OK this is happening...the missed costs and tips please

[MandaR]

 

   So yesterday I put the deposit down and booked my family on our first cruise.  We are traveling to the Bahamas for a 5 day trip on the Carnival Ecstasy in August.  Five of us going and my kids are 16, 10 and 8.

 

  This is so new and scary to me, I am an organized person and like to have everything sorted out quickly.  I'm sure I will be seen more and more as my cruise approaches to get answers. I haven't even really explored the forums much, is there a cruising with kids section?  

 

  To start I'm wondering what little (or big) extras I still need to put into the budget.  Especially with holidays coming maybe some items can be rolled in with that. Two things I've thought of are... 

 

  Lanyards?  Should we all have one? Recommendations to find affordable durable options?

  We have a stop at Princess Cays and I read the water is rocky, so I'm thinking the slip on water shoes.

 

   Things like this, any other little tidbits regular cruisers know and can share to help make our first trip one of many?

 

  Thank you in advance, I look forward to searching around on the site and learning as much as I can in the months to come.

[Essiesmom]

Yes, there is a Family Cruising section, located under Special Interest Cruising.    Lanyards are a personal choice.  If you kids are accustomed to wearing one, for school ID, etc., certainly bring one.  Personally, my Sail & Sign card is always in my pocket, never could deal with a lanyard.  You used to be able to get free coiled lanyards in casino, but not sure anymore.  If your kids drink a lot of soda, you might want to look into the Bottomless Bubbles package, but you would have to purchase it for each child that would want it, as it cannot be shared.  Sodas cost about $2.75 each (with included gratuity) So you would have to price out the value/how many do they drink a day.  Alternatively, you can bring aboard one 12 pack of soda in cans each.  Recommend that for questions specific to Carnival that you do some reading on the Carnival board, under Cruise lines A-O.  EM

[bury me at sea]

I suggest you go to Carnival's website and scroll through the FAQs.  There you will find a lot of useful information, and answers to questions you may not yet have even considered.

 

Then come back to these forums and read the Carnival board.  Specific questions will be discussed there.

 

Happy sailing.

[Underwatr]

5 hours ago, MandaR said:

I haven't even really explored the forums much, is there a cruising with kids section?  

Family cruising is here:

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/28-family-cruises/

 

Don't forget daily gratuity (think of it as a service charge more than an optional tip) as an additional cost of your cruise. For five passengers this will add on the order of $65-70/day to your cruise cost (As of 12/1/18 the cost on Carnival is $13.99 /person/day).

[lifes-a-beach]

Welcome to Cruise Critic MandaR.  Don’t sweat the small stuff.  As for expenses, spend as much or as little as you want.  The daily gratuities are added to your account.  When our kids were those ages we had a few simple rules.  Use your manners at all times.  Don’t jump off the ship.  Be dressed for dinner.  The rest we let them learn to control, within limits related to their respective ages. The Carnival Kids Club was good for them when they were young.  Ultimately they made some friends and enjoyed the pools and other kids stuff.  After they had been on a few and were a little bit older we relaxed the dinner rule and they could stay out and watch movies or whatever.  They won’t go hungry.  One thing we did that I think helped them learn the value of money, they were allowed to bring a limited amount of their own money that they had earned.  Early it was $20 and in their early teen years we made it $50.  They could spend it on absolutely anything they wanted, either on the ship or ashore.  The only stipulation was that every dollar they didn’t spend we would match in their savings account when we got home.  So the trinket that cost $5 really has a value of. $10.  It worked for us.

 

we always set a budget for each port of call.  We don’t exceed the budget and rarely use leftover funds from one port to supplement another port.  Again, it works for us.  Whatever y’all do, have fun and roll with whatever happens.  

[cb at sea]

We carry our cards either in a pocket (hubby) or in a small purse (me) along with my lipstick, comb and tissues, etc... 

 

Excursions are a BIG cost, but most things are easy to DIY, if you do a bit of research....google your ports, or get a guidebook....the more you know about the places you'll go, the cheaper it will be!  Cost is important with a bigger family!

 

There will be lots of "extras" offered onboard.  You are under NO obligation to buy any of them!

