A couple of cruise questions.

We are looking into a cruise for the summer-- one that leaves from NYC (West Side) or NJ (I see there is a dock in Bayonne)...

Anyway, what are the nicest cruise lines in terms of luxury and also good for small children-- or are those two things mutually exclusive?

Also-- do you know if you can cruise to your destination, stay there for a few days in a hotel, then return home on the boat?

Thanks to anyone who knows!!

Re: A couple of cruise questions.

Largest mass market line for luxury would be Celebrity. There are other more expensive luxury lines (Cunard, Regal, etc) but they have limited itineraries and are much more expensive.

Since I'm CF, all I can say about the kids is that the age on Celebrity is skewed higher, so number of kids is lower. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity are run by the same folks. I think Royal does a good job for the kiddies. If I had a kid I would pick Royal as it's sort of a mix of both.

As for your question of staying for a few days - unless that is part of the scheduled itinerary, no. They're not going to swing the boat back to pick you up and bring you back to departure point. You can of course exit from your cruise at any point - but then you would be responsible for getting back home on your own.

Re: A couple of cruise questions.

thanks-- I had thought that Celebrity and RC were higher end-- just wanted to make sure!

I guess I just have to see reviews on each ship, etc. and pick what I think is best. My DD will be only like 15 to 17 months over the summer, so there just needs to be enough stuff to entertain. I don't need a full on kids program. I did see one ship from Celebrity that had programs for 3 and up. I am sure I can participate with her in things, but obviously there is no drop off programs. The babysitting is a steal though compared to what I pay the people I use at home though!!!

Re: A couple of cruise questions.

Check out cruisecritic.com - lots of reviews and a very active message board.

Re: A couple of cruise questions.

We are taking a cruise from Jersey in June with Royal carribean, it is a 5 day cruise to Bermuda and back. I am traveling with a 4 yr old, 2 1/2 yr old and a 11 month old. They have a playroom with fisher price toys to play with for the younger kids and programs that start at 3 for the older kids.

Re: A couple of cruise questions.

thanks for the input!

Re: A couple of cruise questions.

I found some helpful info on the Royal Caribbean site, I have done Celebrity 3 times and it seems like Royal has alot more activities for the kids according to their site

Q: What activities are available for children and teens?

Onboard, our Adventure Ocean Youth Program offers adventure (and education) for kids ages 3-17 with different activities and programs for different age groups. For our youngest guests and their parents, we offer Fisher-Price Playgroups with interactive sessions for 6 to 36-month-olds developed by early childhood experts at Fisher-Price.

Q: Are babysitters available onboard?

A: Babysitting is offered both in a group setting, and individually in your stateroom. In stateroom babysitting must be reserved through the Guest Relations Desk (Purser's Desk) at least 24 hours in advance.

It cannot be reserved prior to the cruise vacation and there is no guarantee that sitters will be available. The service is offered between 8:00 am and 2:00 am when personnel is available. Sitters will be assigned on a first come first served basis

Children MUST be at least 1 year old.

Approximate Rate: $10.00 per hour for one or two children within the same family or $15.00 per hour for three children within the same family.

Q: Are there any restrictions regarding children in the pools?

A: Please note: Due to Public health regulations, children in diapers, swim diapers, pull-ups, or who are not COMPLETELY toilet trained are not allowed in the pools, whirlpools, or H2O zone. On the Freedom of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, Independence of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas children in diapers, or who are not toilet trained may use the Baby Splash Zone" specially designated for them.


Q: Are children allowed to dine in our Specialty Restaurants?


A: Chops Grille and Portofino
All guests 13 and over are welcome and may be booked on-line. Children under 13 years may book only before 7 p.m. but must be booked onboard; based on availability and total party size. After 7 p.m. children under the age of 13 are not allowed. All guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Re: A couple of cruise questions.

We have done Celebrity twice out of Bayonne. It is just so much easier crusing out of your home port. Leave your house and BAM you are on vacation.

Celebrity is definitely skewed more towards older folks, but I saw children both times I went. And there is a lot to do, so I think you would find it OK.

Another poster mentioned Bermuda. Since you were interested in possibly spending a few days somewhere and then traveling back, that might be a great option.

When we did Bermuda out of Bayonne, we stayed on both sides of Bermuda for a few days. So, it felt like you were on a floating "hotel" because you're in a specific location for a day or two, instead of starting to go somewhere else as soon as you get back to ship.

Plus, since food is expensive in Bermuda, it was great to eat on the ship and have fun outside.

Good luck!

Re: A couple of cruise questions.

We are going on Royal Caribbean Explorer of the Seas from June 23-July 3. We are going to Bermuda, St. Thomas, Puerto Rico and somewhere else.. We will be leaving out of Bayonne. We have a 4.5 yr old and a 2 year old on the ship. We got a jr suite so that we can have a full tub in the room. My mother's room is right next door so if my older one wants to sleep in her room he can..

Camp on board is for 3 and up so my older one can use it but Chloe will be with us. They do have some activities for the little one. They also have a Jonny ROckets on board and some family meal plan too...

It is a very kid friendly ship. My mom's best friends took their entire family on the same ship last year with all of the grand children who were all under 4 and they had a fantastic time.

I am looking forward to this vacation...

Re: A couple of cruise questions.

This spring we are taking Celebrity to Bermuda with DS who will almost be 3 and DD who will be 8 months old. Our entire family is going on this trip so we will have a LOT of help. I am not sure I would take a cruise without help. I have heard that Disney, NCL, and Royal Caribbean are the most child friendly lines.

Re: A couple of cruise questions.

Re: A couple of cruise questions.

We are 12 people in 7 rooms and that is not enough rooms for a discount on Celebrity. I was told that we needed to have 10 rooms for Celebrity. On other ships it was enough to qualify.