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[frostburgern]

I would look at Southwest Airlines if I were you. The wife and I flew down to FLL both us us round trip was 400 dollars. Then we even researched and found that to take a taxi from FLL to port of Miami was 88$ and to take a limo was $100 so we decided to take a limo. For the limo all you have to do is look online for limos from FLL to Miami. The limos are Cadillac Escalades so I figure you whole family can fit. I hope this helps.

[hawaiissunshine1]

Would everybody just give the OP a break? She is not asking for our opinion on putting her family of 5 in one cabin. It may work for her family, it may not for yours. She has restated her original question, and at this point is well aware that she could have worded it better. She is looking for constructive advice on how to make it work in a cost effective manner.

[jazzlover04]

Would everybody just give the OP a break? She is not asking for our opinion on putting her family of 5 in one cabin. It may work for her family, it may not for yours. She has restated her original question, and at this point is well aware that she could have worded it better. She is looking for constructive advice on how to make it work in a cost effective manner.

 

 

Agreed, She never asked anyone to give their opinion whether they liked her arrangements. If you felt she was asking for money or that she made conflicting statements. That's ok. YOU did not have to respond. Skip it, move on. Unless it's your job to be the forum police. In that case, carry on.

[AK Wife]

Would everybody just give the OP a break? She is not asking for our opinion on putting her family of 5 in one cabin. It may work for her family, it may not for yours. She has restated her original question, and at this point is well aware that she could have worded it better. She is looking for constructive advice on how to make it work in a cost effective manner.

 

I think it's hard for experienced travelers to comprehend how someone can book a cruise without figuring out the "other stuff" first. Someone else commented on the other costs (besides the cabin & fees). Sodas & alcohol add up, and the $11/day per passenger gratuity is another $200 or so. My advice: don't buy any photos or souvenirs, make everyone drink the beverages available (water, lemonade, tea, juice) & no soda, have room steward empty fridge, don't order room service, stay away from the casino, don't play Bingo or buy raffle tickets, prepay gratuities, determine your budget for alcohol and stick to it, & put aside small bills to tip baggage people. For that matter, I would not plan on getting off the ship when it pulls into port.

Prior to your cruise: I agree with the fact that your cheapest route may be to drive. If you're about saving money, that's the cheapest. IF you don't want to drive straight thru, you can arrive the night before & book a hotel that offers parking during your cruise & a shuttle to the port. I use Orbitz or Expedia for hotels and airfare.

I personally don't understand how Carnival would even put 2 adults & 3 teens in an inside cabin to begin with. But what the OP doesn't get, but is implied in her comments about the teens not spending time in the cabin, is that Carnival doesn't allow passengers, especially teens, to sleep on the deck. Activities DO NOT run all night. They will be sleeping in the cabin & that will be a tight fit. Usually the bathrooms are smaller too. Brings a whole new meaning to "close knit family" :rolleyes:

[ibcnusoon]

:confused::confused::confused::confused:HELP:confused::confused::confused:

 

Heres the short version of my long story.....

 

I have wanted to go on a cruise for 10+ years and have studied and studied and studied, I was with my husband for 15 years I booked and paid for a cruise and 2 months before we were set to sale he left me, so I cancelled the cruise and got my money back

 

ive always wanted to take my "kids" and now they are turning 16 and 17 so NOWS THE TIME

 

I studied Royal Caribbean and now I find myself booking with carnival

 

We are going out of Miami FL 5 of us for $1600.000

 

but we don't have the money for airfair, trains, hotels etc please help with that and as much CARNIVAL/CRUISE tips as you can

 

IT WOULD BE APPRECIATED!!

 

CherBear, here's an option out of Charleston, SC - "only" an 8 hour drive and it's a 5 day cruise. If you're not inclined to driving overnight, figure leaving home at 2am or you could find an inexpensive chain hotel about 3/4 of the way there and stay overnight, also find one with FREE Breakfast. I stayed at a great Americas Best Inn in Fort Myers recently and it only cost $51.00 total, 2 beds and free breakfast in the morning.

 

MAR 11, 2015 Wed - Mon

 

there's another:

MAR 16, 2015 Mon - Sat

 

Day 1 Charleston, SC 4:00 PM

Day 2 ... Fun Day At Sea

Day 3 Little Stirrup Cay, Bahamas 8:00 AM 4:00 PM

Day 4 Nassau, the Bahamas 8:00 AM 5:00 PM

Day 5 ... Fun Day At Sea

Day 6 Charleston, SC 8:00 AM

 

http://www.carnival.com/itinerary/5-day-bahamas-cruise/charleston/fantasy/5-days

 

4 people in an inside is $1684.40

 

4 people in a mid-ship oceanview is $1824.40

 

these are early saver fares.

 

There is a 7 day later that month to Grand Turk, Half Moon Cay, and Nassau.

