!

Edited January 18, 2015 by koyli55

[LHT28]

Try a European cruise as a destination

 

If you are bored there then stick to the theme parks at home

[LoriLoriLori]

Thank you for the replies so far.

 

LHT28, Was that an insult? I think it was. How very unkind of you to comment in such a way. I don't think we would be bored in Europe and while our first choice is not theme parks, we do have children.

[CowPrincess]

We also live in a tourist town :eek: so I understand that concern :) We research the ports in advance to find sort-of-funky, maybe a bit off-the-beaten-path things to do. We've been quite successful (except for Key West....) There is a Ports of Call board here on CC to help with research.

 

Most cruises do involve a certain degree of "sales pitch". Not 24/7, but you will hear the announcements for bingo, jewelry "sales", etc.

 

Smoking is quite restricted onboard. Usually just a few designated smoking spots. Find out where those are, and avoid them.

 

For entertainment during the day, there are swimming pools, the spa (if you are so inclined), movies on some ships, and very likely some sort of Kids Club activities that you can get your kids into. We are very low-key, so one of our favorite activities on a sea day (other than watching the ocean) is to watch a movie in the cabin. Yeah, I know -- that kind of pace is hard to maintain :D

 

For information about cruising with kids, post on the Family Cruising forum

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=49

 

For specific RCI cabin info, check out/post on the RCI forum

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=83

[LHT28]

Thank you for the replies so far.

 

LHT28, Was that an insult? I think it was. How very unkind of you to comment in such a way. I don't think we would be bored in Europe and while our first choice is not theme parks, we do have children.

 

It was not an insult but take it anyway you want :rolleyes:

Maybe your children would appreciate the history of Europe only you know for sure

We have seen 8 yr olds lapping up the sights of Norway & Baltic Countries just depends on your children & what they are interested in

If they only want beaches then Europe is not for you

[Karysa]

First I would book 2 cabins with children your kids ages. That would be a deal breaker to me. One balcony for parents and an inside across the hall for he kids if allowed. If you try to squeeze in one cabin I think that you will be miserable.

 

I think that Eastern Caribbean on the RCL Freedom is a good choice for you. If you don't want vendors to harass you then I suggest that you go over to the port of call board and your roll call after you book and decide on excursions for each port in advance. The tour guides don't want to waste their time and if you say we have a private tour booked with "Van" then they will leave you be but if you start doing your research at the pier then you will attract the vendors attention.

 

By purchasing drink packages before hand for you and your kids you will again not feel like you are being nicked and dimed or being harassed to buy drinks.

 

Avoid the art shows and bingo and come in 15 minutes before theater shows to limit the "play bingo or deal or no deal" types of money grabbers.

 

Have a wonderful family vacation whatever you choose.:)

Edited January 18, 2015 by Karysa

[NMLady]

I am not sure why you think a cruise would be sales pitches at every turn.

If photographers take your photo not onlly is it easy not to buy one, but if you do want to buy one you have to go the photo shop to do so. Photographers do not push sales. And if you don't want your photo taken just say no and they go on to next person. No pushy sales talk.

 

A bar waiter might come around and ask if you want a drink. If you don't want one, just say No and he/she goes on. No pushing drinks.

 

A daily announcement is made about Bingo but no one talks to you personally trying to get you to go to Bingo.

 

There might be pushy sales people in the spa trying to sell their products. Easy solution, don't go to spa. Spa services are an extra charge just as at home.

 

I've been on over a dozen cruises and have never experienced sales pitches so I am not sure where you got the idea that a cruise ship is constant sales pitches.

 

The ship provides lots of choices for free activities that you can join or not as you wish. These will be listed in the newsletter you get each night so you can decide the next day if you want to do any. No one will push any of them or ask you what you want to do.

 

There is a charge for excursions but you have to initiate that by going to the Shorex desk aboard and signing up. No one will approach you on the ship to sell you an excursion.

 

I think you will be pleasantly surprised at how relaxing a cruise vacation is.

[SuiteTraveler]

LoriLoriLori,

I think that you would be happier on a Mediteranean cruise. The reason I say this is because they are so extremely port intensive and this would be something so very different and exciting for your family! My suggestion would be that you book a cruise on NCL (Norwegian) Epic or on RCCL Allure but for a Med cruise. If you go on NCL, definitely book either a The Haven 2 bedroom family villa or Family Suite.

 

For RCCL, consider booking a Royal Family Suite, Aqua Theater Suite or a Crown Loft Suite.

 

As far as the "advertising" honestly, maybe I'm just immune, but I don't notice it. I avoid stuff with sales pitches though - like the rip off art auctions and playing bingo.

 

On NCL, I would advise you to get a spa pass - it is a great place to relax and enjoy the water circuit and dry sauna and steam room. Really wonderful.

