Experienced cruisers helllllppppp

[erRN2be]

Ok guys, I'm having some real moments here. We are trying to book our first cruise. I've been doing all my homework (maybe a little too much!). Going on this cruise will be my dh, my son 13, my son 8 and my grandmother (and of course myself). I am looking to book a cruise that will definetley be kid friendly.

My husband is the quiet sort, will do a little bit of gambling, and I just want to soak up the rays.

I have read so much about the ports and there are any that just jump out at me...

So could some of you experienced cruisers give me some input on if there are any of the carnival ships that are better suited for first time cruisers with children, or are there any ports that are better then others (I know its a personal preference, but I could really use some ideas or inputs from those of you who have been there.)

THANK YOU!!!!

Till our first cruise
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[Aprildy]

erRN2be,
I have only been on 1 cruise and that was almost 2 years ago on the Celebration. But you might also consider if you are flying to the port or driving. My dh does not and will not get on an airplane. So we had to drive and that narrowed down our choices.
Just my 2-cents!

April [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

Celebration 8/3/2002

[finoky]

The best ports for first time cruisers on the eastern route are probably Nassau and St Thomas. Both are old stables and will find lots to do for all age groups. You can usually find a ship that visits both on an eastern route. On the western side you also can't go wrong with Cozumel and Grand Cayman. We love both of these ports and once again plenty to do for all ages. Since you are in Indiana I can assume driving is out of the question. If you are looking a year away then the Miracle will be sailing full time out of Tampa by then on a nice western route. It is a spirit class ship which I feel is the best Carnival has to offer. If it was me I would book the Miracle out of Tampa for a 7 day western caribbean cruise. If you decide to go east then just about any ship that visits Nassau and St Thomas on the same route would be great for first timers.

[img]http://mysite.verizon.net/vze1tehj/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/carnival.jpg[/img]

Tony

2004 Legend March 28th
2003 Paradise
2002 Paradise
2000 Destiny
1999 Fascination
1998 Fantasy

[disneylynn]

Hi erRNbe,
We are going on the Miracle 2/20/05
There is a roll call going on with alot of nice families. There will be tons of kids on that cruise.
Lynn

OCEANIC 11/17/86
DISNEY WONDER 12/20/00
DISNEY MAGIC 2/09/02
NCL DAWN 11/23/03
CARNIVAL MIRACLE 2/20/05

Days til Miracle Cruise from Tampa
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[Cruisin'Susan]

Our first cruise was out of Miami on the IMAGINATION. I would recommend a 5 day for your 1st. Only because cruising may not be for you. We had an awesome time. We went to Grand Cayman and Jamaica. GC you can do the sting ray tour, which the kids will LOVE! And it includes a bit of snorkling which is lots of fun too. 25.00 per person thru capt. Bryans. (nothing for the daughter.) In jamaica we did (on our own) Dunns river falls (which my 5 yr old did and LOVED!) and then some shopping in the "craft market", and beach time in margarittaville. It cost us 11.00 per person for the cab ride. Nothing for our 5 yr old. Just use JUTA taxis & tours you will be fine! Your kids will LOVE the falls!!!
As far as the camp carnival, my DD loved that too. so much to do. Imagination is a wonderful boat. Good food, good service and good shows. It got us hooked! any other questions?

MS.Victory 05-02-04
MS.Imagination 9-20-03

[halos]

Basically, I think all of Carnivals ships are kid friendly....and Granmother friendly as well!
You will have a great time no matter what ship you chose and no matter what itinerary.
Just book something in your budget, sit back and relax and enjoy the anticipation!

I believe in Miracles
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MIRACLE JUNE 19, 2004
Calm Seas, Good Friends

[Iam4cruising]

Hello to you and welcome to your new addiction, or soon to be. I agree with a little of all of the answers given so far. You will enjoy any ship you go on, but I would caution you on the Spirit class your first time -they are large. I strongly suggest a Cozumel,Grand Caymen and Ocho Rios itinerary- it offers something new and different in every port and is geared to all ages as well as to experienced or first timers. Try to book a stateroom mid ship, it will ease your finding things once aboard. Go for an early seating in the dining room, especially with children. -They will love Camp Carnival. Feel free to email me with any specific questions you may have I would be glad to help [email]dl1ellis@cs.com[/email]

[chuleta]

The kids will enjoy being on any ship! As far as ports though, I would recommend the Western route. Sting Ray City in Grand Cayman is a great adventure. In Cozumel they will be able to see more iguanas than any other port, especially if you take the to Chunaaba Park where there is also a swim with the dolphins tour (but watching is free too). The kids do seem to like Dunn's Falls in Jamaica also. You can do most of these adventures on your own for a lot less than what the ship sells the tours for.

(And grandma can come along and participate in what she is able, Dunn's Falls has a path that you can walk up the side and watch or take pics of everyone below)

Mary Lynn
Proud Member of O.A.T.C.
[img]http://www.fortunecity.com/millenium/fairview/162/a-angel.gif[/img]

OH HELL, WHERE IS MY SECRETARY???

[img]http://www.karenpalumbo.com/cruiseship01.gif[/img]
Windjammer Flying Cloud 8/78
Windjammer Fantome (deceased) 8/80
Big Red Boat 4/93
Holiday 4/95
Celebration 4/96
Sovereign of the Seas 10/98
Sensation 4/99
Jubilee 7/01
Victory 1/02
Pride 11/02
Triumph (Joe McBlow cruise) 1/03
Spirit 2/03
Inspiration 2/03
RCL Explorer of the Seas 6/03
Princess Star 10/03
Victory 2/04
Triumph 5/04
Miracle 2/05
Days til Miracle Partae Pirates Cruise from Tampa
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[almitra]

Halos & Chuleta are right--you can't go wrong with a family on any Carnival ship! Plan with prices and distance (to drive or fly) in mind, not so much worrying about what ship you'll be on cuz I have cruised the holiday (smallest class) and the largest behemoths....they are all wonderful and the programming will be second to none. Enjoy!!!


Militant Breastfeeding & Homebirth Proponent-Sandra Carmichael

Mardi Gras 6/79
Mardi Gras 6/79
(back to back cruises)
Celebration 8/02
Splendour of the Seas 3/03
Jubilee 7/03
Conquest 1/04
Celebration 1/04
Elation 2/04
Elation *coming again* 1/05

[erRN2be]

Thank you guys so much for the help. I think we are going to stick with our original plan of the conquest on the western route, well we are off to book...wish me luck

Till our first cruise
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[Lilylady]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by erRN2be:
Thank you guys so much for the help. I think we are going to stick with our original plan of the conquest on the western route, well we are off to book...wish me luck<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Good choice, you will have a great time [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif[/img].

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Days til Valor Vampires Cruise
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