Having second thoughts

[peekskillny]

Me and my family will be sailing on Grandeur of the Sea out of Baltimore in August. Not only is this our first cruise but our first big, big vacation. We have been to Disney, Virgina, Lake George etc. But nothing as big and expensive as a cruise. My problem is that I am starting to have second thoughts. After spending so much money what if we don't have a good time, what if a huricane hits, what if we are sea sick all the time, what if the kids (2, 8 & 15) are bored. Help I don't know what to do in the Grand Bahamas. We plan on just enjoying the water on Coco cay. I bought the kids masks for the water. In Mexico we are doing a dune buggy beach day and in Florida we are going on air boats in the everglades. Help any advice. Is the Grandeur of the sea a nice boat?

 

Chris

Peekskill, NY

[mspink98]

Never been on Grandeur, but to address your other concerns, try to just think of it this way: ***** could happen anywhere you go. It could be hotter than hell in Virginia, making it unpleasant to be outside enjoying yourself. By contrast, it could rain. You could get food poisoning just about anywhere. In my experience with kids, they can sometimes get "bored" in the most non-boring of places. My point is, you don't ever know ahead of time how a vacation is going to turn out. You may take this trip and find out that cruising is not your cup of tea, or you could discover that this is the best possible way for you and your family to vacation. Either way, you'll never know unless you go. Hope you have a great cruise!

 

[LBB]

It's true that almost anything could happen anyplace....but as a teenager, going on a cruise was my absolute favorite vacation. I haven't been on the Grandeur, but on other RCCL cruises, there was always something to do and I had a fantastic time. There will probably be a lot of other kids for your children to play with as well as the programs by RCCL. It looks like you've already planned a lot of activities at the ports. There's always something to do on the ships. You might have a day with bad weather, but this shouldn't ruin your entire trip. This can happen anywhere, including Disney World or any Caribbean island. Keep a positive attitude and you'll have a great time!

[J&SLowery]

what if we don't have a good time, what if a huricane hits, what if we are sea sick all the time, what if the kids (2, 8 & 15) are bored.

 

Just my opinion....if you live your life like this, (What if.....?) then you not living at all.

 

 

You'll never know if you enjoy cruising if you don't try it. I'd be willing to bet you'll be back here in late August thanking everyone for telling you to go for it, because it is a vacation you will never forget.

 

 

Jay

[macbasset]

We have been on seven cruises with our kids, now teens and young adults and all were on disney cruise lines and we all loved it. We are now looking forward to our july cruise on the mariner. There is so much to do or not do and you just have a great time---- most of your worries just melt away like what if there's a hurricane or you get seasick, etc. You just need to go with a positive attitude-- there's something for everyone of all ages-- you can do it all, or just do nothing by taking it easy and relaxing.

[Earthling]

I have also never neen on the Grandeur but I have been a first time cruiser just like you. Forget all your fears. Pack them up and leave them behind. If you are worried about a hurricane check into travel insurance. Don't worry about the kids being bored. There is enough for them to do everywhere onboard and in ports. Just in case though bring along a portable DVD player and some DVD's. Also bring along some fun books and games for the kids. Even if it is just a deck of cards it will help to fix any down time on possible rainy days. Check out the shore excursions through the ship for the Grand Bahamas. You can also Google Grand Bahama tours and see what else there is to do. For the older kids set up a scavenger hunt in each port by doing some research ahead of time. Have them look for things like coins from the country, a national flag, a particular color boat and so on. Be creative so they wont be bored. It sounds like you have plenty of time to prepare. Make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen for the family and bring Dramine just in case.

 

You will have a great time if you bring your good senses and leave your worries behind.

[1corona4u]

Yes well,

 

 

 

What IF;

 

 

 

You go and have a blast.....

 

You meet new friends.....

 

You see places that you would most likely never get a chance to see, if not for a cruise....

 

You eat until your heart's content......

 

You don't have to do laundry for a week.....

 

You can get up when you want....

 

You can go to bed when you want.....

 

You might win some money in the casino....

 

You have the time of your life......

 

Focus on the good, not what bad could happen.....

