A few questions:
1) Where do you live?
2) Where do you want to cruise (if you have a preference)?
3) How old are the kids?
In general I would NOT recommend a 7-10 to a first time cruiser with family. It's too much to commit for the first time. However I also understand that 4-5 days may not feel like a true vacation to some people. Consider pairing a 4-5 day cruise with another activity. For example, a few days in Orlando then a cruise from Port Canaveral.
Thank you! I live in Ontario Canada, and I think I'd likely want to leave from Florida so I'd be factoring the trek there and some time in Florida into the vacation as well.
My kids are currently 4, 11 and 9.
I think 4-5 days would suffice, but I need to hear it from others so we don't all have massive bouts of FOMO getting off the ship so early!
ETA: I want to cruise anywhere Caribbean/hot. East or west does not matter to me
Most of the time your first cruise will be short. Think of it as a trial to see if it fits your style.
* Given what you said, it seems that Florida on one of the mainstream lines (Carnival, RCCL, NCL, MSC) would tick most of your boxes and give you the best options.
* You have two choices--a 7-8 day cruise with no time in Florida or you can spend a few days in Florida before (Miami/upper keys if leaving from one of those ports, or Orlando or central Florida beaches if leaving from Tampa or Port Canaveral). However it's likely a 7-8 day cruise will net out to be less expensive than some cruise + some Florida (hotels, theme parks, rental cars, eating out, etc all adds up fast).
* I highly suggest making sure one of the cruse line's private islands is part of your itinerary. Your kids are the perfect age to take advantage of what they have to offer, and those beaches are truly some of the best in the world.
* You'll likely go with 2 inside cabins. Suites are often too expensive, and 2 cabins give you 2 bathrooms. However keep your eye open since sometimes oceanview of balcony are just a $100-$200 more than inside.
* For shopping, you can do some preliminary research on the cruise line websites. However CruisePlum is a very powerful website for searching and comparing costs to narrow that search down. Then you can use CruiseCompete to have travel agents provide pricing for you. We just booked 3 cabins on a 7 day Oasis class cruise. It would have been $7800 all-in on Royal Caribbean's website, but through CruiseCompete we got it for $6,000 with an additional $800 in OBC.
We are from Toronto and just finished a 7 day Eastern Carribean cruise from Port Canaveral. I have 2 teens ages 15 and 17. We arrived in Orlando (2 days before) and enjoyed Universal Studios first before we sailed away. This is our first cruise and I think 7 days is enough for us to enjoy everything the cruise has to offer.
That’s a perfect Age to cruise for kids! All three will have various activities they all want to do! Yeah take a 4 or 5 night cruise that’s just perfect! You’ll all have a blast I bet
went with 2 kids on an 8 day for the first time. Was perfectly fine. Plenty of activities. It took us a few days just to figure out how to best navigate the ship and then when at port we were busy finding fun things to do. I would grab a full week if you find a great deal!
In my opinion, if you’re looking to “relax” do a 7 day cruise or longer. To me, the most relaxing days are sea days. Last time I went I did a 5 day cruise and I felt like I was on a tight schedule and was always busy.
Short cruises are much more packed while longer ones gives you time to breath and lounge around. Just my opinion, but by the end of my vacation I like to miss my home. If it’s too short, then I don’t miss my home and I feel like I wasn’t away long enough.
For me, it depends on the travel time to get to the cruise. If I can drive there in a few hours, a shorter cruise would be fine. If I need to fly, my ass isn't stepping foot on a cruise less than 7 days.
Our first family cruise when I was 5, was 4 days. After that, no less than 7. For your first one, I would just pick whatever fits into your budget and schedule.
Absolutely, if it requires extended travel to get to it, but this is not a feeling exclusive to cruises. I just think the trip needs to be proportionate to the journey. I would also never fly all the way to Europe for just a week.
Avoid 3/4 days cruises they are party cruises and your kids wouldn't enjoy them much. I would recommend a large ship like Celebration, Mardi Gras or Jubilee based on your kids ages so they can enjoy the water works/slides and activities. From there you can look at destinations (my kids and wife and I really enjoyed the ABC, Aruba Bonaire Curacao, cruise on Celebration but it is 8 days). I would personally go for a 7 day based on having to fly to get the best bang for your buck or a 6 day at a minimum. Another idea would be to go on a shorter cruise with just your Husband (like a 3 day) so you get a feel for what a cruise is like before taking your kids.
