Idaho Girl Posted February 13, 2019 Report Share Posted February 13, 2019 Ok, all jokes aside... my family and I have never been on a cruise and need help deciding what to do. My kids are 13 and 10, so I want somewhere fun for them. What advise can you give me? What are some do's and don'ts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melski94 Posted February 13, 2019 Report Share Posted February 13, 2019 Have you booked a cruise? When are you going and what ship are you on? Ports? If you haven't booked, when do you want to go? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpeedNoodles Posted February 13, 2019 Report Share Posted February 13, 2019 This is a great place to start! https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/getting-started cruiselife and Matt 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Idaho Girl Posted February 13, 2019 Author Report Share Posted February 13, 2019 I haven't booked a cruise yet because I am still trying to learn what I should do. I know this sounds crazy, but I was wanting to go over my kids spring break... which now I am learning that most people book months and months in advance. Spring break is March 17-23rd but I wouldn't need to be gone the whole time and could overlap a few days. By watching some videos, I heard that booking through a travel agent is good. Any suggestions on companies? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JasonL Posted February 13, 2019 Report Share Posted February 13, 2019 Book as far out in advance as possible for the best price. Research the kinds of things you are interested in and then see which ships offer those things. Oasis class ships have the most activities, but are the newest and most expensive. The Freedom ships are great too, they are a little smaller but still have a ton to do. Those are the 2 classes I recommend for a 1st time cruiser with young kids. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JasonL Posted February 13, 2019 Report Share Posted February 13, 2019 I prefer booking at least 18 months in advance(although if I get sudden time off I'd consider last minute). It's cheaper the further out you book. Also keep in mind that anytime kids are out of school prices will be higher, supply and demand. I also recommend a 7 night cruise, especially coming from Idaho. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JLMoran Posted February 13, 2019 Report Share Posted February 13, 2019 If you're really really interested in taking a cruise this March and not March of next year, take a look at this article on last-minute trip planning, posted by @Matt (the awesome guy who runs this site). Good tips there on finding things like the "Going, Going, Gone" offers and getting your paperwork and any airfare in order. Gotta be honest, trying to book this close to a sail date is probably going to be really stressful and difficult. As the article I linked to says, it can be done but it's going to be an intense few weeks to pull it off. If you can put it off for a year, that will be much better. That will give you enough time to find a travel agent, pick an itinerary and cruise ship (and boy will you get lots of advice here on which of each is the best!), and make your booking. Matt and coneyraven 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted February 13, 2019 Report Share Posted February 13, 2019 If you are from Idaho, check into airfare before booking a March cruise. This March it seems the airlines are bound and determined to beat Wall Street expectations for the whole year by jacking up March break airfare. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melski94 Posted February 14, 2019 Report Share Posted February 14, 2019 That is our spring break too. We are sailing a less expensive ship, Adventure, however the last time I checked rooms for 4 were sold out. You may want to use MEI Travel who many of us use and is a sponsor of the blog. I suggest Liberty, Independence, Mariner, Navigator or an Oasis class ship (Harmony or Symphony) but honestly you can't be too choosy as you are so late to plan. I do know of people who booked the week before on Harmony so it is possible. Just an FYI, I'm booked through 2021 for Spring Break. There are certain requirements I need for 2 staterooms so like to book early to make sure they are met. As I can book refundable deposits there is no risk. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baked Alaska Posted February 14, 2019 Report Share Posted February 14, 2019 3 hours ago, Idaho Girl said: I haven't booked a cruise yet because I am still trying to learn what I should do. I know this sounds crazy, but I was wanting to go over my kids spring break... which now I am learning that most people book months and months in advance. Spring break is March 17-23rd but I wouldn't need to be gone the whole time and could overlap a few days. By watching some videos, I heard that booking through a travel agent is good. Any suggestions on companies? You don't have much time for passport application, if you haven't already got them. If you do, great!! Also, a lot of us on these message boards use MEI Travel. @Sharla has been wonderful to work with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted February 14, 2019 Report Share Posted February 14, 2019 Check out this video for some first time mistakes to avoid Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeK Posted February 14, 2019 Report Share Posted February 14, 2019 Like most on here have said .....start with a good travel agency. I use someone local that's been doing my cruises for years and they specialize in cruises. Being from Idaho I'm guessing there probably isn't many agencies that have experience in cruises. I have heard nothing but good things about MEI so it would be your best bet to start there. Travel agencies do not charge more than you would get if you booked it directly from Royal Caribbean and they do all the work for you. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coneyraven Posted February 14, 2019 Report Share Posted February 14, 2019 Like others have said ..... the beauty of a good travel agent is that there is no additional cost to you.... yet, they go to bat for you, they do all the work for you, they can walk you through the process and can guide you with good suggestions..... I work with @michelle with MEI --- she is awesome and incredibly patient with all of our questions ..... God love her, she takes the headache so we can go stress free. michelle 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WAAAYTOOO Posted February 14, 2019 Report Share Posted February 14, 2019 I totally agree with Twangster. Check the airline prices FIRST b/c that is likely to be nearly as expensive as your cruise itself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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