We are a family of 4 (kids age 9 & 6) and we were going on our first family cruise. We booked this trip in April 2009 for the early saver fare and for $100 per person per day it seemed to be a good value. We chose this cruise because the price met with the length of the trip, being that we didn't want to spend big $$ or go on a long sailing, just to find out our kids would be sea sick the whole time. We are happy to report they did not get sea sick (took Dramamine just in case)but the ship did not sway much, and the seas were calm.

Like many reviewers, we flew in the day before as a precaution, you know flight delays etc. Also consider how much they charge for a transfer (bus ride) from the airport, $35 per person is steep for a family of 4...$140! Instead we rented a full size from Budget for $49 one way from MCO to CC5 (Cape Canaveral office) and they do not add any one way charges the way some car rental companies do.

Stayed at the Radisson Resort at the Port for $138 for a suite. The suite was nice, had a separate bedroom from a living room/kitchenette area with a sleeper sofa for the kids. Nice pool area too. Breakfast buffet the day of sailing was good too. One day car rental $49 + hotel $155 (steep taxes here!) = $204 versus $140 for transfers, not a bad deal. Plus this give you opportunity to go to a local store and buy water, juices, snacks etc. to take on board with you. We all know how kids are to travel with and their need for snacks etc. and how picky they can be, and Carnival doesn't care if you bring food on board (heck saves them $$) and they allow one 12 pack of drinks per person and one 750ML bottle of wine per person, this can save you big! Your room steward always keeps ice in you room, so you don't have to worry about refrigeration. Also nice to have these supplies when you go ashore, the Bahamas are HOT! in the summer and you will need water. Read more