Anonymous wrote:Cruisecritic.com is a terrific website. I like both the editorial review of ships and the fora (like DCUM).

+1

Spend lots of time on cruise critic forums for great info on the ships and destinations !

Anonymous wrote:So much great advice here, thanks everyone.

I will definitely book a room with a balcony, extra thanks for that tip!


Do most cruise lines have their schedules already set it stone for next year or can I expect to see some new scheduling if I wait a bit longer?

Do most people still cruise out of Florida? Wondering if Baltimore is a good idea since it's so close and convenient.

Schedules for 2018 are set.

It is better to cruise out of Florida - better/newer ships, more ports (since you are starting closer to the islands). We've found it's cheaper to fly into Ft. Lauderdale, even if cruising out of Miami.

Definitely check out cruisecritic.com.

I've done RC and Carnival with kids, and Celebrity without kids. Our next cruise is NCL. I have enjoyed all of my cruises.

Not sure if it's the same on all cruise lines, but we hit a storm once on a Norwegian ship and they offered up seasickness meds for free.

schedules will be be set.

if you cruise out of baltimore, expect to spend at least an extra day at sea. since it 700 miles to the first port in florida.

Yes its convenient, out of baltimore, and you'll save on airfare, but generally you'll see older ships, with limited destinations.

miami and tampa are the big departure points for cruises. Maybe a few out of JAX

most ships will have some sort of a kids club. its free, and the kids will love it. even the older kids. as it gives them a way to hang with people of their own age and not be tied to mom and dads hip. Remember its a boat, not like you can take a cab to another city and get lost.

set up hard time when to meet for dinner and such. there is always food being served so let them do their own thing. if they are big into soda's get one of the bottomless cups for them. Other wise, waters, coffee tea, and juices are always free.

I would reccomend a late seating for dinner. this way if you are in a port of call you like, you don't have to rush back tot he ship for dinner. that beiong said. if you don't want to sit in the dinning room for dinner, food is served elsewhere so you don't have to "dress up"

if you are really concerned about keeping touch with the kids, get some of the two way radios. we never did and daughter and nephew did just fine.

youd be surprised how often you'll bump into them during the day...

I've probable been on 10-12 cruises. I like it. but i'm easy to please.

Baltimore is extremely convenient, but there are only like two trip options - Bermuda and Bahamas. If you don't mind, you cannot beat the convenience and reduction in expense in not having to fly somewhere.

So much great advice here, thanks everyone.

I will definitely book a room with a balcony, extra thanks for that tip!


Do most cruise lines have their schedules already set it stone for next year or can I expect to see some new scheduling if I wait a bit longer?

Do most people still cruise out of Florida? Wondering if Baltimore is a good idea since it's so close and convenient.

While I think the new Royal ships are great. I also like the idea of a cruise to Alaska. I think with the age differences between the 2 boys, Alaska would be great.

done celebrity, RC and Holland Ammerica.

my family has done carnival. never again. it is a younger crowd. think frat party.


celebrity and HA are my top go to cruises.

been alaska, western med, and pretty much every isalnd in the carib...

don't be afarind to go on a smaller ship. large ships sucks and its juts one huge cattle call for meals and such...

you'll love the balcony...

don't be afraid to book your own shore excursions either...

I'm somewhat prone to sea sickness, and was surprised at how much I could "feel" the boat moving when we took a Disney cruise. It wasn't like it was rocking back and forth or anything; you just have the sense that you're on something that is moving. We used sea bands and no one ever got sick although one night the boat was rocking quite a bit and I felt pretty nauseated. So bring sea bands and some sort of medication, just to be on the safe side. (I found wearing the bands annoying, so next time I might try to find a good oral medication.)

I've been on Carnival, RC and Holland. Definitely prefer RC for families.

I was scared about sea sickness. We went through a storm the first night and I and my daughter were feeling sick. My daughter vomited. We each put sea bands on and never felt sick again.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most cruises, when you book you have to put down a refundable deposit, then at around the 90 day mark from the cruise you pay the balance.

Teens will probably enjoy the big , new Royal Caribbean ships if it's in your budget.

I prefer going early in the summer (June as opposed to August) because there is less chance for storms.

I agree with this. June is better - less chance of hurricanes.

With your teens, look at the bigger ships. Allure/Oasis/Harmony on Royal Caribbean, Vista/Harmony on Carnival, Escape/Epic/Breakaway/Getaway on NCL, etc. These ships have all sorts of awesome things, in different configurations - water slides, ropes courses, climbing walls, sports areas, teen hangout spots, etc.

I am a fan of Carnival - they really are fun ships for a reason - but your teens will likely love any of the lines. They all have teen clubs, and will quickly make friends and disappear. Make sure they meet you for dinner!!!

As far as seasickness, I see lots of folks with the patches on cruises. I would talk to your doctor about getting a prescription in advance.

Carnival gets a bad rap here but I wonder how many people who avoid it have actually been on a Carnival cruise. I've been on several Carnival cruises as well as other liners... the people who go on Carnival tend to be younger, I have always been happy with the service and staff. The new ships are awesome!

Cruisecritic.com is a terrific website. I like both the editorial review of ships and the fora (like DCUM).