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The damage: “The price fluctuates with the time of year. For April 2008, a four-night cruise including meals, taxes, entertainment, port fees and airport transfers would total $4,162.40. The same sailing in September 2008 would be $3,212.40. Of course, that could interfere with the start of school and it is during hurricane season. Still, plenty of travelers have sailed at this time of year and encountered no problems at all.”
The excursion: “Since the 7-year-old is an animal lover, the Dolphin encounter at Nassau would be a great choice. The kids can actually swim with dolphins ($99/person) and if the family wanted to save money, the parents could go along as observers ($35/person). This is part of a beach day when the ship docks at Castaway Cay, in the beautiful turquoise waters of the Bahamas. Snorkel equipment can be rented ($25/person, $10/kids 3-9) or kids can take a banana boat ride ($15/person).”
Planning tips: “The further in advance a family can plan, the better the price, with the exception of holiday sailings. Disney is currently accepting reservations through the end of 2008 and taking requests for 2009. We would normally advise traveling between December and April, but prices for departures in early 2008 are currently at a peak point. If this family can wait until 2009, we may be able to secure early-booking savings.”
Linda Allen of Cruises by Linda (870/743-2121) suggests:
The cruise line: “Celebrity Cruises is owned by Royal Caribbean and operated as their premium product. Since it is not as well known, it is frequently a better value for less money.”
The ship: “I would recommend the Century, which has recently undergone a major refurbishment. She is not only pretty but a very nice size at just 1,800 passengers. Century features award-winning cuisine prepared by world-renowned chefs and made from scratch using only the finest, fresh ingredients. There are many onboard activities for all ages, and a great kid’s program for children 3 to 17.”
The itinerary: “The five-night Western Caribbean sailing departs from Miami and includes two sea days to enjoy the ship and two great days in beautiful Caribbean ports—Ocho Rios, Jamaica and George Town, Grand Cayman—filled with many beach-oriented activities.”
The cabin: “I always price two connecting cabins for a family of five. Many times it is cheaper than a family cabin, and you get two true cabins with two baths.”
The damage: “For a mid-February sailing (Feb 9-14, 2008), the price would be $2,871.45 for for five people in a Family Cabin with Veranda. I recommend spending an extra $110 on travel insurance, bringing the total to $2,981.45.” 
The excursion: “Celebrity offers a four-hour Turtles & Stingrays Land & Sea Adventure on Grand Cayman ($84/adult, $84/child). It begins with a drive to Boatswain’s Bay Turtle Farm to visit the turtle breeding facility and rum cake factory before continuing on to the town of Hell. The second part of the tour is a trip to Stingray City Sandbar for a one-hour visit with the famous Southern Rays.” (Note: This is a slightly pricier version of the excursion offered by ShoreTrips, mentioned above.)
Planning tips: “For people who live in cooler climates, I recommend going when it is coldest at home to get a sunshine fix to break up the winter. Cabins that can accommodate five people are very limited, so I recommend booking as far out as possible. If you want peak times on the best ships, it sometimes requires booking 18 months out, and at the very least, nine months out. Do keep in mind that hurricane season runs from June to November, so for warm weather destinations it is best to go before or after that. There are more ships to choose from in the Caribbean from January to March, before the ships start going back to Alaska and Europe starting in April.”
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