 

:) Don't worry, be happy. I don't know if the Grandeur is a nice ship or not, but I know it has some new paint on it...;)

[warrior planner]

I have two girls 10 and 17. They have had the benefit of traveling to many places around the world, but if you ask them where they want to go, it is on a cruise. (It even beats out Japan and Vegas) Go for it and don't regret it!

[jpatryak]

There is an AWESOME family beach place in Freeport. The best snorkeling on the island. Family-owned and operated. Not fancy, but decent. The family is GREAT; it's not very far from the pier: Paradise Cove. Taxi shouldn't be more than $10 tops. They have a web site if you wanted to look into it.

 

If you just wanted to poke around, go to the Lucayan Marketplace. There's a big marina there; interesting (even for kids). There's also a dive shop, where you can take a boat to do Dolphin Encounter/Swim with Dolphins. (You probably won't have enough time to do that.) The market-place itself is so-so, but big courtyard and lots of places to grab a bite to eat.

 

If you wanted to stay right at the pier, there's a restaurant there where they feed sharks periodically. You can watch it while eating lunch. Food is okay (not great), but it's a cool place.

 

Freeport is not as fancy as Paradise Island, but you can have a lot of family fun there.

[zuscruiserz]

This cruise in May will be our DD's 2nd - they are 15 and 11 now. They loved the first one, and cannot wait until we leave in 11 days!! DD #2 specifically requested the time of our cruise, she will turn 12 on our first full day at sea, and she is thrilled to celebrate it this way.

 

BTW, Adventure Ocean is great for kids under 12 - they keep them occupied, interested, and if you're not careful you'll not see them for the entire cruise :D (they'll like it this much!!!). For teens it is less organized, but if they like hanging out with the gang, they'll love it. My 13 year-old DD (at the time) was in the teen area about 30% of the time, the rest was spend near DH and I which was fine with us.

 

Believe me, they'll have the best time, and you will ALWAYS find something for everyone on land. Can't go wrong with a vacation like this!!!

[stargate fan]

As far as expensive goes, think about it this way...you aren't paying for meals. So figure a Disney vacation and add the cost of food. Now, is a cruise really more expensive?

 

Have any of you been on boats? Do you get seasick on those? How are you on airplanes? If you are good on those you'll be fine on a cruise.

 

What if there is a hurricane? We have friends who experineced just that. The ship steered clear of it and they ended up with two extra days on ship for no extra cost. Man, what could be better than two extra days on a cruise ship???

 

Our sons are going on their third cruise next February. They do not partake in the teen program but they are never bored. Imagine what fun they'd have if they DID join the teen group. And look at all the other CC members that take their kids. Do you think they would continue if the kids were bored?

 

Remember this...a bad day on a cruise ship is way better than a good day at home.

 

Relax, don't over-analyze, and have a blast.

 

ak

 

 

Me and my family will be sailing on Grandeur of the Sea out of Baltimore in August. Not only is this our first cruise but our first big, big vacation. We have been to Disney, Virgina, Lake George etc. But nothing as big and expensive as a cruise. My problem is that I am starting to have second thoughts. After spending so much money what if we don't have a good time, what if a huricane hits, what if we are sea sick all the time, what if the kids (2, 8 & 15) are bored. Help I don't know what to do in the Grand Bahamas. We plan on just enjoying the water on Coco cay. I bought the kids masks for the water. In Mexico we are doing a dune buggy beach day and in Florida we are going on air boats in the everglades. Help any advice. Is the Grandeur of the sea a nice boat?

 

Chris

Peekskill, NY

[PAGA]

Grandeur was my first cruise ever back in 1998 -- and I've been hooked ever since!! This May we'll be on cruise #10...and #'s 11 and 12 are already booked (and #13 will be too, as soon as RCCL releases those May '06 dates!!).

 

Our kids (6 and 15) are also hooked -- this May will be their 4th cruise. As a previous poster mentioned, my kids will pick a cruise over any other vacation -- including Disney.

 

We've also sailed out of Baltimore on Celebrity's Galaxy -- not the prettiest port, but definitely convenient and easily accessible.

 

You will love cruising and your kids will have a great time. (And motion sickness can easily be preventied by taking a Bonine at night for the adults...and your kids are unlikely to have any symptoms -- if they do, ginger ale and red apples will help. I think there is also a dramamine product safe for age 6 & up -- but I don't think it's the non-drowsy version, so I wouldn't receommend it preventatively, but it might be good to have on hand if you're worried.)

