Triumph Apr 19th - First Time Family Cruise - some questions

[C_Rath]

Hi Everyone -- this forum seems very helpful, so I am hopeful to get some solid answers!

I am taking my family (wife and 3 boys, 11,8,6) on our first cruise this April 19th. West Carib route. Questions may seem silly, but if you have any thoughts, we would love to hear them:

(1) pre-cruise Miami beach hotel -- need 2 nights pre-trip. Nothing fancy but on/close to the beach for family of 5.

(2) clothing -- can we get away with shorts/t-shirts at the 'seated' dining area? or is it khaki pants etc? are night-times on deck cool? do we need sweats?

(3) other then tipping & drinks -- what other on-board costs can we anticipate? I know about SPA .. what about fitness classes (or is it included)?

(4) any MUST do activities while on ship? or at any of the ports?

(5) can someone walk me through what a typical day on board might be for an 8 years old boy?

(6) Kids Club -- any ratings or input on this?

Sorry for all the questions -- appreciate any responses!

Cheers from cold Ottawa.

[green_rd]

Originally Posted by C_Rath

Hi Everyone -- this forum seems very helpful, so I am hopeful to get some solid answers!

I am taking my family (wife and 3 boys, 11,8,6) on our first cruise this April 19th. West Carib route. Questions may seem silly, but if you have any thoughts, we would love to hear them:

(1) pre-cruise Miami beach hotel -- need 2 nights pre-trip. Nothing fancy but on/close to the beach for family of 5.

(2) clothing -- can we get away with shorts/t-shirts at the 'seated' dining area? or is it khaki pants etc? are night-times on deck cool? do we need sweats?

(3) other then tipping & drinks -- what other on-board costs can we anticipate? I know about SPA .. what about fitness classes (or is it included)?

(4) any MUST do activities while on ship? or at any of the ports?

(5) can someone walk me through what a typical day on board might be for an 8 years old boy?

(6) Kids Club -- any ratings or input on this?

Sorry for all the questions -- appreciate any responses!

Cheers from cold Ottawa.

I can't answer all your questions but here are a few of them.
I'm sure you'll get some good suggestions regarding a hotel, but you might also check under the Embarkation Ports forum.
Shorts and T-shirts are not acceptable in the formal dining rooms for dinner. It depends on the maitre d', but you may be asked to leave and return in approrpiate attire. Or you may just be frowned at
Photos & souveniers are the other leading expenses on board. There is an arcarde which costs $ I'm sure as well as the casino if that is your vice. Of course if you do your shore excursions through Carnival they show up on your sign & sail account. What else ... art auctions, bingo, raffles. Carnival is very clever at separating you from your money. Everything but the casino goes on your sign and sail account so your need for cash on board is very minimal.

[beentravelin]

Originally Posted by C_Rath

I am taking my family (wife and 3 boys, 11,8,6) on our first cruise this April 19th. West Carib route.

(1) pre-cruise Miami beach hotel -- need 2 nights pre-trip. Nothing fancy but on/close to the beach for family of 5.

Never stayed right in Miami before but close by in Ft. Lauderdale we stayed at Lago Mar resort on a beautiful beach.

Originally Posted by C_Rath

(2) clothing -- can we get away with shorts/t-shirts at the 'seated' dining area? or is it khaki pants etc? are night-times on deck cool? do we need sweats?

Only at the buffet. Seated dining is smart casual but you wont see many people wearing khakis.

Originally Posted by C_Rath

(3) other then tipping & drinks -- what other on-board costs can we anticipate? I know about SPA .. what about fitness classes (or is it included)?

Any class cost extra. Don't forget any specialty restaurants

Originally Posted by C_Rath

(4) any MUST do activities while on ship? or at any of the ports?

What ports?

Originally Posted by C_Rath

(5) can someone walk me through what a typical day on board might be for an 8 years old boy?

(6) Kids Club -- any ratings or input on this?

Cant help you there.