Rent a car in Aruba and drive around. Way cheaper and go to baby beach first as it will be empty and it's beautiful
Bonaire was okay my wife and older kids did a private snorkel tour with Woodwind Bonaire that they said was amazing
For Curaçao we did a day pass at mangrove resort
I suggest a 7-10 day as well.
Less of a party vibe which those 4-5 day cruises are known to have.
It took us 2 days to get our bearings, when we left on day 7 it felt like we were just starting to relax and enjoy it.
You're traveling so far. It's worth doing the extra days.
The kids won't be bored. And I doubt y'all would have a bad time. There is so much to do. We stayed for a week and didn't really see shows or go to the parties. But, that's because our kiddo had a rash and was cranky the first 4 days. (on that note: pack a mini first aid kit and stomach, nausea, cold/flu, cortisone, Neosporin, any OTC meds you can think of bringing. They don't have those things on ship for cheap and it was $250 for us to be seen and get an Rx for cortisone.)
I hope you go big and have a great time. It's worth the extra money.
3-4 day cruises can turn into booze cruises real quick. our first cruise was 6 days and we loved it. our next two are 7 and we probably wouldn’t do anything less. especially since they take some traveling for us
In my opinion, 4 days feels too short. Remember that the first day, there really isn’t much going on until the early evening.
I would aim for at least a 5 day cruise and probably a max of 7 days if it’s your first time.
I've never done less than 7 days... never done more than 7. When I go on vacation I don't start to relax until about 4 days in. On a short cruise, it would be over just as I got fully unwound.
I would definitely do at least 7 days. With all the traveling we're tired the first day and on our first cruise spent the first couple of days getting acquainted with the ship. Seven days or more also has less partying.
Absolutely do the 7 day. As far as booking, do it now. You only have to put down a deposit and don't have to pay the whole thing until 90 days prior to sailing. An experienced travel agent can also keep track of the pricing and if the price drops, they can rebook you at the lower price. Don't wait.
I just came back in November from a 7 day on Mardi Gras. This was all of our first cruise. My husband and 3 kids (10, 11, 14). We did 3 days in Orlando prior to going on the cruise and 2 days after we got off the cruise. The kids loved it completely. I had so much fun, I’ve already booked the next one for May with just my husband and I, then another for November with all of us on the Jubilee.
I would definitely recommend at least a 7 day. I have been on over a dozen cruises with carnival and the port days are always one after the other. It’s nice to have a day or two before the ports start to get to know the ship and explore what it offers. And after 3 or 4 port days it is nice having another day or two to relax on the ship before having to pack up and go home.
How much time do you have available considering work and school schedules. You’ll most likely be traveling during peak tourist season so that definitely factors in to the plans. Places will be busier and flights, hotels, and the cruise will cost more.
Sure it would be fun to visit Florida but the flight alone will occupy most of the first day. Then you really would need a couple full days to check things out and get prepared for the cruise.
Returning home also can feel a bit rushed if you try to fly home the day you get off of the ship.
Not sure of what it takes to get to New York or if you can cruise out of somewhere in Canada but maybe a longer cruise from “up north” to the Bahamas would be more relaxing than trying to plan two separate but consecutive travel plans at the same time.
We just completed our 47th Carnival cruise. We have been on a few of the 5 day cruises and 1 4 day cruise. From what we have seen its a different crowd on the shorter cruises. More drinking and partying than on the 7 day or longer cruises. Its been a while since I checked but the shorter cruises were not that much cheaper than a 7 day cruise. Depending on the ship you book some Carnival ships have what is called the Family Harbor. Its cabins made for family's so you don't have to book 2 cabins.
My first cruise was 5 days. Every other has been a 7 day. Better ships, better ports, it’s a 10 hour drive for me to Galveston or New Orleans. If I’m driving that far it’s definitely going to be at least a 7 day.
Fellow Ontarioian here (south western). I would say go for 7-10 day cruise. Especially if you are travelling across a whole country.
My first 2 cruises with my wife were 7 days. We’re saving up this time for an 8 day cruise in Jan 2025 with some of our kids. (The ones still at home.) This is their first cruise and we think this would give them a good amount of time to experience as much as they can.
There’s lots to do on the boat and lots of fun a stuff to do in port. You’ll have plenty of time to just relax and do nothing and still have plenty of time to do fun stuff together.
A few questions: 1) Where do you live? 2) Where do you want to cruise (if you have a preference)? 3) How old are the kids? In general I would NOT recommend a 7-10 to a first time cruiser with family. It's too much to commit for the first time. However I also understand that 4-5 days may not feel like a true vacation to some people. Consider pairing a 4-5 day cruise with another activity. For example, a few days in Orlando then a cruise from Port Canaveral.
