Trying To Get Ideas But....

[Marlene14]

it's overwhelming & after many hours trying to find info I'm getting frustrated. I'm married with 2 sons who are 15 & 16. We were looking into driving to California from Indiana (stops along the way) & we were talking today about a guesstimate of how much it would be just for gas, eating & hotels. We've talked before about going on a cruise & today Tony (hubby) asked me to look into how much it is for us to go on a cruise where we can relax more & won't have all the driving....I'm trying to figure out which would be the best yet cheapest cruise. We want something geared a lot to teen boys. I have no clue which cruise line is best, which type of cabins would be best, worried to death about all these extra fees once on board after paying to even go on the cruise. We want, if possible, a cruise without being nickled & dimed for every little thing. I'd probably be afraid to go to the bathroom afraid of being charged to go. Reading a lot of these forums a lot of these posts seem to be from a few years ago so hopefully someone can help me out.

Forgot to add these are the places interested in going to & how many days - at least 7 days: Port Canaveral, Florida; CocoCay, Bahamas; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Port Canaveral, Florida

[Mike M]

Freedom of the Seas is running that itinerary this summer. Pricing in early June is around $1389 pp for a balcony cabin. The teens in the same room will be about $500 each. Inside cabins are pretty expensive at around $1150 pp.

Gas is going to be high this summer with predictions of $3.50/gal.

Carnival Dream has a similar itinerary with balcony cabins running around $300 pp less.

Both would be a good choice for teens with plenty to do and they are both newer and larger ships.

Take care,
Mike

[Trip]

This article Kuki wrote about over and above costs, once you book, might help you...Cruisemates Blog Things That Add to the Cost of Your Cruise – Kuki

June is popular with families, hence the higher fares.If you wanted to sail from Galveston,and do the western, your air fares may be cheaper, to offset the higher air fares...I think RCI will have the Voyager class ship there, the teens would like that ship.. with all they offer.

Lots to consider ..land or sea, fly or drive....it all adds up...hope the article helps

ps..the western has lots of water oriented excursions, the kids might like.

[green_rd]

While people may whine about "nickel and diming" you really have few additional expenses beyond tips (please tip). There is plenty to do on today's cruise ships for passengers of all ages. With your teenage boys you will want to buy soda cards - this covers fountain drinks and they don't have to pay for each and every coke they drink.

[LisaK]

Marlene, my advise is to find yourself a travel agent- more than just a travel agent but a cruise specialist. I can pm you the name of a really good cruise travel agency if you would like. As for the whole "nickel & diming" thing well, read your cruise contract and you will know exactly what you are paying for.
Your DH is right, a cruise will be much more relaxing, less stressful, and in the long run could be cheaper than that car trip you are thinking about- wear and tear on your vehicle, packing and unpacking, moving from hotel to hotel, long endless hours in a car that could be spent relaxing on a beach, lounging by a pool, snorkeling etc, etc.

[Donna]

It does take some planning and sticking to a budget. As long as you know the costs going into any trip and some careful planning, a cruise is really a good deal. You never have to worry about where to get yourt next meal, etc. All your entertainment is right there and all you'd need to figure out is what excursions or what you want to do and see on each island.