Need suggestions for Southern Caribbean Cruise for Family of 6.

[CMF]

Hello folks. I need the total package here and hope to find folks that will indulge my questions.

 

Here are some specifics:

 

- Family consist of mom and dad, three kids (4-8 years old), and a senior

who will not leave the ship.

 

- We are looking to travel the first week of April 2010.

 

- We live in Maryland, so East Coast departure ports are a must.

 

- We prefer freestyle dining options a la NCL (we did the Alaska cruise a

few years back)

 

- We want to snorkel with the kids and mom and dad want to play the slots

on the ship.

 

- The ship can not be totally non-smoking.

 

- We want to keep the trip at around $1000 per person including airfare and

want an ocean view cabin - we will pay more if we have to.

 

- A solid kids program on the ship will be a big bonus.

 

In addition [yes, there is more]

 

- I need to know when is the best time to book and what cabins to request.

 

Is that too much to ask for??? :rolleyes:

 

Eternally grateful,

 

Charles

[geoherb]

I don't think you'll find a southern Caribbean cruise that meets your requirements. They leave from San Juan, which would make airfare too much. I'd suggest looking at the different eastern Caribbean itineraries.

 

My choice would be the Emerald Princess. We sailed on a 10-night cruise on it for Christmas a year ago. The ship has traditional and "Personal Choice" dining where you can make reservations or just show up at the dining room for dinner. The kids program was great. (The youth staff kept the kids out of our way--and the kids looked like they were having a great time.)

[fann1sh]

I love a challenge like this, but there's one blank I can't fill in for you: airfare prices.

 

A search of Kayak showed no pricing yet for the April 2010. You don't mention your preferred departure airport, but for the sake of argument I looked at Dulles (IAD) and Baltimore (BWI). To get a true southern itinerary, you need to fly into San Juan. Also, you can toss out most of the cheapest flights, because their early morning departure times from San Juan aren't possible when you're debarking from a cruise ship. If you were vacationing this year, instead of next, you'd need to spend around $420 a person on air ($500 if you want a non-stop).

 

With ingenuity and persistence, you might find a cheaper flight than that in the next year, by constantly watching for seat sales.

 

However, I strongly advise you to plan on flying in the day before your cruise, and spending extra to stay overnight. Why? The number of canceled/changed flights in the recent past have been staggering. Lots of people have been reassigned un-doable flight times, scrambling at the last second (and paying more) to change to another airline. (By the way, most trip insurance doesn't cover this problem.) Also, unless you have a non-stop flight, there's just too much that can go wrong with connecting flights to fly in the same day.

 

At present, you're not going to find outside cabins for $500 (taxes included) for a week long April 2010 cruise. There may be super sales about 60 - 90 days before sailing, depending on how the economy jumps.

 

That, said, I'd keep my eye on prices for Caribbean Princess, sailing from San Juan on Sunday April 4, 2010 for 7 days to St. Thomas, Tortola, Antigua, St. Lucia, and Barbados. While there are Royal Caribbean and Carnival departures in early April, 2010 from San Juan, Carnival hasn't yet instituted open seating dining, and Royal Caribbean is just phasing it in. Right now, two cabins each with 3 people, outside (unobstructed) would cost around $7000. With airfare that comes in around $10,000 - way over your budget. Prices are around $1,250 each for person 1 and 2 in a cabin, $830 for person 3, and about $50 pp taxes.

 

To come closer to your budget, I suggest you reconsider an eastern Caribbean itinerary out of Fort Lauderdale or Miami (as Geoherb posted, while I was researching and typing this!) Not only would that open up cheaper cruise lines like NCL, but there could be airfare savings as well.

[wrp96]

For April 2010, you should consider booking now. On many lines (you need to check the individual lines policies), if the price drops after booking, you can frequently get that lower price up until final payment time. On RCCL for example, you can even get the lower price after final payment, unless it is a sale special.

 

You might take a look at Explorer of the Seas out of Bayonne, NJ. She has a 13 night southern Caribbean itinerary that leaves on March 28th. By April 2010 RCCL will have My Time Dining on all its ships (an anytime dining program). You can drive to Bayonne from Maryland so you'll save on airfare. Explorer of the Seas has Family Oceanview Cabins that can accommodate 6 people (cannot be booked online). Or if the family oceanviews aren't available, you could book an oceanview with an inside across the hall.

 

Otherwise, if you want a true Southern Caribbean trip, you'll have to get down to South Florida (for 10-14 night roundtrips) or to San Juan.

 

Since smoking is something you've specifically mentioned, I would avoid Celebrity as they tend to have the most restrictive smoking policies of the mass market lines.

[Roz]

There are Southern Caribbean cruises that leave out of Ft. Lauderdale. Do you consider that the East Coast? San Juan airfare is way beyond your budget. With so many specifications, if I were you, I would consult with a TA that's a cruise specialist. Princess and HAL both have the option of Personal Choice or Anytime Dining.

