Cruises (out of Galveston)

[Wilson]

We are throwing around the idea of a family cruise. Maybe this summer, maybe at Christmas. We are at the point of looking into how much it's going to cost 2 adults and 2 children (5&8) for 3-5 days.

We heard that Royal Carribean stopped offering out of Galveston, but are coming back in December. What other cruise lines are okay? Carnival sounds like the Wal-Mart of cruises - based on what both of our parents have told us. Is that true or have they just not done this right? We want to leave from Galveston because were are out of Continental miles and prefer not to pay for our flights!

What websites do you use for discounted rates? Or is booking directly through the cruise lines website recommended? Is it possible to book something and then not have the price double thanks to our um, love for the drink? ;)

And finally, should we just leave the kids and go on a cruise by ourselves?

[natvtxn]

Wilson - I've taken 3 Carnival cruises out of Galveston. Yes, I've heard them referred to as McCruise (or something like that). It really is a shame, too. The ship that dd and I did last year and this year was used for Katrina workers. It went through a total refurbishing. We were actually on the first cruise after being redone. We only had interior rooms. I'm not excited about a port hole...you aren't in the room very much. Our dinner mates this year drove from Michigan (and had done the cruise before also). It is a very affordable vacation. You could NOT go to Dallas for SA for a 3 days, and spend less money. I've got lots of pics, and other info that you may be interested in seeing. I've also got the Carnival Capers (the daily happenings) if you want to see them. It would give you an idea of what to expect for you and the kiddos.

My neighbors have taken RCI out of Galveston, but that is only for 7 nights.

The thing I like about the 4-5 night cruises, is that you can still have some time left out of a week.

[Wilson]

Thanks! I'm checking out Carnival now... which deck is best to stay on with kids?

Edited - nevermind... I'm checking them all out. I think I'd like to stay near the middle? I'm going to have to play around with this and see what comes up for the pricing. It looks like the kids are going to cost us $400 each! Ouch! We'll see...

[TripleA]

A friend of mine and her husband just got back from a 7 day cruise that left from Galveston. The ship was Rhapsody of the Sea and I assume a Carnival cruise. They went without the kids and loved it. Me, I would go without the kids! Take them to Disneyworld some time, but make the cruise for you and DH. My parents went on a weeklong cruise out of Galveston a few years back and had a great time. I don't know which ship though.

[natvtxn]

Rhapsody is the one that leaves on Sunday and returns on Sunday. It is a Royal Caribbean ship. That is the one my neighbors have been on.

eta: cruisecritic.com is the best site for finding all the ins and outs.

[Wilson]

Oh, a link! Thank you!

I don't think we can do a Sunday-Sunday vacation. Dh put in for a few days vacation in July today and he'll have 5 days with the 4th holiday and the weekend - this is what got us thinking about it. The prices may be better if we book now for over Christmas, though.

[Mommaof2]

We did Carnival and loved it. This was 4 years ago, and with an older ship, but for our first cruise we were impressed. I would really recommend an exterior room with a window. We took a 4 night/5day cruise and one sea day we spent in our room ordering room service and watching movies. Sitting on the widow seat area was the best, just watching the water.

DH said he would prefer to take a cruise without the kids, but I say other wise. There is camp carnival and also babysitting in the evening if you want/need.

The food is excellent, the service is great. Drinks do add up, but not any more expensive than any other place.

Walmart.com is a great site to get cruise prices. Some travel agents give out coupon books, or other items if you book with them. Also if you ever find a cheaper price on the specific cruise you booked, carnival will either match that price (if it isn't paid off) or give you a refund in the form of ship credit (if it is paid off).

[FamilyGal]

And finally, should we just leave the kids and go on a cruise by ourselves?

My vote would be yes. But, I have heard that there are plenty of activities to keep the kiddos happy on a cruise. We haven't been and REALLY want to go on. We won't be taking the kids the first time. :D

[cgwoolf]

I'd say if you have an option for your first cruise don't take kids. Enjoy it just for yourselves. The cabins are so small I cannot imagine spending any time in them other than sleeping so exterior was not so important to me. Also I am only 4'11" and the port hole was up too high for me to see very much. I only went on RC and it was at the time the world's largest ship and very luxurious. However, now I think I would opt for the Carnival - less formal and more fun. Only thing that scares me about cruising from Galveston or Houston is for some reason so many of those cruises seem to be tainted with the awful germ that makes everyone violently ill. I don't really think they have figured out why yet so I'm leery - but definitely cheaper.