[mef_57]

a few posts down from yours is one called 'extra expenses'.  It isn't quite the same as your needs, but you may glean some information from it. 

Join the Roll call for your cruise, and ask there if there is a Facebook group as well.  On the FB groups, some people or travel agents organize excursions or shuttles for the group. However, with the numbers in your family, you will save a fortune doing some DIY excursions.

[CruiserBruce]

Have been on 22 cruises. 2 booked. Haven't found a need for a lanyard yet.

[Underwatr]

My wife finds a lanyard more convenient than carrying a purse when she's wearing something without a pocket. But most people don't use a lanyard.

[GUT2407]

Mrs Gut uses a lanyard with a pouch at the end, it takes her card and newsletter, I just slip it all in a pocket.

[GUT2407]

Mrs Gut uses a lanyard with a pouch at the end, it takes her card and newsletter, I just slip it all in a pocket.

[pacruise804]

On 10/21/2018 at 2:27 PM, lifes-a-beach said:

Welcome to Cruise Critic MandaR.  Don’t sweat the small stuff.  As for expenses, spend as much or as little as you want.  The daily gratuities are added to your account.  When our kids were those ages we had a few simple rules.  Use your manners at all times.  Don’t jump off the ship.  Be dressed for dinner.  The rest we let them learn to control, within limits related to their respective ages. The Carnival Kids Club was good for them when they were young.  Ultimately they made some friends and enjoyed the pools and other kids stuff.  After they had been on a few and were a little bit older we relaxed the dinner rule and they could stay out and watch movies or whatever.  They won’t go hungry.  One thing we did that I think helped them learn the value of money, they were allowed to bring a limited amount of their own money that they had earned.  Early it was $20 and in their early teen years we made it $50.  They could spend it on absolutely anything they wanted, either on the ship or ashore.  The only stipulation was that every dollar they didn’t spend we would match in their savings account when we got home.  So the trinket that cost $5 really has a value of. $10.  It worked for us.

 

we always set a budget for each port of call.  We don’t exceed the budget and rarely use leftover funds from one port to supplement another port.  Again, it works for us.  Whatever y’all do, have fun and roll with whatever happens.  

I really like that idea.  I think I'll do that with my group next year.

 

On 10/21/2018 at 7:59 AM, MandaR said:

 

   So yesterday I put the deposit down and booked my family on our first cruise.  We are traveling to the Bahamas for a 5 day trip on the Carnival Ecstasy in August.  Five of us going and my kids are 16, 10 and 8.

 

  This is so new and scary to me, I am an organized person and like to have everything sorted out quickly.  I'm sure I will be seen more and more as my cruise approaches to get answers. I haven't even really explored the forums much, is there a cruising with kids section?  

 

  To start I'm wondering what little (or big) extras I still need to put into the budget.  Especially with holidays coming maybe some items can be rolled in with that. Two things I've thought of are... 

 

  Lanyards?  Should we all have one? Recommendations to find affordable durable options?

  We have a stop at Princess Cays and I read the water is rocky, so I'm thinking the slip on water shoes.

 

   Things like this, any other little tidbits regular cruisers know and can share to help make our first trip one of many?

 

  Thank you in advance, I look forward to searching around on the site and learning as much as I can in the months to come.

Congrats on your first cruise! 

I like lanyards for the kids unless you know they are good with not losing things from their pockets.  My husband uses his pockets and I need to carry a purse since I also carry epipens. Kids camp might provide?  Also if the teen carries a phone you could get one of the little sleeves that goes on the back of the phone.  We saw a really nice lanyard at a college visit, but a basic one from Walmart would be fine.  Carnival had a hole punched in the card when we received it. A lanyard that easily unclips (so you can give just the card) would be ideal and I'd avoid most with a sleeve that you slip the card in - more hassle and the cheap ones easily rip.

Water shoes would be great for PC.  Maybe shoes and sunscreen as stocking stuffers?

The ship provides beach towels, but they are big and heavy.  Maybe consider some microfiber towels to take less space/dry quicker from excursions. (A flat sheet would work too and the sand would easily shake off.)

