Vacation dreaming: Talk to me about cruises

[jinkies]

I am using my Friday afternoon to daydream about vacations. I have always said that I have no desire to go on a cruise, but I'm also really burnt out on researching and planning every level of our vacations, so there is something appealing about it. 

I'm thinking about potentially doing a cruise over either the kids' Thanksgiving break or Presidents day. There are usually relatively cheap flights to Florida, so looking at leaving from Miami or another Florida port.

Kids will be 12 and 15. We will have to do 2 adjoining rooms. 

Which cruise lines are best with teens? I don't want a total party boat, but also don't want something geared to very small kids either. 

Are there islands/destinations that can accommodate cruise excursions better than others? I'm looking at a Norwegian cruise that stops in Cozumel and Belize, but the excursions are sort of disappointing for those destinations. I think I'd maybe like Belize better as a standalone trip, and should focus on islands for a cruise?

H and I really don't drink. We aren't opposed, necessarily, but are unlikely to have more than 1 or 2 drinks a day. Should we be looking at packages that price alcohol separately? Or does it not really matter?

Any other tips or tricks for cruising? I'm thinking 5 days so that we aren't gone more than a week once we add the flights on either end of the trip.

Advice, anecdotes and personal experiences welcome.

[Patsy Baloney]

We’ve been on 2 cruises prior to kids and will be doing our first to Alaska with kids next year.

My mom’s family has a standing family cruise date that they invite everyone to come on. I wish we could go more often - we really enjoy cruising.

I’m not much of a drinker, and neither is my H. We just get the soda pass and enjoy all the different food to great excesses. ETA - I will get a drink of the day if it looks yummy, and my brother always has us bring on the allotment of wine bottles you’re allowed to bring. He’s kind of a yahoo and also smuggles on hard alcohol in re-sealed mouthwash bottles, but…every family has one.

My favorite excursions we’ve done were a beach party in Jamaica and a submersible cruise (not to the titanic…) at Grand Cayman. Cozumel has its port really built-up and there are lots of places to wander/taxi to outside of the port area. We also had a stop in Progreso that I enjoyed because there was a FANTASTIC restaurant with the most amazing fish dishes right off the beach.

I think cruising is really fun because you can see a little bit of so many places so easily. We left both times from New Orleans and arrived a few days early to spend some time there, then hop on the ship for the rest of our vacation.

Ship staff members are always excellent and really bend over backwards to make sure you have everything you could ever want. It’s really a unique experience!

[Patsy Baloney]

Oh, I thought of a few more things!

5 days is fine, but we much preferred 7, because you were given more days at sea between ports. We loved being on the ship as much as being out at the ports. We would try to look for itineraries that would be 1-2 days on the ship, then a port, then 1 day on the ship, port, etc.

Also, one thing I didn’t expect coming home was that I felt like I was on the ship for a long time after I got home. I would be lying in bed and feel the rocking. It seemed to correspond with how long the cruise was.

[dirtyred]

Jul 7, 2023 12:52:58 GMT -5 Patsy Baloney said:

Oh, I thought of a few more things!

5 days is fine, but we much preferred 7, because you were given more days at sea between ports. We loved being on the ship as much as being out at the ports. We would try to look for itineraries that would be 1-2 days on the ship, then a port, then 1 day on the ship, port, etc.

Also, one thing I didn’t expect coming home was that I felt like I was on the ship for a long time after I got home. I would be lying in bed and feel the rocking. It seemed to correspond with how long the cruise was.

Agree that I loved being on the ship and really didn't care much about excursions. There are a TON of daily activities on the ship--I took every tour and food class they have--plus things like tennis, basketball, and pools (of course). Plus the food! I ate all the foods!

[UMaineTeach]

We have been on Royal Caribbean twice and it was a good mix of party and family. We did Enchantment and Independence. Enchantment is smaller and doesn’t have the water features of some of the other ships.

