What are really good tips for going on a cruise in November the freedom of the seas?

Question

My inlaws are taking us on a cruise in November. we have never taken one we are leaving for Miami. What is a good hotel to stay in how hard is it to get to the port? What do I do when I get there? Any ideas for excurisions for kids we have kids from 2-11.we are going to St. Thomas, San juan and St.Maarteen? Thanks in advace for all your comments I am sure they will be very helpful.

Mollie

1st Cruise

Answer 1

I have cruised on one of the sister ships of the Freedom.  I can tell you right away that Royal Caribbean has a great kids program, so their will be already a lot for the kids to do on the ship.  

I am cruising in May out of Miami and we are staying at a hampton inn near the Port of Miami.  I believe the Coral Gables one, which is nice because they offer a free breakfast in the morning so you won't have to pay for food before getting on the ship and then can check out the food once you get on board.  It really isn't too hard to get to the port as long as you aren't driving across town.  Though I would suggest to call your cruiseline and ask them for their opinions.  They usually have a list of suggestions because of all the other cruiser's that they have had go through the same port.

I have been to all three islands a few times.  I would first suggest to look at all the shore excursions on the website first and see what kind of activities sound interesting to your children and they suggest usually who would and wouldn't do well on each excursion.  I have to say on St. Maarten to take an island tour and go to the beach is really nice.  Since you get to see both the french and dutch sides and when I was on the Adventure of the Seas they took us to a privately owned beach and we were even cooked authentic food; jerk chicken, rice, etc.  In St, Thomas Megan's bay is a really nice beach.  They have a power boat tour which was fun, though I don't remember if there was an age requirement.  I think that the 2 year old my be too young.  The tram to Paradise Point is fun and a beautiful view.  If the kids are into pirates you can take them on the tour of Black beard's castle.  I have cruised 3 times out of San Juan and have always done something fun.  Taking a tour of old San Juan is fun and their is the old fort that I believe you can tour.  In old San Juan they usually have a street market setup so their is a lot of shopping and sightseeing down there.  The beaches are really nice there too.  I have gone to the rain forest which is beautiful though not a whole lot of animals did we see like in other rain forest's.  Lots of birds and tree frogs.

Answer 2

Check CruiseCritic.com.  Click on "Boards" at the top of the page.  Then check "Ports of Call" re excursions, "East Coast Departures" for info about hotels in Miami and getting to the port, "First Time Cruisers", "Money Saving Tips", etc.

You might also want to check "Cruise Styles" at the top of the page, then "Family Cruises" or "Cruising with Kids".  Also, "Reviews" - check out both professional and past passenger reviews.

Have a great cruise!