Originally Posted by
arizonawildcat
OK, so my father is turning 70 later this month and he and my mom want to take our family (5 adults, 2 kids) on a cruise in June. Looking to probably do a 4-5 night deal and would like to upgrade to suites with a balcony for a little more space. Figure we could do 3 adults in one room and 2 adults/2 kids in the other with pull out sofas.
So, I was looking at Royal Caribbean Enchantment of the Seas 4 night Bahamas cruise that leaves from Miami.
Other than that, I have no idea what I am doing. Not sure if 4 or 5 nights make a difference, what ports to try and target, if this older ship is even a good option. Help!
I am guessing that we will do a mix of snorkeling and walking the ports with some rest and relaxation while on the ship. My wife would be a big fan of a decent gym and a nice pool on the boat.
Anyone give me advice or point me out to a website to visit? Sorry, I am so lost!
You spend four nights at sea, but only make three stops as the first and last day are for boarding/disembarking the ship.
Monday-Board Miami leave port around 5 pm, usually some shows and a pool party during the night.
Tuesday-Arrive in either Freeport or Nassau before sunrise, leave near sunset
Wednesday-Arrive at the other city or their private island before sunrise leave near sunset
Thursday-arrive before sunrise in the final port of call, leave at sunset
Friday-arrive before sunrise, but can not get off ship until Customs clears it. Usually starts around 7 am, but can start as late as 8 am as well
I live in SFLA, and am used to the temperature and humidity, but a June cruise in the Caribbean or the Bahamas can be unbearable as the temperatures are usually in the high 80's to low 90's with the humidity close to 100 %. This will put the feel-like temperatures over 100 degrees.
I would suggest maybe a cruise out of NY or Baltimore going to Bermuda. You will spend some relaxing days at sea which can be cooler.
One important thing to look into if you do a cruise in June is Insurance. We have seen in the past hurricanes or other tropical systems force a change in itineraries of the ships as they "go around" the storms. Insurance will help cover any additional expenses incurred due to delays of return to original port due to a storm.
I have used cruises.com to look for cruises, as they can show you different lines with similar cruises. But sometimes, I have gotten better deals by booking directly with the cruise line.
Good luck