 

Have a great time -- NO WORRIES!!

[terri23]

Stop second-guessing your vacay decision! If you keep doubting yourself, you won't have fun looking forward to the cruise ("delicious anticipation") and you probably won't have fun on the cruise either. Be excited about your choice, plan some fun excursions and activities (but don't try to schedule something for every minute). Buy bonine, insurance and whatever else you need, check the boards (the area on ports of call) for recommendations on excursions, join your meet&mingle and make some friends on your roll call thread (I'll bet others are going that have kids the same age as yours) and HAVE FUN. And PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE stop at Vaccarro's in Baltimore's little Italy for the most delicious Italian pastries (OMG the cannolis!) - before and after you cruise!

[Superzuber]

We were on the Grandeur last year in August (8/15/05), between the Hurricanes and had a great time. Our 12 year old loved it :) and and we are all going again on 8/5/05. Is this your cruise date?

 

Also in the weeks when the hurricanes did hit, they just steered arround it. They missed some ports and had more time at sea, that wouldn't be a problem for me.:D

 

The great thing about being on a moving ship is the ability to avoid problems.

[Happy ks]

Are you staying up at night worrying about all this? If so, you are just like me. For our first cruise, I was so excited the what ifs didn't get me so much as the planning for clothes etc... Just a note to let you know we packed way too much.

 

Your kids will not be bored at all. Take along seasick preventions and then forget about it unless necessary. You may be a bit surprised at how economical a cruise can be. It depends on your personal spending habits and what excursions you plan. The weather is the weather and there is nothing that can be done about it, just make sure you have travel insurance in case of anything (like cancellation) happens. Ships sail around the bad weather.

 

Take most of your worries away by planning to travel to your port destination the day before disembarkation. This was one piece of advise we did not have on our first cruise. Travel day is fraught with stress, getting up early, making sure everything is in order, hurry up and wait, sit on a plane (or car) for hours. If you do all that the day before your cruise, you will be refreshed and excited, ready for the start of your cruise experience. We were battling fatigue from a red-eye flight (arranged by the cruise line) and it ruined the first couple of days, we were all cranky.

 

Don't overplan, you do not have to make major plans for every port stop. Choose one activity for each port, perhaps leaving a bit of time to just take a walk and shop a bit. A day at the beach can be enjoyed more than an organized excursion for us.

 

Just relax and enjoy the planning and countdown, you will more than likely be hooked and come off the cruise planning your next one! (they even let you book onboard and get cabin credit!)

[vacationhappy]

Hi -

 

We gave our kids (ages 10 and 12) a choice to go either to Disney (on a family group trip with all their friends and stay on property) or to take a 10-day cruise with just our family through Panama canal. They both chose the cruise without any hesitation. That sys something.

[SharleneinTexas]

I think my DH was worried about the same things when I booked our cruise on the Grandeur - first for him and our DD - but after one cruise they caught the 'cruise bug'.......:)

the only thing you will be asking after the cruise is why you never thought of doing it before..........

oh........

and when you can book the next one.........:)

[Dreamfinders]

My husband and I refused to cruise until 2 years ago. I had all kinds of excuses, I would get bored, fall overboard, put on too much weight, kids would hate it, etc. Well, we went on our first cruise 2 years ago and are now hooked. You will never know if you don't try it. As for the expense, my opinion is that is does seem like a lot of money, but believe me you get a lot for your money, food, entertainment, etc. etc. Go with an opened mind, you don't have to take another cruise if you really end up hating it, but I'm betting you will love it!!

 

Have Fun!!!

[mrg0433]

Last year on a Saturday in February we were booked at a Marriott Golf Resort in Palm DESERT. Well, the day we checked in the forecast was for rain every day. I asked hubby how he would feel if I booked a last minute cruise. On Monday, we set sail out of LA. Our Captain was able to go far enough west to avoid all the rain. We had an absolutely wonderful vacation. Remember that no matter what the whether, there are tons of fun things to do every minute--casino, shows, restaurants, bingo, contests, shopping, etc. You will never have a dull minute on a ship. Alot of ships even have cinemas on board. Can't wait to see what you think after your cruise. Next year try a trip to Plymouth Rock in August and you can try a whale watch for fun.