One tip I did get from YouTube this last time in April was that if you are getting connected rooms (or more than one) and think only one adult will drink enough for the package, book the rooms with one adult in each room with the kids split up. Rather than booking an adult room and a kid room. You have to buy the drinks package for all 21+ in a room, so this way you can buy only one package. You can sleep however you want at night.

[Jalapeñomel]

What about an all-inclusive resort? Lots of good options for that age, and your not on a boat! Lol

[krystee]

I was stunned by how much we all loved our cruise this year. My favorite things were the excursions and sitting on my balcony with a glass of champagne and a cheese plate from room service (free on Disney so we got one daily!).

It was so freeing not to have to plan much in advance. I absolutely loved our excursions (Trunk Bay and Jost Van Dyke), and I could just sit on the balcony or top deck and look out at the water forever. The kids were obsessed with the water slide, splash pad and movies on deck.

We didn’t really do a ton of classes or activities. Maybe 2 per day, including the two Disney plays. I don’t drink much, so I just ordered a few cocktails a La carte over the course of the few days. On Disney, soda is free, so we didn’t pay for that.

We are going on a Royal Caribbean cruise to Alaska next June and I’m excited to see how it compares.

[ssmjlm]

I’ve been on a dozen cruises I think? Love them. I am a lazy traveler 90% of the time. I’ve done the Caribbean and Alaska. We’re doing a partial Panama Canal cruise in December.

We love Princess, but Royal Caribbean is better for kids.

Excursions may be too early. More will likely open up closer to sailing.

Get a balcony cabin. It’s nice to have an outdoor space for yourself.

Join cruise critic and if you’re on FB, there are groups for each sailing.

[mcmel]

We love cruising. I would look at excursions and plan your cruise around that- what do you want to do? Snorkel with string rays? Visit Mayan ruins? Take a cooking class? Relaxing day at the beach? All of those things can help you shape your itinerary.

[jinkies]

Jul 7, 2023 13:21:19 GMT -5 Jalapeñomel said:

What about an all-inclusive resort? Lots of good options for that age, and your not on a boat! Lol

I'm not opposed to this, either! I get motion sick which is a big reason that cruises don't appeal to me, but people swear you don't feel the motion on bigger boats. Some of these posts about swaying long after you get off make me nervous though.

We did an all inclusive in Punta Cana maybe 5 years ago and we all loved it. I would welcome suggestions if you have them! We are not really a sit on the beach all day kind of family, so would want a resort with a lot of activities. 

Flights are cheaper and more available to Florida though, which is why I was thinking maybe a cruise this time to keep the cost down. 

[wildrice]

Cozumel is a neat little town and there is also great snorkeling just outside town. I've actually been there on cruises twice and had a great time both times! Belize we did a cave tubing excursion which was also super fun.

I haven't cruised since my early 20s but I think they are a good option for families! I don't care much to go on one with just my H (we prefer to have more time in the places we visit), but the few I did with my parents and sisters were a blast.

[abs]

We just got back from a Royal Caribbean cruise. It was great to do with my 12 year old because it offered something for everyone. DD could wander on her own and make friends, DH and I could have time together, food was good, excursions were fun. I would do eastern Caribbean over western next time though.

[imimahoney]

Jul 7, 2023 13:49:09 GMT -5 jinkies said:

Jul 7, 2023 13:21:19 GMT -5 Jalapeñomel said:

What about an all-inclusive resort? Lots of good options for that age, and your not on a boat! Lol

I'm not opposed to this, either! I get motion sick which is a big reason that cruises don't appeal to me, but people swear you don't feel the motion on bigger boats. Some of these posts about swaying long after you get off make me nervous though.

We did an all inclusive in Punta Cana maybe 5 years ago and we all loved it. I would welcome suggestions if you have them! We are not really a sit on the beach all day kind of family, so would want a resort with a lot of activities. 

Flights are cheaper and more available to Florida though, which is why I was thinking maybe a cruise this time to keep the cost down. 

