First Time Cruising -Need Advice Please (Dec)

[mirlow]

I'm trying to do the best I can in learning all there is to know about cruising, ships, ports, kids clubs and so on. I am now at a point where I hope to get some great advice from you all. Our family has never been on a cruise and we are planning to go here soon and I'm feeling overwhelmed because I need to make a decision very quickly.

 

We are looking at a number of 7 day cruises leaving on the 13th or 14th of December 08. Can you please help me with my questions?

 

There are 6 cruises I have narrowed it down to:

*Carnival Liberty

*Celebrity Solstice

*RCL Mariner

*Princess Ruby

*Carnival Valor

*NCL Pearl

They are all priced about the same in various cabin sizes. All but NCL we would have to get two rooms. Which is no big deal for us.

 

We have three children (7-G,10-B,13-G). I'm looking for a cruise where they will be happy. I'm sure they would be happy on any cruise, but I guess I'm looking for a good fit for them all. If they are happily occupied then I will be able to relax, and since we are going to Disney World for a week afterwords this is very important to me!

 

How do you all pick your cruise aside from cost? Do you look at the cruise line first or the ship? The rooms? Kids club and activities? Do you look at the ports? How much does the destination impact your decision? Do you like more ports or more days at sea? What do you do with your kids when you are at the ports of call?

 

Are there any ships that are non-smoking? My son has a hard time with cigarette smoke.

 

The thought of anytime dining is very appealing to me since I would love to just go with the flow. I do realize only a couple of my choices have such dining.

 

The cruise will be a week before Christmas, are the ships decorated for the holidays? Are there holiday activities on board?

 

Can someone give me a general sense on what to expect from each of those ships? I'm trying to not only find a good mix for the kids but also a ship that is a good fit for our style.

 

Thanks!

[dcastro]

Forget about Celebrity. Not good for children. Carnival and/or RCI. Carnival has better food ane better service for less $. RCI has some other entertaining things for kids. Princess is good, perhaps a step above RCI and with about the same features. NCL, if you'r egoing to Hawaii.

[Essiesmom]

I think most people will suggest that you first consider the itinerary. You might think about what kind of things your kids like to do, and then choose an itinerary that offers those things. Of course, if all they want to do is go to the beach, it's not a problem. Find a cruise that sounds tempting, then check out the shore excursions offered. Just to see what is available. You do not have to book excursions through the ship.

But I think the most important thing to do is to find a good travel agent (TA) who knows cruising. First timers should always visit a good travel agent. They can steer you in the directrion of a cruise that fits your family. And give you an armload of brochures to devour. Also, visit your library or local big box bookstore and pick up a copy of a book on cruising, such as Unofficial Guide to Cruising, or Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships. These are updated annually, so the 2009 editions might be out by now. They will give you a good overview of cruising, and summaries of each cruise line and who they cater to. There is lots of good advice offered here, but I would not try to organize my first cruise myself through the cruise line or an online agency. EM

[abitaturbodog]

I think that except for Celebrity, all of the ships that you are considering would be fine for your family. Celebrity caters to an older crowd and is not very popular with young families. Also keep in mind that you're sailing the week before Christmas so there won't be a lot of children on your cruise. We sailed this week last year and my boys had a great time (because they're on a cruise!) and there were about 100 kids on board.

 

Carnival, NCL, Princess and RCI all have good kids programs. I don't think one is better than the other.

 

For our family, after looking at prices we choose the newest, largest ship. I know that there are many folks on CC that love the older, smaller ships...it's just not for us.

 

We prefer more days at sea. There's just nothing like relaxing in a lounge chair on the lido watching the ocean. Port days are more busy and sometimes hurry-hurry. They're fun, don't get me wrong, but they're not peaceful and relaxing like sea days.

 

Don't get caught up in the ports that you'll be visiting because many times ships don't go to the ports they're scheduled for. Sometimes the weather keeps you from a port, or a medical emergency, or a broken engine. We think of the ports as "icing on the cake" and that way if we miss one, we're not upset.

 

We always take our children with us in ports. Too many unexpected things can happen to be away from your children in a foreign country! God forbid!!!! You may be injured/hospitalized, your child may become sick/choking, etc. No way would I be separated from my kids. Some parents may feel differently, but not me.

 

If you wanted to do different things with your kids in port such as an active excursion w/your older ones, you could split up with your spouse. Let one parent take the little one for the day and the other take the older ones.

 

Right now NCL has anytime dining and Carnival is trying it out on 2 ships. By next December, Carnival may have it on many others. Who knows, maybe RCI and Princess will be doing it then too?!