 

Mary

Plymouth, MA

[MiniMom57]

My son, daughter, stepson, niece, and nephew (cruising ages ranged from 7 years old to 18 years old) have never been bored on our cruises. They make new friends, love the freedom to explore the ship on their own, and even enjoy the family time! Bonine or less-drowsy Dramamine are always packed, as are some dry snack foods (crackers, dry cereal), and mints for the once-in-a-whole motion sickness.....mostly for ME, not the kids! If the kids start feeling a little uneasy, let them swim....it cancels out the feeling the motion of the ship! Do NOT have them lay down in the cabin unless they are incapacitated by sickness. Even then, fresh air and the horizon are the best cures.

 

As for excursions, it sounds like you have some exciting things planned already. Our kids prefer beach days to touring days.

 

There is so much to do, so much to see, and so many new experiences on your first cruise......enjoy!!!!

[cindybythebeach]

Grandeur is a beautiful ship with a wonderful crew. I was on Grandeur last June with friends and had such a great time I sailed the exact same itinerary in September with my mother. I went to Paradise Beach in Grand Bahamas which is great for snokeling, saw quite a lot of fish. I always sail during hurricane season for the cheaper rates and it hasn't ruined a vacation yet. In addition to all the other activities for kids, Grandeur has a card room that not only has cards, but also board games that your family could play on the off chance somebody gets bored. If you have any other Grandeur specific questions, just ask.

 

Cindy

[Folgy]

LOve the Grandeur. We had a great time sailing with her.

 

Hint: Never say>> *what if?* ..LOL ;)

[Jacquelyn11]

I did with my kids on our Disney Cruise. But your kids will be able to "hang around" with kids their OWN age, not with their brother or sister all the time. They get to do FUN stuff (and it dosen't cost extra $$$ to entertain them!) As long as they like to get involved and not just "sit around" they will have a blast!

 

I'm not sure when in August you are crusing, but September and October are the more "hurricaine" prone months. Plus they steer around at much bad weather as they can.

 

Take a chewable Bonine (meclizine 25mg) at night prior to your cruise and every night on the cruise. The 8yo can take 1/2 tab if they are 50-60 lbs. Believe it or not, small kids, like the 2yo, are NOT prone to sea sickness. I think it's because their center of gravity is so close to the ground they don't feel the motion like adults do! :)

 

After our first DCL cruise my then 5yo asked me, "Mommy, can we go on another cruise next week?" We family cruise about every other year, and my son's can't wait to go on our 1st RCCL cruise in 14 days!

 

Relax a bit, enjoy your countdown to a wonderful family vacation!

 

Jacquelyn :D

[beachchick]

In general, kids would have to try really hard to be bored on most cruises, IMO of course.

 

You've made a good choice--although you are in danger of "hooking" the whole family on cruises, you know. lol.

 

As for seasickness, buy some meclazine (generic for Bonine and Less Drowsy Dramamine). Start with 1/2 or 1 the night (in case of a little drowsiness) before the cruise if you are truly concerned. (1/2 is more than enough for DH and me--I take it "just in case" and have never had a problem.) Otherwise, wait until it's an "issue," and then have them handy. It will just take longer for relief. For the kids, the 15 year old could have the adult dose. The 8 year old, I'm not sure--1/4 dose maybe? The package should say. For the 2 year old, ginger ale. In fact, ginger capsules or ginger candies are a terrific homeopathic relief for sea sickness--and no side effects. (BTW: You can drink alcohol on meclazine; just in case you need to know.)

 

Have a great family cruise!

 

beachchick

[notuzin]

first of all, many people have posted good replies addressing your concerns. you will all fall in love with cruising.

secondly, Peekskill!! I used to live in NY and for a while I worked at Indian Point as a steamfitter. Let's see, Johnny Rits bar; Feronis deli; the diner on rt. 9 (was it the by-pass diner?) and a seafood restaurant on main st. I think,perhaps there were two restaurants with almost the same name. When I saw Peekskillny it brought back memories.

Go on the ship and have a blast!!