MAR 21, 2015 Sat - Sat

Fares for insides start at $464 for 4 person

Edited May 28, 2014 by ibcnusoon

[nursepixie]

I would look at Southwest Airlines if I were you. The wife and I flew down to FLL both us us round trip was 400 dollars. Then we even researched and found that to take a taxi from FLL to port of Miami was 88$ and to take a limo was $100 so we decided to take a limo. For the limo all you have to do is look online for limos from FLL to Miami. The limos are Cadillac Escalades so I figure you whole family can fit. I hope this helps.

 

 

MJS shuttle is $11/pp for 5 or more from FLL and FL hotels to Miami. That would be an affordable option for transportation.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[frostburgern]

MJS shuttle is $11/pp for 5 or more from FLL and FL hotels to Miami. That would be an affordable option for transportation.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

Good to know did not know that thanks

Edited May 29, 2014 by frostburgern

[sjn911]

I vote for a closer cruise to OP..and watch sales..you have time to snag a great deal..who knows..even 2 cabins if flexible enough....it will be tight but doable...whatever you do..listen to who make sense to you here and then call them if they do not call you tomorrow to brain storm ideas...and do not book with someone unwilling to do price changes if you choose early saver booking...read the pros and cons of flexibility with that kind of booking, you have a great amount of time to get this together and BON VOYAGE...Sarah PS verify details while booking..maybe ask close experts before a final booking and treat some next calls as still info gathering and look into trip insurance..because you have enough people to not get a big medical flight issue to cramp your style..see what you are covered for with your own medical to get back on a life flight and make that money..probably about 50 each part of the planned expenses...it is another thing to study..but think worth it..Sarah

Edited May 29, 2014 by sjn911

[frostburgern]

I vote for a closer cruise to OP..and watch sales..you have time to snag a great deal..who knows..even 2 cabins if flexible enough....it will be tight but doable...whatever you do..listen to who make sense to you here and then call them if they do not call you tomorrow to brain storm ideas...and do not book with someone unwilling to do price changes if you choose early saver booking...read the pros and cons of flexibility with that kind of booking, you have a great amount of time to get this together and BON VOYAGE...Sarah PS verify details while booking..maybe ask close experts before a final booking and treat some next calls as still info gathering and look into trip insurance..because you have enough people to not get a big medical flight issue to cramp your style..see what you are covered for with your own medical to get back on a life flight and make that money..probably about 50 each part of the planned expenses...it is another thing to study..but think worth it..Sarah

 

I will agree with trying to get something close to home like taking the Pride out of Baltimore. If you are paying $1600 for the cruise out of Florida the Pride has rates as low as 2361 for two rooms and for five people. And with the price difference being $761 dollars I would figure that you will be paying that in food and gas on the way to and from Miami not to mention the 18 hour drive you will have to endure. I think leaving out of Baltimore will actually save you money and the pride is a lot of fun but that's just my honest opinion.

Edited May 29, 2014 by frostburgern

[RuthlessBoss]

Hoping the OP will come back with some answers, or at least comments.:)

[CHERBEAR16]

Thank you ibcnisoon!!!

[Perfect Stranger]

Anything new to report, Cherbear?

[CHERBEAR16]

Im so sorry I have little/no internet access and have been given ALOT of information to take in. The lady from carnival never called last night :/

[RuthlessBoss]

Nobody was trying to be mean to you, and we thought you were biting off more than you can chew for such a short cruise. The money, time and effort were perhaps more than you anticipated and we tried to fill you in on that.:)

[Boozebabe]

Heres my 2 cents worth.

 

First of all I think the airfares will get a lot cheaper as you get closer to travel day. I never look at prices this far out. I ALWAYS fly into FLL. It's only half an hour from Port of Miami by car. We fly into FLL, get a room, rent a car, and its still cheaper than flying into MIA.

 

Secondly I would most definitely try to do a longer cruise for the first time. Theres just so many things to do that you will feel cheated on a short cruise. Others have suggested something departing closer to home. I agree, if transportation costs are an issue.

 

Thirdly consider two cabins. Theres just no room for 5 people in whats basically a large walk in closet. Its about 1/3 the size of a basic hotel room.

 

If your kids are old enough to earn some money have them save up for the extras they might want on the trip.

 

And lastly, you mentioned your boyfriend. Is he kickin' in some $$$ for this trip? He should pay his own and his childs way. Not wishing any bad luck but relationships change and if for some reason he didn't end up going, you will be out that money. Think about that. Just read the topics here to find out just how often it happens.

 

Anyway, good luck and I hope you get the trip you've dreamed of.

[CHERBEAR16]

I feel the "cruise of my dreams" will be my second cruise (just me and the bf) our compromise was to take a short fast one just so the kids can experience the ship etc, next time will be a longer one with just the two of us the "right way"

[MuffyKismet]

I feel the "cruise of my dreams" will be my second cruise (just me and the bf) our compromise was to take a short fast one just so the kids can experience the ship etc, next time will be a longer one with just the two of us the "right way"

 

I have to agree with some of the other posters that to spend ALL that money for flights for just s 3 day cruise is just not worth it!! We LIVE in SW Florida and although we do take some short cruises now and then , every time we do, as soon as we get off the ship we always say , next time we book a longer cruise, 3 nights'4 days is just too short. And having 5 people in one room , especially with teenagers to me is just not sensible at all even if you are out of the room a lot , the rooms are simply NOT big enough for 5 people , now if you were to stay in a suite well then maybe .

