Best family cruise?

Question

Im looking to go on a cruise in the end of March with my family. Its my husband and our 3 boys ages 12, 10 and 4 months. We dont want to go on a Disney cruise. We live in Fl so will need to depart anywhere in Fl. We dont want to spend over 2300 and we want just a 3 or 4 night because its our first time cruising. Id like a cruise line that has babysitting for the baby when we need it. I spent about 4 hours researching yesterday and its all confusing since Ive never been. Any ideas? Thanks so much

W

Answer 1

disney cruise is the best. look in the yellow pages and find a travel agency. its their job to ask you what your looking for in a cruise and then they find the best ones based on your preferences.(just like a realtor does when finding u a home). its very inexpensive and plus once you choose your cruise they'll allow you to make monthly payments, so that you dont have to pay everything up front. so plan your trip far ahead. that was it wont seem like your paying so much for the cruise.

Answer 2

Carnival is a good option to introduce your family to cruising.  Living in FL gives you some good departure options.

Being a first time cruiser, you should give Carnival or an agent at www.vacationstogo.com to be able to ask specific questions.  The vacation planners at Carnival have always been helpful to me.

Here are some notables...

- Most cabins sleep up to 4 guests.  You may need 2 cabins to sleep your family of 5. Ask the agent to find a room that will host 4 guests and a crib.

- Take your own playpen for the baby to sleep in.  Although Carnival says they can provide cribs, we did not have good luck with the crib we used for our 18 month old niece.  Also, don't take the large stroller; use one of the small umbrella strollers while on board.

- March is a very popular time.  Prices will be higher and many departures are already sold out for Spring Break.

- Deposit of $250 per guest is required to hold booking.

- Be sure that you tell the agent your budget and make sure they include port fees, taxes and fuel surcharges in the fees that quote you up front so you are not surprised with extra fees when you book.

These are the expenses that are NOT included in your fare:

- Tips.  Usually $10 per day per guest; this includes your children except the 4 month old.  Don't let them charge you tips for the baby.

- Babysitting. $$ per hour.

- Sodas. $1.75 per can or you can buy a soda card for unlimited by the glass...will be about $30 per card.  Cards are sold per individual guest.

- Bar drinks. $4.50-12.00 each plus 15% gratuity.

- Spa services. 50-200 eacg

- Photos. $20-25 per sheet

- Bingo - $5-10 per card

- Shore excursions. 50-200 per person

- Taxis will in port.

With exception to tips, the above are all optional.

Answer 3

I enjoy Carnival, they have Camp Carnival for the children and it is a great program. We have been on many Carnival cruises as we also live in Florida, and we have just booked a 7 day on the Legend for less than you have stated but we only have 4

At Carnival's page I see cruises starting at $399 each for the first 2 and always less for 3 4 & 5  and that is a 4 day,

there is also a 5 day for $479  each for the first 2

http://www.carnival.com/searchResults.as...

I did not ad Miami in the first search but from there they have 4 day starting at $349

http://www.carnival.com/searchResults.as...

Answer 4

I would suggest Carnival. They have a wonderful children's program, Camp Carnival, thats divided into age groups. The shorter the cruise the more young adults (18-25) are, so they tend to be a little more of a party crowd. There are adlut and kid only pools. Check with a travel agent, Carnival just refitted either the Imagination or Inspiration with a new pool area thats good for kids. The price should be around what you are looking for .