I really want to take my family on a cruise ..... do you have some tips ?

Question

From what I've read online ... the Bahamas is a good destination. I live in the Philadelphia area .... and could go out of New York or Philly. Some sites online say its better to fly to Florida and take a trip from there.

What is a ideal cruiesline and ...... where is the best place to book the cruise ? Online sites ? Any tips for the Bahamas or other destinations would be apreciated ...........

Answer 1

Disney Cruises are by far the best. They have several itineraries with at least one including the bahamas. Check out the site and you will sure to be amazed. Let me know how things work out.

Answer 2

I've been on 4 cruises so far - 3 with Royal Caribbean and 1 with Celebrity

Celebrity Cruises is a sister cruiseline to Royal Caribbean -- the food is fantastic on both, the shows great, and there always something to do

It all depends on the size of the ship you want and how many people will be on the trip.

-if you have children a larger ship is a better idea because there is more for kids to do (Royal Caribbean has special children groups for each age group, so that the kids have activities to do all day, and you don't have to worry about them)

-if your family is mostly elderly a smaller ship would be better, because they tend to have less children

-anyone in between it doesn't really matter

Royal Caribbean now has their own private port in New Jersey, so it is a lot less hectic than Philly or New York.

Anywhere in the Caribbean is a perfect place for a vacation.  Many of the trips that Royal Caribbean offers go to multiple islands (a new one each day).  This past summer my family went to St. Maarten, St. Thomas, Puerto Rico, and Labadee (Royal Caribbean's private island right off of Haiti).  Any package that includes Labadee is perfect since the only people on the island are from the ship (very relaxing).

www.royalcaribbean.com

http://www.celebritycruises.com/

Hope you enjoy your cruise!!

Answer 3

We've been on three cruises.  Bahamas is a good place to start.  Go out of FL.  We took Royal Caribbean to the Bahamas for our first cruise and we loved it.

Go for it!!!

Answer 4

Here's my answer short and sweet. I use http://www.bbcarefreetravel.com . They have low prices and many different cruises to choose from. My thing is I want a lot for a little bit of money. That is why I use them.

Answer 5

The best place to book a cruise is with World Ventures RTA site here: http://www.earnvacations.com/freedom they have a 7 day cruise for 69 dollars, not per night, but for the whole seven days for each person and children are free.

Take a look at their programs.  They have rock bottom prices for members or for those who wish to get the minimum booking compared to Obitz, Expedia, Travelocity etc...

Answer 6

Several things to consider in your quest for a cruise for you and your family(I am Owner of a full-service Travel Agency):

1-Very few, if any, cruise lines leave from NYC or Philadelphia and go to the Bahamas.  From a practicality  point of view, it is more convenient to depart from a Florida port.  In other words, fly into a major FLA airport then leave from that city's port(Miami/Tampa/Orlando are good examples).

Having said that, there are some minor, yet important issues to address:

1-What specifically are you looking for in a cruise line?(Family-oriented?  Mainstream?  Lots of activities?)

2-How many travelling?

3-Do you have dates of departure/return?

4-Do you have a targeted Travel budget in place?

Some notes about the Bahamas--

1-It is an ideal locale for a family cruise as it will allow the children to discover a different culture other than what they're accustomed to in the States.  The adults will love it as well as it will allow them to discover the culture that is the Bahamas(British and other influences prevail) and also be able to sample some of the tastiest cuisine on Earth.

2-Most businesses in the Bahamas accept American currency; but to be safe, convert some dollars into the local currency.

3- To ensure a hassle-free cruise and for legal reasons, have passports for all passengers, State ID for everyone over the age of 12, birth certificates for all passengers.  The US State Department mandated new travel laws effective 1/2007, therefore this is necessary.

Lots of information for sure but necessary to ensure a wonderful and hassle-free cruise for you and your family.  Depending on your itinerary and dates of departure/return, there are some family cruise bargains to be had.  For more specific information, kindly either IM me through Yahoo Messenger(username: indysteve1563), AIM(username: sgr1563), or email me at: [e-mail].  I would be more than happy to assist you in securing a cruise that you and your family will be more than happy with.

Answer 7

I would consider maybe Bermuda as its closer to your area or an eastern caribbean cruise and I would go on Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, or Carnival as they will be the most fun and give you the most enjoyment.

Answer 8

With a family, I would go on the biggest ship on the Carnival lines.  I would do research on line and than check prices with a travel agent too.

I have to agree, I think the cruises out of Florida are better for a family. More choices in destinations.

Good luck in your planning

Answer 9

Alot depends on the age of your kids. I took my 11 and 17 years olds alts year and Carnival has an aw some program with activities for all ages. They are divided up so that the age range isn't too great and they are free to choose which ones they participate in. There was no additional charge other than late night parties and babysitting. I almost never saw my older one and the younger one spent the mornings with us at the pool making friends and the afternoons hanging out with her friends, They even had a party one night where they kept the kids til 2a which allowed the adults to go out and party a little more than we would have with the kids. Have fun and research the excursions, some have age restrictions. We did the eastern Caribbean and laved it so much that we leave in 50 days for the exotic western