Questions about cruising with family. I have fears.

[Karysa]

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

 

RCL2011 and NCL 2014. The other cruise that I found smokey was a Costa in 2006 or 07 from FLL. I am a big walker(2xday) and the walking decks tend to have smoking areas.

[Karysa]

How did we get from an inexpensive 1 cabin for 4 people cruise from a driveable port in FL to a 2 cabin Mediterranean cruise with ports such as Rome which tend to be extremely costly?

 

This sounds about as far from an inexpensive fun family vacation as it gets.

Edited January 18, 2015 by Karysa

[Hlitner]

We think that those of you suggesting Europe/Med cruises might have missed the OP's comment about being on a budget. As one who loves cruising (and driving) in Europe we know that taking a family of 4 to Europe for a cruise is not inexpensive. The airfare along can break many budgets and the cost of doing many European ports can also be a budget-breaker (especially for those not familiar with Europe who feel the need for excursions).

 

Hank

[Velvetwater]

I would also like to add that you get pushy vendors in Med ports too. Granted, they are not the same as the Caribbean but Rome especially has lots of sales people from Northern Africa who are quite cheeky. Its the same with smoking, if you go on a main stream line there is smoking but its usually just in one particular area and a certain pool area. Its also allowed in the Casino but thats not a family area anyway.

 

I would also suggest looking at Carnival if your budgets low...kids always seem to be loving it on the boats and the newer ships have amazing water parks/3d theatre (Breeze is good for families they say) and spacious staterooms. If I lived in Florida and had kids I would look at Carnival first to be honest.

 

If your budget can stretch there is also Disney which is aimed at families and as others have suggested NCL is good too.

Edited January 18, 2015 by Velvetwater

[SuiteTraveler]

RCL2011 and NCL 2014. The other cruise that I found smokey was a Costa in 2006 or 07 from FLL. I am a big walker(2xday) and the walking decks tend to have smoking areas.

 

Interesting. I've been on both RCCL and NCL this year and neither were smokey at all - except in the casino and wherever on deck people are allowed to smoke - clearly nowhere near where I was - I never ran across that area. Maybe it varies from cruise to cruise...

 

Only pushy vendors I've run across were 2 places in Europe 1. some fake purse sellers in Italy near Pisa - but it is illegal to buy or sell those, so I just kept moving swiftly by - don't know why the local police don't just bust them up as there were about 20 of those guys camped in the tourist parking lot and 2. on Las Ramblas (Barcelona) trying to sell to the tourists, but we dress like locals and they seem to believe we live there and leave us completely alone.

Edited January 18, 2015 by SuiteTraveler

[SuiteTraveler]

We think that those of you suggesting Europe/Med cruises might have missed the OP's comment about being on a budget. As one who loves cruising (and driving) in Europe we know that taking a family of 4 to Europe for a cruise is not inexpensive. The airfare along can break many budgets and the cost of doing many European ports can also be a budget-breaker (especially for those not familiar with Europe who feel the need for excursions).

 

Hank

 

We don't know exactly what their budget is. In some cases Europe can be done as cheaply as a Caribbean cruise - it all depends on what choices you make. I see some pretty impressive airfare sales going on right now. This might work for them and it would be something very different from their usual vacation.

[electro]

We don't know exactly what their budget is. In some cases Europe can be done as cheaply as a Caribbean cruise - it all depends on what choices you make. I see some pretty impressive airfare sales going on right now. This might work for them and it would be something very different from their usual vacation.

 

I'd be interested in where you are seeing "pretty impressive airfare sales"

 

My DH and I are going on a med cruise from Rome in may and the airfare from Denver to Rome is $1400 per person.

We haven't booked yet so I'm still looking for cheaper airfares.

 

Lois

[jamessemaj]

We don't know exactly what their budget is. In some cases Europe can be done as cheaply as a Caribbean cruise - it all depends on what choices you make. I see some pretty impressive airfare sales going on right now. This might work for them and it would be something very different from their usual vacation.

 

I saw a funny cartoon with an airline executive being asked if the fall in fuel prices was being passed on the the customer. The reply was, "Yes. We've added a $50. reduced fuel surcharge".

 

Back to the OP, Europe would just not fit into a frugal budget. If we are looking at alternatives beyond Florida, I would suggest that Alaska, possibly r/t from Seattle or Vancouver would not cost what Europe would, especially in terms of airline torture. I do keep thinking what would appeal to a family who lives all the time where everybody goes to escape, but within a limited budget. Tough question.

[Cruisin' Chick]

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

 

But the OP said this: "My kids (especially my 11-year-old) desperately wants to go on a cruise." So I would take that as being enthusiastic about a cruise vacation.

 

My last five cruises were on Princess ships so I can definitely say there's not a whole lot of PAs, depending on the cruise director. You may get a summary about upcoming activities, including bingo and art auction, but it's not like crew members will be taking you hostage to a shore talk or art auction.

