So many questions

[first2008time cruiser]

Ok I have like a million things to ask, but I will start off slowly, so as not to make everyone think I am crazy.

 

We are going to be booking our first cruise for June of 2008, yes I know it is a way away, but we always plan things ahead. :) We are looking to depart from NY, NJ or Philadelphia. Any of those places would be good, because we would not have to fly and probably just get a limo type service to take us, so we do not have to worry about leaving our car anywhere. Anyway to the family part, sorry for getting off track.

 

My kids are going to be 11 and 14. My son is not very good with making friends with people he doesn't know. If they came to him, he is great, but to get him to go and start talking to someone is a little more iffy. So I read that kids usually like to hang out in groups for the activities and stuff, but I was wondering, how hard it is to get in a group like that for someone who is a little backward. I want them to have a great time, and I know we will be doing a lot of family stuff, but think they would enjoy stuff among kids there age also, if it is possible.

 

Also is there somewhere I can find a better layout of the ships. Right now we are leaning toward carnival, but I would like to hear varying opinions on which line is best for kids. All I can find online layout wise is the levels on the ship, but nothing that says what is on each level. Once I pick a ship, I would also like some help with what type of room is best. I have been researching the site and found some stuff, but would like individual opinions.

 

Thank you so much in advacne for your help. I am sure you will be hearing more from me soon. :confused:

[Warm Breezes]

My DS is 12 and is similar to yours. He is ok if others come up to him but I could never see him going up to someone else. We are going on our fourth cruise. The first two we went with another family with kids the same age so there wasn't an issue. The third we went with extended family with no other kids. He did not go to the kids club on that trip - he said he had no desire to go. He played basketball and ping pong with Dad and Uncles. Played in the arcade with his Uncles and Sister. Watched the Lions lose their Thanksgiving Day game with Dad in the lounge. Went swimming with the whole family. Enjoyed the islands we stopped at. Enjoyed all the shows/games and playing Bingo. He is looking forward to going on the Elation this year in December. This time there will be no extended family but that does not seem to bother him. He enjoys the cruising experience without even meeting other kids. If your son is like mine, I wouldn't worry about him. He will find plenty to do to keep busy and if he meets a friend great - if not let him enjoy the cruise in his own way.

 

As for the deck plans - you should be able to look on any cruise web-site to see the detail of what is on the decks by clicking on the deck when they show the side view. Either that or go to a travel agency and pick up some brochures on the cruiselines you are looking at. They will show the deck plans.

 

Hope this helps and have fun!!:)

[first2008time cruiser]

Thank you very much, definately helped. And I did find the deck plans. I appreciate it.

[wrp96]

You may also want to look at RCCL's Explorer of the Seas out of Bayonne, NJ. Great ships with tons to do for all ages especially teens.

 

At least on RCCL, they have a teen get to know each other time the first night. Make your son go to that and he should be able to meet other people that way.

[first2008time cruiser]

Ok I just checked out that one. It looks like a great ship. Tons of things to do that are not on Miracle. But, I did notice a few things that say they have extra charges. Such as a diner and one of the restaurants. Do most ships have restaurants that you have to pay for or is this a royal caribean thing? Kind of worries me because I know how quickly those little extras can add up.

 

So this is what I figured for extra expenses, passports, transportation to ship, excursions, any food bought while not on the ship, souveniers, alcohol (although we are not big drinkers), casino/arcade, tips and soda cards. So what am I missing?

[wrp96]

Most of the new ships on any line these days have at least one extra charge restaurant on them - but you don't have to eat there. I believe the Miracle also has an extra charge restaurant as well. There are plenty of places to eat on the Explorer without paying for the extra restaurants. Johnny Rockets does have a $3.95 per person surcharge but you don't have to eat there. You can get burgers and fries at no extra charge in the Windjammer Buffet. Portofino's does have a $20 per person surcharge and is for ages 13 and up only, but the main dining room is wonderful so there is no need to eat at Portofino's unless you want to. Ben & Jerry's has an extra charge for ice cream but there is soft serve available at no charge around the buffet.

[Arubalisa]

My kids are going to be 11 and 14. My son is not very good with making friends with people he doesn't know. If they came to him, he is great, but to get him to go and start talking to someone is a little more iffy. So I read that kids usually like to hang out in groups for the activities and stuff, but I was wondering, how hard it is to get in a group like that for someone who is a little backward. I want them to have a great time, and I know we will be doing a lot of family stuff, but think they would enjoy stuff among kids there age also, if it is possible.

 

Also is there somewhere I can find a better layout of the ships. Right now we are leaning toward carnival, but I would like to hear varying opinions on which line is best for kids. All I can find online layout wise is the levels on the ship, but nothing that says what is on each level. Once I pick a ship, I would also like some help with what type of room is best. I have been researching the site and found some stuff, but would like individual opinions.

I know each line's deck plans are sometimes difficult to find and read on a computer. I have found some of the better sites for viewing these are some of the largest online travel sites, not necessarily the ones who specialize in cruises only. Another source for layout of the ships is cruisedeckplans.com

 

For some thoughts on cruising with kids and kid's clubs, there some terrific threads in this forum listed below

What cruise line for kids BESIDES Carnival?

Teen program vs. kids program for 12 yr old

Family cruise - RC or Carnival

best kids program

What cruise line for kids BESIDES Carnival?

 

Speaking from experience, the staff of a good kid's club will be able to assist a child in participating in group activities with the other kids when the kids find it hard to do so themselves. This is a huge issue with our daughter. When we cruise she absolutely loves the kid's club. It gives her a sense of belonging to a group and allows her to participate in activities without her having to be the one to go out and initiate things. The "sense of belonging" builds her self confidence and this inturn allows her to relax and develop friendships. The staff cannot make kids be friends, but they can help your child participate.

 

The CC forums below will assist you with some other the other things you mentioned:

Ask a Cruise Question

Cabin Selection Tips

First Time Cruisers

[first2008time cruiser]

Thank you for all the great links. I read over the forums, a lot of useful information. But wow it can be overwhelming. So many options and differing opinions. The Royal Caribbean looks like it has so much more to do, but the price goes with the activities. Not so sure we can afford that much, may have to stick with Carnival. Especially since we will have to buy formal clothes and all that fun stuff to go. And going in the summer doesn't help, but I wouldn't take my son out of school to go, so I have to deal with the higher pricing.