thinking of cruising and had a few ?

[mamalle]

Im thinking of booking a 4 day cruise for dd's 5th bday Feb 2005. Im just undecided on a few things and would appreciate any feedback you all could give-

1. is it worth it to get the family verandah ? we will be sailing with ds who will be 3 and dd who will turn five when we dock.

2. is it better to do a 4 day cruise with the day at sea for our first time taking the kids on a cruise? or a 3 day cruise?

3. Is it really as magical as the dvd- dd and I have watched over and over? our there that many characters on the ship? will there be things for dh to do on his own?

4. do they offer any fla resident rates? Im wondering if I should wait to closer to our dates to book and see if there are any late discounts?

anyhow tia. Im just so torn on whether going to disney for a 5 night 6 day visit or this cruise and than heading over to the magic kingdom to spend dd's official birthday. I want her to have a wonderful time

 

[MarcyIn Florida]

(1) People are split on the verandahs. I, personally, do not want one with a 4 and a 1 year old, both of whom are climbers. But a lot of people like them for naptime.

(2) I loved the 4 day cruise and the 3 day would have been too short for me! Plus, the price difference kills me.

(3) Yes, yes, and yes.

(4) They do offer Fla. resident rates from time to time, but others have said that you can ask for the FRR later on, even if you've already booked your cruise. We just booked the 9/25 7 day cruise for the 4 of us, and we paid less than we did for the 4 day cruise for 3 of us in 2002! The resident rate was pretty amazing.

 

[mamalle]

thanks for the info. I brought up the verandah with dh thinking it could be a problem but he thought it might have some inclosing so we dont have to worry about ds possibly climbing. I said it doesnt look to be. granted he will be 3 at the time and Im not sure it will be a issue. dh wants it more for at night- putting the kids to bed and than we can hang out on the deck.

as far as the resident rates- wow! I did find a site that puts out fla rates like 3 mths in advance and it looks like a dramatic difference. so I can book our trip and if rates come out I can be credited the difference? that would be swell.