My mother inlaw gets motion sickness and she puked numerous times on the boat, even with wearing sea bands and taking meds.

The swaying off the boat really bothers me. I'm fine on the boat but for a few days after, my equilibrium is off and it makes me nauseous.

[jinkies]

Jul 7, 2023 13:54:06 GMT -5 abs said:

We just got back from a Royal Caribbean cruise. It was great to do with my 12 year old because it offered something for everyone. DD could wander on her own and make friends, DH and I could have time together, food was good, excursions were fun. I would do eastern Caribbean over western next time though.

What do you think would be better about eastern Caribbean?

[jinkies]

Jul 7, 2023 13:55:52 GMT -5 imimahoney said:

Jul 7, 2023 13:49:09 GMT -5 jinkies said:

I'm not opposed to this, either! I get motion sick which is a big reason that cruises don't appeal to me, but people swear you don't feel the motion on bigger boats. Some of these posts about swaying long after you get off make me nervous though.

We did an all inclusive in Punta Cana maybe 5 years ago and we all loved it. I would welcome suggestions if you have them! We are not really a sit on the beach all day kind of family, so would want a resort with a lot of activities. 

Flights are cheaper and more available to Florida though, which is why I was thinking maybe a cruise this time to keep the cost down. 

My mother inlaw gets motion sickness and she puked numerous times on the boat, even with wearing sea bands and taking meds.

The swaying off the boat really bothers me. I'm fine on the boat but for a few days after, my equilibrium is off and it makes me nauseous.

Thanks for this info. People who love cruises make them sound so awesome, but I don't want to spend all that money just to lie in my cabin praying for the end. LOL.

[shopgirl07]

As someone with severe motion sickness, I would never go on a cruise. I would look at an all inclusive in Mexico. Cancun, Cozumel, or the like. If you’re not sit on the beach all day people, there are plenty of other things to do. My friend went for spring break last year with kids the same age as yours, and they did a day long, or maybe half day, food tour that they all loved. Plus, you can visit the ruins.

[underwaterrhymes]

I haven’t been on a cruise since 1998 and I get seasick (although with Dramamine, I manage fine.) We jumped on two deals for this upcoming year and will be doing a 4-Night to Cozumel around the holidays and a 7-Night to Alaska next summer. I don’t know what got into me. This is not my style of travel at all, but they were (relatively) inexpensive (although holy CRAP at the excursion prices for Alaska! 👀👀👀) and I think the kids will love it.

[Jalapeñomel]

Jul 7, 2023 13:49:09 GMT -5 jinkies said:

Jul 7, 2023 13:21:19 GMT -5 Jalapeñomel said:

What about an all-inclusive resort? Lots of good options for that age, and your not on a boat! Lol

I'm not opposed to this, either! I get motion sick which is a big reason that cruises don't appeal to me, but people swear you don't feel the motion on bigger boats. Some of these posts about swaying long after you get off make me nervous though.

We did an all inclusive in Punta Cana maybe 5 years ago and we all loved it. I would welcome suggestions if you have them! We are not really a sit on the beach all day kind of family, so would want a resort with a lot of activities. 

Flights are cheaper and more available to Florida though, which is why I was thinking maybe a cruise this time to keep the cost down. 

I’ve gotten MS on both cruises I went on, but the bigger boat was only at the end because we circled somewhere.

I also wouldn’t want to do anything that requires me to go to Florida at this point in time, so avoiding that would be important to me.

[luckystar2]

Jul 7, 2023 13:49:09 GMT -5 jinkies said:

Jul 7, 2023 13:21:19 GMT -5 Jalapeñomel said:

What about an all-inclusive resort? Lots of good options for that age, and your not on a boat! Lol

I'm not opposed to this, either! I get motion sick which is a big reason that cruises don't appeal to me, but people swear you don't feel the motion on bigger boats. Some of these posts about swaying long after you get off make me nervous though.

