Posts Tagged ‘cruising with children’

How to Save Money and Pick the Best Stateroom for Your Family Cruise Vacation

May 7th, 2012
by Kim.
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If you are a larger family, with more than 4, you may have found it difficult to find a cruise line that can accommodate you without breaking the bank.

It can be stressful, but here are a few tips to help keep cost down.

  • Carnival Cruise Line does offer cabins for up to five passengers on some of the ships in their fleet.  The cabin setup is two lower twin beds (convertible to queen), two upper Pullman beds and a roll-away. Ships include the Destiny, Dream, Ecstasy, Elation, Fantasy, Fascination, imagination, inspiration, Paradise, Sensation, Triumph, and Victory.
  • Royal Caribbean also offers ‘Family Staterooms’ for up to 6 passengers on every ship in its fleet except for the Monarch and Majesty of the Seas. These cabins offer more square footage, two twin beds (convertible to queen), sofa and/or Pullman beds, separate sitting area, and a private bathroom with shower. TIP: Try to book these Family Cabins as early as possible, they fill very quickly!
  • Another choice for larger families is to book two cabins side-by-side, with an inter-connecting door. This is a great option as it also gives you an extra bathroom (so helpful!) and provides some privacy if you want the doors closed part of the time.
  • Or book a balcony cabin for the parents with an inside cabin directly across the hall for the children. This option works best if the children are older.
  • If you are traveling with children under 2 years of age, Norwegian Cruise Line is your best choice as they don’t charge a cruise rate for children under 2 years of age, only taxes!
  • With this in mind, some cruise lines do offer ‘Kids Sail Free’ promotions; if there are two full paying adults in the stateroom they do not charge the children a cruise rate, only taxes. These promotions are few and far between, but if you are patient and don’t have a specific time that you must travel it is a terrific way to save some on your family vacation. But book them quickly–this promotion is very popular so scoop it up while you can!

Overall a cruise vacation is an extremely affordable way to travel as a family: accommodations, food, entertainment, fun and lifetime family memories included!

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Escape on Princess With the WHOLE Family!

Feb 24th, 2012
by Michelle.
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Cruising with Princess is a great way to escape with the WHOLE family, including the kids!

Good to Know:

  • Princess welcomes all children, but facilities may vary depending on the ship. The Pacific and Ocean Princess do not have a dedicated youth and teen center. Programs are only available when 20 or more children are sailing.
  • Let Princess’ staff know of all medical and/or special needs for your children. They will make every effort to accommodate them. Please be advised that Princess Youth staff may not offer individual one-on-one supervision.
  • All youth activities are fully supervised by a Youth Activities Coordinator.
  • The ‘Junior Cruisers’ will also participate in 2 special dinner evenings where they can enjoy dinner without their parents, but get to enjoy time with their new friends and counselors.  The teens will have a formal get-together during 1 of these 2 dinner evenings. This gives them a chance to dress their best and a photographer will be available to take individual and/or group photos.
  • Please note age groups may vary depending on the ship.

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123's and ABC's of Cruising With an Infant

Nov 22nd, 2011
by Amber.
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  1. Patience. Find a mantra to repeat to yourself when things are going awry: “I will get through this. We will make lasting family memories. I will get through this…”
  2. Prepare for the unexpected but prepare to be unprepared.
  3. Positivity, have fun and get going!
  • A. A & D ointment—while certain supplies like this are in the gift shop onboard, they are pricey.
  • B.  Bottles—especially if your little one is picky about the type of bottle they will drink from. Also bring a bottle brush for handy cleaning.
  • C. Carrier—onboard and in port it is MUCH easier to use an infant carrier, sling or backpack than a bulky stroller.
  • D. Diapers—while you can purchase them onboard the ship they are expensive, and bringing them from home will save you money and time.
  • E.  Extra Clothes—LOTS. Unless you don’t mind paying for laundry service or being dirty with spit up, to each their own!
  • F.  Food—if they are still eating baby food make sure you bring this onboard so they have the brand they like and are used to, don’t want any upset stomachs!
  • G. Goggles—this is also for a the older siblings, most pools on board are salt water so goggles are a must.
  • H. Hat—don’t forget the sun hat which can also be used if it is raining.

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30 Second Cruise Tips: Child Fares on a Cruise Vacation

Aug 23rd, 2011
by admin.
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With our 30 Second Cruise Tips, John explains the ins and outs of booking and enjoying your cruise vacation!

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Disney Cruise Line – Amazing 2012 Itineraries

May 2nd, 2011
by Amber.
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Disney Cruise Line has released some amazing 2012 itineraries. There are several options that Disney has never offered before. Since welcoming a new ship to their fleet and having another new one on the way they have been able to reposition the Disney Wonder and the Disney Magic to some new and exciting places.

Disney Magic will be in The Big Apple with your choice of the Bahamas or Canada/New England. There will be an 8-night Bahamas cruise porting in Port Canaveral, Nassau, and the ever so awesome Castaway Cay.

Another option will be a 5-night Canada/New England sailing porting in Halifax and Saint John. If you would just like a quick getaway with friends or the kids Disney is offering a 2-night weekend away from the city. This is the first time Disney is leaving from New York so I hope our Northern friends enjoy Mickey.

Starting on September 22nd 2012 Disney says Hello to the state where everything is bigger. Yes, Disney will have seven night sailing from mid-September to mid-December from Galveston Texas. The itinerary will stop in Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, and Cozumel.

On April 29th 2012 Disney will be doing its first ever Hawaii sailing roundtrip Los Angeles. This 15 night sailing is only happening once with Disney so if you are interested I would reserve your cabin quickly. The ports of call will be Hilo, Maui, Oahu, Kauai, and Ensenada. There will be plenty of days at sea so you can relax and the kids can enjoy all that Disney has to offer.

I am so excited that Disney has decided to spend the 2012 summer in Alaska again. Starting in May 2012 and running through August 2012 Disney will be doing a seven night sailing from Vancouver stopping in Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, and amazing glacier viewing in Tracy Arm.

A few other itineraries to look out for are the Pacific Coastal in September 2012. There is one Los Angeles to Vancouver sailing on May 14th 2012. There will also be a six night Los Angeles to Vancouver and the reverse Vancouver to Los Angeles. Also a five night sailing Vancouver to Los Angeles on the Disney Wonder to add to the new collection.

As you can see with more ships Disney is filling getting out and offering new itineraries. This truly is an awesome opportunity to sail with the kids and know that there is no way they will ever get board no matter where you are.

Happy sailing.

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