Cruises?

[CalicoKat]

Has anyone taken a homeschool cruise? We're exploring for a family Christmas vacation.

 

I'm currently looking at Worldwide Family Vacations. The main person is on vacation until the 22nd so I'm still waiting a response to my questions. But they can't hardly be the only ones to do this.

 

I'd be interested to know if you'd done this with your family and how it went.

[Jennifer in MI]

I've never taken a homeschool cruise, but my family has cruised a lot! What does the homeschool cruise offer above and beyond a regular cruise? I can answer general cruising questions.

[AlmiraGulch]

Like Jennifer, my family cruises quite a bit! Have never done one that is homeschool-specific, but if you have general cruising questions I'm happy to help.

 

I also looked at the list in the link you provided and I've been to all of those ports with my children, except Alaska (and I think Jennifer in MI was planning an Alaska cruise, so maybe she has already been there), so if you want port-specific information I can help there, too.

 

Next cruise for me: September 18! Woo hoo!

[jplain]

Like the above posters, we've cruised, but never with an organized group. Before booking, make note of the extras you get with the group. Then compare the group price with the price you'd get booking with a travel agent. If it is like all of the group cruises I've investigated, you'll find that your family will end up paying hundreds more to be a part of the group. Only you can decide whether the additional charge is worth it.

 

Why does it cost more? Well, for starters, they're providing your group with space for meetings and events. In some cases they may be providing extra food or a beverage package. And then there's the fact that the organizer(s) gets a cabin (or multiple cabins) free, depending on the number of people who sign up for the cruise.

[Jennifer in MI]

Like Jennifer, my family cruises quite a bit! Have never done one that is homeschool-specific, but if you have general cruising questions I'm happy to help.

 

I also looked at the list in the link you provided and I've been to all of those ports with my children, except Alaska (and I think Jennifer in MI was planning an Alaska cruise, so maybe she has already been there), so if you want port-specific information I can help there, too.

 

Next cruise for me: September 18! Woo hoo!

 

We're still in the planning stages for AK. We are currently booked on a Mexican Riviera cruise for next year while continuing to save for Alaska. Looks like that will be our 2012 vacation.

 

I've been to most of these ports as well. Ask away!!!

 

Where is your next cruise?

[AlmiraGulch]

 

 

Where is your next cruise?

 

We're headed back to the Western Caribbean (Cozumel, Costa Maya, Roatan). I'm not overly excited about the itinerary, but the ship (NCL Epic) looks amazing!

 

We've booked next year for Bermuda (it was between Alaska and Bermuda and the warm weather won out) and I'm going to book 2012 to the Western Mediterranean when I get back from my September cruise this year.

[Punchie]

I've never cruised with a group, just w/my family. We love it! We're in the planning stages of a Mexico cruise for this coming Jan. For itineraries, I've been on Western and Eastern Caribbean, Alaska, and Mexico, if you have any questions. :)

 

QValencia - have you been to Costa Maya before? There are some pretty interesting Mayan ruins (Choccoban) at that stop.

[CalicoKat]

so can you recommend a cruise line or family cruise?

 

I'm interested in booking something in January. Is 4 days too short of a vacation on a ship? It sounds short to me but then again it might be just the ticket for a starter vacation. Personally I'm thinking a 7 day might be more relaxing.

 

How much extra spending money does your family need for extras that aren't included in your tickets?

 

Is staying in an inside cabin a downer? Will I be glad I paid for the window?

 

How about seasickness. I got seasick crossing the English Channel when I was 16 so I know I'll need to use some dramamine. Has this been a problem?

 

Did you fly or drive to the port? If you drive is there secure parking available?

 

Instead of buying a ton of gifts that will be forgotten by February this is going to be our big gift for Christmas.

 

As far as destinations I'd love to go to the Mediterranian and visit Rome. :)

But my pocket book so far is more compatible with the Bahamas and Mexican Riviera.

[CalicoKat]

I've never cruised with a group, just w/my family. We love it! We're in the planning stages of a Mexico cruise for this coming Jan. For itineraries, I've been on Western and Eastern Caribbean, Alaska, and Mexico, if you have any questions. :)

 

QValencia - have you been to Costa Maya before? There are some pretty interesting Mayan ruins (Choccoban) at that stop.

