Family vacation

[dk555]

I have just booked a cruise for our family - son and girlfriend, daughter/son-in-law with 2 babies under 2, 25 yr.old daughter, and my husband and I. 3 extended balconies, 8I designation on the Panorama Deck. We are sailing on the Carnival Pride July 31, 2005. We tooked this cruise because we were worried about hurricanes in the Caribbean and since the children have never cruised they prefer to know land is 'close'. We sail out of Long Beach. The adult children are all teachers and graduate school classes are over then. My husband and I have only been on Celebrity Summit & Infinity. 1). Will there be things to do on the cruise other than the pool and casino and excursions? 2). What kind of shows do they have at night? 3). Does this sound like a dumb idea? I am having second thoughts. 4). We told everyone how there was 24 hour 'free' room service...is there? 5). We have a triple for us and our daughter...is the 3rd bed the couch? 6). And if so, will it be miserable for sleeping? 7). Are there dress up nights? 8). And, if so, can we get out of them and is there another place to eat? Any suggestions/thoughts will be appreciated. 10) Does Carnival waitstaff carry trays from the breakfast & lunch buffets? Carnival commercials are great but it seems like the emphasis is on the excursions. Please talk to me? Dianne

[tef43]

There are also hurricanes in the Pacific. In fact, the "season" is two weeks longer, starting on May 15 (as opposed to June 1 in the Atlantic/Caribbean).

[crisp1]

There are also hurricanes in the Pacific. In fact, the "season" is two weeks longer, starting on May 15 (as opposed to June 1 in the Atlantic/Caribbean).

Yeah tef! That'll help DK calm down!LOL.

Dianne, There will be plenty for all ages to do on CCL ships. Shows, bingo, art sales, ice carving. Camp carnival for the young ones,The early shows are vegas type (pg), the late night commedian is definately R, ther'e karioke, piano bars ( sing along). There are 2 formal nights that you could get away with a regular jacket and tie for the guys and a nice dress for the ladies- my son wore the shirt and tie, but never a jacket (14), or you can always go to the Buffet for dinner that night. there is 24 hr pizza and seasar salad as well as free room srevice ( you should tip thought). It is not a dumb idea, you'll all have a great time, and the cabins are large enough to handle your crowd

[michelle2]

I'll try to answer some of your questions. We were on the Pride 11/2004.

 

Yes, there is 24 hour room service. The menu is limited. This is also 24 hour pizza which is wonderful.

 

We loved the shows. The Wonderful World show was outstanding.

 

The third bed is the couch, but it is not a fold-out. They remove the cushions, and it makes into a twin size bed. My daughter slept there and was very comfortable.

 

We were in cabin 8230 (8I on the Panarama deck). The extended balcony was nice and big. We spent a lot of time out there. It was also nice being only one deck down from the Lido. The Lido is the buffet area. This is always an option if you don't want to eat in the dining room. The formal nights are Monday and Friday.

 

My family loved this cruise. I think you have made a good selection. We had so much fun I've booked the Spirit for 11/2005.

[tef43]

Yeah tef! That'll help DK calm down!

Wasn't intended to calm her down, or get her more worked up, but simply to alert her to the fact that one of the reasons she stated for choosing Mex Riviera over Caribbean wasn't valid.

[Girlsnightout]

As someone who travels very frequently (at least 4 vacations a year), with all age ranges from infant to elderly, it's my opinion that cruising is, without a doubt, the best vacation choice for families and a wide age range...there is something to do for everyone, no one has to decide where to eat, no one has to cook or clean up, there is entertainment for everyone and you all can do as little or as much as you want. People can stay onboard or go ashore...it's easy.

 

Trust me, it's a great way for the whole family to take a vacation.

 

I personally don't go in for the formalwear, but I still like the menu on formal night, so we just dress a bit nicer, but believe me, no one has to wear a tux or a ball gown, in fact, I've noticed the trend toward more casual formal nights, don't worry, you won't be turned away if you aren't dressed formally, who wants to when they're on vacation? It's a mass-market cruise, not a charity ball...so don't worry about having to "get out of them", but if you want to keep it really casual, there's always the buffet. I do think you miss out on a great meal if you choose that route though, and room service in my experience, is never very good on a cruise ship. Don't expect the same room service as the Four Seasons...

 

Have a great time and relax, you made a good choice.