How much app. is a family cruise vacation family of 4?

Question

2 adults and 2 children, ages 2 and 4. I like Disney and Carnival, they looked really neat. I've never been on a cruise ever. Can anyone who has been on one tell me what's the best one for family's and about how much it would cost. Thanks!

Answer 1

We introduced our daughters to cruising on the Disney cruise when they were 5 and 7.  They had a wonderful time.  Disney is very in tune to dealing with the needs of the younger passengers. However, Disney is not an adult cruise that accomodates children.  It is a children's cruise that accomodates adults.  For such young ones, I would definately go for the added expense of the Disney cruise.

Carnival is more economical but there are fewer activities for your little ones.

Check out www.vacationstogo.com to compare cruise lines and itineraries.

Points to take into consideration when pricing a cruise:

- Price on web is for a 1 guest, double occupancy.  So, double the rate you see on the web for a couple.

- The do charge for kids.  But Carnival offers a 3 and 4 person rates that gives you a bit of a discount on the kids.

- Rates you see on the web are for the smallest, interior cabins.  Other cabins costs more.

- Rates you see on the web don't include the port fees, taxes and the new fuel surcharge.  This can add $150 or more to each ticket.

- Make sure that you tell your travel agent to include any fees upfront in any quote he/she gives you.

In addition to your fare, here are some other costs to consider:

- Tips.  Usually $10 per day per guest.  Carnival says they don't expect tips from 2 yr or younger guests.

- Sodas.  $1.75 per can or fountain card about $40

- Bar drinks. $4-12 each plus 15% gratuity

- Raffle tickets, bingo - $5-10 per card.

- Photos. $20-25 per sheet.

- Shore excursions. $50-200 per guest per excursion

- Taxis while in port

- Parking at port

- Spa.  $50-200 per service.

- Other than tips, most of above is optional.

Since your little ones are not in school, consider shopping for off-peak times.  Avoid Spring Break, Thanksgiving, Christmas and June. Those are peak times.  Avoid July-November as that is hurricane season.

We spend between $750-1000 per person for a 7-day Carnival cruise.  But my sister spends less than $750 for the same trip.  We well more for the Disney cruise.

It depends on how much "extra" you do.

Answer 2

I just got back from a Royal Caribbean cruise, and noticed the majority of the crowd was families. The activities were geared towards families and kids. Carnival has always been considered the "party" cruise for my friends and I. Disney is great but pricey. I'm sure it's worth it.. never been on it! We booked through cheapcruises.com, and some people we met booked through overstock.com. I would get a quote from both sites, and check out cruisecritic.com. This helped with all my first-time cruiser questions! They have a message board with tips, etc.