 

ooo Mayan ruins! That sounds interesting. Please do tell me more.

[AlmiraGulch]

[quote=Punchie;1887868

 

QValencia - have you been to Costa Maya before? There are some pretty interesting Mayan ruins (Choccoban) at that stop.

 

I have! Skipping the ruins this time in favor of some beach time, though.

[AlmiraGulch]

[quote=Punchie;1887868

 

QValencia - have you been to Costa Maya before? There are some pretty interesting Mayan ruins (Choccoban) at that stop.

 

I have!

 

Skipping the ruins this time in favor of some beach time, though. I liked the tour we took to Choccoban (like all tours we do, it was with a private tour operator, not the cruise ship) but we thought the ruins themselves at Tulum were much more extensive. That said, the tour operator that took us to Choccoban also had us spend time in a traditional Mayan village where we spent time with a family, learned to make tortillas, ate a traditional meal, and so on. An amazing excursion I'd highly recommend!

[AlmiraGulch]

so can you recommend a cruise line or family cruise? All of the mass market lines are good for families. I personally prefer Norwegian (NCL) but I've also sailed Royal Caribbean and Carnival and have enjoyed those as well. I would say to figure out your itinerary and then see who goes there. I hear Disney is phenomenal but I can't afford it. RCCL is generally a bit more expensive than Carnival or NCL, but RCCL loyalists swear that their offerings are unique enough to be worth the price. With kids, I'd avoid Holland America and Celebrity as they are not particularly kid friendly, but people have sailed them with children and had good experiences. Check out http://www.cruisecritic.com for cruise line, cruise ship and port specific reviews, too.

 

I'm interested in booking something in January. Is 4 days too short of a vacation on a ship? A couple of things to consider here. For me and my family, 4 days is too short. First, you're just getting used to the ship when it's time to get off! Second, the longer the cruise the more interesting (in many cases) the ports of call because you have time to get to them. Finally, the cruise lines typically reserve their older ships for the shorter ships. We enjoy the newer ships better, generally speaking, because they tend to be better maintained and offer more bells and whistles. Still, I'd do just about anything to be on a cruise ship for any amount of time, so if you can only swing 4 days then I say go for it. We love it!! It sounds short to me but then again it might be just the ticket for a starter vacation. Personally I'm thinking a 7 day might be more relaxing. I think so, but you can only do what you can do.

 

How much extra spending money does your family need for extras that aren't included in your tickets? This is tough to answer because it depends on what you choose to do on board. Do you drink alcohol or soda? Gamble? Play bingo? Eat in specialty restaurants? Buy souveniers? Spa services? All of these things are extras. Also, if you book your shore excursions through the ship, the cruise line will obviously charge for those. We always book ours privately because we've found them to be better and less costly. Also, you need to factor in tips. Some cruise lines include them as a "service charge" or "auto-gratuity" at $10 - $12 per person, per day, and it will be charged to your ship board account. Others still do the old cash-envelope system and offer recommendations of what to tip to whom (i.e., room steward, head waiter, kids club workers). Either way, it works out about the same in tips. My ship board account for myself, my mother and my two children last trip was about $1000, but it was a holiday cruise and we skimped on nothing (including some of all of the above things I mentioned). Others get off with the only thing they have to pay for being the tips. Differs by family and even by trip.

 

Is staying in an inside cabin a downer? Will I be glad I paid for the window? I've sailed in inside cabins and in balcony cabins. Since I started with the balconies it would be VERY hard for me to go back to an inside. That said, if it's all I could do I would do it without hesitation. I personally find the "ocean view" (window only) to be a waste of money. i spend a lot of time on my balcony and love to hear the waves against ship and smell the sea with the balcony door open as I sleep. When I cruised Hawaii I intentionally chose an inside cabin because it was a very port intensive trip and we were barely even on the ship, so I saved my money for shore excursions.

 

How about seasickness. I got seasick crossing the English Channel when I was 16 so I know I'll need to use some dramamine. Has this been a problem? I am extremely prone to motion sickness but have rarely had a problem on a ship. I always start taking Bonine the day before I get on the ship. I've felt a little green around the gils a couple of times, but I've never actually gotten sick like I do in the car, and neither has anyone in my family. The Pacific and North Atlantic are generally rougher seas than Caribbean itineraries, but you never know.