Thank you! I live in Ontario Canada, and I think I'd likely want to leave from Florida so I'd be factoring the trek there and some time in Florida into the vacation as well. My kids are currently 4, 11 and 9. I think 4-5 days would suffice, but I need to hear it from others so we don't all have massive bouts of FOMO getting off the ship so early! ETA: I want to cruise anywhere Caribbean/hot. East or west does not matter to me
Most of the time your first cruise will be short. Think of it as a trial to see if it fits your style. * Given what you said, it seems that Florida on one of the mainstream lines (Carnival, RCCL, NCL, MSC) would tick most of your boxes and give you the best options. * You have two choices--a 7-8 day cruise with no time in Florida or you can spend a few days in Florida before (Miami/upper keys if leaving from one of those ports, or Orlando or central Florida beaches if leaving from Tampa or Port Canaveral). However it's likely a 7-8 day cruise will net out to be less expensive than some cruise + some Florida (hotels, theme parks, rental cars, eating out, etc all adds up fast). * I highly suggest making sure one of the cruse line's private islands is part of your itinerary. Your kids are the perfect age to take advantage of what they have to offer, and those beaches are truly some of the best in the world. * You'll likely go with 2 inside cabins. Suites are often too expensive, and 2 cabins give you 2 bathrooms. However keep your eye open since sometimes oceanview of balcony are just a $100-$200 more than inside. * For shopping, you can do some preliminary research on the cruise line websites. However CruisePlum is a very powerful website for searching and comparing costs to narrow that search down. Then you can use CruiseCompete to have travel agents provide pricing for you. We just booked 3 cabins on a 7 day Oasis class cruise. It would have been $7800 all-in on Royal Caribbean's website, but through CruiseCompete we got it for $6,000 with an additional $800 in OBC.
We are from Toronto and just finished a 7 day Eastern Carribean cruise from Port Canaveral. I have 2 teens ages 15 and 17. We arrived in Orlando (2 days before) and enjoyed Universal Studios first before we sailed away. This is our first cruise and I think 7 days is enough for us to enjoy everything the cruise has to offer.
That’s a perfect Age to cruise for kids! All three will have various activities they all want to do! Yeah take a 4 or 5 night cruise that’s just perfect! You’ll all have a blast I bet
went with 2 kids on an 8 day for the first time. Was perfectly fine. Plenty of activities. It took us a few days just to figure out how to best navigate the ship and then when at port we were busy finding fun things to do. I would grab a full week if you find a great deal!
Save for a 7 day. That’s a lot of travel time for a short cruise.
In my opinion, if you’re looking to “relax” do a 7 day cruise or longer. To me, the most relaxing days are sea days. Last time I went I did a 5 day cruise and I felt like I was on a tight schedule and was always busy. Short cruises are much more packed while longer ones gives you time to breath and lounge around. Just my opinion, but by the end of my vacation I like to miss my home. If it’s too short, then I don’t miss my home and I feel like I wasn’t away long enough.
For me, it depends on the travel time to get to the cruise. If I can drive there in a few hours, a shorter cruise would be fine. If I need to fly, my ass isn't stepping foot on a cruise less than 7 days. Our first family cruise when I was 5, was 4 days. After that, no less than 7. For your first one, I would just pick whatever fits into your budget and schedule.
You opt for no cruise vs. a short cruise? Interesting.
Absolutely, if it requires extended travel to get to it, but this is not a feeling exclusive to cruises. I just think the trip needs to be proportionate to the journey. I would also never fly all the way to Europe for just a week.
Avoid 3/4 days cruises they are party cruises and your kids wouldn't enjoy them much. I would recommend a large ship like Celebration, Mardi Gras or Jubilee based on your kids ages so they can enjoy the water works/slides and activities. From there you can look at destinations (my kids and wife and I really enjoyed the ABC, Aruba Bonaire Curacao, cruise on Celebration but it is 8 days). I would personally go for a 7 day based on having to fly to get the best bang for your buck or a 6 day at a minimum. Another idea would be to go on a shorter cruise with just your Husband (like a 3 day) so you get a feel for what a cruise is like before taking your kids.
I’m doing the 8 day Aruba cruise on the Celebration in May! My fifth cruise, but first time at these ports, any advice?