 

On RCCL hang out at the conservatory - it's adults only.

 

On a Med cruise, most days you will be off the ship early until about 5pm or so. What you do in port can be absolutely amazing and tailored to your own interests. There are roll calls here for each cruise line, then each ship and each cruise date. Join your cruise's roll call and share small private tours with others from your cruise - the most inexpensive way to tour - or arrange your own. This will be an unforgettable cruise for the entire family and something that I think you will likely repeat in the future.

 

Cigarette smoke on both these cruise lines is confined to the casino or one small area on deck. It is easy to avoid - and I'm asthmatic, so I would know.

 

Right now both NCL and RCCL are running special deals that would be extremely beneficial for your family. Choose one, book and enjoy!

[NMLady]

The OP said they do not have a huge budget. That is why they are thinking about squeezing the four of them into a single stateroom. If they do not have a huge budget they certainly do not have the funds for four international air tickets.. That is really pricey.

 

With their budget I am not sure why some of you are pushing Europe when airfare is so high.

Edited January 18, 2015 by NMLady

[LoriLoriLori]

Thank you so much for the replies!

 

I am glad that my fear of sales pitches on the cruise is unfounded and they can be avoided.

 

A Mediterranean cruise sounds absolultely wonderful. I am going to look into it for sure.

[LoriLoriLori]

Yes NMLady, you are right. It might be tough to convince my frugal husband to spend more but I might be able to talk him into it. I have been all over the place researching. Flying costs might not be too costly, but may be a possibility. I have been looking at "Family staterooms" on Norwegian and supposedly they are more comfortable for four people.

 

Thank you again for the replies.

[Karysa]

Yes NMLady, you are right. It might be tough to convince my frugal husband to spend more but I might be able to talk him into it. I have been all over the place researching. Flying costs might not be too costly, but may be a possibility. I have been looking at "Family staterooms" on Norwegian and supposedly they are more comfortable for four people.

 

Thank you again for the replies.

 

Way, way, way more smokers on European cruises and in Europe. If smoke bothers you then I would not recommend a cruise where most passengers are Europeans.

[aquilegia]

Way, way, way more smokers on European cruises and in Europe. If smoke bothers you then I would not recommend a cruise where most passengers are Europeans.

 

I'm not quite sure what you mean by this. Are you suggesting that the major cruise lines which have stringent restrictions on smoking (no smoking on balconies or in public rooms, only on certain sides of the open decks etc) relax these rules when they're sailing in Europe? I don't think so. I've sailed with Princess a number of times out of European ports and their rules certainly didn't change just because of the demographic.

Edited January 18, 2015 by aquilegia

[Karysa]

I'm not quite sure what you mean by this. Are you suggesting that the major cruise lines which have stringent restrictions on smoking (no smoking on balconies or in public rooms, only on certain sides of the open decks etc) relax these rules when they're sailing in Europe? I don't think so. I've sailed with Princess a number of times out of European ports and their rules certainly didn't change just because of the demographic.

 

I noticed way more smokers on the ship and noticed the smell of smoke in theatres and excursion vans and outside of the excursion venues and at cafes on my 2 European cruises. I'm not sure if the cruise lines adjust their policy's around their clientele though.

[SuiteTraveler]

LoriLoriLori,

The cheapest way to do Europe is in inside cabins (get 2) on somewhat older ships such as NCL Jade, or RCCL Rhapsody of the Seas. These are not the fanciest ships and don't have the "wow" factor of the newest ships, but then you are off them most all day everyday on a Europe cruise anyway. Prices for the cruise can be as low as $649 pp - sometimes even lower - RCCL has a Vow to Wow sail going right now - buy one, get one 50% off. Compare cruise line airfare to what you can get on various travel sites. Some cities in Europe (such as Rome) can be easily done on your own for nominal cost - take the train to Roma Termini and start walking! There are guidebooks that you can use for touring Rome. Taxis are inexpensive and can be used to move around the city faster or if you get lost. There is a train station across from the Colosseum. You can start your day from Roma Termini - near the Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna) walk past the Fountain of 4 Rivers, visit the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain and then have lunch and spend the afternoon at the Forum and Colloseum. (Buy advance skip the line tickets for the last 2 sights.) But that's only one suggestion, as there are many more options for touring in and around Rome - I just wanted to give you an idea of how fun and reasonable this could be.

[cruisemom42]

I noticed way more smokers on the ship and noticed the smell of smoke in theatres and excursion vans and outside of the excursion venues and at cafes on my 2 European cruises. I'm not sure if the cruise lines adjust their policy's around their clientele though.

 

I've been on 7 Med cruises with four different cruise lines -- never encountered problems with smokers on any of them, nor were smoking policies changed in any way from what is standard.

