[llama]

Are you looking in the "Find a Bargain?" - because those prices will come down - when you are planning?

I'm not sure about the immunization thing - when we went to the Domincan Republic we had to get a polio booster because there was an outbreak on the island. The island itself didn't care, but Canada wouldn't have let us back in.

[johnkimv]

Originally Posted by Erin

Royal Carribean will only let us have 4 guests per reservation and we're NOT booking two rooms, I can tell ya that!

:frustrated smiley:

I think that's why people have travel agents, yes?

Sometimes it is cheaper or just about the same to book 2 rooms as opposed to 1 room that everyone is squished into. We just did a 5 day on Carnival and it was only $100 more to have two adjoining rooms than to squish the 4 of us in one room- plus you have 2 bathrooms!!!

Cruise staterooms are much smaller than a hotel room!

[Cosmicwaves]

I don't think they even ask if you've been immunized...at least not that I can recall...like llama said...unless there is a specific outbreak...I think you'll be ok

[johnkimv]

If I remember correctly, the soda card is about $5.50 per day per person plus taz and 15% gratuity. Kid cards are a little cheaper.

Carnival charges $10 per person per day as gratuity and it is added to your room key.

Go to Carnival Cruise Lines: cruise ship vacations, cruise deals for all the info
(For Carnival, that is)

The 2 uppers refers to beds that come down from the ceiling- like a bunk bed.

I am very particular about who watches my kids, but I was very impressed with the kids club. they have it divided into ages. It is called camp carnival. you should be able to find all the details at Carnival Cruise Lines: cruise ship vacations, cruise deals.

As for excursions, yes they will add up. You should figure about $50/ per person per excursion with some costing up to $200 per person. We don't even do excursions anymore. Some ports you need to do an excursion or you might as well stay on the ship- mostly the newer ports like Hondorus and Belize as there isn't much you can do if you just walk right off the ship. Mexico and Grand Cayman ports you can walk around safely right off the ship- no need for an excursion unless you want to do something "caribbean" like swim with sting rays!

[johnkimv]

Originally Posted by Cosmicwaves

I don't think they even ask if you've been immunized...at least not that I can recall...like llama said...unless there is a specific outbreak...I think you'll be ok

we have never been asked to show proof of immunizations.

[Cosmicwaves]

Erin, if you chose to do excursions, look into booking through an independent company...not through the cruise line. The cruise lines charge sooo much more for the excursions than the independent companies. Research it...look on cruisecritic, and you'll be fine.

[Goodegirl2007]

We've been on 4 cruises (1 Carnival, 1 Dolphin, and 2 Norwegian).

They were all GREAT!! I do suggest going for the biggest, newest ship you can get. We aren't very particular about the ports....my favorite days are the ones "at sea".

Someday, we would love to do a Disney cruise....but I don't think they have a casino....so I think DH would be out. Maybe I just won't tell him.....LOL!!

[llama]

Originally Posted by Goodegirl2007

We've been on 4 cruises (1 Carnival, 1 Dolphin, and 2 Norwegian).

They were all GREAT!! I do suggest going for the biggest, newest ship you can get. We aren't very particular about the ports....my favorite days are the ones "at sea".

Someday, we would love to do a Disney cruise....but I don't think they have a casino....so I think DH would be out. Maybe I just won't tell him.....LOL!!

I agree - I LOVE sea days - in fact, we're looking at doing a repositioning or trans-Atlantic cruise next time.

[disneymom]

We have been on Disney, Royal Carribean, and Carnival and loved them all. By far Disney was our favorite but with four kids, it is very expensive. Our last three cruises have been Carnival and the kids have loved it. I think most of the shows are lame compared to Disney but not a big deal.