Lerin

We did this once and pretty much got exactly the cabin expected.

We've cruised in a situation similar to what you are describing and it was fine. Luckily you have almost a year, so there will be many changes by the time you go. Like your concerns about your kids rolling out of bed, lots of bottles or your 2 year old needing a crib.

Also you have time to potty train at least 1, if not 2 of them which will make things simpler.

What we did when we traveled with 3 kiddos was to get 2 connecting cabins.

If you don't wish to purchase 2 cabins for the 5 of you then have grandma and a kid or 2 be in 1 and the rest of you in another.

If grandma isn't wanting to sleep with any kids, then you could list one of the kids in her cabin, and get a suite for the remaining four of you. The suite will have space for the 5 of you even though it isn't specifically designed for that many.

You'll have a great time, enjoy.

I'll leave the decision to go up to you and your doctor. Remember drink LOTS OF WATER.

There are some items you can get onboard. Not alcohol though. At least not alcohol to be consumed on board.

Yikes, add that to my reasons not to sail Disney.

On CCL they always asked us(the parents) if we wanted a kid menu for our little ones, and this was after handing our kids the regular menus. A 12 year old however is not a kid and really shouldn't be handed that menu in any restaurant. My oldest is 9 and hasn't been offered a kid menu on a ship in a few years.

To answer your second question, the specality restaurants don't have kids menus.

Compared to home, hotels or other places to sleep; all cruise cabins pretty much suck.

We don't know what type of cabin you will like, only you can make that decision.

Been to 3 chef's tables, never had poor service or bad wine. Where did you hear that?

Regardless, I think it would not only be rude, but a big pain to leave and get your own drink. Plus you'll miss a lot of what is happening. Chef's Table isn't just a meal, it's an experience. Leaving, even to go to the restroom, will mean missing out.

You could always bring 1 drink with you at the start and then just drink what they provide. And they do have non-alcoholic options as well.

Yes and I have taken babies (and toddlers, preschoolers...) on cruises several times. It's not difficult as some have made it to be upthread.

One thing I haven't seen mentioned is has your daughter already paid for a cabin? Adding another person can be difficult. They possibly won't let her so she'll have to cancel anyway and rebook a cabin for 3.

Regardless, the decision lies with she and her husband and no one else. Not me, not other posters...not you. Invite her to cruise critic to make the choice herself.

Oh, yes. It's sister in law.

Thanks for the responses on the cancellation or not.

Sounds like we will be best to show up at the port like planned, but without her.

Any of you cruise experts know about the second half of the situation? The excursion in her name?

Thanks again for the help. We've been on almost 20 cruises, and had to fully cancel a couple, but this situation is new to us.

We cruise in a few weeks and have a cabin for 3 booked(me, DH, SIL).

Due to illness and emergency surgery, SIL can no longer come.

My husband and I still want to go.

How does this work? Will we end up paying an additional fee?

I know if you're in a double and 1 cancels, then the single supplement is charged. But our cabin still has 2 people.

Also we purchased 2 excursions which for some reason are listed under my SIL's name(even though my husband paid). Does this matter or do we somehow need to re-book these? 1 of them is no longer listed on the website so we think it must be full.

Ugh, stress! Thanks for any information you all can provide.

Do either of the other 2 cabins have pull down bunks? If one does, I'd suggest trading with your in laws.

They can skip my cabin with it. It goes in the trash with all of the other garbage paper they put in there daily. I think they could have it optional or even at guest services if guests want a copy. I know I am in the minority though.

^^^this is a great idea. Maybe have them in a few designated places around the ship. Those who want them can take one. In the groups I cruise with about half of us would pick up a copy and the other half would use their phone. Seems like the best option is to give everyone the option.

Good luck. Please post back to let us know the outcome so if someone else ends up in the predicament they know what to do.

We did that when we traveled with young kids strictly because we wanted the clamshell so our little one could sleep. Though it was 4 of us, we only purchased for 2. Though there were tons of chairs, there weren't any in the location where we were placed. I think the price was around $40.

Personally I thought it was worth it and would recommend. It will assure that you easily get a Clamshell and water floats. Sometimes they run out and/or the line to get them is crazy long. You can probably set it up so your son can pull up a chair next to you if you pick a less-popular location, though his chair won't fit under the clamshell.

I'm trying to visualize how this could happen? The chances would be the same as the chances of stepping on or tripping over a person's legs/feet.

Because feet feel like feet, and when you step on them, you tend to get off pretty quick.

Mermaid tails are not only big and wide, but they can feel like the bottom of the pool/ ocean; pretty easy for someone to have no idea they are standing on it.

Just my 2 cents, but I don't think those tails should be allowed in water at all(save for professional mermaid shows). They are VERY dangerous. I'm a great swimmer, but wouldn't even consider entering water with my legs pretty much useless.

FYI: If you have a balance left over at the end, it will be returned to you in the form of a gift card.

Some people don't realize this and get upset.

Well it's official: I'm 100% introvert.

I'd rather eat alone in my room than try to converse with others at a table of 30.

Aside from not being able to hear a thing, it's going to take forever to get all your food.

With a group that size, you'd be best contacting Carnival's special events department and getting a private party room set aside.

I too hate crowds with a passion, and for that reason plan my cruising with that in mind. I avoid areas that I know will have long lines(such as the Mongolian Wok) but am easily able to find things I enjoy that have little to no line at all.

. After a minute, he could tell that something wasn't right and he looked off stage to one of the cruise entertainment staff and he asked, "Did something like that happen here?". He was really thrown off, but he managed to recover. I just remember feeling so bad that he was in that position to begin with. Definitely a poor communications job by the Carnival staff!

YIKES! poor guy, how awkward for everyone involved.

"Circus" Cruise Line *wink, wink* comedian talks about his short time as a cruise line worker.

Thought people here would enjoy.

http://narrative.ly/time-stand-cruise-ship-passenger-went-overboard/

We've had to do this on both European cruises we've been on.

Thanks for the replies, we do enjoy longer cruises but since having kids have kept them to only a week.

I think we'll go for it, sounds like it will be exactly what we've missed about cruising. I called Carnival and they said the camp would still be open so the kids can still do their fun there.

We've been on several cruises of varying length, the longest being almost 3 weeks.

However, our longest Carnival cruise was 8 days. We're eyeing an itinerary that is 10 days during the regular school year and wondering what a longer Carnival cruise is like?

I imagine the passengers are older, but what about activities? Dance club, games, contests, comedy, kids camp? Is that all the same or will I notice significant changes there since the clientele is different from a standard 7 day?

Curious about any personal experiences. Thanks

I've never been on hold for longer than about 2 minutes. Just call them and ask.

We've always gotten better deals and service booking directly through the website. TA's are unnecessary unless you are doing a lot more than a standard cruise (ie: world cruise, several b2b, several flights, large group, etc...)