Familys 1st cruise and I am all over the place.HELP!

[Mommabear5]

How is the stablization on the Freedom?

I want something that as long as the sea's are good we are not rocking all over the place. I don't think I can handle that. Our last trip in 2003 we were on the Inspiration and that last day at sea almost killed me.

I was so sick even the staff on board said it was one of the worst they ever experienced.

[rebeccalouiseagain]

Most of the time there is no motion in the Caribbean. I did experience a bad storm one time in the Caribbean and it was in late March. I would always avoid March anyway because it is spring break for many colleges. Most Caribbean cruises are calm and motion won't be a problem. If you sail out of NYC or Baltimore- there is a good chance there will be motion going down to the Caribbean and on the way back so I would never recommend cruises leaving from the Northeast if you tend to get motion sick. Even I get a bit green around the gills.

 

Same holds true for the California coastline and Alaska. I've seen lots of seasick people on the Alaska cruises.

[Pat&Liz]

I didn't have a problem onboard Freedom, but don't tend to get seasick normally so i may not be the best person to ask.

 

I should think that a lot would depend on weather, location and time of year for travelling though. :)

[jmom5]

How is the stablization on the Freedom?

I want something that as long as the sea's are good we are not rocking all over the place. I don't think I can handle that. Our last trip in 2003 we were on the Inspiration and that last day at sea almost killed me.

I was so sick even the staff on board said it was one of the worst they ever experienced.

The Freedom is very stable and you won't have anymore movement problems on that ship than you would on the Epic. We have been on Freedom's sister ship Liberty 3 times and we love it. I have 5 kids (mine a little younger - 15, 14, 12, 11, and 7) but they love all the activities and kid/teen clubs. We usually book one promenade family stateroom for our 5 kids and then we book a balcony cabin across the hall for DH and I. Doing it this way, we usually spend about $4500.00 for all 7 of us.

[rolloman]

How is the stablization on the Freedom?

I want something that as long as the sea's are good we are not rocking all over the place. I don't think I can handle that. Our last trip in 2003 we were on the Inspiration and that last day at sea almost killed me.

I was so sick even the staff on board said it was one of the worst they ever experienced.

Freedom is the 4th largest cruise ship in the world. Over twice the size of the Carnival Desperation you were on. 160,000 ton ship versus 70,000 ton ...Can not compare the two in the same breath in any facet. The prices tend to run higher on Freedom versus EPIC. You won'tgo wrong as a family vacation on either vessel.

[Friend100]

I also concur to many recommendations here. In early/mid January 2012, Liberty OTS will do 4 or 5 nights W Caribbean departing from Fort Lauderdale. Or, Freedom OTS doing 7-nights E or W Caribbean departing from Port Canaveral.

 

But if you are the type of person that like to go all-in first hand, do Allure/Oasis! Early/mid January is the "offest" season and probably the 'offest" price you can find.

 

As for DCL, you will find the more reasonable price on DCL Magic for early/mid January cruising. The last time I check it maybe 10-12% more comparing to Freedom OTS. DCL has Castaway Cay, characters, firework, etc (edit: and unlimited soda, bring your own alcohol onboard without limit, but no casino).

 

Good luck and enjoy cruise planning and shopping!

[Chelley00]

Have you checked RCL Explorer of the Seas? Since you live in NJ you wouldn't have flight costs as you could easily drive to port. She does 10 and 11 night cruises in January.

 

We chose the Explorer for our summer cruise because our teen boys liked the fact that there was basketball/soccer, rock climbing, ice skating, inline skating, pools etc.

[cantw8togo]

When I first read your post, the first ship that came to mind was RCI indy of the Seas. Great rock climbing wall, flow rider, basketball court etc. The Epic has a rapelling wall and a rock climbing wall but they aren't as challenging as the ones on IOS.

