Sept 09 cruise with children

[choirfarm]

I've been researching cruises for September 2009 for our family of 5: me, hubby boys who will be 14 and 12 and a girl 7. We tend to take our trailer to National Parks. My boys love the Junior Ranger or even just the ranger talks. We love historical destination. I am having the hardest time trying to figure out pricing or even what would be a reasonable cost for the 5 of us to go. So many have all of these extra fees. I thought cruises were all-inclusive? Which cruise line would be best for us. My dh has a very sour taste about cruising. The only other cruise we went on was when the boys were 2 and 4 on The Big Red Boat out of Florida. IT was awful. The ship was so run down. We concentrated too much on low cost on that trip, so although cost is a factor I would like for it to be a good cruise!! All of the costs are for 1 or 2 with a 3rd or 4th, but what do you do when you have a 5th?? So what cruise lines would you recommend and how do you navigate finding out EXACTLY what a cruise costs.

 

Christine

[Shadowstar]

Hi Christine!

 

I have a 14 year old and a 11 year old, both boys. We have been on RC, Princess and Norwegian. We have enjoyed them all. For teenagers RC seems to have plenty of fun activities. Norwegian also had a good teen program. It really depends on where you are going and at what time of the year. We have been to Alaska, Mexico and the Baltic. Each one was different and fun in its own way. If you like history, go to Europe. If you like scenery and natural beauty go to Alaska.

 

As for cost, it really depends on when you go and what type of cabin you choose. May and June is cheaper than July and August. We also cruised early March which was more reasonable than the last two weeks of March. For five passengers you will need either two cabins or one suite. RC has family suites. We do not give our kids a "spending" card so we are able to control the costs. Really you don't need to spend extra unless you want to. Of course the gratuity is an "extra" you will have to figure into your budget. We do all shore excursions on our own and have had a great time each time. The ships excursions are very expensive and adds up fast. But, this requires you to do some research on these boards and make some inquiries ahead of time but it is well worth it in the end.

 

I hope that this information helped you out in some small way.

[vbmom87]

Going to Alaska in September, I doubt you will find many children on board as most will be back at school. I am sure someone who has cruised in September will either confirm or refute my conclusion.

 

Cruises can be all inclusive. My DH and I went on a 7 day Alaska cruise and our tab for the week was a grand total of $28, other than tips. We "splurged" on a few drinks. However, some people really spend a lot of money using the spa, casinos, the dining rooms where you pay extra, drinks, classes, etc. We spent our time viewing the beautiful scenery. That was our entertainment.

 

As far as knowing what a cruise will cost, a good TA will give you the total cost including all taxes and port fees. The HAL website prices, at least in the past, have included all taxes, just not fuel supplements. I am not sure what others do. However, no matter who you deal with, you want to know the total price including all taxes. Currently fuel supplements are suspended, but if fuel rises by next summer again, you can expect to have a fuel supplement added to your costs. Cruiselines will also access a tip per day in addition to the cost of the trip. Currently, I think it is at about $11 a day per person. Last summer it was $10 a day. Some people tip in addition to this. Port excursions are also additional, if you choose to participate in those.

 

I am quite sure someone will help you out with the best way to accommodate a family of 5. The regular cabins, as far as I know, accommodate 2-4 people. You may need a suite. I have read where two insides can be cheaper than a suite. You can also call a travel agent to get some info. They are not always the most knowledgable, but you can give it a try.

 

Happy Planning!!!

[Budget Queen]

I've been on the Big Red Boat, and didn't find it "run down". In fact with it being the "old" Oceanic, it was a fantastic sailing for me, to have been able to have sailed the ship. You really can not compare that ship "class" with those that now sail Alaska. IF the ship is your priority then find yourself a good TA and ask some questions pertaining to this and consider booking on this priority??

 

There are few if any 5 person cabins overall. So you most likely will be purchasing 2 cabins. As for "all inclusive", no it isn't what you think. To the pricing, there will be taxes. Allow service fees of $10 per person per day. In your case $40-50 PER DAY. If this is something you won't do, then look at something else. All drinks are extra, outside of coffee, tea, morning juice, maybe lemonade/milk at meals. Head to your library and take out Alaska by Cruiseship. Can offer you more information.

 

Be well prepared, going in Sept. After the first few days, has the worse potential of the season for weather. There are FAR fewer kids sailing Alaska compared to the Caribbean. In Sept there will be even less.

[choirfarm]

Well, we rode the Big Red Boat a couple of months before they went out of business, so it seemed like they didn't care anymore. The characters (Bugs, etc.) had been discontinued. We don't gamble and that seemed to be a huge draw. We had to walk through the casino to get anywhere. I guess all the boats have casinos? I'm thinking we may just do a land visit on our own. But it is hard to get to Juneau and some of the other places. I guess I'll call a TA, but I live in a teeny, tiny Texas town so I'm not sure who to use.

[Budget Queen]

Well, we rode the Big Red Boat a couple of months before they went out of business, so it seemed like they didn't care anymore. The characters (Bugs, etc.) had been discontinued. We don't gamble and that seemed to be a huge draw. We had to walk through the casino to get anywhere. I guess all the boats have casinos? I'm thinking we may just do a land visit on our own. But it is hard to get to Juneau and some of the other places. I guess I'll call a TA, but I live in a teeny, tiny Texas town so I'm not sure who to use.

