N
npct6605
Guest
Greetings everyone, I am new to this site.
First, a big thank you to all I have already learned from reading so far! I've been on a few cruises and learned a few tricks but I would be considered a major amateur, especially at sailing with my kids. We always did a vacation for them and cruising was separate for us...etiquette for other passengers as far as I was concerned.
Last year we threw Christmas presents out the window and did a family cruise instead. We went on the Carnival Splendor and had a blast (though we should have selected RCI). I have two boys ages 17 and 11. The boys enjoyed the family time so much more than "presents" that they would like to repeat the experience and give up the presents again this year. I'm obviously thrilled! Last Christmas was my older son's second cruise and my youngest son's first.
I have done tons of research and have decided on RCI and am down to two cruises for December 20, the Liberty and the Independence. It looks to me as if the ships are essentially identical so I am not concerned with that part. My question comes in the itinerary when traveling with kids this age. I have read previous posts about cabin options (we did balcony and interior last time) and that was REALLY helpful advice that I hadn't thought of---thanks everyone!
Here's what I am looking at:
Independence is 6 days with Belize City, Costa Maya, and Cozumel (been to Cozumel before, kids have not)
Liberty is 7 days with Labadee, Ocho Rios, Georgetown, and Cozumel (been to all of these, kids haven't been to any)
My husband and 17 year old are both dive certified (I'm too much of a sissy) and my 11 year old is currently working on getting certified this summer. Clearly I have no issues sleeping in and shopping while they dive somewhere! (smile) My husband is retired military so the difference for 1 night (military discount applies to Independence but not to Liberty) is $1500. I am not as stressed about the $1500 as I am the experience, I obviously don't want to pay this additional money for just 1 night. HOWEVER, I think the ports are key here. I seem to find myself leaning towards the Liberty and ports which I've been to for the kid's sake but realize that it's not always the best call to rely on your own experiences alone. None of my research helps me with the ports I haven't been to. I am looking for any and all advice I can get regarding these ports as well as advice for traveling with the kids. Anything I may not have thought of would be SO HELPFUL!
A final note, on the Splendor my biggest issue came with my youngest son not wanting to join the youth group. He's more mature than the average 11 year old (likely due to hanging so close with his older brother) and the "kiddie" environment drove him nuts the first day. Just wanted to mention that in case it might factor into shore excursions and ports of call. I fully expect him to be dive certified before the cruise and all my guys are excellent swimmers...me not so much! LOL!
Thanks in advance for any help you can give, I can see many many more experienced cruisers here and I appreciate any insight!
First, a big thank you to all I have already learned from reading so far! I've been on a few cruises and learned a few tricks but I would be considered a major amateur, especially at sailing with my kids. We always did a vacation for them and cruising was separate for us...etiquette for other passengers as far as I was concerned.
Last year we threw Christmas presents out the window and did a family cruise instead. We went on the Carnival Splendor and had a blast (though we should have selected RCI). I have two boys ages 17 and 11. The boys enjoyed the family time so much more than "presents" that they would like to repeat the experience and give up the presents again this year. I'm obviously thrilled! Last Christmas was my older son's second cruise and my youngest son's first.
I have done tons of research and have decided on RCI and am down to two cruises for December 20, the Liberty and the Independence. It looks to me as if the ships are essentially identical so I am not concerned with that part. My question comes in the itinerary when traveling with kids this age. I have read previous posts about cabin options (we did balcony and interior last time) and that was REALLY helpful advice that I hadn't thought of---thanks everyone!
Here's what I am looking at:
Independence is 6 days with Belize City, Costa Maya, and Cozumel (been to Cozumel before, kids have not)
Liberty is 7 days with Labadee, Ocho Rios, Georgetown, and Cozumel (been to all of these, kids haven't been to any)
My husband and 17 year old are both dive certified (I'm too much of a sissy) and my 11 year old is currently working on getting certified this summer. Clearly I have no issues sleeping in and shopping while they dive somewhere! (smile) My husband is retired military so the difference for 1 night (military discount applies to Independence but not to Liberty) is $1500. I am not as stressed about the $1500 as I am the experience, I obviously don't want to pay this additional money for just 1 night. HOWEVER, I think the ports are key here. I seem to find myself leaning towards the Liberty and ports which I've been to for the kid's sake but realize that it's not always the best call to rely on your own experiences alone. None of my research helps me with the ports I haven't been to. I am looking for any and all advice I can get regarding these ports as well as advice for traveling with the kids. Anything I may not have thought of would be SO HELPFUL!
A final note, on the Splendor my biggest issue came with my youngest son not wanting to join the youth group. He's more mature than the average 11 year old (likely due to hanging so close with his older brother) and the "kiddie" environment drove him nuts the first day. Just wanted to mention that in case it might factor into shore excursions and ports of call. I fully expect him to be dive certified before the cruise and all my guys are excellent swimmers...me not so much! LOL!
Thanks in advance for any help you can give, I can see many many more experienced cruisers here and I appreciate any insight!