 

Yes, the ships will be decorated for the holidays. They usually put the decorations up a week or two before Thanksgiving. It makes them look especially beautiful. Other than a religious service on Christmas day I don't believe that they do anything special. The kids club may have some activities but I can't be sure. There are so many religions represented on board that I think to do something Christian might insult others.

 

Take some time to explore Cruise Critic. Go to the different boards for RCI, Carnival and NCL and learn everything you can about the personalities of these ships. Read the member reviews. I'll spend weeks researching ships, ports, excursions etc. It's half the fun of going on a cruise for me!

 

Don't forget to use your search function before you ask questions. Sometimes people get cranky and will let you have it if your question has been asked and answered a million times already.

 

Hope I've helped....:)

[calenita]

Are you talking December 08?

We took our children for their first cruise on NCL Jewel which is a sister ship to the Pearl. Our children were 13, 11 and 7 and they LOVED IT! We booked another cruise and are off this week. This time RCCL Brilliance. I chose NCL because I did not want the hassle of dining room dining especially with DS7 who is WIGGLY. They have a whole bunch of restaurants on the ship which is lot of fun. Many are free - I think that might have changed since we went but some would be free. The kids program was great. There was a waterslide. We were in March but there were only about 150 kids onboard (it was a 9 night cruise which tends to have less kids). Despite the fact that there were so few kids on the ship the kids crew folks were FANTASTIC with our crew. DD13 even had a one-on-one teen crew dinner with the counsellor because no one else registered. I would HIGHLY recommend NCL for anyone with kids.

DH and I went on Celebrity years ago and loved it but it was a bit more formal - older folks on ship and I would not choose that for a family cruise.

Now we are going on RCCL because of the itinerary and also the rock climbing wall! The ship should be beautiful too from what I hear - the Brilliance. They do have the dining room but DS is now 8 and really wants to be a big boy so we will see!!!!! I think since he has cruised before and we did eat some meals in the dining room on NCL he will be ready for this this time. I know I am looking forward to the formal dining room. I liked it on both ships.

DH has heard a lot of bad things about Carnival so he would not even consider Carnival.

I would look at price and itinerary and would recommend NCL and RCCL.

Debbi

[chipmaster]

I'm trying to do the best I can in learning all there is to know about cruising, ships, ports, kids clubs and so on. I am now at a point where I hope to get some great advice from you all. Our family has never been on a cruise and we are planning to go here soon and I'm feeling overwhelmed because I need to make a decision very quickly.

 

We are looking at a number of 7 day cruises leaving on the 13th or 14th of December 08. Can you please help me with my questions?

 

There are 6 cruises I have narrowed it down to:

*Carnival Liberty

*Celebrity Solstice

*RCL Mariner

*Princess Ruby

*Carnival Valor

*NCL Pearl

They are all priced about the same in various cabin sizes. All but NCL we would have to get two rooms. Which is no big deal for us.

 

We have three children (7-G,10-B,13-G). I'm looking for a cruise where they will be happy. I'm sure they would be happy on any cruise, but I guess I'm looking for a good fit for them all. If they are happily occupied then I will be able to relax, and since we are going to Disney World for a week afterwords this is very important to me!

 

How do you all pick your cruise aside from cost? Do you look at the cruise line first or the ship? The rooms? Kids club and activities? Do you look at the ports? How much does the destination impact your decision? Do you like more ports or more days at sea? What do you do with your kids when you are at the ports of call?

 

Are there any ships that are non-smoking? My son has a hard time with cigarette smoke.

 

The thought of anytime dining is very appealing to me since I would love to just go with the flow. I do realize only a couple of my choices have such dining.

 

The cruise will be a week before Christmas, are the ships decorated for the holidays? Are there holiday activities on board?

 

Can someone give me a general sense on what to expect from each of those ships? I'm trying to not only find a good mix for the kids but also a ship that is a good fit for our style.

 

Thanks!

 

FIRST cruise, you'll have a blast NO matter which one you take.

 

Ports, ships, activities it can be very overwhelming. I have 3 kids similar in age ( 7, 12, 14). All things being equal we've found Princess, Carnival to have both been fun. Personally I find Princess understated approach more to my liking then Carnival's in your face "fun" approach. My first choice has always been RCL and the Mariner would have been a top selection. We've never been able to swing an RCL either because of Ports or schedule. Be aware NCL is a freestyle, and with that you lose some of the formality. As much as people here like to debate the dress code, I always find the formal nights fun, regardless of what I or my neighbors wear.

 

Don't fret too much, select the one that meets your schedule best, then the ports you want, then figure out which ships / cabins / price meet your need. ONce you've done a cruise or two it may become more about the boat or line. Or if you have strong preferences about what you'd like, or must have a rock climbing wall and skating rink, then your choice is obvious too.