 

Roz

[fann1sh]

April 4, 2010 Carnival Pride departs Baltimore for a 7 day cruise to Port Canaveral, Nassau, and Freeport. No open dining option, not the southern Caribbean, but it is within your budget.

[CMF]

I'll look into some of the specifics posted here like departing from Bayone. I thought I would have several choices sailing out of the Florida ports. Airfare to Florida from my neck of the woods runs about $200 round trip, so yes, Ft. Lauderdale is an option.

 

I have two more questions:

 

I choose the Southern Caribbean route after reading here that that is the preferred itinerary. Is an Eastern Caribbean route much different? Would that give us more choices? Also, what about pushing the whole thing to early summer when the kids are out of school? We'd have to pay to put them in day camp anyhow and that money would go to the trip instead of camp. What are the drawbacks of a June trip?

 

Thanks again,

Charles

[Twickenham]

I'll look into some of the specifics posted here like departing from Bayone. I thought I would have several choices sailing out of the Florida ports. Airfare to Florida from my neck of the woods runs about $200 round trip, so yes, Ft. Lauderdale is an option.

 

I have two more questions:

 

I choose the Southern Caribbean route after reading here that that is the preferred itinerary. Is an Eastern Caribbean route much different? Would that give us more choices? Also, what about pushing the whole thing to early summer when the kids are out of school? We'd have to pay to put them in day camp anyhow and that money would go to the trip instead of camp. What are the drawbacks of a June trip?

 

Thanks again,

Charles

 

A summer trip would probably be more expensive, so may negate any savings re: day camp. Having just gotten back from a 10-day Southern Caribbean itinerary, I can tell you that I LOVED the less-frequented southern ports of Dominica, Grenada and Martinique, and could easily pass up another trip to the touristy-to-the-max mainstays of St. Thomas and St. Maarten (not that I didn't enjoy them, but they wouldn't be my first choice).

If you want to leave out of Florida, look into taking a 10-day out of Ft. Lauderdale or Miami. I think Princess and HAL would both answer your needs - probably Princess has the larger casino and better kids programs (although I saw several small children on our HAL cruise that seemed to be having a ball!), but for affordability with more than 2 in a cabin, the edge has to go to HAL. Indeed, my 3rd person rate on this cruise was $176! For 10 days! We ended up getting a cabin with a private balcony for just over $3000 total for 3, so by reserving a less expensive outside, I think you could probably just about do your $1000/person budget. This of course all depends on the kind of pricing you get for April, which is usually more expensive than January.

[wrp96]

With a June trip you will have less Caribbean options as most cruiselines reposition their ships elsewhere during the summer. both the first week in April and June will have tons of families onboard and pricing will tend to be high for either time period. June may be a touch more hot and humid.

 

I would definitely consider an Eastern Caribbean itinerary to give you more choices. Typically an Eastern Caribbean cruise will give you some combination of St. Thomas, St. Maarten, San Juan, etc. Southern Caribbean cruises many times will also include those ports, but just have other ports in addition.

 

Since you are able to fly to Florida, consider a cruise like the Carnival Freedom 8 night Eastern out of Ft. Lauderdale.

 

However, since you are willing to fly, don't discount cruises out of San Juan. Many times the cruise fares out of San Juan will be cheaper than out of Florida, and some people have been able to find cheaper airfare into San Juan than Florida as well.

[138east]

The only drawback of a June trip is that it will be warmer in the Caribbean, but it will also be warmer if you leave from a NE port. The first week in April, 2010 is apparently Easter week - the prices are very high and I'm sure the airlines will be a zoo. I've looked around and it appears that the full selection of choices for June 2010 may not yet be available on the big Travel site. I looked at June, 2009 just to see what's going on then. The Caribbean Princess has a nice 9 day itinerary out of NY that stops in Bermuda, San Juan, St. Thomas and Turks. Carnival Pride sails from Baltimore to the Bahamas, Half Moon Cay, and Turks.

 

I've done the flying to San Juan and Florida, but just last year went from Bayonne. What a difference! I've herded 6 people (17-85) through the airline system to San Juan. It's an exhausting day. Much better to just get in the car and drive to the port, even if it is in NY.

 

I wouldn't get too hung up on the dining arrangements. With six of you, you can always get a table to yourselves. There is always an alternative more casual place to eat than the MDR.

[SGriff1317]

For all 6 people on JetBlue from DC to San Juan, if you get the tickets right when the come out, about $1750 with tax.

 

$4850 with tax, for two adjoining ocean view rooms on Carnival Victory.

 

If you know you aren't going to cancel you can do the "early saver" program, you lose your deposit if you cancel though. That would save you $1000...