We did an all inclusive in Punta Cana maybe 5 years ago and we all loved it. I would welcome suggestions if you have them! We are not really a sit on the beach all day kind of family, so would want a resort with a lot of activities. 

Flights are cheaper and more available to Florida though, which is why I was thinking maybe a cruise this time to keep the cost down. 

If you get motion sick - definitely think about it some. I also was told oh you won’t feel it - and I definitely felt in on the 3 cruises I was on. We weren’t on some of the insane massive ships they have now but certainly big ships. You also never know about bad weather. We had some pretty rough storms at times on our cruises which make it worse. I had Dramamine and used the sea bands. It wasn’t terrible for me but it also wasn’t nothing either.

Also after our last cruise I definitely felt the rocking for a while after. I was very dizzy and felt pretty bad. It makes me reconsider taking another.

I’ve done royal Caribbean, princess and carnival. All were honestly pretty similar. I’d look at itineraries and see where you want to go.
Personally I think 7 days is a good time frame. For me I really don’t love at sea days so I looked for the itineraries with the most ports.

I would definitely try to get a balcony. Imo that made me enjoy the cruise so much more. I always had a quiet space to myself to get away from people. Also in the days of Covid I can’t imagine being potentially sick and stuck in a cabin without a balcony.

[womet]

Jul 7, 2023 13:55:52 GMT -5 imimahoney said:

Jul 7, 2023 13:49:09 GMT -5 jinkies said:

I'm not opposed to this, either! I get motion sick which is a big reason that cruises don't appeal to me, but people swear you don't feel the motion on bigger boats. Some of these posts about swaying long after you get off make me nervous though.

We did an all inclusive in Punta Cana maybe 5 years ago and we all loved it. I would welcome suggestions if you have them! We are not really a sit on the beach all day kind of family, so would want a resort with a lot of activities. 

Flights are cheaper and more available to Florida though, which is why I was thinking maybe a cruise this time to keep the cost down. 

My mother inlaw gets motion sickness and she puked numerous times on the boat, even with wearing sea bands and taking meds.

The swaying off the boat really bothers me. I'm fine on the boat but for a few days after, my equilibrium is off and it makes me nauseous.

I get car sick, and I am fine on a cruise ship so long as I wear a scopolamine patch (prescription). I put it on behind my ear a day or so before the cruise and wear it throughout the duration of the cruise. We even stayed at the front of the ship (Royal Caribbean's Adventure) in one of the panoramic rooms and I had zero problems. 

[abs]

Jul 7, 2023 13:56:01 GMT -5 jinkies said:

Jul 7, 2023 13:54:06 GMT -5 abs said:

We just got back from a Royal Caribbean cruise. It was great to do with my 12 year old because it offered something for everyone. DD could wander on her own and make friends, DH and I could have time together, food was good, excursions were fun. I would do eastern Caribbean over western next time though.

What do you think would be better about eastern Caribbean?

Western is fine if you’ve never been there. The one we just did went to Roatan, Cozumel, and Costa Maya. We loved Roatan, hated Costa Maya (just too crowded), and Cozumel is very pretty with lots to do but we’ve been 5 times. I don’t need to go back. Eastern Caribbean just has prettier and less crowded beaches IMO. Trunk Bay is unbelievable and I’d love to go back.

[tennisgal]

You could also consider rooms across the hall from each other to save some $ so the kids would be in an interior room across the hall from your balcony room.

[sandandsea]

I’ve been on several cruises mostly when it’s a family trip with multiple generations (Caribbean and Mexico) or when I just want something easy (Caribbean and Alaska) or want to visit multiple destinations and do longer trips at our favorites on a later trip (Hawaii island hopping, Southern Caribbean, and Monaco Grand Prix). We’re doing an Alaska cruise later this summer with our kids as their first cruise and our first trip to Alaska.

