Cruises for Caribbean

[Shunpike]

Hi guys.

I have never been a cruise guy and same goes for my wife. But with kids under 10 year old, our friends are telling us we should consider cruising before kids grow up to be teenagers.

That said, who here can call himself a cruise expert and what shall we expect as first timers? Inside cabin vs balcony etc? How is the meal plans etc.

Not that I am too lazy to google it. I just want to hear from people here in case there are ones who hate it.

 

[YosemiteSam]

I recommend hiking in the Syrian Coastal Mountain Range before taking a cruise. You should look into it.

 

[Shunpike]

I recommend hiking in the Syrian Coastal Mountain Range before taking a cruise. You should look into it.

Yeah I always hated the idea of a cruise but friends are really making it sound like a paradise for kids.

 

[YosemiteSam]

Yeah I always hated the idea of a cruise but friends are really making it sound like a paradise for kids.

I was kidding. I wouldn't recommend hiking in Syria to anyone except a few politicians, company executives, religion heads of state, terrorist groups, and some criminals. Nobody here except for maybe Giants fans.

 

[Shunpike]

I was kidding. I wouldn't recommend hiking in Syria to anyone except a few politicians, company executives, religion heads of state, terrorist groups, and some criminals. Nobody here except for maybe Giants fans.

Come on Sam. Didn't us Giants fans suffered enough in the last 4 years?

 

[YosemiteSam]

Come on Sam. Didn't us Giants fans suffered enough in the last 4 years?

Not near enough. Am I right guys?

 

[Tabascocat]

Just fly somewhere into the Yucatan peninsula and save yourself the torture of being held captive on a ship. Playa Del Carmen or Cozumel, the kids will love it.

On a cruise ship, you are herded like sheep on and off the boat at the destinations. There really isn't enough time to go explore once ya get there........the good stuff anyways.

I have been on a couple and didn't like it much. But, I scuba and stuff so I feel differently being trapped on a boat with tons of other people

Now, a cruise to Alaska or the Mediterranean coast is a different story

 

[JoeKing]

I've been dragged on to two cruises... run away as fast as you can. Sorry to rain on your parade.

 

[Longboysfan]

Hi guys.

I have never been a cruise guy and same goes for my wife. But with kids under 10 year old, our friends are telling us we should consider cruising before kids grow up to be teenagers.

That said, who here can call himself a cruise expert and what shall we expect as first timers? Inside cabin vs balcony etc? How is the meal plans etc.

Not that I am too lazy to google it. I just want to hear from people here in case there are ones who hate it.

Depending on age - toddlers you have to be very careful with.
If over 5 take the outside cabin.
Cabins generally fit up to 4. But with 5 they can put in a roll out bed.

Lines - Royal Caribbean is good for young families. Usually big ships and lots to do.
First cruise try Western Caribbean this is soft ports - Mexico and Grand Cayman.
If under 18 the child can't get off the ship by themselves.
Everyone is issued ID card that is good for room and on and off ship. This is how they track you if you're not on board when ship is scheduled to sail.

Dining options vary a lot.
Traditional is set seating time each night. Open is go when you want. But with open the core of 7pm till 9pm is packed.
Specialty dining is an option but with smaller - they just want burgers, chicken fingers, fries.

If you need cruise agent name to help PM me.
Extensive cruising background - 32 weeks at sea.

 

[Longboysfan]

Yeah I always hated the idea of a cruise but friends are really making it sound like a paradise for kids.

It is for kids. The lines all have kids programs that keep them busy most of the day.
You can drop them off and take them out of the Kids Camp whenever you want to do something off ship.
Leaves you some alone time.
They also have night programs you can use for kids.

You can be busy or not while on ship.
The ship is your mobile hotel. Unpack on time.
There are shore tours sold from the ship but if you internet it you can find better on land.

 

[Doc50]

If you have kids, Disney cruise is the absolute best. Their ships are terrific, filled with great things for kids and adults, and you can drop them off at various activity centers and relax. Food, service, and security are impeccable. The shore excursions are at Disney-secure places, so they're also filled with kids' activities.

For adults, take the Eastern Caribbean venue on Royal Caribbean - different island every day.
Great food and service. Balcony cabins are the best to relax; you don't have to spend time on deck with the masses.

I was a bit bored with the Alaskan intercostal waterway venue on Norwegian.

 

[JIMMYBUFFETT]

Just fly somewhere into the Yucatan peninsula and save yourself the torture of being held captive on a ship. Playa Del Carmen or Cozumel, the kids will love it.

On a cruise ship, you are herded like sheep on and off the boat at the destinations. There really isn't enough time to go explore once ya get there........the good stuff anyways.

I have been on a couple and didn't like it much. But, I scuba and stuff so I feel differently being trapped on a boat with tons of other people

Now, a cruise to Alaska or the Mediterranean coast is a different story

Gotta agree with this. We've done a beach/cruise spring break vacation every year for the last 10 years and all with our son who is now 15. We've found the all inclusive resorts are by far the best when traveling with kids. The kids have more freedom to roam and way more time on the beach as well as unlimited eating options and activities. I felt like we were constantly rushed on the cruise we took. Beaches is a great family resort that has locations in Jamaica and Turk & Caicos. The resort in Turks had 19 restaurants, countless bars, a massive water park, a bordering marine reserve (amazing for snorkeling) and is on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Jamaica's Beaches was every bit as good but much smaller. They're the best we've found but pricey and there's lots of other options out there. We've taken one Caribbean cruise and said we wouldn't take another one until we're old folk. Dex is correct on the Yucatan or the Mayan Riviera...you just can't go wrong there. We've been to Cozumel and Playa and enjoyed both. Now that our son is older and doesn't have to be fed that very instant we've branched off into looking for small homes and condos. We're heading down to Tulum Mexico in 3 weeks and can't wait.

 

[Shunpike]

Thanks guys. Appreciate the input. I hate people. It is true. I hate being around crowds and people so I run away from cruises like plague but being a parent makes things different. When my friends at work talk about how much their kids enjoyed the cruises, I feel obligated to take them on a cruise.

We already do an all inclusive beach vacation every year for the past 5 years. For 2016, I kind of thought about doing the cruise to see if my boys would love it or no. I will read more about cruises and decide. Thanks again to all of you for your inputs.

 

[Seven]

I recommend hiking in the Syrian Coastal Mountain Range before taking a cruise. You should look into it.

LOL!!!

 

[Seven]

I recommend hiking in the Syrian Coastal Mountain Range before taking a cruise. You should look into it.

...............in desert khaki's.

 

[BrAinPaiNt]

I remember when we were on vacation on St.Thomas USVI and was wanting to go to Magens Bay and the locals told us not to go on certain days that the cruise ships where in town. They said when the cruises are in the flock to the beaches and it is way over crowded. They said the same thing about going to the mountain top (shop) and a few of the other attractions/areas


The wife and inlaws have been talking about a cruise but I remembered that and the idea that you only get so much time on shore before you have to head back and when you are on shore you are competing for cabs and space on the beaches and in the shops so I would rather just got to an all inclusive resort and stay there.

Oh how I could use a nice week on St Thomas about now.


Either way...hope you have a good vacation.