Barca-longa

Wonder how much time checking in online saves. Do you skip the lines? How much longer is it if you do it all there?

Thanks.

Wanted to post what we ended up doing in case anyone else in the same boat ;)

We ended up doing a post-cruise excursion through RC since it seamed the simplest way with the kids. We had early disembarkation and then got priority through customs which was nice. Put bags in the bottom of the bus and got them at the airport. The excursion was a someone talking a little about Galveston (there wasn't any driving around as advertised though) and then onto Johnson Space Center in Houston. We got to see the big rocket and then the science center. It was lots of fun for the kids. Then they took us all to IAH airport.

The down side for us was that it was advertised as being for people with flights 3 o'clock or later. Which means they dropped us at the airport at 1pm. Well, our flight was closer to 6 which means we had a lot of time to kill at the airport. We got back home after midnight. It was a loooong day. But probably still the easiest since there wasn't many other options.

We're getting into Galveston Friday night and staying at Moody Gardens for two days before our Sunday cruise.

My question is what to do when we return the following Sunday morning. Our flight isn't leaving until 6pm from IAH. We have two little kids and will have our bags, I'm guessing. Is there a place to leave them (the bags that is) so we can wander around a bit? Anything easy that's not Moody Gardens? Or should we just go back there. We won't have a car with us so will need to be taken somewhere when we get in. And then where would we have a shuttle pick us up?

Or should we just spend the day at the airport?

Thanks!

Slonik, Congrats on that cruise price. That sounds like a steal! I was looking at some really cheap transatlantic ones but thought it would be too tough with the kiddos. But during my backpacker days... it would be awesome.

Not too many backpackers on these forums. You'll have a blast though. Though expect a fair amount of culture shock, in a different way than you're probably used too. :cool:

How long do the lines typically take? I'm traveling with little kids and they're not very patient. What is the quickest time to get in line?

Also, I was given 2pm as my queue time in my edocs. Do I have to board then or can I go earlier?

How long does it take at the dock if you don't do online check-in? How long if you do? Do you get to skip the line if do it online? How long is the line usually?

My mom doesn't have internet access. Is there any advantage of either (besides time at the counter) in particular?

Related question. Do they give you better luggage tags at the dock? The ones I printed out with the other e-documents are paper and seem like they won't hold up the plane ride.

Thanks for the info. Good to know. :)

This is random, but just noticed you're from Canada. Do you pay different prices for cruising compared to Americans?

We have a three & five year old and will be visiting the above cities. Any suggestions on things to do with them?

Also, did you ever leave your kids at the kids club and do your own thing? Or did you always bring them with?

We have a 3 & 5 year old and are traveling in October with RCCL. We have an ocean view but wondering if we should pony up some extra for a balcony. We're thinking we're not going to be spending much time in our room, but now wondering if we'll be claustrophobic. Also, after the kids go to sleep we may want that quiet balcony time. We are on a budget though so it would have to be really worth it. What's been your experience?

I will definitely let you guys know how much fun we had!

Please do. I'm part of the 3 & 5 year old club too! Traveling RCI in October. We don't have a big vacation budget because of visiting family on the other coast every year. Disney might be steep for us. However, I may be able to forgo the family trip one year if I can convince my brother and his family to take a cruise instead, and they loooove disney world. Perhaps they'd switch to a boat. :p

Also, both of my kids will be in the 3-5 group. Is it fun enough to keep them interested? Is there a TV there? I'm hoping they don't just plop them in front of the tube the whole day - we try to limit screen time.

We're sailing the Navigator in October. Can you talk a little bit about the pool situation? We're sailing with a 3 & 5 year old and they are waterbugs. I heard there was no waterslide on the ship though.

Also, did you take advantage of the family dining time? If so, how did that work out?

How often did you do the kids club vs just hanging out with them? Did you ever take advantage of the late night babysitting?

What excursions did you do? Did you leave the kids on the ship or take them with?

Thanks for offering a Q & A!

Hi! I'm pretty new to this so excuse me if this is obvious.

I'm thinking of taking a cruise next June to Alaska. Some other family members might come as well with their spouses and kids. With the kids-sail-free promo going on now at RCCL (we have two little ones) I'm thinking about finding a cruise and booking now.

But since I'm such frugal frannie, wondering if the price goes down if I'm able to get the better price down the road. Is it a matter of just saying I found a better price or do I have to cancel and rebook? Does it depend on if I book through the cruise line vs travel agent vs online broker - does everyone have their own policy?

Also, about that price - Is there just one price set by the cruise lines and then that's the same one offered by travel agents and online brokers? Or do they each set their own price?

For the cruise we'll be taking in October we bought through an online travel site. I had been watching the price go up and down on that site - sometimes a few times over a day - and then put it on hold when it seemed too good to pass up. Which was a good thing, since only a few hours later it was back up again. So, is this price dictated by the cruise company - do they change that fast - or is this a special deal from them?

When does this promotion happen? Following the arrival of twins 5weeks ago , coupled with a 21 month old (who we've cruised with twice) , DW and I are wondering will we ever be able to afford a cruise again :confused

It's happening on Royal Caribbean right now! I sure know that I was dreaming of a cruise when I had a newborn too ;)

babies are on vacation everyday. They don't pay bills, carpool, clean the house and get road rage. Kids eat, play and sleep. They don't need a getaway. Toddlers aren't going to remember the trip at all.

Though this made me laugh! :p

Parents don't have to feel guilty about getting away for a week each year without their kids. It is a great time to rest and rejuvenate. Happy parents are good parents.

If only! Childcare for that week away would almost cost as much as bringing them with! Our parents aren't the kind who'd gladly take the kids for us while we have a much needed break. They're too busy enjoying their own stress-free retirement and "have paid their dues" with the hard part. :mad:

You are fortunate that you have that kind of family! Not everyone does.

We just got a RCCL 7 day hurricane season west caribbean cruise from Texas, ocean view room, for $200 a night - that's all fees included. So $1400 total. That's for 2 adults, 2 preschool age kids. I got it with the kids sail free deal going on now combined with some surprise deep dips on ones I was looking at. I think that's a great deal for all we're getting (if it's not canceled by a hurricane hahahha!) - room, food, entertainment, not to mentioned some special alone time thanks to the kids club!, and yes, I'll call it cheap. I was a hound dog for weeks though, trying to sniff a good one out that'll convince my frugal DH to give it go :)