FAMILY OF SIX

#1 (**permalink**) August 6th, 2003, 02:57 PM

Are there any cruise ships that accomodate six people in a room?
We are a two parent family with four kids, a 7 year old, 5 year old, 3 year old and a 6month old. Any suggestions or recommendations would be gratefully received.

Donna · #2 (**permalink**) August 6th, 2003, 04:00 PM

Hi Nick,
Some ship have family suites that would hold you all, but they do book those fairly fast, but its something to check into. I did see a family suite on Explorer and they are very [b]nice[/v]. May-be post on the bargain finder here and see what you can find:

http://www.cruisemates.com/CF/bargfind/index.cfm

LisaK · #3 (**permalink**) August 7th, 2003, 09:08 AM

Princess has family staterooms, but as Donna said they are few and far between and they book-up really fast. Probably the way for you to go would be to book 2 adjoing cabins, you sleep in one with some of the kids and your wife sleeps in the other with the rest of the kids( not very romantic, but its practical)

#4 (**permalink**) August 11th, 2003, 02:11 PM

Hi

I just booked a 7 day cruise on the NCL Dawn out of NYC for April of 2004. I Understand the situation that you are in, I have a 3,5,&11yr old, to young to stay by themselves and to crowed to cram into one room. What I did was take 2 ocean view balcony staterooms which are joined. The baby can stay w/you and your wife while the other 3 kids can sleep in the other room. On the Norweigen Dawn, the rooms consists of a double bed and a double pull out. Plenty enough room for all of you. You and your wife can have privacy and still be able to feel comfortable knowing that your children are very near by. The price for us was reasonable considering that we are now in that "5th child" bracket. NCL also refunds any price reductions 60 days prior to sailing. Therefore how can you lose if you book early?

However, I must let you know that I am a first time cruiser and dont want to mislead you in any way that I am a veteran at this. I'm hoping, like you, that this will be a relaxing experience as so many have promised it to be. Traveling with kids is exhausting, I'm sure you'll agree.

#5 (**permalink**) August 12th, 2003, 09:27 AM

I just returned from the Norwegian Star in Hawaii -- the ship is very similar to the Dawn. Your family will love the ship -- very family friendly. You may want to read the Hawaii with Kids on NCL article I just wrote for this site, to give you insights on the family friendly facilities on the new NCL ships.
Smooth sailing,
Luisa Frey Gaynor
Family Cruise Editor