 

Did you fly or drive to the port? If you drive is there secure parking available? I've driven and I've flown. I drove last time because my mother hates to fly, but I'm flying next time when it's just my girls and me. Cruise ship ports are VERY secure for parking, particularly post 9/11. Parking is not cheap (ex. $20/day in Miami, cash only, pre-paid) but much cheaper than airfare for family.

 

Instead of buying a ton of gifts that will be forgotten by February this is going to be our big gift for Christmas. An excellent idea!

 

As far as destinations I'd love to go to the Mediterranian and visit Rome. :)

But my pocket book so far is more compatible with the Bahamas and Mexican Riviera. Mine is, too, but I'm going to figure out how to make this one happen. My 40th birthday and my daughter's 16th are both in 2012, so I'm splurging that year. :-)

 

Hope I've offered some help above. Please feel free to ask anything else and I'm sure several of us will chime in. Cruising is definitely not for everyone, but we LOVE it. Our favorite to vacation because there's something for everyone. We can do things together and also do our own things.

[Punchie]

I have!

 

Skipping the ruins this time in favor of some beach time, though. I liked the tour we took to Choccoban (like all tours we do, it was with a private tour operator, not the cruise ship) but we thought the ruins themselves at Tulum were much more extensive. That said, the tour operator that took us to Choccoban also had us spend time in a traditional Mayan village where we spent time with a family, learned to make tortillas, ate a traditional meal, and so on. An amazing excursion I'd highly recommend!

 

I would agree that Tulum is much more extensive! I have a soft spot for Chaccoban b/c the first time I went, visitors were still allowed to climb some of them (this was when they had just started receiving cruises, so there was nothing where the ship docked).

[novagirl]

I HIGHLY reccommend Disney Cruises! Yes a bit more money than other cruises, but we don't feel nickle and dimed on Disney. A very big plus for us is the family atmosphere all through the boat. No casinos, no drunks running around. Plus if you have younger children, its fun to have the characters there. With a 4 and 6 year old....its the only vacation for us. Oh yes, we also like it because we get grown up time AND family time. The kids LOVE the childrens area and prefer to go there, so we get the alone time but also get to spend lots of time together and there is no extra charge for the kids clubs. Really... I could talk your ears off for how wonderful we think the cruises are. My DH isn't really into the "Disney" stuff but there is so much to do that you don't have to feel like its a "DISNEY VACATION" if you don't want it too.

 

We have another 4 night and a 7 night on the horizon and I am SO exicted!!!!!!

[Punchie]

so can you recommend a cruise line or family cruise?

 

I'm interested in booking something in January. Is 4 days too short of a vacation on a ship? It sounds short to me but then again it might be just the ticket for a starter vacation. Personally I'm thinking a 7 day might be more relaxing.

4 days might be good for a starter cruise. However, it might not be long enough. 7 days isn't long enough imo. ;)

 

How much extra spending money does your family need for extras that aren't included in your tickets?

Alcohol, soda, shore excursions, gifts, etc...aren't included. If your family drinks a lot of soda, I recommend buying a soda card. My costs on a cruise have varied from $500 to $1500, depending.

 

Is staying in an inside cabin a downer? Will I be glad I paid for the window?

No, insides aren't downers. It is INCREDIBLY dark in there though. When you book, let your agent or the cruise line know that you are open to upgrades. When the ships aren't full, they will sometimes move you up to a better category (ie window). If it's not a huge amount to move from an inside to an outside, I would do it. Having a window is nice, plus they'er deep enough that a LO can sit in it. ODD did that one our last cruise.

 

How about seasickness. I got seasick crossing the English Channel when I was 16 so I know I'll need to use some dramamine. Has this been a problem?

The new ships have amazing stabilizers so you won't really feel anything. If you do an Eastern Caribbean, it might get sort of choppy as they hit the edge of the Atlantic. We did this itinerary last Fall, and I really didn't notice anything (I had really bad morning sickness at the time, and it wasn't irritated by the motion).

 

Did you fly or drive to the port? If you drive is there secure parking available?