 

I think some others mentioned cruising out of a port near where you live, now that is a GREAT idea !!!

 

Since you are not sailing until 2015 then definitely speak with a PVP (personal vacation planner) from Carnival to look at other options, and try very hard to do a bit longer cruise and 2 separate rooms. I think you and your kids would have a much better experience all around! I am all about saving money I am a very smart shopper (we have 8 kids together) and I have had to be smart when booking vacations and just day to day living (they are all grown up and out of the house now) but we took then on many cruises and we always got great deals!!!

 

Hope you have a GREAT cruise no matter what you decide to do, but honestly I would really try to pick a longer cruise and ini 2 room if you can!

[apey9995]

As one poster already suggested, if it were me I would consider a 5-day sailing out of Charleston. That's a reasonable driving distance from Maryland, so you would save a huge amount on airfare... also I would definitely recommend getting two interior rooms. It may seem like the room is just for sleeping, but you'll be in it more than you think and stepping on each other- especially trying to change and share the (small!) bathroom and get ready, etc. I did a mock booking and its only about $300 more to get a 2nd room vs. all in one room. (Way less than airfare to FL would be!). Also I think you would get a much better experience out of a 5-day cruise. Best of luck.

[meatloafsfan]

Here's what I would do:

 

1. Make getting to the cruise part of the adventure (and yes, with 3 teens, 1 cabin, you are embarking on an adventure).

2. Drive down and back - give yourself 2 days each way.

3. Map out your route and then look at the "Diners, Drive Ins and Dives" website to pick your dinner spot.

4. Pack a picnic lunch for the first day and plenty of snacks and drinks for the second day of driving - want a real adventure? Have the teens do this. Give them a budget and have them go to the store to pick out drinks and snacks for the trip.

4. Look for a hotel (which includes breakfast) using one of the discount sites.

5. Find a hotel where your ship leaves from that includes parking and a shuttle to port.

6. Bring on your 2 bottles of wine (1 each for you and your boyfriend) to cut down on your ship costs.

7. Bring on a 12 pack of soda or water or whatever non-alcoholic beverages the kids enjoy for each person. This way, no soda cards required. A 12 pack should be enough for a 3 day cruise for even the most die hard soda / bottled water drinker.

8. Let the teens stay out late. You and the boyfriend can have some canoodling time.

9. Find cheap or free beaches to visit. The teens will probably want to be in the water or tanning so don't try to over do it with dolphin encounters, historic sites, etc.

10. When you leave the ship for your excursions, have everyone take 1-2 of their soda/water with them. No need to buy a can of coke for $3 when you already have them.

11. Make your teens go to the teen club on the first night. No matter what. That's where they will meet other kids their ages and will have the most fun.

12. On the last night, don't make the kids come to bed early - let them stay out late. The idea is, if they are exhausted, it will make the drive home that much easier.

13. Take lots of pictures of your family - the more you take, the more likely you'll a have a few that you love. That way, no paying high prices to the ships photographers for something similar.

14. Relax and have fun. Short or long, Crowded or with lots of space, newer ship or older ship, it's a vacation. A vacation you've always wanted. It won't be perfect (nothing ever is) but it will make memories for your family. And I think that's really what you're looking to do.

 

And one more thing. Let the teens have the cabin to get ready in. For you and the boyfriend - use the showers in the spa - lots of space, and you won't have someone banging on the door asking, "Are you done yet?"

Edited May 30, 2014 by meatloafsfan

[Tutontow]

Some suggestions for you...

Have the kids get part time jobs so they'll have their own spending money.

 

Amen, Amen and Amen. I worked some sort of a job since I was 12 years old. The same goes for my wife. It never hurt us one bit and we are both thankful because it taught us to be responsible with our money. Fast forward 40 years and we are both retired, living comfortably and able to cruise any time we want.

 

Work is not a bad thing and there is nothing wrong with a teenage pitching in and paying some of their own bills.

 

I do hope the OP allows money for tips.

Edited May 30, 2014 by Tutontow

[Tutontow]

The bottom line is my dream since I was 18 was to go on a cruise I'm now 35 and it just seems like it's never going to happen. My boyfriend doesn't want to take the kids and so our compromise was to take the shortest cruise available which is how we found the Miami fri-Monday cruise.he really wants it to just be us and my kids are getting to the point of adult hood and I really wanted to make this happen for them. Thank you all who have been kind and helpful to us that have no idea what they are doing, and to you that are not I that I am not on a cruise with you!

 

CHERBEAR16 make every effort to make your dreams come true. Life is way too short to not make every effort to make your dreams become a reality. I spent 33 years as a first responder, I have seen first hand how peoples life can be changed in the blink of an eye.

 

I always say "Die with memories, not dreams".