First Cruise Q's (w/ small kids)

[imlazar]

We're looking at booking the Eastern cruise in mid-September and I wanted to get some feedback and possibly validate some assumptions (or have them shot full of holes) . We're traveling with two boys, ages 2 &5

We're looking at Eastern based on what I've read about it being a bit more kid friendly and having better beaches plus an extra day at sea.

We're considering a Category 8 deluxe stateroom with ocean view, we don't want a Verdannah because it is $1k more expensive, and it gives us one more thing to worry about with regard to the 2 year old. The quote we have is about $2,500 from cruising co (through allearsnet.com) for a cabin on Decks 5, 6 and 7, not including insurance or airfare. Can anyone recommend a bettter place to book through? Should we look at a different room? (We don't plan to spend much time in the room)

Couple of questions:
1. Will there be enough for the kids to do on-board keep them happy?

2. We'd like to come in the thursday before departure and spend Friday at Cape Canaveral. Is there a good place to stay near the port?

3. Can we rent a car at Orlando, return it at the port, and then get Disney transportation back to the airport?

Anything else we ought to know? We're all first-time cruisers though we've been to DisneyWorld several times.

Thanks in Advance!!

 

[ratfam]

Can't help with your logistics questions, but I can say that our then three and a half year old son loved our cruise. It was three years ago so I am sure that the specific programs have changed, but he really enjoyed the club and we found the CM's to be wonderful with the young kids. We also did the Eastern and avoided the pricey excursions, just went to beaches on our own at the ports which worked perfectly--all you'll need is a bucket and shovel. We did show him the promotional DVD that came from DCL and talked to him about what to expect and I think that helped. A friend just returned from the Western cruise with her four year old and had a similar experience. Any more specific questions, I'd be happy to help.

 

[DrCavin]

Some kids don't like the clubs, some you can't get out, so answering #1 is difficult. Questions 2 & 3, go to www.dcltribute.com & look at Dave's website. This is probably the best site for hotel recomendations & rental car info..

You can compare prices at www.allseastravel.com we have used them in the past & they have great customer service & competitive prices!!

 

[cwf1028]

Not sure how old the 2 year old will be when you sail, but the clubs are for the 3 and older set. Otherwise, the 2 year old would be in the nursery which requires reservations, has limited hours and there is a fee. Sometimes if they are close to 3 they are allowed in the club on a trial basis if fully potty trained (meaning no assistance needed with pants, paper items, etc) just something to think about.

 

[wonderfan]

In my opinion, and from a couple of friends' recent Disney and Non-Disney cruise experiences, I think cruising with a 2 year old is going to be hard-work == I don't know how old he/she will be when you travel, but, the clubs are for 3 yrs. and up .... I know kids are different and mature at different rates but ..... you might want to think about that. My opinion is this cruise is ideal for kids 3 1/2 or 4 and up -- not trying to say anyone who travels with younger kids shouldn't but, that's my opinion. SItting through shows, sitting through dinners, crowds, lots of open space to wonder (and get lost, my worst fear) --

Many people may disagree with me -- but, I told my sister that we won't plan a cruise with her until her girls are 4 or so .... it'll be really worth it then.

 

[Rence]

We took a large family cruise (My parents, my two sisters & their families). We had originally planed the trip for when the youngest was going to be 2 1/2. After researching we decided to wait until the youngest was 3 so that she could fully participate in the clubs. We knew that she would not be pleased if her older sisters and her cousins were off to the clubs and she couldn't go. She has to do everything the bigger kids do. In our case it was the right decision. It was the youngest who spent the most time with the clubs and most enjoyed all the activities. If she had been too young to participate, we would have had a week of sobbing and tantrums.

You know your kids the best, but these were the considerations our family had, and it did work out for the best.