 

Did you consider Disney, they are more expensive but also something special if you like what Disney offers. ( I lied, Disney would always be my first choice :D )

 

Happy planning!

[Conrycol]

I have to disagree with the posters who don't believe Celebrity is for kids. We've gone on several Celebrity cruises with our kids and have one scheduled this February. We also have three children. Their kids club is great and my kids have tons of fun. The Solstice is a brand new ship and I think she would be great for you!:D

[rebeccalouise]

First of all- you are in luck. It is your first cruise and you will have a ball on any of the ships you mentioned. Fear Not!

 

Celebrity is great for kids and has one of the best run, entertaining programs at sea. They have loads of activities- extensive hours- great counselors and have the usual talent shows, dance parties and scavenger hunts. You name it- they have it.

 

I have stopped sailing Celebrity only because they have saltwater pools and my 8 year old is a fish. He loves to swim (for hours on end!).

 

So if your kids are avid swimmers I'd pick a cruise line with freshwater pools. Holland America, Princess and Cunard have freshwater pools. I have sailed all three.

 

Holland has great food and service and large staterooms (by cruise standards). Princess was my favorite of the three for overall enjoyment. Great ships with lovely pools, good food, and an outdoor movie theatre. My son preferred Holland America because they had a "talent show" which Princess didn't offer. But that shouldn't be a deal breaker.

 

Cunard is nice and kids would "like" it but maybe not "love" it. It is more formal and there wasn't much for teens onboard. For kids 10 and under its fine.

 

So my answer to your question would be Ruby Princess.

 

P.S: Smoking areas have gotten smaller and smaller. Don't worry- the vast majority of cruisers don't smoke and those that do usually are in the casino.

[JordanLovesCruisin]

The Mariner is WONDERFUL for children :)

[crusinmama06]

Hey welcome to the boards. You are going to see that we all have our favorite cruise line. ;)

 

The kids schedules are at the link in my signature for the cruise lines you named.

 

You asked about smoking, NCL, Carnival and Princess allow smoking both in the cabin and on the balconies. RCCL does not allow smoking in the cabin but does on the balconies. Celebrity has the most restrictive policy all of those 4 lines, they don't allow smoking in the cabin or balcony.

 

None of the mainstream cruise lines are 100% non-smoking.

 

The Solstice looks like an incredible ship to me. But I would probably go with Mariner. :)

[cb at sea]

We generally book for the ship--after all, that's what you're paying for! The ports are simply an added bonus!

Any of the lines you mentioned will give you a good time. They are more similar than different--even tho alot of folks have their preferences.

[mirlow]

Thanks you all for your advice! I made my mind up to go with Mariner since we are flying into Orlando. We were going to go with a family stateroom, and as luck would have it there was no longer and availability on that room and two balcony rooms were just too much since we are going to WDW the following week.

 

I just checked on Expedia and both Liberty and Pearl are on sale. I could end up saving lots of money! Now I don't know what to do because I want to act fast, but I still feel like I don't have enough information to make a choice decision. I think I'm leaning towards Liberty?

 

Any last advice between those two ships? Any major differences in the kids clubs?

 

What about booking it through Expedia?

 

I wish DCL wasn't so expensive. I can't believe how much more it is to cruise on that boat than it is to get a deluxe room at WDW over Christmas!

 

Thanks again!

[abitaturbodog]

Liberty and Pearl are the exact two ships that I was considering for my upcoming Thanksgiving cruise! They were the same price and the age and size of the ships are similar.

 

I picked Liberty because I KNEW that my children would want to go bowling at $7.50 a pop and eat in the Tepanaki/Sushi restaurant, italian restaurant, mexican restaurant etc. I KNEW that we were going to spend WAY TOO MUCH money on NCL for the same things that Carnival gives you for free. (Or I was going to be the "mean Mom" constantly telling my kids, "no, you can't go bowling" or "no, we're eating in the regular restaurant".) That is not how I want to spend my vacation!!!

 

I've never booked thru an online TA. We just find the price online and then call the cruise line directly. They have always given us the same price.

 

Good luck!

[kimmimom]

but check out their cabin size. I think you said that was the only one you could fit in 1 cabin?

 

My kids LOVED Camp Carnival.

 

Good luck with your choice!

 

I am glad to hear the info about having to pay for the extras (bowling, restaurants, etc) on NCL; we had considered them for future since they go out of Charleston, but would get 2 cabins for our family of 5 since they are so much smaller than Carnival where we have fit 5 in a cabin with no problems. Now we will think hard about that before picking them.