 

It is terrible when ships get run down, sorry this happened to you going in the timeframe you did.

 

Yes, all the major cruiselines have casinos on board and many times you would be walking though. IF this is a major concern for you, all you have to do is make the effort and transit on another deck- above or below.

 

Overall, IF Juneau is a priority, a cruiseline will offer you the cheapest and most effecient way to see the Inside Passage. They certainly pack plenty in 7 days at good prices compared to going on your own. Look at the Alaska Ferry, but you will need, probably 1/3 more time and money, since you need to look at overnights in towns and will be dependent on 24/7 ferry schedules. It certainly will give you a far more personal experience compared to a cruiseship. But it would be more costly compared to a cruiseship.

 

It is rare that TA's know a lot about Alaska, outside of what is printed in brochures. So I suggest, you request several online to be sent to you. As I mentioned, head to your library and see if you can get Alaska By Cruiseship. Otherwise, consider ordering it perhaps online??

 

As for costs, cruise only probaby will run you in the $3500-4000++++ range- IF you get the cheapest inside cabins. This is a very basic estimate. Then add your air- you may want to see what range that is in??

[boulders]

I have 3 kids too, ds aged 3, dd10 and ds13. We are booked in a family oceanview on RCCL's Radiance of the Seas for June. This will be our second trip in a family oceanview and my second trip on Radiance, but our first to Alaska. My 13 yo ds really likes the video arcade on RCCL's ships :rolleyes:. All of us like the Bingo. Dd10 likes Adventure Ocean. DS3 wasn't old enough for AO last cruise, so no opinion there.

 

I am looking forward to sailing to Alaska on Radiance. There is an incredible amount of glass on the ship that allows you to have an great view of the outside in much of the public areas of the ship.

 

I really like the family oceanview cabins. They sleep up to 6. They have about 320 sq. ft. There is an alcove with 2 bunkbeds. It allows the kids to have some time by themselves without feeling that they are surrounded by their siblings. Downsides to the FOV: just 1 bathroom, no balcony, although to me that's a plus, and the FOV's are at the front of the ship and it can get rocky up there.

 

To get the family oceanview or any other cabin sleeping more than 4, you will have to call a TA or the cruiseline. Online booking won't let you book more than 4 in a cabin.

 

We are doing a back to back. For each direction, we paid less than $4000 including tax. The family oceanview was less money than a single D1 balcony (200 sq. ft)

[Keith1010]

I have been on the Big Road Boat when it was the Big Red Boat and when it was part of Home Lines where it sailed the Caribbean.

 

There is no comparison to the ship and the newer ships.

 

And, yes towards the end, it was run down.

 

I would see a Travel Agent who specializes in Cruises. You have many cruise lines and ships to choose from along with itineraries.

 

Try to ask friends, relatives, or others you know who cruise for a recommendation on a travel agent and start with them.

 

Keith

[alasbound]

Check out the Family Cruises section of this board. There are some ships with cabins for 5 ( I think the Carnival Spirit has some ). You can also get adjoining rooms, or even book the two rooms & all sleep in one while having the extra room for dressing & such. I know some parents who split up to sleep an adult in each room. Some parents may not like that at all, but they enjoyed the bonding with the kids & were all together until bed time.

 

I think you will enjoy any of the cruise ships in Alaska. We were there in September and had great weather but the weeks before & after our trip, were filled with rain. Just be prepared. Check to be sure that kids programs are still going, if your kids want to do that. Else, you'll need to be prepared for more planning of activities.

 

I think cruising is a very reasonably priced vacation, however, Alaska is very expensive. The tours, which are wonderful, are not cheap. You may not be able to book any rooms for 5 online, but select a cruise on some of the sites to get an idea of the costs, including port fees & taxes. There is money that you have to put in your ship account, but the tips are the only charges applied automatically, in most cases. Allow appx $10/ day / person. You can get the soda/drink cards for the kids on most ships, if needed.

 

The cuise includes your lodging, meals (can splurge in specialty restaurants), travel expenses (cruise itenerary), and some shipboard entertainment.

 

If you get the book that Budget Queen suggested and look more on this site, then you'll have more questions. Keep looking and asking.

[gertz]

Just had to add a little to this. Agree with most every thing being said.

 

If you spend the next 30 days researching these boards you will probably know more about Alaska cruises than most agents.

 

Most lines have adjoining cabins which is the way I would go.

 

You don't find a whole bunch of kids doing Alaska? When we took our grand daughter in early August 07, which might be a better time to go, there were only 22 kids on the Coral Princess which carries 1900 paxs. But that is not a big deal there is so much to do they will be busy most all the time. Why play games when you can see whales, eagles, otters, seals, sea lions, beautiful birds and on and on.

 

We enthusiasticly support you in taking childern to Alaska. In our opinion there are few places on this planet that compare with it and it is in our back yard.:cool:

 

We are doing it again next August, Island Princess with grandson.:D