[SRF]

If the cost of lanyards, even for a large family, will make the difference in making the cruise affordable or not, you might want to take another look at your finances and plans.

 

Lanyards are in the $5 - $10 each range. 

 

Gratuities are in the $10 -$15 per DAY, per PERSON range.  A much higher expense.

 

Drink packages are $40 - $70 per day per adult.  Individual drinks are $7 (beer) to $15 (frozen drinks) to higher (some wines).

 

Excursions can be $100 per person.   Specialty dining can run $20 - $40 per person per meal.

[MandaR]

Thanks so much. I'm reading and researching as much as I can.

Gratuities were included in my booking so thankfully that won't be a shock at return.

 

I am thinking that I will skip lanyards, instead as a holiday gift get the kids beach towels and their excursion.

 

 

[SRF]

The ship will supply towels.  You don't need to bring them.

 

Lanyards are a person choice.  We use them at times, and don't at other times.

 

It depends.

[Karilc]

Hi MandaR!  We are doing the exact same cruise but in February over Presidents Day weekend! 5 nights on Ecstasy out of Charleston.  With kids! Ages 15, 15 and 17.  This will be their Christmas present.  It's their second cruise. We did a 4 night last year and found that while cruising is not our absolutely favorite type of vacation (we like to go "off the beaten path) that for this age group - cruising is PERFECT.  The kids are never, ever bored and the teens make friends, keep busy and had so much more freedom than they would have on other trips (at least while on ship).   

 

1. First, if you're budgeting I hope you are doing an inside cabin for 5?  We considered two cabins - thought it would be nice to have extra space and a bit more romantic trip with adults only --- but due to cost we decided to just one cabin.  Let me tell you - we are SO HAPPY we did!  It wasn't even the money. Mostly because it was a blast going to sleep at night listening to the chatter, stories, jokes, laughing etc....   We felt like kids again too! Very fun for a family vacation. 

2. Don't worry about space.  There is enough! Just don't bring extra stuff! If you are a planner, this is a perfect way to spend your time -research what to bring - and what not to bring - and keep it minimal.  Then pare down some more.  You don't need shampoo or conditioner (ship provides) and don't need a hair dryer or beach towels.  So, don't bring them and take up valuable cabin space.  So as the poster notes above - no need at all to bring beach towels! They take up a lot of space, are hard to 'dry' in the room, and it's much easier to use the ships towels that they launder and you just get a fresh one when needed!

3. Each kid can bring 12 cans of a beverage they like. (Must be unopened cans).  The ship provides lemonade, ice tea, juices as well as FREE hot chocolate.  None of our kids did the expensive soda packages.  With so much food, and so many options, they really never missed it, or even asked! 

4.  Don't do any excursions.  They are ridiculously expensive.  Paradise Cay is on Eluethera, and you can have a very inexpensive day there -- or a super expensive day.  Plan ahead.  Bring your own snorkle gear for inexpensive fun.  Take part in the basic hot dogs and hamburgers meal.      Nassau is not our favorite port.  But there are beautiful and free beaches that you can get to on the local jitney (bus) and spend the day free.  Eat a hearty breakfast, and then plan for dinner on the ship.  You can save money by not eating on the island - and waiting till you get back to the ship.  There aren't a lot of ports I'd suggest this, since I think spending money in the local economy, as well as trying new foods is important.  But, you can go to Fish Fry and eat inexpensive local items for snacks - rather than an expensive sit-down meal. 

5. There is so much to see and do on the ship that is free -- we were surprised that the kids never really "asked" (aka "begged") to do the more expensive stuff.  Between meeting other kids, the water slides, mini golf, shows, games, kids club, etc....   you really can keep your extra expenses to a minimum. 

6. I just collect free lanyards whenever I can.  They are stupidly expensive if you wait to buy them at the gangway to the ship.  And while they are only $5/10 -- when you multiple that times 5 - it adds up.  I agree with you about trying to skimp where-ever and however you can!  Why waste $40 on lanyards.   I just found some at our local Salvation Army.   We didn't all use them, but the kids did like having them. 

 

Ask away and other questions, I'm just in planning mode myself now - put down the deposit yesterday!!