 

We were on the IOS last year and Epic this year. THere were things that I liked and disliked about both. The Epic had great entertainment, great activities to keep the kids happy and active, good food (and we didn't eat any of the specialty restaurants,) and the best experience we have had when it comes to how they handle food allergies. I didn't like that the cabins are smaller, but they are designed well for the size that they are; and that there are limited areas to see the ocean, which ended up disappointing me more than I thought it would. Many times I thought this was more like Vegas than a cruise. THat being said, there was more movement on the ship (not enough to make lots of people seasick,) but more than any other ship I have been on. It's was ironic that you felt like you were at sea, but it didn't look like you were at sea.

 

We had a balcony that was slightly larger than others in the same category. If you look carefully at the deck plans, you can see that some cabins just before and after that bump outs have angled balconies. If you can get one with the bed next to the balcony, then the cabins feel more spacious. They are the ones with the bulge closest to the balcony when looking at the plans. There are only a few of those ones and you have to look closely.

 

I really liked many things about Indy and with the ages of your kids, it would be my first choice. We were able to get a great deal on a mini suite which was very spacious. I joked while we were on the Epic that while Indy's MS had a walk in closet, the Epic barely had a walk in bathroom!

 

Hope this help.

 

N.

[rolloman]

I really liked many things about Indy and with the ages of your kids, it would be my first choice. We were able to get a great deal on a mini suite which was very spacious. I joked while we were on the Epic that while Indy's MS had a walk in closet, the Epic barely had a walk in bathroom!

 

Hope this help.

 

N.

It is all about what cabin you want to pay for. EPIC has cabins that blow away anything INDY can offer. Not really fair to compare a standard balcony cabin to a suite. Plus the motion of the ship is a direct result of the sea conditions. Epic is larger than the Indy....but it all means nothing if the ocean is not cooperating on any single day. And finally...the INDY no longer sails out of the US. The OP would have to try one of the sister ships Freedom out of PC or Liberty out of Miami.

[Indy1jeep]

We had a family group of 20 with ages 7-74 (kids 7,9, 12, 15, 15, 16, 18, and 21) and young adults, middle-aged adults and senior adults on the Carnival Fascination. I don't think anyone can think of anything to complain about on this boat. The staff was wonderful, the food ranged from good to delectable, and there were numerous activities for all ages. Numerous. There are also many eating options. Room service, buffet, restaurant, 24/7 pizza bar and deli with "create your own combo."

 

They recently remodeled this boat and did an incredible job. It was our first cruise and it definitely won't be our last.

 

OUr family favorites were kids and/or adult Karaoke (all ages), the water slide, the espresso at dinner, the sushi bar, ping pong tournaments, snorkeling, the shows and games and the variety of excursions. You can shop til' you drop in the Keys...or just explore. Bahamas you can pick an excursion or just create your own tour (we researched forts and visited Fort Charlotte and walked back to the port. There was an interesting local bus ride too. (-: There is much more. Hope you have a great time. Good Luck! (They take great pics too during your trip-so take lots of spare change for pics too...)

[Indy1jeep]

...for their younger kids....(-:

[Mommabear5]

We have not made any decisions as of yet but after reading, way too many,lol) reviews I think I might be better off to just try to book a shorter cruise with less to no sea days to try to avoid the whole worry of sea sickness. There are a few ships that have a really nice itiniary and there are no sea days at all. They all go to the Bahama's as well as a few that do the Keys.

Right now I am in deep research mode and the Norwegian Sky seems to be coming up as a good contender.

I will surely let you all know when we make that final choice and why.

Again thanks everybody for sharing your experience and knowledge with me. It's so needed and appreciated.:)

[clip1957]

Hi! I've been on Carnival, RCI and NCL. My least favorite was NCL but I haven't been on the Epic. RCI has great amenities. We like Voyager of the Seas...it's a big ship but older so cheaper. It has rock climbing wall, ice skating, basketball, mini golf, inline skating...many night clubs and we enjoyed the food. It has a great adults only pool called the solarium. Check it out. We enjoy Carnival and the price is great. They have sports deck, waterslide and clubs. NCL food is awful unless you pay extra for the premium restaurants. They offer a lot of classes from wine tasting to sushi making but they charge $15 pp for all of them. Maybe the newer NCL ships are better.

