Expert: Linda - 10/25/2000

Question
I am hoping one day to take a cruise with my family,i have two small children 4 and 1 and 1 hubby(LOL),which is better to start with 3 day cruise or 7 day cruise.We would be flying from Toronto Canada.....price US or CDN dollars..what kind of entertainment for the kids and do they have babysitting service,how much do they charge.Do they have a doctor on board.....my little girl has a heart condition so i need to know........and do you recommend touring on shore or just going on my own with the family.

thanks again
melanie

Answer
How exciting for you, your first cruise !.  I would wait until the baby is 2 and a 7 day cruise.  You're spending a lot of money to fly here, the 7 day cruise is a better bargain, plus you're just starting to relax in 3 days.  Also if you choose the Eastern Caribbean, there will be more to do than on the 3 day cruises as they only go to 1 or 2 ports. OK, as for the shore tours, I would go with the group for my first cruise as you're unfamiliar with the islands. Which tours to take depend on your families interest; history, beaches, watersports etc.  As for entertainment with the kids, Carnival does a good job, they have ice cream sundae making; arts and crafts; little plays and skits; their own supervised pool...no adults allowed thank you....charades, the disco reserved for them etc.  All are tailored in groups depending on the age of the children.  Yes, there is a Dr. on board, but understand this physician is not your own, may not be a Cardiologist or a Pediatrician.  I would certainly ask my own Dr. what he thought about taking a cruise and what problems could potentially arise.  If there is a serious medical problem, we have seen the Medivac helicopter land on the Destiny to take a passenger off who had fallen.  Hopefully you would never need this.  Yes, Carnival offers babysitting, but I'm not sure what the going rate is for 2001.  There is no charge for the children for the programs during the day, nor for any of the activities offered on the ship; just nighttime babysitting.Ask away if you have any other questioins