 

So now you are at $5600-6600. This is right in your price range, but then you'd be adding alcohol, soda for the kids, gambling, excursions, airport transfers, etc.

 

I was opposed to San Juan until I realized JetBlue had $105 flights to/from my airport. Once I found that out I decided to book my first trip out of San Juan for later this year, can't wait!

[CateW]

As someone else mentioned, pricing not available on all lines yet for 2010. If you are not opposed to Carnival (Pride) and can go in May instead of April, there is a 7 night out of Baltimore to the Eastern Caribbean that you might want to take a look at.

[CMF]

This sound like a contender. I'll check it out.

 

Charles

 

For all 6 people on JetBlue from DC to San Juan, if you get the tickets right when the come out, about $1750 with tax.

 

$4850 with tax, for two adjoining ocean view rooms on Carnival Victory.

 

If you know you aren't going to cancel you can do the "early saver" program, you lose your deposit if you cancel though. That would save you $1000...

 

So now you are at $5600-6600. This is right in your price range, but then you'd be adding alcohol, soda for the kids, gambling, excursions, airport transfers, etc.

 

I was opposed to San Juan until I realized JetBlue had $105 flights to/from my airport. Once I found that out I decided to book my first trip out of San Juan for later this year, can't wait!

[CMF]

Are there reasons to object to Carnival? I'll take a look at the reviews.

 

Charles

 

As someone else mentioned, pricing not available on all lines yet for 2010. If you are not opposed to Carnival (Pride) and can go in May instead of April, there is a 7 night out of Baltimore to the Eastern Caribbean that you might want to take a look at.

[138east]

Tell us a little more about yourselves. Have you ever cruised before? Have you thought about how many sea days and how many port days you want? What kinds of excursions were you thinking of doing? If you haven't been to the Caribbean I really don't think it matters what islands you go to the first time.

 

Also, tell us about your "senior" and why he or she would not get off the ship. I travel with my 90 year old mom and she doesn't get off now in most ports, but she does get off. Some ports are better than others.

[CMF]

Have you ever cruised before?

 

Once with the entire family - Alaska on NCL

My wife did a Western Caribbean cruise with her niece - I think it was a Celebrity cruise.

 

Have you thought about how many sea days and how many port days you want?

 

We are thinking of a seven day cruise but it is not written in stone, we would like to see as many islands as possible, but at least three.

 

What kinds of excursions were you thinking of doing?

 

I would love to snorkel with the kids in beautiful blue water with lots of colorful fishies :D We would also like to get off the ship and just walk around to see some colorful AND SAFE towns.

 

If you haven't been to the Caribbean I really don't think it matters what islands you go to the first time.

 

I've been to Puerto Rico and Cuba and I am familiar with both islands. My wife has been to Jamaice, the Cayman and Cozumel.

 

Also, tell us about your "senior" and why he or she would not get off the ship.

 

She is fearful of walking and there are other personal reasons.

 

Does this help?

 

Charles

[CateW]

Are there reasons to object to Carnival? I'll take a look at the reviews.

 

Charles

 

I've never sailed Carnival, I wouldn't oppose it but my husband said NEVER; some people love them others not so much.

[CMF]

Any thoughts on these itineraries? Ships? The prices for all are in the same ball park.

 

A. Port Canaveral: Nassau, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten. Carnival - Dream, brand new ship.

 

B. Ft. Lauderdale: San Juan, St. Thomas, Antigua, Tortola, and Nassau. Carnival - Freedom, new ship.

 

C. Miami: St. Thomas, San Juan, Grand Turk, and Nassau. Carnival - Glory, new ship.

 

D. Miami, FL: Samana, St. Thomas, Tortola, and Great Stirrup Cay (private island). Norwegian - Pearl, new ship.

 

Thanks,

Charles

[wrp96]

Of the itineraries listed, I would choose Carnival Freedom.

[CMF]

Revised itinerary choices - thoughts?

 

Again, this is a trip for a family of 6 that includes three children (ages 4-8) and a senior citizen with limited mobility (she can walk around but tires quickly)

 

 

• Celebrity Mercury (1997) quad inside & double OV; 3463.20 + 2461.60 = 5924.80 [$539 per day - 11 days]
  
  • Charleston, San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Marteen, St. Kitts, Tortola
    
  • I can drive to Charleston to board.
    

 

• Ruby Princess (2008) double OV 3142.38 + interior quad 4236.56 = 7379 + air [$737 per day - 10 days]
  
  • Ft. Lauderdale, Princess Kay [priv. island], St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua
    

 

• Carnival Freedom (2007) quad inside 3041.52 + double OV 2015.76 = $ 5057.28 + air [$632 per day - 8 days]
  
  • Ft. Lauderdale, St. Juan, St. Thomas, Antigua, Tortola, Nassau
    

 

Thanks for sharing your opinions!