 

Most activities on all cruise lines will not involve any charges. Most lines have a kids' program that is complimentary. The teen can take part in the teen activities or just meet up with others in his age group the first night and they can "hang" on sea days (that's what my daughter did when she was 13-- she found a few other 13-year-old girls. Before the next cruise two years later, same ship and same itinerary, she found out through Facebook that one of those girls was also repeating the Hawaiian cruise and they made plans to meet up the first night, and formed a group with another girl and three boys their age).

 

You can talk with a cruise specialist (a TA who specializes in cruises and can match you up with a sailing, ship, and cruise line based on desired date, budget, etc.).

 

If you are considering other itineraries other than the Caribbean, why not look at Alaskan cruises (if the family wants to experience a vacation without beaches -- much of the time Alaska in the summer isn't cold, but you still have a beautiful backdrop of snow to look at). Since all of the ports are US ones, plus a Canadian one, you won't have to deal with locals bothering you on the street, if this is a concern. Just a suggestion, but other than the cost of airfare, the pricing can be quite decent -- if you do a round trip, you can fly to Seattle (my family actually took the train up the west coast to get there).

 

Most cruise lines are getting better about restricting smoking. Some no longer allow smoking in the cabins or around the ship. If you stay out of the casinos (some ships will have no-smoking nights, but I can still smell enough traces so I try to avoid that area), and find out which smoking areas exist, you can avoid them. No smoking in the dining rooms.

 

Every night you'll get a newsletter in your cabin that will list activities such as trivia, entertainment, movies on the outdoor screen (if your ship has one). The kids' packets should be in your cabin the first day so they can check out what activities are not-to-be-missed.

 

Two things I do recommend: 1) if flying to your embarkation port -- if not leaving from nearby -- get there at least a day early so you won't be stressed out if there's flight delays or cancellations, and 2) going on the website for the cruise line you finally book (or if you're researching different ones and want to compare) -- there will be a ton of info, including a FAQ section and info on the different ships. Look at the deck plans for any cabins you're being offered so you can make sure a disco isn't overhead.

 

And if you do decide to book two cabins, you need to emphasize with your TA or with a booking agent at the cruise line (if that's how you book) that those two cabins need to be kept together -- across the hall from each other and those are narrow hallways -- or next to each other. Else, you run the risk of one of your bookings being moved to another area, and you won't want that.

[Karysa]

We don't know exactly what their budget is. In some cases Europe can be done as cheaply as a Caribbean cruise - it all depends on what choices you make. I see some pretty impressive airfare sales going on right now. This might work for them and it would be something very different from their usual vacation.

 

Gas is cheap and the OP can drive to ports in Florida so I don't care how cheap the airfare is because it won't come close to gas and parking. Also for a cruise in Europe the OP would need to fly in at least one day earlier so you would have to add hotel room(s) and food on to the price.

[SMerritt]

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 only cruise line that was loaded with "upsales" was RCL Oasis, cameras in my face, no amusing shows, just my opinion.....If our first cruise had been on the Oasis, I would probably never considered another cruise.

 

The NCL Getaway has SO Many activities for boys your ages! Our onboard neighbors boys lived at the ropes course and basket ball courts.

 

A two bedroom cabin/suite would work and give you some great family fun.

[LHT28]

If they are prepared to do an inside to save $$ there are some 7 day cruises R/T Venice or Northern Europe for about $1000 pp

You can also find Alaska cruises for the same price point

The deciding factor may be airfare although they could possibly drive to Seattle or Vancouver saving the expensive airfare

 

All depends on budget & personal preferences

Edited January 18, 2015 by LHT28

[luddite]

You should stick to Disney World.

[donaldsc]

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

 

Not necessarily true. There are lots of beaches in Europe and your kids might get to see things that they would never see on American beaches.

 

Regardless, based on your post, it does not sound as if cruising is for you. Have you thought about an all inclusive resort somewhere.

 

DON

Edited January 18, 2015 by donaldsc

[Dancer Bob]

These days, I see just as much smoking in Florida as I do in western Europe, so any comment more than a couple of years old is probably out of date.

My own experience is that Europe can only be done cheaply off-season, which doesn't seem to be an option for the OP. It sounds like DH isn't going to be happy with the frustrations of high-season travel either.

Otherwise I would say the larger the ship the better, more likely to have a broader range of activities and to meet kindred souls.

[Lerin]

You sound like a good candidate for smaller ship/ line. Look into Windstar.

[Karysa]

If they are prepared to do an inside to save $$ there are some 7 day cruises R/T Venice or Northern Europe for about $1000 pp

You can also find Alaska cruises for the same price point

The deciding factor may be airfare although they could possibly drive to Seattle or Vancouver saving the expensive airfare

 

All depends on budget & personal preferences

 

Are you suggesting that they drive from Florida to Seattle or Vancouver Canada to cruise to Alaska.