We’ve sailed with Carnival, RC, NCL, Azamara, and will be adding Princess with Alaska. They all have pros and cons and while we aren’t party people at all and don’t drink or dance, we’ve really enjoyed Carnival so don’t rely on stereotypes too much. Check to see what’s included to see what packages fit your style the best. We didn’t like the limited dining options on NCL and it seemed like everything cool was a pay to upgrade option on RC. These things change all the time though so check what it is now vs when so and so sailed 5 years ago.

We’ve never cared about the brand as much as the ports and secondary ship. For us, cruises are always about the destinations and excursions and experiences first and foremost. The cruise itself is just our home base floating hotel with free food. Find where you want to go and why (zip lining in Belize, snorkeling with turtles in Barbados, hiking through a volcano in Hawaii, exploring glaciers in Alaska) and then find a cruise that fits that criteria. There are tons of great beaches and ports so find what really speaks to you. Or if you want a ship with go karts or water slides use that as selection criteria based on ages and restrictions of different ships.

Having a nicer, newer ship helps too as it can mean less wear and tear and overall better accommodations however it can also mean smaller tighter cabins or more people or larger ships.

If you are prone to motion sickness, or even if you aren’t, being some less drowsy Dramamine and sea bands for your wrists. Thankfully we don’t get seasick my my dad and my MIL and FIL do. Regular Dramamine knocks them all out so try the less drowsy type of you need it.

Cruises can be awesome fun vacations so I’d highly recommend trying it even if it doesn’t seem like your cup of tea. Definitely research the ports and book awesome excursions to get the most out of it. Cruise critic.com is an amazing resource for cruises specifically as well as trip advisor for ports.

[sandandsea]

Oh. Couple more things.
You may be able to book one room and not have to get adjacent rooms. It will depend on the ship and availability as we have booked cabins before with 4 adults and just booked a family cabin for Alaska (our kids are under 14).

You probably will get seasick on a cruise if you’re prone to it. Talk to your doctor and get the patch beforehand.

[jinkies]

Jul 7, 2023 16:27:37 GMT -5 sandandsea said:

Oh. Couple more things.
You may be able to book one room and not have to get adjacent rooms. It will depend on the ship and availability as we have booked cabins before with 4 adults and just booked a family cabin for Alaska (our kids are under 14).

You probably will get seasick on a cruise if you’re prone to it. Talk to your doctor and get the patch beforehand.

We have learned that sharing a single hotel room is the fastest way for everyone in my family to hate each other and the vacation. LOL. I am jealous of families that just need somewhere to crash at night and are otherwise fine. That is not us. 

I think overall this thread is confirming what I already knew: that the people telling me that I won't be bothered by the motion of the ship are people who don't get motion sick to begin with. I really, really, do not want to worry about managing meds to avoid feeling sick for my whole vacation, when there are other options. 

I'm going to try being more flexible with dates and see if I can figure out an all inclusive somewhere on land that is reasonably priced.

I also might just drop the whole idea. It will be our 20th anniversary in October and I thought this might be a fun way to celebrate. But I talked to my H when he got home from work, and he doesn't seem all that interested, especially if we go with the kids. 

[nsl]

Jul 7, 2023 16:42:51 GMT -5 jinkies said:

Jul 7, 2023 16:27:37 GMT -5 sandandsea said:

Oh. Couple more things.
You may be able to book one room and not have to get adjacent rooms. It will depend on the ship and availability as we have booked cabins before with 4 adults and just booked a family cabin for Alaska (our kids are under 14).

You probably will get seasick on a cruise if you’re prone to it. Talk to your doctor and get the patch beforehand.

We have learned that sharing a single hotel room is the fastest way for everyone in my family to hate each other and the vacation. LOL. I am jealous of families that just need somewhere to crash at night and are otherwise fine. That is not us. 

I think overall this thread is confirming what I already knew: that the people telling me that I won't be bothered by the motion of the ship are people who don't get motion sick to begin with. I really, really, do not want to worry about managing meds to avoid feeling sick for my whole vacation, when there are other options. 