[AandBmom]

Have you considered the Carnival Legend? The price is decent, the ports are nice and it's bigger than many Carnival ships. We really liked it and never felt movement while sailing her.

[Mommabear5]

I actually did check into the legand but it appears to not having any sailing to the caribbean. I think they have be moving it to the med for my sailing time frame. Thanks for the suggestion though.:o

[Cuizer2]

Ok let me start with this. I am a 40 year old mother of 5. My husband is 39. We will be celebrating 20th anniversary this June.

He doesn't care what we do or where we do did. His exact words, "I just want to relax, you tell me where and when and I will be there". So he is no help with making my choices any easier.:rolleyes:

The chlidren, 4 girls, 21,19,16 & 13. My older girls want to relax in the sun, maybe dance & sing, eat great food, see beautiful sights and just relax and enjoy being on vacation.

My 16 & 13 are sports kids. Basketball is their favorite. They love swimming, playing games, meeting new people, and doing anything that has them moving.

Then there is my son who is 18. He is looking for all the above. He loves his sports and being active but can chill & relax with the best of them. He is also a big food fan! Growing boy after all.

Me: I have been on 1 cruise the carnival inspiration back 2003. I loved crusing however I was very sick many of the days at sea. I later found out that I have veritgo so I plan to be prepared ahead of time next time around. I am looking for a larger ship due partly because I was told you feel less motion the larger the ship. I have also been told lower cabin locations will be better for me as well. I am looking to cruise sometime early to mid January as that is when the kids will be home for their winter breaks from college. I am only looking at Eastern Caribbean.

I was set to book on the Carnival Dream but the reviews I have read have made me reconsider. The newer bigger ships on RC are way move then I want to spend. I would however consider there older, but yet still larger ships. Those seems to be the most affordable cruise lines.

I am just wondering for you more experienced cruiser out there if there is any ship you think would best fit all our needs?

We don't want to be fighting for pool chairs and spending valuable time waiting on longer then the normal lines. Been to Disney 3 times so if we want to stand on lines we would just go back to Disney!;)

I really would like to get something set in stone so we can start preparing and planning. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated and if anyone needs more info please feel free to ask away.

Thanks All.

 

Well, if your goal is to relax, cruising is a very good choice. Your kids are going to be in three groups. Adults, older teens and younger teens. That said, the older teens and younger teens do mix quite often.

 

Relaxing in the sun and dancing in January. You want to stay away from the Oasis and Allure because of price, yet you want a bigger ship because of a smoother ride. Also interested in swimming and basketball.

 

I'm going to recommend either the Royal Caribbean Freedom class (Freedom, Liberty and Independence) or Princess. Why? With Princess the adults can relax in the sanctuary or hang out by the adult only pool. Princess also still is alive (dancing) after 10pm (this is not true of HAL or Celebrity).

 

With the Freedom class ships, whatever kids there are on board will be in the H2O Zone and thus will not bother you in the main pools or the solarium (which is supposed to be adults only). Also Royal Caribbean attracts a younger more active group of passengers than Princess does. Freedom class ships also have a full sized basketball court, a Flowrider (surfing simulator) and an ice rink. It even has a boxing ring in case your kids are having trouble working out their differences.

 

Princess has been food then Royal Caribbean unless you want to pay extra and eat in the optional extra cost restaurants.

 

You are looking for a big ship (the ship's I am recommending are 50% to 100% bigger than the Carnival Inspiration. However, here is where you run into a conflict. Bigger ships have more passengers. More passengers equals bigger lines.