Yes. The ports will have secure parking. I have both flown and driven depending on where I lived at the time. The cruiselines will have transfer programs available, but you should compare their cost to that of a taxi. It will probably be less expensive.

 

Instead of buying a ton of gifts that will be forgotten by February this is going to be our big gift for Christmas.

 

As far as destinations I'd love to go to the Mediterranian and visit Rome. :)

But my pocket book so far is more compatible with the Bahamas and Mexican Riviera.

 

.

[MaMa2005]

QValencia did an excellent job of answering all your questions :D. We have cruised over 20 times and love it as a way to vacation.

 

The only thing I can add is about port parking. We discovered a couple of years ago that some of the hotels near the ports offer cruise parking. The savings can be substantial. We sailed from Fort Lauderdale in April. Parking at the port would have cost around $140. We made reservations and parked at one of the hotels. They shuttled us quickly to the ship and were there waiting when the ship docked. We paid $64 for parking and the shuttle :hurray:.

[Carrie12345]

Has anyone taken a homeschool cruise? We're exploring for a family Christmas vacation.

 

I'm currently looking at Worldwide Family Vacations. The main person is on vacation until the 22nd so I'm still waiting a response to my questions. But they can't hardly be the only ones to do this.

 

I'd be interested to know if you'd done this with your family and how it went.

 

I've never been on a cruise before, but I've been eying that website for a while now. My kids, especially my oldest, have been asking about taking a cruise some day for quite a while now.

 

I have some questions, if you don't mind my adding them!

 

Are infants usually full-price on cruises? I understand staying within accommodation numbers, but infants generally don't eat cruise food. ;)

 

Is it true that round-trip cruises to/from the same US port don't require passports? The added expense (7 passports!) could be a factor.

[AlmiraGulch]

QValencia did an excellent job of answering all your questions :D. We have cruised over 20 times and love it as a way to vacation.

 

The only thing I can add is about port parking. We discovered a couple of years ago that some of the hotels near the ports offer cruise parking. The savings can be substantial. We sailed from Fort Lauderdale in April. Parking at the port would have cost around $140. We made reservations and parked at one of the hotels. They shuttled us quickly to the ship and were there waiting when the ship docked. We paid $64 for parking and the shuttle :hurray:.

 

Great point about hotel parking. Not sure why I've never done that.

[AlmiraGulch]

I have some questions, if you don't mind my adding them!

 

Are infants usually full-price on cruises? I understand staying within accommodation numbers, but infants generally don't eat cruise food. ;)

 

Is it true that round-trip cruises to/from the same US port don't require passports? The added expense (7 passports!) could be a factor.

 

Most cruise lines charge less or nothing for kids under a certain age (2, maybe?). After that, they are charged the 3rd or 4th person in a cabin rate. That varies, too, and cruise lines often run sales on 3rd and 4th people in the cabin for $199 or even $99 each, but even if they don't it's substantially less than persons 1 and 2. On my next cruise the first two people were something like $1000 each but the 3rd and 4th were $349-ish. Also, most (but not all) charge full daily service fee/auto-gratuities for kids, too. Just be sure to check with the cruise line so you're not surprised.

 

Yes, it's true about the passports. It's called a "closed-loop" cruise and if you're going to the Caribbean or Mexico, embarking and debarking at the same U.S. port you do not need a passport. My kids have not had passports yet but will be getting them shortly (should have done it before prices went up, but oh well) because our 2011 and 2012 cruises will require them (Bermuda and Europe).

 

Many, many people will say that you should get passports anyway because if you should happen to miss the ship while you're in, say, Mexico, you won't be able to fly back into the U.S. without a passport. I say....just don't miss the ship. :D:D:D

[In2why]

so can you recommend a cruise line or family cruise?

 

I really like Carnival. For some reason people assume they are the "wild" line but we have never had any problems. Plus I think the food is the best rated, the kids programs are great, and the cabins and bedding is amazing. But even better the prices can't be beat. But it depends on when you go....if it is Spring break and a 3-4 day cruise of course it is going to be filled with a bunch of craziness.

 

I'm interested in booking something in January. Is 4 days too short of a vacation on a ship? It sounds short to me but then again it might be just the ticket for a starter vacation. Personally I'm thinking a 7 day might be more relaxing.

