Cruise

I would use a travel agent if you're unsure of where you want to go to or which cruise line. An agent can point you to the right choice and also make sure you don't go during hurricane season.

Most cruise lines have children and teen programs now, so I'm not sure any cruise line is better than the other. They all do have different structures, though. For instance, we like Norwegian Cruise Line because of Freestyle Cruising -- no set meal time, no assigned seating and a casual dress code.

We took a carnival cruise last January with a 5 and 2 yr old. We had a great time. We left Ohio in the 30's, and we had great weather on the cruise. Left Tampa, and went to Grand Cayman and Cozumel, Mexico, it was in the high 80's. Carnival is very family friendly, and inexpensive. We paid $350 for each of us, and the kids were $99 each. (air fare, obviously additional cost). We went with very little expectations as we had no idea what it would be like, and we knew Carnival wasn't a high end cruise line, but we had a great time. The food is included in the price and theres food in every direction you look. buffets, sit down, and get served, pizza, soft serve ice cream 24 hours a day. I would do it again.

It all depends on where you want to go. If you want to head to Mexico or the Caribbean, try and pick early in the year. Hurricane season starts in the middle of May. I went on my first cruise last year and we were hit by the first tropical depression of the year. Needles to say the ship was pretty scant that night as nearly everyone was seasick. If you are traveling with a spouse you will need two cabins. They are TINY. I think I went through expedia, but you can always get a date in mind and check all the sites for the best deal. Also remember when you book a cruise that you will have to fly/drive to the port, so keep that cost in mind when you are looking.

We went to Cozumel and really enjoyed it. However it was just me and my best friend, so I can't tell you if kids would enjoy it or not.

Royal Caribbean is awesome! The camp is amazing but keep in mind, you have to be three to be left there.

I use a travel agent and let her do all of the work. It's a good idea for a first timer. Also, do you homework and then call each cruise line with questions and questions. Then make your decision.

I hear that Carnival is a party line - people are often there to party hard. So if that's what you are looking for - try them.

Warmer climate cruises are more expensive in the winter, cold climate cruises, like Alaska, are more expensive in the summer.

There are also sites like Travelzoo who will email you weekly specials on cruises that have gone unfilled. They have some really great deals but it limits the time frame you can take them.

My sister loved Carnival because of it's Kids Camp and the grown up activities as well. Carnival has their own travel agents if you call their 800 number. I've noticed that it appears cheaper to go in the summer months, July or August. June is popular because of the end of the school year and March and April are popular because of Spring Break. Carnival is typically the cheapest cruise line anyway. Check their website and other websites. Also, give yourself different departure ports to find out which is cheaper.