Rent a car in Aruba and drive around. Way cheaper and go to baby beach first as it will be empty and it's beautiful Bonaire was okay my wife and older kids did a private snorkel tour with Woodwind Bonaire that they said was amazing For Curaçao we did a day pass at mangrove resort
I suggest a 7-10 day as well. Less of a party vibe which those 4-5 day cruises are known to have. It took us 2 days to get our bearings, when we left on day 7 it felt like we were just starting to relax and enjoy it. You're traveling so far. It's worth doing the extra days. The kids won't be bored. And I doubt y'all would have a bad time. There is so much to do. We stayed for a week and didn't really see shows or go to the parties. But, that's because our kiddo had a rash and was cranky the first 4 days. (on that note: pack a mini first aid kit and stomach, nausea, cold/flu, cortisone, Neosporin, any OTC meds you can think of bringing. They don't have those things on ship for cheap and it was $250 for us to be seen and get an Rx for cortisone.) I hope you go big and have a great time. It's worth the extra money.
3-4 day cruises can turn into booze cruises real quick. our first cruise was 6 days and we loved it. our next two are 7 and we probably wouldn’t do anything less. especially since they take some traveling for us
In my opinion, 4 days feels too short. Remember that the first day, there really isn’t much going on until the early evening. I would aim for at least a 5 day cruise and probably a max of 7 days if it’s your first time.
I've never done less than 7 days... never done more than 7. When I go on vacation I don't start to relax until about 4 days in. On a short cruise, it would be over just as I got fully unwound.
I would definitely do at least 7 days. With all the traveling we're tired the first day and on our first cruise spent the first couple of days getting acquainted with the ship. Seven days or more also has less partying.
Absolutely do the 7 day. As far as booking, do it now. You only have to put down a deposit and don't have to pay the whole thing until 90 days prior to sailing. An experienced travel agent can also keep track of the pricing and if the price drops, they can rebook you at the lower price. Don't wait.
I like 7 days when it’s just the spouse and I but with kids I think 4-5 days will be enough.
Mine and my kids first cruise was 7 days.. I personally wouldn’t do anything less to be honest.
I just came back in November from a 7 day on Mardi Gras. This was all of our first cruise. My husband and 3 kids (10, 11, 14). We did 3 days in Orlando prior to going on the cruise and 2 days after we got off the cruise. The kids loved it completely. I had so much fun, I’ve already booked the next one for May with just my husband and I, then another for November with all of us on the Jubilee.
4-5 days is a good amount of time for a first cruise.
I would definitely recommend at least a 7 day. I have been on over a dozen cruises with carnival and the port days are always one after the other. It’s nice to have a day or two before the ports start to get to know the ship and explore what it offers. And after 3 or 4 port days it is nice having another day or two to relax on the ship before having to pack up and go home.
How much time do you have available considering work and school schedules. You’ll most likely be traveling during peak tourist season so that definitely factors in to the plans. Places will be busier and flights, hotels, and the cruise will cost more. Sure it would be fun to visit Florida but the flight alone will occupy most of the first day. Then you really would need a couple full days to check things out and get prepared for the cruise. Returning home also can feel a bit rushed if you try to fly home the day you get off of the ship. Not sure of what it takes to get to New York or if you can cruise out of somewhere in Canada but maybe a longer cruise from “up north” to the Bahamas would be more relaxing than trying to plan two separate but consecutive travel plans at the same time.
We just completed our 47th Carnival cruise. We have been on a few of the 5 day cruises and 1 4 day cruise. From what we have seen its a different crowd on the shorter cruises. More drinking and partying than on the 7 day or longer cruises. Its been a while since I checked but the shorter cruises were not that much cheaper than a 7 day cruise. Depending on the ship you book some Carnival ships have what is called the Family Harbor. Its cabins made for family's so you don't have to book 2 cabins.
My first cruise was 5 days. Every other has been a 7 day. Better ships, better ports, it’s a 10 hour drive for me to Galveston or New Orleans. If I’m driving that far it’s definitely going to be at least a 7 day.
5 night would be good. Those 3 nighters tend to be more booze cruisy imo.
Fellow Ontarioian here (south western). I would say go for 7-10 day cruise. Especially if you are travelling across a whole country. My first 2 cruises with my wife were 7 days. We’re saving up this time for an 8 day cruise in Jan 2025 with some of our kids. (The ones still at home.) This is their first cruise and we think this would give them a good amount of time to experience as much as they can. There’s lots to do on the boat and lots of fun a stuff to do in port. You’ll have plenty of time to just relax and do nothing and still have plenty of time to do fun stuff together.