 

I think 4 days is too short. But if I have 4 days versus no days 4 days it is....although the other consideration is that the shorter cruises tend to be more party cruisers, although it depends on when you go too.

 

How much extra spending money does your family need for extras that aren't included in your tickets?

 

We are sailing 7 days on Carnival in December and you can figure tipping is $10per person per day so that is $70 per person, then after that it can be up to you....All food and basic drinks like tea, coffee, and lemonaid are included but you pay extra for soda or alcohol. I think all the lines offer a soda card now too. I think it is like $35 and includes all the sodas. They also offer Kids programs and most are free but if you need child care after hours then it is extra. What really eats up the budget is alcohol, pictures, and gambling. If you want those plan to pay a pretty (or ugly) penny for it. As for things to do in port, if you go to CruiseCritic there are wonderful posts filled with ideas to do in port for little $$ or at least a lot less than you would pay onboard if you booked.

 

Is staying in an inside cabin a downer? Will I be glad I paid for the window?

 

I have to have a balcony. Mainly because of the kids. When they go to bed, DH and I can stay on the balcony and relax. I also love the ship and all of the excitement but it is important to me to be able to get away from it all sometimes and the balcony comes in handy. So I would skip the view and either go with a balcony or an inside cabin. If you book and obstructed view balcony you can still see out, just not down and the prie difference is huge.

 

How about seasickness. I got seasick crossing the English Channel when I was 16 so I know I'll need to use some dramamine. Has this been a problem?

 

It depends on the weather when you travel. If you are prone to sea sickness look for a cabin that is midship and lower. They have the least movement.

 

Did you fly or drive to the port? If you drive is there secure parking available?

 

We drive and as someone else said look for a hotel with free parking for the week and a shuttle. You will want to get in the night before just in case you hit any travel snafus anyway.

 

Instead of buying a ton of gifts that will be forgotten by February this is going to be our big gift for Christmas.

 

That is why we are going in December.....:D

 

As far as destinations I'd love to go to the Mediterranian and visit Rome. :)

But my pocket book so far is more compatible with the Bahamas and Mexican Riviera.

 

 

I can understand that.....I would love an exotic Far East cruise, but it isn't in the budget.

[Punchie]

I don't know about children's fares. When we sailed it was under a special rate, so there was no breaks for ODD as the 3rd pax. Gratuities tend to get added on automatically. You can adjust it at the purser's desk. JMO, even w/an infant they're still doing things - like making up the crib if you get one on board, dumping trash cans w/dirty diapers, etc...they might not eat food, but I have yet to see a waiter NOT dote upon a child/infant in the main dining rooms. When we sail in Jan, I'll pay full gratuities for both girls. The cabin/wait staff don't get paid very much, and they do one heck of a job. ODD was spoiled on our last cruise by both our steward and waiters.

 

If you can get passports, it would probably be wise. We have one for ODD, but not for YDD. I'm not going to get YDD one for the Mexico sailing b/c she'll be 9.5 months, and won't be traveling internationally soon enough after that trip to justify the cost.

 

Also, if you plan to sail w/o your spouse, I highly recommend getting a notarized letter indicating you have their permission to take your child(ren) out of the country. It isn't necessary, but it's a peace of mind issue. We had no problems on our cruise last Fall, but when ODD and I went to Niagara Falls w/the ILs, the Canadian boarder officer asked for it.

[ma23peas]

We're still in the planning stages for AK. We are currently booked on a Mexican Riviera cruise for next year while continuing to save for Alaska. Looks like that will be our 2012 vacation.

 

I've been to most of these ports as well. Ask away!!!

 

Where is your next cruise?

 

 

Hmmm...perhaps the Disney kids sail free in March?? We just returned from the Mediterranean in May...amazing deal, and amazing ports..but we came out of it thinking we needed a relaxing vacation, when the Mexican Riviera popped up with 3 sail days, we figured we better bite! :)

 

I found many homeschoolers on our Med cruise, you travel during the school year on a kid infested ship and you're likely to hit great deals and as a result many budget conscious homeschoolers! :)

 

I think we're hooked for now on cruises..our lives are too busy and hectic to plan all the hotels/etc...so we enjoy the convenience! :) Kids sail free is not bad either! :)

Tara