As US Citizens we can travel to Europe for 90 days no visa requirements.
So I don't think that part should matter. Just not sure how we present ourselves for official arrival in Frankfurt should we arrive other than by direct flight (or cruise ship into Hamburg).

I hope we get a firm start date soon so I can see my options and hopefully the relocation company will offer some assistance if there are any peculiarities of his visa. They had asked in correspondence if we would be taking a separate trip for apartment hunting so it seems he can visit prior to his official "work year" start date.

Hubby will be getting German health insurance and all of us will have Resident Cards. The kids and I will be covered under our worldwide insurance program thru our current provider with his employer.

I am sure the kids would be fine with 2 weeks on the cruise ship going to the Kid's Club. My son is drooling at the idea of another cruise. We couldn't pry them out of the club on our 1 wk NCL cruise to New England/Canada in September. They loved the sea day. If they can play, run around, video games, pool and watch movies/cartoons they will be happy. Pretty laid back and low maintenance. The kids club staff spoiled them! Most of our vacations are 10 days.

I will get to relax-no cooking, cleaning and no running around to gymnastics, soccer, dance and boy scouts!! And I can walk to the bar! Sounds like the perfect vacation! And the cruise ship can store our excess luggage. Getting the luggage from the cruise ship to our final destination is probably the bigger problem.