What should I look for if I want to take my family of 5 on a cruise?

Question

2 adults and 3 children (6, 8, 10) I want to go to western caribbean. Possibly in June. Looking for tips and pointers - have never been on a cruise.

Answer 1

There are a few ships that will let you have 5 in a cabin, but I'm sorry, I forget which ones.  You may have to split yourselves up in to two cabins.  Try for a cabin near the pool, so the kids will be happier.  Carnival has a great kids club and so does RC.  (From what I saw of the kids..they were always happy, but I think Carnival was best).  Try this site: iBtraveling.com and I bet you'll find a good deal.  Disney I hear is great for kids and parents.

Answer 2

I would recommend something with a good childrens program preferrably Carnival as the ships are known for the waterslides and the cheap rates, and their are different things to do for the kids in all age groups. I think that your kids and you would have a blast. I would think that might be best for your first time cruise and if you have any more questions feel free to email me.. I would highly recommend you doing that.

Answer 3

A bigger boat? If you're going on Carnival, they have a club just for kids to keep them occupied. You will enjoy cruising. We went to Jamaica, Grand Cayman & Cozumel twice last year. Beauuuutiful!

Answer 4

Been there - done that -

I will let you know that the Carnival Cruise ships have larger cabins, and your whole family will be able to stay in the same cabin... a big plus.... See my family carnival cruise web page....http://www.kid-friendly-family-vacations...  

for a full review of my family's cruise.

Answer 5

Suggestion number 1 - A travel agent that specializes in cruises.  As you've probably figured out there's a lot out there when it comes to cruises, an agent that specializes in cruises will help you sort through it all.  Even better, they won't charge you any fees and will offer you the same pricing that's available from the big online sites and the cruise lines.  I recommend Cruise Planners www.mycruiseplanner.net 888-286-9827.

Suggestion number 2- For a family your size with kids the same age as yours look for a "family suite."  There are a limited number of options for you in terms of cabins.  Most large insides, ocean views or balcony cabins only sleep 4.  However, family suites are typically reserved for families of 5 or more, the thing is there aren't many family suites and they typically book fast.

Another option is adjoining cabins, however there also aren't many of these and they often book fast.  In addition it may actually cost you more to book two cabins than it will to get a family suite.

Disney, Royal Caribbean and NCL all have family suites on their ships, however they're not fleet wide on NCL or Royal Caribbean.

Many families your size also consider two cabins, one inside for the kids and one outside for the adults, however given the age of your children I'm not sure that's a viable option.

This is a great time to book.  We're in "Wave Season" the peak booking season and this year bookings to the Caribbean have been soft.  As a result there are some very attractive pricing on Caribbean sailings - But pricing on cruise ships is based on availability, if a sailing starts to fill up the price will go up so don't wait too long.

In addition if you can be flexible it can save you some money as well.  It's not uncommon for prices to vary by several hundred dollars for sailings just a week apart.  Again, this is something a travel agent can easily determine for you.

Disney, Royal Caribbean, Princess and Carnival have very good kids programs.  NCL has a decent program, however lately overall guest satisfaction has been declining so I'm not confident recommending them.

Answer 6

Friends of our swear by Disney cruises. They don't have as much of an adult party atmosphere like Carnival, and the older kids loved it, which surprised me a little. Catering to families with kids is their specialty, which is not the case with the other cruise lines, although most do try to make accommodations for kids. If I were planning a cruise with kids your ages, I would for sure try to go with Disney.

Answer 7

Well rooms on cruises, besides suites only allow 4 people. So you would have to get two rooms. There are two dinner seatings, early and late. You would probably want to go with the early because by 8 the children will be hungry even though there are always places to eat! Make sure your kids check out the kids camp on the cruise. Always lots of fun activites.

Carnival is a great cruise line for kids. I know the Carnival Valor goes to the western caribbean. I went on the ship, it was really well maintained being only a few years old. If you have any questions about this cruise feel free to email me.

Happy Cruising!