 

Kari  

[Karilc]

Some fun things to add in as "stocking stuffers" type gifts:  Snorkle gear for free beach fun, Inexpensive and easy to pack kites are a blast on the beach, White Boards and Dry Erase Markers.  These were invaluable on board.  There is no cell service on the ship.  So.. we put a white board on our door, as well as one inside.  If we needed to leave a note as to where we were and what time we'd be back - this worked great.  Plus it was fun.  Lots of goofy notes left for each other. LOL.  We are driving to the port this year, so we are wrapping up a "neck pillow" for each kid for the long drive, as well as some candy/snacks for the ride.  Also:  rather than buy souvenir tee-shirts - I bought these ahead of time and gave them as Christmas presents.  I love thrift store shopping.  I found Tee shirts for the cruise line, Bahamas tee shirts, and other fun stuff -- in nearly brand-new condition.  There are great deals on eBay on souvenirs and tee shirts that people purchased and now want to sell at a 1/4 of the price! Saved a lot of money on souvenirs and the kids liked getting them as gifts to "look forward" to the trip.....    We surprised the kids.  We posted the surprise to YouTube.  Too much fun!!!! 

 

 

Edited October 26, 2018 by Karilc

[MandaR]

10 hours ago, Karilc said:

 

1. First, if you're budgeting I hope you are doing an inside cabin for 5?  We considered two cabins - thought it would be nice to have extra space and a bit more romantic trip with adults only --- but due to cost we decided to just one cabin.  Let me tell you - we are SO HAPPY we did!  It wasn't even the money. Mostly because it was a blast going to sleep at night listening to the chatter, stories, jokes, laughing etc....   We felt like kids again too! Very fun for a family vacation. 

2. Don't worry about space.  There is enough! Just don't bring extra stuff! If you are a planner, this is a perfect way to spend your time -research what to bring - and what not to bring - and keep it minimal.  Then pare down some more.  You don't need shampoo or conditioner (ship provides) and don't need a hair dryer or beach towels.  So, don't bring them and take up valuable cabin space.  So as the poster notes above - no need at all to bring beach towels! They take up a lot of space, are hard to 'dry' in the room, and it's much easier to use the ships towels that they launder and you just get a fresh one when needed!

3. Each kid can bring 12 cans of a beverage they like. (Must be unopened cans).  The ship provides lemonade, ice tea, juices as well as FREE hot chocolate.  None of our kids did the expensive soda packages.  With so much food, and so many options, they really never missed it, or even asked! 

4.  Don't do any excursions.  They are ridiculously expensive.  Paradise Cay is on Eluethera, and you can have a very inexpensive day there -- or a super expensive day.  Plan ahead.  Bring your own snorkle gear for inexpensive fun.  Take part in the basic hot dogs and hamburgers meal.      Nassau is not our favorite port.  But there are beautiful and free beaches that you can get to on the local jitney (bus) and spend the day free.  Eat a hearty breakfast, and then plan for dinner on the ship.  You can save money by not eating on the island - and waiting till you get back to the ship.  There aren't a lot of ports I'd suggest this, since I think spending money in the local economy, as well as trying new foods is important.  But, you can go to Fish Fry and eat inexpensive local items for snacks - rather than an expensive sit-down meal. 

5. There is so much to see and do on the ship that is free -- we were surprised that the kids never really "asked" (aka "begged") to do the more expensive stuff.  Between meeting other kids, the water slides, mini golf, shows, games, kids club, etc....   you really can keep your extra expenses to a minimum. 

6. I just collect free lanyards whenever I can.  They are stupidly expensive if you wait to buy them at the gangway to the ship.  And while they are only $5/10 -- when you multiple that times 5 - it adds up.  I agree with you about trying to skimp where-ever and however you can!  Why waste $40 on lanyards.   I just found some at our local Salvation Army.   We didn't all use them, but the kids did like having them. 

 

Ask away and other questions, I'm just in planning mode myself now - put down the deposit yesterday!!

 

Kari  

 

  Thank you so much!

  

  We are all in one room, larger were just not in the budget.  I was able to put the little extra down for an Oceanview at least.

