disneymomof5 Posted January 18, 2008 #1 Share Posted January 18, 2008 :) My husband and I are taking our 5 children (ages 3 to 16) on our first cruise. We will be on the Inspiration out of Tampa in November 2008. I understand that this ship has just been refurbished? I do not know anything about cruises... seriously..... not one thing. I really could use any and all advice on all topics ranging from need for Passports to what to pack.... what to do to prepare prior to going... and what to expect. We will get off of the ship in Grand Cayman as well as Cozumel. I have been to Grand Cayman many years ago... but never Cozumel. How is Camp Carnival? Are there lots for kids of all ages on board? Food? Help! Thank you, Stefanie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
baitinger210 Posted January 18, 2008 #2 Share Posted January 18, 2008 the amount of kids on board definately depends on the time of year...schools out=more kids...but yes there are always at least a few...what to pack?? im 23 so i usually pack pretty light...shorts, tshirts, and a suit for formal night...the last time i went on a cruise to the caymans was back in 2000ish on the sensation out of tampa...we did the swim with stingrays...fun but not everyone will love it...cozumel is absolutely wonderful...well..i mean if you enjoy drinking then its great...lots of shopping too! haha this probably wasnt too much help....hahaha sorry -mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marving9999 Posted January 18, 2008 #3 Share Posted January 18, 2008 First of all Stefanie, you and your family will have a terrific time. My wife and I have been on 11 cruises and planning our 12th for May, 2008. You will need passports for your entire family. Start that process now, dont wait. Camp Carnival is wonderful. You kids will have a terrific time. The staff takes great care of them. food, what can i say about that food. You have a dining room choice for all 3 meals, a buffet choice for all 3 meals. In addition, you have specialty dining rooms for a fee, a Deli, a Chinese area, Pizza 24 hours a day, and a Fish and Chips bar. Both ports are wonderful. In Grand Cayman, you will "Tender" take a small boat from the ship to port. In Cozumel, you will dock at the pier. There is so much to do on the ship that you wont get bored. In addition to the food, there are nightly "broadway" style shows, casino, numerous bars and lounges. Babysitting services are also available for your kids while you spend the evening out. Have a wonderful time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
disneymomof5 Posted January 18, 2008 Author #4 Share Posted January 18, 2008 Thank you so much..... I had no idea there was so much to plan - once we do this, I am sure I will "get it"..... it is just a little overwhelming at this point! Take care, Stefanie:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigDfromTN Posted January 18, 2008 #5 Share Posted January 18, 2008 Hello and Welcome! Here are a few tips............... 1. Read all threads you have time for and are of interest. 2. Go to the ports of call section as well for things to do in each port. 3. Go to Roll Call section and sign up, this way you can converse and maybe get to meet others on your sailing. WARNING!!!!! This site IS addictive.:D You may want to look at a site by a fellow poster on this site. Here is a link, lots of good info. relative to your questions. http://www.prucha.com/phpages/cruisemania.html This site gives lots of info on the ship, including deck plans, when refurbs have happen and when they maybe scheduled and lots more information. http://http://www.cruisedeckplans.com/DP/Main/shipscarnival.php Also is Cruise calendar. You can go to this site and see what other ships will be on port the same day you are. This lets you know how crowded the area will be. http://http://www.cruisecal.com/portal/ I have never had a child in camp carnival. I hear it is really good and the staff do a great job of keeping them busy having fun. The worst part of the trip is boarding (embarkation) and leaving (debarkation). Dont let this worry you. I think Carnival does a good job of moving alot of people through a small space in a reasonable period of time. Read here, have your docs ready and completed. That will go fine. As I understand by November you will have to have a passport for all your family members. Check this out further. IF you do, Go ahead and order them. I hear they are coming back in about 2 weeks right now. We ordered our kids last year about 8 weeks before our last cruise. They were saying 6 wk tour around at the time. Passports came in about 2-3 weeks after we got back home. Yes lot of activities for all ages and attitudes. Plan to have a good time! Food............... OH THE FOOD! I usually gain about 10 pounds:eek: Well that enough for now. Other will be along and help you more. Keep reading and digging through this site and you will be looking and sounding like a veteran in no time! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Browneyedhunni85 Posted January 18, 2008 #6 Share Posted January 18, 2008 Cozumel is beautiful. We went to Paradise Beach for the day and loved it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
baitinger210 Posted January 18, 2008 #7 Share Posted January 18, 2008 haha the hardest part about everything will just be waiting until november:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nybumpkin Posted January 18, 2008 #8 Share Posted January 18, 2008 Hello, and welcome! We started out 4 years ago with cruising; our youngest was 4 on our first cruise and our oldest is 16 now, so we've gone through a lot of Camp Carnival groups. Overall, our kids have had a great time. Camp Carnival takes good care of the younger set, with good activities and dinners several nights during the cruise. Since our oldest son aged into Club O2, we've pretty much seen him only for dinners and shore excursions - he's met lots of friends on board, some of whom he keeps in touch with. We're heading to Grand Cayman and Cozumel next month (:cool:). In GC, we've booed a 1/2 day boat charter; in Cozumel, we're going to Paradise Beach. Take a look at both ports on the 'ports of call" board for ideas. We go with passports for everyone; once you get the passports, you don't have to worry nearly as much about travel, even if you're just crossing the border (after January 31, you'll need both photo ID and BC or the equivalent to drive into Canada from the US). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovely Cruise Posted January 18, 2008 #9 Share Posted January 18, 2008 I just found a great link posted on another Cruise Critic board - it has TONS of information for Carnival - check out seauonboard.com. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.