Best/cheapest Caribbean cruise option for a family of 5

[rachel1374]

Hello,

I am looking into trying to book a family cruise for my family of 5 and the prices seem to be fairly high. I realize the times we are going are considered peak times but I had hoped to find something for around $2000 total. We are willing to do 2 cabins, a 5 person room, whatever is most cost effective.

We had planned to go the week before Christmas, the 17th or 18th to the 24th or 25th but that is seeming to be out of reach.

Two of my daughters are in high school and can't really miss alot of school so we are traveling at the pricier times.

Anyone have a suggestion for a way to find the best deal for a family of 5 during peak travel times?

[Queen of Oakville]

Carnival.

$2000 may be tough though but that depends on whether or not you need flight?

I find carnival has the best pricing for families. You will probably need to cabins ...

If you or your DH are in the armed services, police etc. they do offer discounts, but sure to ask for them!

[LisaK]

your best bet imo would be to go to a local travel agent, ask to speak to their cruise specialist, let them hunt down the deals for you especially if the travel agency is putting together some type of group cruise. Price out a family stateroom as opposed to two cabins see if that changes the pricing.

[ruthlessboss]

Even cruising at peak times, rates vary according to the port locations and how many ports you hope to explore.
Where are you hoping to go? And from east coast or west coast?

[rachel1374]

Sorry, I guess I was quite vague in my question.

We will probably be driving to the port so no airfare is needed.

Caribbean cruise out of Florida is probably what we are looking at but would sail from pretty much any port on the East coast.

[Florida Girl]

Carnival Dream has a new 5 person stateroom with two bathrooms. It's an oceanview room that's really "hush hush". But I know it exists....I've seen it!

Call Carnival for details. The Dream is a brand new ship with great iteniraries - I bet you would be very happy.

[aspengal]

Rachael, Welcome. Are you familiar with Vacationstogo.com? They are a discount agency with one of best, easiest sites to get details quickly. Try their 90 ticker. As previously said, most ships went to Alaska or Europe this year. I live across from MIA harbor, only a few mainly older CCL/RCL ships remain. If you can go later in August prices come down.

[aspengal]

Rachael, Looked again. See you wish to cruise December. First 2 weeks historically slowest of year, excellent pricing. All the ships back.

[ruthlessboss]

Originally Posted by sobegal

Rachael, Welcome. Are you familiar with Vacationstogo.com? They are a discount agency with one of best, easiest sites to get details quickly. Try their 90 ticker. As previously said, most ships went to Alaska or Europe this year. I live across from MIA harbor, only a few mainly older CCL/RCL ships remain. If you can go later in August prices come down.

Just peeked at VTG for dec 17, eastern caribbean, Dream from Canaveral. Starter rate is $469, $689 OV, $759 balc., $1469 suite.

[Dannyboy]

Originally Posted by Florida Girl

Carnival Dream has a new 5 person stateroom with two bathrooms. It's an oceanview room that's really "hush hush". But I know it exists....I've seen it!

Call Carnival for details. The Dream is a brand new ship with great iteniraries - I bet you would be very happy.

The cabin was OK, one bath had a shower/very small tub combo & sink the other had a shower/tolit/sink.
Putting 5-people in that cabin is not recomended, I took my daughter and two was plenty.

When I was in the Adult jacuzzi, kids were jumping in and out.
Parents were not around, the sign was posted NO CHILDREN.
I noticed a few baseball caps and guys with t-shirts in the dining room.

Carnaval is a great product, just not my cup of tea.

[hollyjob]

COOL! vacations to go even shows if the cruise line has single cabins and singles share program. SCORE! thanks for the link sobegal