 

The suggestions given on this thread tonight has really got me puzzled.

[Karysa]

You sound like a good candidate for smaller ship/ line. Look into Windstar.

 

Is this meant for the OP who is looking for a fun inexpensive cruise for her, DH and their 2 children? Did I miss something when I went out for dinner?:D

[cruiserfromalabama]

As a teenager I went on a trip to Europe with my parents and while I enjoyed it very much-I feel like I would have appreciated it much more if I had been older. Fast forward many many years-I adore Europe and we have been to various countries on cruise tours, land tours, river cruises, and independent travel trips-without our kids and it is wonderful to not be dragging a child along. Also, with long and expensive overseas flights(past five years not finding one for under 1400. per person), it is not cheap to travel abroad-even if you get a great cruise price.

 

I do believe that you and your family would like the original trip you were thinking about on the Freedom of the Seas(one of my favorite ships)! The ship is large enough for your kids to stay busy and enjoy on board activities(it really is a great ship)! As for sales pitches and vendors-I have never had any problems ever on a cruise. I would look at the cruise excursions options and as a family pick out ones that appeal to all-we usually do independent excursions, but have done numerous cruise ship ones as well. We have had adjoining rooms and this worked well for us(you can also have the balcony dividers unlocked between your balcony if needed). I hope you and your family have a wonderful trip and cruise critic and trip advisor are wonderful to get great input on any questions!

[LoriLoriLori]

Hello, I have just caught up on the additional responses. Thank you for commenting.

 

Our budget: $4,000 - $4,500

 

I looked at Alaska cruises. I think we would love this but not sure we could swing it, budget-wise, with airfare. Cost also prohibits getting adjoining rooms. I'm not sure how it works, but it seems if you get two interior staterooms, the cost is doubled. Maybe I'm wrong.

 

I think my kids are in love with the idea of being on a ship, especially a ship made for kid fun.

 

I will be happy reading, dining, shows, trivia (my husband and I are trivia nuts). I even like bingo, too bad it's a sales gimmick. I love to watch people singing karaoke. Even though I live in a beach town, I still love beaches and Caribbean water. Husband likes casino games, trivia, reading, watching movies….We do enjoy sightseeing and history, but isn't vital. This year our top priority is that the kids have fun.

 

Another thing that appeals to me about a cruise is that there will be lots of other kids on the Port Canaveral cruises during the summer. I imagine my kids hanging out with other kids, being away from the parents a bit, and having the time of their lives. Maybe this is unrealistic expectation but that is what is in my head.

 

Thank you for the responses and for reading my rambling. Everyone has been helpful and has given me a lot to think about.

[Karysa]

Hello, I have just caught up on the additional responses. Thank you for commenting.

 

Our budget: $4,000 - $4,500

 

I looked at Alaska cruises. I think we would love this but not sure we could swing it, budget-wise, with airfare. Cost also prohibits getting adjoining rooms. I'm not sure how it works, but it seems if you get two interior staterooms, the cost is doubled. Maybe I'm wrong.

 

I think my kids are in love with the idea of being on a ship, especially a ship made for kid fun.

 

I will be happy reading, dining, shows, trivia (my husband and I are trivia nuts). I even like bingo, too bad it's a sales gimmick. I love to watch people singing karaoke. Even though I live in a beach town, I still love beaches and Caribbean water. Husband likes casino games, trivia, reading, watching movies….We do enjoy sightseeing and history, but isn't vital. This year our top priority is that the kids have fun.

 

Another thing that appeals to me about a cruise is that there will be lots of other kids on the Port Canaveral cruises during the summer. I imagine my kids hanging out with other kids, being away from the parents a bit, and having the time of their lives. Maybe this is unrealistic expectation but that is what is in my head.

 

Thank you for the responses and for reading my rambling. Everyone has been helpful and has given me a lot to think about.

 

I think that you are on the right track and yes if your kids are friendly they could certainly have the time of their lives!

 

With regards to the cost of the cabins. If you get a regular inside, oceanview or balcony cabin then typically the 1st and 2nd cruiser pay full price and the 3rd and 4th pay a discounted price.

If you get one cabin for the parents and another for the kids then everyone would pay the full fare.

 

Have a wonderful vacation.:)

[iheartbda]

Is this meant for the OP who is looking for a fun inexpensive cruise for her, DH and their 2 children? Did I miss something when I went out for dinner?:D

I just took a quick look at Windstar. There are 2 Caribbean cruises that are RT, Bridgetown or Phillipsburg so add in airfare. The cruise says 2 for 1 but we all know about those 2 for 1 fares.:p Anyway, it says from $1,799 pp. which is not exactly inexpensive.

