First Cruise - Need Help Deciding

[momof3boyz]

My 18 yo son has asked to go on a cruise for Spring Break with me (Mom). DH and our 15 yo can't go due to school and sports obligations. I also have a 6 yo DS who I can't decide whether to bring or not. He is very close to me and both of his brothers. Oldest DS really wants his brother to go, but how much time will he really spend with him? I'm a bit nervous about leaving 6 yo DS in the onboard camps, esp. if I am going on an excursion. But on the other hand, I'm thinking that 6 yo will be company for me, since DH won't be going. I'm a bit nervous about the whole cruise thing to begin with. We are considering Carnival Liberty, mostly due to finances. Any suggestions or advice? Thanks!

[crusinmama06]

We just did Carnival Elation and had a wonderful time. I went without my hubby and took my kids (ages 6 and 2) :D

 

Most excursions you might choose to do can include your 6 year old so there should never be a need to leave the child on the ship without you. And you should have NO worries about the kid's club while you are onboard. I had a hard time prying my 6 year old out. I had to explain to her why she was NOT allowed to stay at the Slumber Party till 3am. :eek:

 

You *could* check out RCCL's Voyager class. They would have alot for the 18 year old to do with the 6 year old.

 

Have a great cruise whatever you decide.

[CurtS]

I would agree with Michelle as far as RCCL. CCL is a good line for kids, and your DS6 will likely have no problem playing in the kid's club. We, too, had a hard time prying our then DS7 out of there. While RCCL is a bit more expensive (10-15% probably), the Voyager class does have a lot more activities for older "kids" to enjoy and there really isn't a club for a DS18, so the onboard activities are important. However, CCL has plenty to do well as well. With all of those activities, though, I doubt if DS18 will want to spend time with DS6 except in the evenings. So, he'll be dependent upon you when he's not in a club and that probably would include shore excursions (even though the clubs are open during excursions, we only left our two in it once and that was simply to go shopping adjacent to the ship and they did not want to go), so you may want to plan accordingly (like not taking an excursion that involves a lot of walking and watch those age restrictions). Otherwise, relax. Remember, cruising is an opportunity that the kids have to see sights that they normally don't get to see and gives you a chance to relax and do nothing for a while--no cooking or cleaning, just sitting in the sun, bar, casino, whatever. The kids will be fine and so will you.

 

Curt

[mpk218]

Absolutly bring your 6 yr old. Going on a cruise is no different than any other vaction you would take . Our 2 girls(6/9) have been on 2 , third in march 07. The kids clubs are great . As mentioned above ,we always have a hard time draging the kids out of them. Note: they do all the excursions we do.

The one time we leave them in camp during the week at night ( couple hours) is so we can have an adult only diner. And believe me they dont mind. Just remember one thing, once you do this cruise with the kids

you will become a cruise junky like the rest of us. You will come home and go to work thinking about how soon to start planning that next one.

So , dont say I didnt warn you.:eek:

 

MPK