  

  We are from Ontario/Canada and currently have flights booked.  I really want to bring the cases of pop on board, but pretty sure it wont  be any cheaper buying at the airport.  We will be going straight from plane to shuttle to ship.  That said I am desperately trying to convince my hubby we should drive (we've made the drive to Florida a few times now).  $2800 for transportation costs is so crazy high to me. At least half that if we drive there. 

 

  The Princess Cays port the family really wants to try shore fishing. I have found a few sites that say you can rent all the equipment for $40pp.  Thankfully I have time to try and get all the details sorted.

 

  Nassau is a trickier port for me.  Atlantis has been on MY bucket list since I was young.  The cost is so high, but lol I want to go.  Most likely we will just explore the aquarium and beach, but if I can sort out enough for holidays than I will book the full package as the kids gift.  They know about the cruise, but old enough to understand things might be combined.

 

  If you remember tag me on a review of your Feb cruise, I love reading other peoples experiences and tips.  Helps me feel more prepared.

  

[Nebr.cruiser]

We rarely use lanyards, but when we cruised with kids they were invaluable.  I bought some cute and cheap ones at one of our port stops.  Walmart or even the dollar store lanyards will be fine.

 

 Personally, I wouldn't bother with bringing pop on board, since there are so many free options for lemonade or juice, but then I don't really like it anyway, and don't like to encourage kids to drink it.

 

DIY excursions will save you a lot of money, or finding tours in port.  Ship tours can get really expensive for a family of five.

 

 Giving kids a certain amount that they can spend however they want, but when it's gone, it's gone worked will for us.  It's amazing how frugal kids get when it is 'their' money they are spending. (Of course having them earn they money beforehand is even better.)

 

We have found that most kids have just as much fun on a day at the beach as on more elaborate excursions, especially the younger ones.  Most kids aren't really into sightseeing much.  Active tours are the best.

 

 

 

 

[Karilc]

On our last cruise we found an almost unbelievable fare of $85/US to the cruise port.  That included all taxes and fees! It was on United when they first rolled out their "economy fare".  This year, we couldn't find anything as affordable as that.  So... we are going to ;make the 12.5 hour drive.  We've decided to rent a full size SUV so we aren't putting wear and tear on our own vehicle, nor paying for parking for the week.  Plus, the rental car company will drop us off via free shuttle right at the door of the cruise port, which makes getting to the port convenient. 

 

Atlantis: 

 

If you want to do Atlantis -- the best tip I have ever seen - is to actually book a ROOM at the Comfort Inn next to it - even though you wont be actually sleeping in your room -- it comes with full and free (included with the room) access to Atlantis!  You just walk over!  I've never done this, but, there are lots of posts various places about doing so and I think with a family of 5 it is much more economical than the crazy price for the Day Passes.  I think since you are going in August -- You should have plenty of time to book this ahead. 

https://www.comfortsuitespi.com/

 

I'll definitely let you know how it goes in February as we are on the same ship, same itinerary! 

[CoW mAn]

This is pretty basic but can make you feel at home on the ship a little quicker, how your room key works and what it can do...

 

 

[Nic6318]

On ‎10‎/‎26‎/‎2018 at 6:54 AM, MandaR said:

 

  Thank you so much!

  

  We are all in one room, larger were just not in the budget.  I was able to put the little extra down for an Oceanview at least.

  

  We are from Ontario/Canada and currently have flights booked.  I really want to bring the cases of pop on board, but pretty sure it wont  be any cheaper buying at the airport.  We will be going straight from plane to shuttle to ship.  That said I am desperately trying to convince my hubby we should drive (we've made the drive to Florida a few times now).  $2800 for transportation costs is so crazy high to me. At least half that if we drive there. 

 

  The Princess Cays port the family really wants to try shore fishing. I have found a few sites that say you can rent all the equipment for $40pp.  Thankfully I have time to try and get all the details sorted.

 

  Nassau is a trickier port for me.  Atlantis has been on MY bucket list since I was young.  The cost is so high, but lol I want to go.  Most likely we will just explore the aquarium and beach, but if I can sort out enough for holidays than I will book the full package as the kids gift.  They know about the cruise, but old enough to understand things might be combined.