 

If you want to avoid lines, then you need the smaller ships that HAL and Celebrity have. Both have good food, some night life but the ships are going to be smaller. Also the passengers tend to be older and less active.

[emtfirefighter86]

Ok let me start with this. I am a 40 year old mother of 5. My husband is 39. We will be celebrating 20th anniversary this June.

He doesn't care what we do or where we do did. His exact words, "I just want to relax, you tell me where and when and I will be there". So he is no help with making my choices any easier.:rolleyes:

The chlidren, 4 girls, 21,19,16 & 13. My older girls want to relax in the sun, maybe dance & sing, eat great food, see beautiful sights and just relax and enjoy being on vacation.

My 16 & 13 are sports kids. Basketball is their favorite. They love swimming, playing games, meeting new people, and doing anything that has them moving.

Then there is my son who is 18. He is looking for all the above. He loves his sports and being active but can chill & relax with the best of them. He is also a big food fan! Growing boy after all.

Me: I have been on 1 cruise the carnival inspiration back 2003. I loved crusing however I was very sick many of the days at sea. I later found out that I have veritgo so I plan to be prepared ahead of time next time around. I am looking for a larger ship due partly because I was told you feel less motion the larger the ship. I have also been told lower cabin locations will be better for me as well. I am looking to cruise sometime early to mid January as that is when the kids will be home for their winter breaks from college. I am only looking at Eastern Caribbean.

I was set to book on the Carnival Dream but the reviews I have read have made me reconsider. The newer bigger ships on RC are way move then I want to spend. I would however consider there older, but yet still larger ships. Those seems to be the most affordable cruise lines.

I am just wondering for you more experienced cruiser out there if there is any ship you think would best fit all our needs?

We don't want to be fighting for pool chairs and spending valuable time waiting on longer then the normal lines. Been to Disney 3 times so if we want to stand on lines we would just go back to Disney!;)

I really would like to get something set in stone so we can start preparing and planning. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated and if anyone needs more info please feel free to ask away.

Thanks All.

 

I would highly recommend the Freedom Class ships by royal caribbean if you have motion sickness and for activities with your kids ages... I am a 24 year old male and have been cruising for awhile but in all honesty I never found Carnival as entertaining as they lead you to believe throughout 6 cruises starting at about age 12 with carnival and going about every year or 2 they dont offer as much for teenagers and kids that they make you believe in their ads or their commercials. Last November I took a cruise on The Liberty of the Seas by royal caribbean and I am one who expierences horrible motion sickness on the ship and after cruising. we ended up hitting very bad weather on our last 2 days with waves exceeding 20ft. high water was splashing up over the front of the ship at times but I never got sick or really felt the motion of the ocean and even after getting off the ship for the first time in all my cruises I had no problem and I have now booked the liberty again for January because it is a short cruise but it has 3 sea days and a stop at cozumel but gets back for the start of another semester of college which starts on the 9th of January the ship sails out on the 3rd. the cruise I took in November was this same itenerary and it was the best cruise I have ever been on you get to meet the same people and make friendships with more sea days and the ports are just another way to spend more money when I found it more fun to be on the ship sailing. I found that the liberty also offered more in entertainment and things to do than the carnivals for all ages young to adult. on carnival between the ages of 12 and about 14 or 15 there really isnt much to do for kids and kids tend to just run around the ships and find miscief from all my experinces. If your looking for a fun trip for the kids and family and want to keep the sickness to a minimal I would choose the Freedom Class like the liberty of the seas and a shorter cruise with more sea days and in cozumel I reccomend the beaches inclusive packages like Mr. Sanchos or Nachi Cocum very fun times. Hope some of this can help you but this is just the expirences of someone who has been a teen and been there on cruises and not had as much fun as was expected and now I have found my Line of choice in Royal Caribbean and the florider is the most awesome thing for kids to do at sea. Sorry I am the worst college student and have run ons, misspellings, and cant properly punctuate.