 

I believe the British-based lines have similar (if not more stringent) policies about smoking on board as do the mass market lines most people in the US use. I cannot speak to the Italian lines (Costa, MSC) however.

 

I wouldn't let it be a determining factor in choosing a cruise destination.

[SuiteTraveler]

Yes NMLady, you are right. It might be tough to convince my frugal husband to spend more but I might be able to talk him into it. I have been all over the place researching. Flying costs might not be too costly, but may be a possibility. I have been looking at "Family staterooms" on Norwegian and supposedly they are more comfortable for four people.

 

Thank you again for the replies.

 

The NCL Family staterooms are GREAT! Lots of space, on older Jewel Class ships (such as Jade, Gem, Jewel and Pearl) ships you get 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 4 tv's, dvd players, Lavazza coffee machine and butler service, plus breakfast at either Cagney's and concierge service. Pack light, walk off early to get to your flight on time. Your kids will love having their own room and bathroom and you and your husband will enjoy your private bedroom with huge bathroom including massive shower, separate tub, 2 sinks, separate toilet room, and makeup area. And did I mention the living room and dining room? So nice!

[JVilleGal]

Thank you for the replies so far.

 

LHT28, Was that an insult? I think it was. How very unkind of you to comment in such a way. I don't think we would be bored in Europe and while our first choice is not theme parks, we do have children.

 

 

I actually thought the suggestion of the Mediterranean/or Europe was a good one. Something completely different from the "vibe" of Florida and close by Caribbean that your family is so used to.

 

Welcome to Cruise Critic and you questions and concerns are good ones. You will get a variety of interesting responses....I don't believe anyone has insulted or been unkind.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Edited January 18, 2015 by JVilleGal

[SuiteTraveler]

I noticed way more smokers on the ship and noticed the smell of smoke in theatres and excursion vans and outside of the excursion venues and at cafes on my 2 European cruises. I'm not sure if the cruise lines adjust their policy's around their clientele though.

 

Karysa, What cruise line? We've done the Med on Celebrity and NCL and this was not the case at all for any of our 3 (so far) Med cruises. I must admit that we chose what restaurant to eat at on our excursions and outside, although there were people smoking here and there at cafes or walking along, they were easily avoided. I'm asthmatic, so I'm extremely smoke sensitive and would have really noticed this if it were a problem - in fact I would have refused to go in a van or car that smelled of cigarette smoke as otherwise I would have an asthma attack.

 

These are the cruise ship smoking policies:

http://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=225

[BeagleOne]

IMHO if you're not sure that a cruise is the right vacation for your family, you should start with something closer to home, like the one you mentioned from Port Canaveral, rather than flying all the way to Europe for a Med cruise.

 

Instead of putting everyone into one cabin, consider adjoining cabins. You can easily go from one to the other through the connecting door, you will have more room, and probably most importantly, two bathrooms. Or you and your husband get a balcony cabin and put the kids across the hall.

 

The onboard sales pitches can usually be avoided. Hard to avoid hearing the announcements, but you can avoid the areas where the sales are held, and it's not like crew members will be following you around pushing you to buy things. In ports some of the vendors can be very pushy. I've found that if I just repeat, "No, thank you" and keep walking, that works well.

[LoriLoriLori]

Very helpful information here. I appreciate it.

 

Apologies for assuming the comment upthread was a dig. I perceived the comment, if you are bored in Europe, stick to the theme parks at home… as sarcastic, but it is so difficult to decipher the tone on message boards. I am sorry for jumping to conclusions.

[Cruzin-K]

I think a Freedom OTS cruise would be a great idea.

 

Royal Caribbean no longer makes on board announcements so that cuts way down on "sales pitches" not that there were that many to begin with. I certainly don't notice sales pitches on cruises.

 

The activities on board are not sales pitches. I mean, if you go to the spa for an activity revolving around how to look younger then yes, that whole thing will be one giant sales pitch. The towel folding demonstration, belly flop contest, Love & Marriage Show, etc. are not at all sales pitchy.

 

Avoid the port shopping talk. Total waste of time.

 

On Caribbean beaches there might be people walking up to you trying to sell stuff. If you want to avoid that you can book a day at a private beach somewhere - some hotels have day passes, that sort of thing, depending on which island you're at. Coco Cay does not have this problem - it's a nice relaxing beach day. Or, you can do a sightseeing trip somewhere that will most likely not have vendors everywhere. I'm sure if you research you can figure out something.

 

Four in a cabin would be a tight squeeze with only one bathroom, but only you know how your family deals with extreme closeness.

 

Oh, and smoking is only an issue for me in the casino. I avoid that at all costs. There will be areas outside designated for smoking. Just avoid those and you'll be fine.

Edited January 18, 2015 by Cruzin-K