 

  If you remember tag me on a review of your Feb cruise, I love reading other peoples experiences and tips.  Helps me feel more prepared.

  

 

Hi Manda

 

I just feel I have to chime in. Considering how you are saying your budget is a big consideration, it doesn't seem like your travel agent did you any favors.

 

As you mention, and I agree, a $2800 cost for airfare alone is a lot. Especially for only a 5 day cruise. It doesn't make a lot of sense when you consider the effort in getting to the airport and the flight alone.

 

First, if it is possible, have you looked at the cost if you fly out of a U.S. airport? For example, I am flying to Ft. Lauderdale from Detroit next week and my flights are less than $70 U.S. each way. Where you are flying to will make a big difference on the price , flying to Ft. Lauderdale or Miami will generally be cheaper even flying out of a Canadian airport, and it would give you a much larger selection of cruises/ships to choose from.

 

Were you limited to a 5 day cruise? A 7 day cruise is much more "like a cruise". The ships that do the 7 day cruises are much nicer (more for the kids) than the Ecstasy, which is an older ship.

 

You mention driving, if I can I will drive to ports. In summer you could easily drive to Bayonne, Baltimore, or Boston. That would save you a lot of money. From Bayonne or Baltimore you would be able to go south, and from Boston you would be able to go to Bermuda. I would consider any of those choices much better than a 5 day cruise to the Bahamas. 

 

Also, flying in the day of your cruise is always possible, but unless you have to, it is a poor decision. I am upset that your travel agent didn't point things like this out.

 

Very minor, you mentioned towels. You don't have to bring towels (especially if you are flying). They provide large beach towel for everyone and you can get clean ones whenever you want.

 

If it is possible for you to consider any changes, take the time to ask the questions on this site before you make your final decisions. There may be change fees involved, but if could be worth it, you have plenty of time to find the best options.

 

hope this helps

[SRF]

I would check again on airfare.

 

Using Kayak (www.kayak.com) from Ottawa to Orlando in August should be around $350 per person.  NOT $700.

[dkjretired]

We have done one room with the kids, your biggest problem will be only having one bathroom. My son and I at dinner time would go to the gym to shower and get ready, used the bathrooms there as much as possible. 

 

Also, as an FYI the cards you receive from the cruise line are very important. Each of you will receive one and they serve four purposes. They are your room key, they are used to purchase items on board as Cruise ships are cash free societies. Maybe most important they act as a way to get back on the ship and finally they can be used on most cruise lines to track play in the casino.  Also check with the cruise line, anyone over 16 usually needs photo ID to get back on the ship.

[LuckyStar]

On 10/21/2018 at 5:59 AM, MandaR said:

 

   So yesterday I put the deposit down and booked my family on our first cruise.  We are traveling to the Bahamas for a 5 day trip on the Carnival Ecstasy in August.  Five of us going and my kids are 16, 10 and 8.

 

  This is so new and scary to me, I am an organized person and like to have everything sorted out quickly.  I'm sure I will be seen more and more as my cruise approaches to get answers. I haven't even really explored the forums much, is there a cruising with kids section?  

 

  To start I'm wondering what little (or big) extras I still need to put into the budget.  Especially with holidays coming maybe some items can be rolled in with that. Two things I've thought of are... 

 

  Lanyards?  Should we all have one? Recommendations to find affordable durable options?

  We have a stop at Princess Cays and I read the water is rocky, so I'm thinking the slip on water shoes.

 

   Things like this, any other little tidbits regular cruisers know and can share to help make our first trip one of many?

 

  Thank you in advance, I look forward to searching around on the site and learning as much as I can in the months to come.

Don't be scared!  We did not have our son carry his card. But the lanyard is a great thing.  You can usually get them for free in the casino.  Its a cheapy thing but it works.  We showed son where Guest Services was and that was where he was to go if he ever got separated from us.  We would meet him there.  We planned for this.  Kids are kids.  Son, then age 12, was in kids club the whole cruise.  This was in July and the cruise was full of kids.  DH and I had a great vacation, since we got adult time at the pools, bars, clubs, etc.