Med cruise in May. Which cruise line?

[Tor32]

We've toyed with the idea of cruising for a while and we're taken with DCL. The kids were sold on the idea but just can't justify to cost for something we are not sure we'll like (so will want to book another holiday elsewhere in October). Plus with Disney there seem to be a lot of extras.
We keep coming back to it as me and DH would like to go to Italy etc and see 'something' rather than just do another AI or WDW trip. A Med cruise seems like a good option and May half term may be a little cheaper. Can anyone recommend a good cruise line for 2 adults (38/46) 2 boys (11 and 8). Who should we book through. We thought an agent might be helpful as we know nothing!

[Tor32]

Forgot to say thank you in advance.

[CC71]

Originally Posted by Tor32

We've toyed with the idea of cruising for a while and we're taken with DCL. The kids were sold on the idea but just can't justify to cost for something we are not sure we'll like (so will want to book another holiday elsewhere in October). Plus with Disney there seem to be a lot of extras.
We keep coming back to it as me and DH would like to go to Italy etc and see 'something' rather than just do another AI or WDW trip. A Med cruise seems like a good option and May half term may be a little cheaper. Can anyone recommend a good cruise line for 2 adults (38/46) 2 boys (11 and 8). Who should we book through. We thought an agent might be helpful as we know nothing!

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I would recommend Royal Caribbean or Norwegian Cruise Line as being good options for a family cruise. Norwegian offer lots of perks and have recently come out with an all inclusive offer for the UK market, which includes tips & service charges, premium drinks package including alcohol,soft drinks, bottled water and specialty coffees. there may be other booking offers depending upon whom you book with. Both Royal Caribbean and Norwegian offer lots of activities for families and have good kids clubs if you think your children may enjoy those.
There are many uk agencies that might offer you an extra booking incentive, however quite a few Dibbers use US agents due to the preferential terms and conditions that they offer, such as free cancellation etc and usually better customer service. I have used uk agents and and a US agent and for me it really depends upon pricing as to which way I book. A cruise is a great way to see new places and most people find they are hooked after just one experience! Happy hunting

[Tor32]

Thank you that's really helpful to know about Norwegian as it seems a good way to budget. Any recommendations on the kinds of cabins we should go for?

[danisleigh]

We have been 3 times with Norwegian and once with Royal Caribbean and have one booked with each for next year! Both are great for kids, my son was 8 the first cruise he did and he loved the kids clubs and now he is a teenager we barely see him!

[Tor32]

Thank you. I'm struggling with the fact we are not doing Disney but now all the standard rooms for summer have gone, we've no choice! Would love to go in the summer but it's obviously more pricey and when we are not 100% sure we'll like it it might be better to go in May.

[disney_l81]

We have only ever done rcl, but we like it and daughter loves the clubs, she has made some great friends. Food has always been great as has service. We are going in July for 2 weeks round the med from Southampton and I feel we got a good deal, I think they might still be offering deals for 2017 cruises.

[Tor32]

Do you mind me asking what a good deal is? As we've never been before I'm not sure when is a good time to book.

[danisleigh]

Last year we got a bargain with NCL as they did an offer of free drinks packages, free specialty dining and 3rd/4th passenger only paid taxes! We paid £1450 for an aft balcony cabin for 10 days canaries cruise at easter! Next year we have booked with them again from New York around the Caribbean and that one cost £900pp including drinks and specialty dining. We have obviously had to pay for flights on top for both of those cruises.

[Tor32]

Wow! I've got a price of £3400 for 4 of us inside cabin round the Med at May half term. Obviously need to add flights but I thought that was okay?