Expert: Linda - 11/10/2008

Question
Hi, My wife and 3 children (10,12 and 14) are planning a 5-day cruise in May 09 departing out of Ft Lauderdale or Miami. We are flexible with schedule and destination...just want to get away for awhile for the best possible price. Can you please recommend, if you know, a cruise that will be the most reasonable for us? It can even be a different cruise line. Thank you very much.

Answer
GREAT QUESTION....lots to figure out, so it's good you're starting early.  I'd start with the cruise lines first, I'd choose either royal Caribbean or Carnival as they have lots going for those age kids.  Holland, Princess etc are more formal and not as much going.  so, my choice would be Carnival or RCCL.  Next is your destination.  With five days you'll probably be Western Caribbean...fine for your family.  I do like RCCL as they have their own private island which saves a bit over Carnival going and an extra port excursion.

Next, I'd probabaly go to a local travel agent and get brochures for next year for the Caribbean and Mexico and look at the ports, then get the 2 oldest involved and make them put out the pros and cons of each one of the lines, you and wife also, lots of fun with a glass of wine and searching the Internet.

You're coming to Florida off season, so the airfares will be a bit less expensive then if you were coming for Easter or spring break, so that should help.  You may even find a 7 day cruise for the same or less than a 5 day; in which case, I'd go for it!  Lots of cabins for the caribbean the first 2 weeks in May, the third week a bunch start the haul for Alaska for the summer, so your timing is great!

There is a site I want you to visit, that's CRUISECRITIC.COM, you need to join (free), then let the kids go....you can find info on the ports, costs, specials, see all kinds of questions.

Next will be choosing your travel agent.  You may be able to get the same price from a local TA, but usually if you deal with a cruise only agent, they will have better prices.  RCCL and Carnival you can also book on line....Cruise Holidays is another on line agency, there are lots of them.  I would NOT recommend hotwire.com or any online only agency, simply because your first time cruisers and may need some hand-holding...WHICH IS FINE...you just need to have a level of confidence in who you're booking with.  Again, this is all my opinion.

I'd also consider coming in a day ahead of time if you're flying AND NOT BOOKING WITH THE CRUISE LINE.  If flight is late, cruise line will hold the ship, however, if you book on your own, they won't.

If you do come a day early, book your hotel with priceline.com.  You will get the best price. Caveat however,...you can't change your reservation and it's non refundable.  In May, you should be able to get a room for under $80 tops in either Miami or Ft.Laud.

I hope I've answered your questions, though I've probably just given you more !  Ask away if you have any other questions and enjoy your cruise, once you do one.....you're addicted!

Linda