Feb. 12 08! New to cruising, any tips?

[ariesprincess1995]

Hello everyone!
Well my youngest girl (hard to believe I have had three) found out she had cancer this Oct. That was scary but treatment is starting to finish up and it's time for her make a wish. Now we are going on a 7 day eastern cruise this winter!

I do have a few questions being new to this whole thing.
How many activities should I plan?
Will will my other two teens be bored the whole time?
Is it a family cruise or a everyone for themselfs cruise?
How much freedom to give the kids?
And what things do we just have to do?

Thanks sorry for the quests but I want to know the feel!

 

[SB's Mom]

How is your daughter?
It is so hard on us (parents) when our children are sick.

Your teens should have a wonderful time in the Stack! It's the teen club on board. They also have "counselor/activity coordinators" for them there. Depending on your child's maturity, would determine if I would allow mine to roam the ship freely or if I would check them into the Stack.

We took our 1st Disney cruise when our DD was 5. She love the children's area. They are very good at entertaining and teach the kids. The only time ours want to leave was to swim.(they don't take them swimming but will take them for meals)

Next, I would suggest finding a group that is going your dates on the Disboard. We became friends with many families before our cruise in June 2006 and our DD had friends to meet on the ship. That group are still dear friends today and we plan to meet next month at WDW.

Be sure to plan some time for family and for yourself.
Palo's (the adult restaurant) is wonderful. I like the brunch much better than dinner. . .but it is wonderful for either meal. . .be sure to book something before leaving if you want to dine here!

Be sure to see the shows on the ship. They are wonderful.
Each island is different. On our cruise the past March, we took the 2 Flags tour on St Maartin. It was good, but DD was BORED! Lots of folks look for the beautiful beaches for shore excursion. . .watch out for the clothing optional ones!
In St Thomas we've done a Island tour and walked around town. A lot like to take the ferry (which can be rough seas) to St Johns (which has very beautiful beaches).

Enjoy Castaway Cay! We like to parasail here. (which they weren't doing in March) Enjoy the family beach or get a spa treatement an the cabana's on the adult only beach.

Have a wonderful cruise!
Charlene