FlyerTalk Forums - booking a cruise

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Personal opinion...I would forego the balcony with a little kid like that. If your wife worries a lot about things in general, then worrying about the balcony every minute while in your room will not add to her enjoyment and will make it stressful.

Cheers.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jk2 (Post 17379410)

We (2adults+small child) would like to go on cruise this December from Tampa (since we live there). We never been on cruise before. I've noticed that most cruise websites (co-branded like USairwayscruises, skymilescruises and united, also cheaptickets) give the same price. The difference is only which miles you'll get (US airways, DL or UA). Since all of you have experience with cruises, is it a really good deal (or practice) to purchase a cruise from airline websites? The reason I'm asking is that I just found out about cruisecompete.com and travel agents give lower prices for the same cruises than airline sites. Are there any 'hidden details/tricks' in the TA's quotes? Is it preferable to book a cruise via travel agent?

Find a good local brick and mortar agent. Rates will be the same but you are likely to enjoy shipboard amenities (perks) plus just the experience of someone who books people regularly.

A cruise is not like an airline ticket!

Worldspan
130th cruise coming Nov 20th (Allure of the Seas)

Quote:

Originally Posted by PWMFlyer19 (Post 17419339)

FWIW (and slightly OT) I agree. I still remember our then two-year-old son trying to climb up the rail on a ferry deck while yelling excitedly "Big bath, big bath!" :D

Agree with the others that a balcony cabin can wait until she's a little older and you've become hooked on cruising.

Having just taken twin 2YOs on a cruise, I'd actually lean towards the balcony. The kids were never ever allowed out there by themselves. Admittedly they may have been able to open the door if they were stronger, but you can get a stick-on alarm for that kind of thing. (I believe some balconies have a latch at the top of the door, but Spirit did not. Pop over to cruisecritic and somebody on the family board will know about the Star.)

It also looks like a couple of those balconies are wraps which is a great thing. Plus, you just can't beat this view:

http://stegbauertwins.com/IMGP7695.jpg

Note that the balcony rail is well above her head. As I said, they were never out there by themselves and we were careful not to leave any furniture close to the glass when they were out there. Only you can judge your daughter's skills, but our team of monkeys are quite able.

Another thing to consider (and the reason we upgraded) is that you are somewhat stuck in the cabin for nap and bedtime. Having a balcony to relax on while the child sleeps is a very nice thing. Having a suite with a separate bedroom would be better, but the balcony serves well also.

Of course, if your wife will worry the entire time it is surely not worth it. You have to make the call if it's an idle concern or if it'll ruin her vacation.

Bon Voyage!