New Orleans or Mobile AL

[doug35]

Me and my family are new to cruising. We are looking at booking a 5 day cruise to the carribbean next Feb (2010) for our 10th anniversary. We will be taking our 2 boys who will be 4 and 8. I am located in southern IL and will be driving to the port. New Orleans and Mobile are the same distance for us and the cruises are basically the same price. The only difference I can see is that the Triumph will be sailing from New Orleans while the Fantasy will be sailing out of Mobile. I would like to book soon for the early saver, deals really look good. This will be our first major vacation since our honeymoon in Vegas so it is a big deal for us. Any info on this cruise would be great. Also we first started out looking at Bahamas but my wife thought Mexico would be better.

 

[Mbandy]

Ahoy Doug and =welcome to Cruise @ddicts =sailor

While either ship would be fine, you might want to consider that the Triumph is a newer and larger vessel than the Fantasy.

I would suggest using caution when booking the early saver rate. It does price really well but make sure you are familiar with the terms and conditions of the promo. First of all, full deposit is required at the time of booking. Secondly, the deposit is fully NON-refundable. Thirdly, no changes are allowed to be made to the booking once it has been made. It is a really great promo for people who are planning on leaving in a few weeks but consider how many things could change between now and next February that could cause you to need to change your plans.

Also, if you are driving to the ship through the mid-west in February, please purchase travel insurance. One good blizzard could delay you in getting to the ship and the insurance would cover travel delay.

=funsign planning your trip and enjoy the warm Caribbean sunshine while your neighbors are shivering back in :IL

 

[LHP]

I also recommend that purchasing travel insurance is a MUST if you are doing the Early Saver Fares.

With kids, illnesses and things that are beyond your control can happen at any time.

As far as which port.... I would base it on the best cruise price.

We have sailed on the Fantasy many times and for kids your age....it would offer enough to keep them happy. It has the new Waterpark.

We have sailed on the Victory (which is like the Triumph) and it is a larger ship....not not necessarily "better" for your needs.

Both ports in Mobile and New Orleans are "travel friendly" with parking right at the terminal. New Orleans is $14.00 a day for parking. I can't remember what Mobile was. I do know that hotels in Mobile will be less expensive than those in New Orleans. So if you come in a day early...take that into consideration.

We love going to Cozumel. It is very tourist friendly.
"The thing to do in Cozumel" (for that once in a lifetime experience) is swimming with the dolphins. If that is something your boys would consider doing, while it is expensive....everyone says it is worth it. And I would book it through the ship to make sure you get a slot.

If a simple day at the beach is more your speed...then we always go to Paradise Beach. The taxi ride is the most expensive thing about the trip. $15.00 one way for up to 4 people. But we are not big drinkers and even with the wristbands for the boys...we are spend the day at Paradise for $100.00 total.
Since the Wristbands are optional....our boys get them...hubby and I do not. (we are lazy shade people) LOL

By then, I am not sure if the ship will still be going to Progreso or back to Costa Maya. There isn't much at Progreso. Since it is at the top of the Yuc. Pen. the water is not the pretty blue Caribbean water that people are used to seeing on a cruise. Still a pretty safe little town though...just not much there unless you are into the ruins.


First, I would check the cost and let it decide "which one". (because you will have a great time on both)
Second, be sure to by the insurance.
Third, once you have made your decision....research each port to see which activities is the best fit for you!!