I, too, have wondered about some of the suggestions in spite of what the OP posted.:confused:

 

IMO, what the OP is considering from the beginning is the way to go, Freedom of the Seas out of Port Canaveral.

Lori, I suggest posting some of your concerns and questions on the Royal Caribbean board. Although I sail on them I am hardly an expert but there are experts on that board who can really help you.

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

[iahawkize]

Lucky you living in Florida (like me).

 

1) There are many last minute fares available ( i.e. Pack & Go from CCL or Early Saver) and right now the "WOW sale" on RCCL which gives you the second person in your cabin a reduced rate of 50% So book 2 cabins one Balcony and one Inside right across the hall and save. With a budget of 3-4K it will be close

 

2) If you ALL plan on doing shore excursions as some cost up to $100 so x4 and doing 4 excursions = $1600 right away.

 

3) If you adults drink plan on spending $8-$10/mixed drink and $4-$5/beer Many people have had "Sticker Shock when viewing their account on the last day. Consider a soda package for the kids ($60/person for the week) and a drink package for you and spouse around $45/person per day So on a 7 day your families Bottled water Soda specialty coffee and mixed drinks total would be about $750 ($60+$60+$315+$315) Search the forums here for more comments about this

.

4) Add in Photos at about $9-19 a piece depending on the size as well.

 

5) Add in souveniers as well

[Nebr.cruiser]

Hello, I have just caught up on the additional responses. Thank you for commenting.

 

Our budget: $4,000 - $4,500

 

I looked at Alaska cruises. I think we would love this but not sure we could swing it, budget-wise, with airfare. Cost also prohibits getting adjoining rooms. I'm not sure how it works, but it seems if you get two interior staterooms, the cost is doubled. Maybe I'm wrong.

 

I think my kids are in love with the idea of being on a ship, especially a ship made for kid fun.

 

I will be happy reading, dining, shows, trivia (my husband and I are trivia nuts). I even like bingo, too bad it's a sales gimmick. I love to watch people singing karaoke. Even though I live in a beach town, I still love beaches and Caribbean water. Husband likes casino games, trivia, reading, watching movies….We do enjoy sightseeing and history, but isn't vital. This year our top priority is that the kids have fun.

 

Another thing that appeals to me about a cruise is that there will be lots of other kids on the Port Canaveral cruises during the summer. I imagine my kids hanging out with other kids, being away from the parents a bit, and having the time of their lives. Maybe this is unrealistic expectation but that is what is in my head.

 

Thank you for the responses and for reading my rambling. Everyone has been helpful and has given me a lot to think about.

 

 

I agree that the Freedom of the Seas would be a great cruise for you--there is lots to do for adults and kids, you can probably get a decent deal and as for shore excursions, don't forget to check out private tour operators; usually cheaper and better.

 

For RCI ships, check to see if any family OV rooms are available. They are often a pretty good price and hold 6--not sure if they will book four people in one though. You have to call to book one. We had one on the Navigator and it was very nice.

 

Since you don't have to fly for a Caribbean cruise, your budget should be fine. We booked 11 people on the Independence for Thanksgiving this year for only about $6000--(it was a big sale). However, cancelled as air would have been more like $8000.

 

Most of your worries about constant selling on the ship is unnecessary. It's easy to avoid most of that but staying away from the art auctions and spa and port talks. No one really badgers you about anything--it's all pretty easy to avoid.

 

On the islands, yes, there are vendors in many areas that can be quite persistent, but for us a friendly no thank you works fine. I think the Eastern Caribbean routes may have fewer, except for Jamaica.

Edited January 19, 2015 by Nebr.cruiser

[griffy116]

I think you made the best choice to begin with. Freedom of the Seas will WOW you kids and you stated they were excited about going on a cruise. There is a rock climbing wall, flow-rider, mini-golf, shopping plaza, Johnny Rockets, tons of pool games and the kids club is great. The Eastern Caribbean itinerary seems like something you would enjoy. No venders will bother you on CocoCay. It's a private island and only the vendors approved by RCCL are there and they don't leave one specific area where you have to go specifically to shop. St. Thomas is not an island where you are going to get bothered by vendors and neither is St. Maarten. You can take an excursion around the island which is very pretty. There are opportunities to snorkel, go on a sail boat..plenty of things to do. Freedom has an ice show that your kids will love (and you will too). They'll love the pools and all the kids they will meet onboard. If this is your first cruise, I'd chose Freedom's Eastern route. The Med cruise is MUCH more expensive simply because of air and because the excursions are so much more expensive (especially for four). Try Freedom and get your feet wet. You don't get pushed to buy drinks, no one is grabbing your arm trying to get you to go play Bingo or go to the art show. You and your kids will enjoy the entertainment in the Promenade and the parades. I think you should stick with your original plan. Enjoy.