Best cheap cruise from Baltimore

buddscreekman

buddscreekman

New Member
We've never gone on a cruise before and want to take our teenagers to celebrate a birthday. I'm looking for a cruise that will first and foremost affordable,and secondly more kid/family friendly. I am far more offended by loud drunks than homosexuals if that gives an idea of what I mean. Any suggestions? Thus far,Carnival looks like the way to go. Also,we really just want to explore the area on foot and lay on the beach. When it comes to booking excursions,is that more for people who don't want to do those things? In other words,is everyone let off the boat at each port to do as they wish,or do you need to have a planned agenda to get on-shore?
 
Freefaller

Freefaller

Active Member
Just my Opinion

buddscreekman said:
We've never gone on a cruise before and want to take our teenagers to celebrate a birthday. I'm looking for a cruise that will first and foremost affordable,and secondly more kid/family friendly. I am far more offended by loud drunks than homosexuals if that gives an idea of what I mean. Any suggestions? Thus far,Carnival looks like the way to go. Also,we really just want to explore the area on foot and lay on the beach. When it comes to booking excursions,is that more for people who don't want to do those things? In other words,is everyone let off the boat at each port to do as they wish,or do you need to have a planned agenda to get on-shore?
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If you want to go somewhere where you can "explore the area by foot" or "just lay on the beach", a cruise is what you want to stay away from. When you get to a port, you'll spend all kinds of time just getting to a beach and then you'll be wondering all day when you have to leave to get back to your ship on time. You'll not really have any good relaxing time off of the boat. Most of you time is confined to the boat. Now, to be sure, most of the cruise ships are very nice but plan on spending most of your time on the boat. I have done a few cruises in the past and while I enjoyed them, it taught me that my preference is to fly somewhere and stay at a beach resort. In fact, my favorites are the all-inclusives. You know all your major expenses (fights, accomodations, food) up front and it leads to a much more relaxing vacation.

What time of year do you plan to travel? The time you choose will have a great influence on the price you'll pay. If you want to travel soon, I hope you and your kids all have passports. You'll need them. If you don't all have them now, get to a Post Offfice to apply for the passports ASAP! Don't wait!

Whatever you choose, I hope you have a great time. I love traveling with family!
 
Chasey_Lane

Chasey_Lane

Salt Life
buddscreekman said:
We've never gone on a cruise before and want to take our teenagers to celebrate a birthday. I'm looking for a cruise that will first and foremost affordable,and secondly more kid/family friendly. I am far more offended by loud drunks than homosexuals if that gives an idea of what I mean. Any suggestions? Thus far,Carnival looks like the way to go. Also,we really just want to explore the area on foot and lay on the beach. When it comes to booking excursions,is that more for people who don't want to do those things? In other words,is everyone let off the boat at each port to do as they wish,or do you need to have a planned agenda to get on-shore?
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I've cruised several times and even have one booked now. Carnival is a good product and the Pride leaves out of Baltimore. Royal's Enchantment does as well.

You can certainly lay on the beach or choose to do something else. Unfortunately, you don't have a lot of port options leaving from Baltimore and sometimes flying south (or driving) can be a better option.

My suggestion would be to contact a travel agent who will be able to help with your planning and answer all of your questions. Also, I have found that Cruise Reviews, Cruise Deals and Cruises - Cruise Critic is a great place for all my cruise questions. Give them a try!
 
P

photo

New Member
I was always told if you use the words "best" and "cheap" in the same sentence, be careful what you wish for :whistle:
 
buddscreekman

buddscreekman

New Member
Chasey_Lane said:
I've cruised several times and even have one booked now. Carnival is a good product and the Pride leaves out of Baltimore. Royal's Enchantment does as well.

You can certainly lay on the beach or choose to do something else. Unfortunately, you don't have a lot of port options leaving from Baltimore and sometimes flying south (or driving) can be a better option.

My suggestion would be to contact a travel agent who will be able to help with your planning and answer all of your questions. Also, I have found that Cruise Reviews, Cruise Deals and Cruises - Cruise Critic is a great place for all my cruise questions. Give them a try!
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I checked out the website - lots of great information. Thanks!
 
TPD

TPD

the poor dad
buddscreekman said:
We've never gone on a cruise before and want to take our teenagers to celebrate a birthday. I'm looking for a cruise that will first and foremost affordable,and secondly more kid/family friendly. I am far more offended by loud drunks than homosexuals if that gives an idea of what I mean. Any suggestions? Thus far,Carnival looks like the way to go. Also,we really just want to explore the area on foot and lay on the beach. When it comes to booking excursions,is that more for people who don't want to do those things? In other words,is everyone let off the boat at each port to do as they wish,or do you need to have a planned agenda to get on-shore?
Click to expand...

I would choose Carmival, NCL, or Royal Caribbean for the teenagers to be happy. If you take a 7 day cruise out of Baltimore, you are going just because it is a cruise-you are not going for the port stops. Nassau, Freeport, Port Canerval are not big deals, in my opinion. If you prefer wine over beer and the kids prefer reading over playing Wii, then I would suggest Celebrity.

With all that being said, there are 9 of us leaving next month on the RCCL Enchantment out of Baltimore. Five are kids ranging in age from 10 to 16. We are taking this cruise for convenience only. This will be cruise #16 for my wife and I. I can give you more info on this particular cruise when we return.
 
dave1959

dave1959

Active Member
I don't care where you are going or what you are buying But, "Best" and "Cheap" don't go together...You get what you pay for.
 
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