I'm going to try being more flexible with dates and see if I can figure out an all inclusive somewhere on land that is reasonably priced.

I also might just drop the whole idea. It will be our 20th anniversary in October and I thought this might be a fun way to celebrate. But I talked to my H when he got home from work, and he doesn't seem all that interested, especially if we go with the kids. 

If the medication piece is what's holding you back you should talk to your doctor about the motion sickness patch someone mentioned upthread. I get HORRIBLE motion sickness and it prevented me from feeling ill on an anniversary cruise H and I took a few years ago. My only complaint was that my stomach was a little unsettled for a couple of days after I removed it, but if memory serves I just had to change it weekly and it went behind my ear so I never really noticed it was there unless I was touching that area for some reason.

[tacokick]

My parents did a lot of cruising and the higher up on the boat you are the less you feel the boat moving/get seasick.

They did get norovirus on a cruise and that sounded like a truly hellish experience. I read there are more cases than usual in 2023 but no real reason why but something maybe to be aware of?

cruiseradio.net/norovirus-strikes-13th-cruise-ship-this-year/

I went on 2 cruises years ago and we never did excursions, we just did our own thing at the ports and it was great.

Oh and you should be able to pay per drink. That’s what we always did, the alcohol packages were higher than what we ended up paying a la carte.

[rubytue]

Jul 7, 2023 13:56:01 GMT -5 jinkies said:

Jul 7, 2023 13:54:06 GMT -5 abs said:

We just got back from a Royal Caribbean cruise. It was great to do with my 12 year old because it offered something for everyone. DD could wander on her own and make friends, DH and I could have time together, food was good, excursions were fun. I would do eastern Caribbean over western next time though.

What do you think would be better about eastern Caribbean?

We much prefer eastern Caribbean. Possibly because we’ve been to Cozumel a bunch and it’s not that exciting. We typically do a St Beach, St Palm tree (i.e., whatever Caribbean island it stops) every other Christmas. The eastern islands at prettier, IMHO. We like Holland, but we don’t have kids. We did a Royal Caribbean cruise a few years ago (out of Puerto Rico, best itinerary we’ve had, all the way down to Grenada and Martinique!).  But, the vibe on the boat was families with older kids, and the nights felt like middle age got a babysitter and is out dancing and living it up.

Regarding NCL, we use to like them a lot. But I cruise with the every year on a charter and they really pissed me off this year (Covid related), and I swore I’d never use them again (other than this charter, which won’t move, but I’m done after the next one, kind of regret even booking it). Their drink package is crazy. But, the basic idea with drink packages it figure out how many drinks per day you are likely to by, multiple by about $10 each, and then compare to the package price. For most people, paying by drink is more affordable. We’ve had a drink package our last two Holland cruises, and H, who was against them, decided it likes not worrying about things. He is the drinker between us. And he was also the guy in this family that would sneak on hard alcohol in collapsible water bottle. 🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄 

[spindle92]

I have been on two cruises and while they are OK, I am 100% an all-inclusive person.
I think cruises are way too structured and organized for my liking.
If I decide that Wednesday is the day I want to go into town, get shit faced drunk on margaritas and shop at silly Tshirt shops, then Wednesday is the day I want to do that.
On a ship, what if Wednesday is a sea day?

I also think cruises are waaaaay more expensive because they nickel and dime you to death.
If you choose a bigger all-inclusive with lots of things to do on the property, really the only additional expenses you have are tipping.

In regards to the motion sickness, I have to sit in the front seat of all vehicles. anywhere else, I get sick. That is how bad mine is. First cruise, with the medical patch I was queezzy several different times in our room and we were on a middle floor, maybe 9th. ON my 2nd cruise we were in the penthouse on the 17th floor and I only felt rocking on the final night when there were dangerously high winds.

[ssmjlm]

My dad gets motion sickness and loves cruising. Alaska was very calm for us.