 

Kyle

[mookey9272]

Hi:

 

For what it is worth, RC Explorer Of The Seas out of Bayonne, New Jersey could be a good fit. The ship is beautiful and well kept. Has something for everyone and the ship is not too big but not to small either, has stabilizers so you don't feel the rocking, it sails to Eastern Caribbean in January and February. Service and food are great.

 

We sailed in Jan 2009 and we will be sailing again from New Jersey in 2012 On Celebrity Silhoutte

 

Happy Sailing .:):)

[dohertm1]

Our family loves Freedom of the Seas, a huge, beautiful ship with activities galore, excellent dining, shows and clubs and something for everyone of every age in your family. Check out the link for a complete description. You can't go wrong with Freedom!

 

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/findacruise/ships/class/ship/home.do?br=R&shipClassCode=FR&shipCode=FR

 

Freedom sails from Port Canaveral, just an hour from Orlando, and offers excellent 7-day Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. Check out cruisecritic for the reviews, which are overwhelmingly positive.

[mitsugirly]

My vote is for Epic. There is so much to do on there it is unbelievable. There is something for everyone and if you can't find something...there is something wrong with you. It's a huge boat and we didn't feel much of anything on our cruise except maybe a few vibrations when we were pulling into port twice. I personally think the price is great for the value and compared to other ships.

 

What ever you decide, have a great cruise. :)

[rolloman]

We have not made any decisions as of yet but after reading, way too many,lol) reviews I think I might be better off to just try to book a shorter cruise with less to no sea days to try to avoid the whole worry of sea sickness. There are a few ships that have a really nice itiniary and there are no sea days at all. They all go to the Bahama's as well as a few that do the Keys.

Right now I am in deep research mode and the Norwegian Sky seems to be coming up as a good contender.

I will surely let you all know when we make that final choice and why.

Again thanks everybody for sharing your experience and knowledge with me. It's so needed and appreciated.:)

 

The Sky is a nice little ship, but if you are concerned about sea sickness, the best choices for a short cruise during those dates will be the Celebrity Millennium or the RCCL Liberty of the Seas. From everything you have said these two ships would be a perfect fit. These two ships do not normally do shorter cruises so it is a great opportunity to check them out at reduced prices. All the other booze cruise short 3 and 4 dayers are small ships. January is the winter down here and even though it is warm the water can be choppy during this time frame. IMHO take a bonine and choose the Millie or Liberty and if you want the seven days choose the EPIC. All Big ships , therefore little or no movement.

[mnmfischel]

It's funny you said that about Carnival because we said the same thing but the prices are so much lower then others but I guess you get what you pay for and you are correct,I don't have to spend what I don't want too. Please tell me more about the Epic. Ice Bar looks really cool. Included or cover charge?

I just called and because hubby is union we got it a little cheaper, down to $4,049.00!:)

If everyone of the kids are good for these dates I think I may have a winner, thank you so much. Would have never even looked at NCC.

 

 

I've been on princess, Carnival, NCL and Cunard. NCL, for the value, is a favorite. A little somthing for everyone.

[gemcrusier]

WOW! you had some year, God Bless ya!

I am looking into the Epic as we speak and it sounds pretty nice from what everyone discribed so far but I have heard not so great things about NCC. Mostly that they nickle and dime you for everything. True in your experience? The trip is going to cost us enough with out having customer service people in our face trying to get us to buy stuff.

 

 

Just got a quote of $4159.22 for 2 family inside cabins for 7 of us on the Epic sailinig January 7 2012.

Which comes out to $594.17 per person which averages around $84 per day per person. I am thinking this is a fab deals???RIGHT?

 

If thats the price for everyone I think it is a good deal , as far as nickel and dime stuff... You said you had been on a cruise before so you know there are additional charges once you are on the ship..Tips...Bar tabs...soda tabs...specialty dining charges...bingo stuff like that and it is on every ship so you will need to plan for those charges to so you don't feel that way .