 

Charles

[velvetred]

Of the three you mention, I would pick the 10 day Ruby Princess for an intergenerational cruise for the anytime dining, Movies Under the Stars, excellent kids program (my nieces and nephew loved it last November), excellent itinerary including a stop at Princess Cay, self-service laundry, freshwater pools, multiple entertainment venues at night, etc.

 

Also, if you choose to go on Celebrity you need to factor in the amount to park your car for 11 days, the price of gas, the expense of meals on the road for 6, the time off from work for driving time, etc.

 

Carnival would also be a good choice for kids but I discounted it because it is only 8 days versus the 10 of the Ruby Princess. I have been on Carnival and Princess multiple times and your elder may enjoy Princess a little more IMHO because everything is not as "in your face" as Carnival (which I love by the way for a fun vacation). I am repeating a cruise on the Ruby Princess with my husband (just the two of us which will be nice) in December (10 days this time versus the 7 days last November) because of the more relaxing ambience on Princess and the other things I mention above which make it a winner in my view.

 

I have never been on Celebrity so perhaps others will chime in with her benefits. I have been on NCL, RCI, Costa, Carnival, and Princess (with an upcoming HAL cruise to Alaska in three weeks) but I have read a lot about Celebrity and based on what I have read I have self-selected away from Celebrity because it just doesn't sound like a good fit for me. Others rave about Celebrity and wouldn't sail with any other line.

 

Hope this helps. Happy Cruising!

[CMF]

We finally settled on the Ruby Princess and are waiting to confirm prices.

 

Thanks,

Charles

[griffy]

We had ages 15 yrs old to 78 yrs old. We booked early, booked cabins near elevator on 7th floor..3 balcony & one inside (15 yr old/20 yr old). We used Air-Tran from ATL non-stop to San Juan. They have at least one flt per day @ $99 one-way.

 

There were 3 reductions from booking to final payment. I think we had a cost w/airfare of approx $1,200 for balcony cabins and $990 inside. It can be done, but takes planning.

[63galaxie]

We had ages 15 yrs old to 78 yrs old. We booked early, booked cabins near elevator on 7th floor..3 balcony & one inside (15 yr old/20 yr old). We used Air-Tran from ATL non-stop to San Juan. They have at least one flt per day @ $99 one-way.

 

There were 3 reductions from booking to final payment. I think we had a cost w/airfare of approx $1,200 for balcony cabins and $990 inside. It can be done, but takes planning.

 

 

We've also done AOS and loved it so much, we're doing it again this fall. Take a look at the fall rates. The So. Carib route is SO MUCH BETTER! And AOS is now our favorite ship (four cruiselines, seven cruises).

 

This ship is great for kids (rock climbing wall, minature golf, inline skating, ice skating rink, and lots of other activities), great for adults (solarium pool, workout rooms overlooking the ocean, Portofinos, shopping, the entire design of the Promenade is like a mini-city), lots of quiet spaces for older folks in need of peace and quiet).

 

Plus, you can get a senior discount right now on the E1s, E2s, and D1 balconies. $2300 four people inside plus $1600 two people senior discount in a D1 balcony is $3900 for the cruise for six people.

I'm looking at the October 18, 2009 sailing. I believe the sailing prior to this one is less.

 

To cut costs, you can book a balcony (or two) and an inside. Put the kids and one adult in the inside at night, use the senior discount plus one adult in the other cabin.

 

The airfare on Jet Blue and Air Trans make it affordable. Jet Blue is having a special right now.

 

Good luck.

[63galaxie]

We've also done AOS and loved it so much, we're doing it again this fall. Take a look at the fall rates. The So. Carib route is SO MUCH BETTER! And AOS is now our favorite ship (four cruiselines, seven cruises).

 

This ship is great for kids (rock climbing wall, minature golf, inline skating, ice skating rink, and lots of other activities), great for adults (solarium pool, workout rooms overlooking the ocean, Portofinos, shopping, the entire design of the Promenade is like a mini-city), lots of quiet spaces for older folks in need of peace and quiet).

 

Plus, you can get a senior discount right now on the E1s, E2s, and D1 balconies. $2300 four people inside plus $1600 two people senior discount in a D1 balcony is $3900 for the cruise for six people.

I'm looking at the October 18, 2009 sailing. I believe the sailing prior to this one is less.

 

To cut costs, you can book a balcony (or two) and an inside. Put the kids and one adult in the inside at night, use the senior discount plus one adult in the other cabin.

 

The airfare on Jet Blue and Air Trans make it affordable. Jet Blue is having a special right now.

 

Good luck.

There are some comparable prices for March 2010 on AOS. Try comparing rates using an online travel agency. I'd look at booking two in the balcony cabin and four in an inside cabin. Make sure you find an agency that will give you onboard credits (one agency is having a big sale this week that includes OBC and prepaid gratuities). This really brings the prices down.