Considering first time cruise and have some silly questions

[benbess]

I've dreamed of taking a cruise or transatlantic crossing since I was about 12 years old, which was was back in 1977, and for the first time in my life I finally have the time and the money to consider it.

My wife is prone to motion sickness, and so we decided to take a very short cruise to get our feet wet with it and see how we like it.

We put a down payment of $500 (refundable) to reserve a three day cruise on Infinity (with the balance due in a week), leaving June 1st from San Francisco to Vancouver. After checking the prices online with places like Travelocity, I decided to try and book it directly with Celebrity's 800 number. They were willing to match the prices offered online, and I booked a Family Ocean View Stateroom with Veranda (9156) for $650 for the first two passengers (me and my wife), and $200 for each additional passenger for our two children (ages 4 and 10), and my very sweet and elderly Mother in law (who is now 87 years old). The total of about $2000 doesn't seem cheap, but at only $400 a person we really can't complain. And this particular cabin seems to have an amazing balcony.

Please pardon my questions, but having never cruised we are really very green.

First, it states that the departure time is 5:00, but what time do we actually get on the ship? A couple of hours before? More?

Second, for my elderly Mother in law, who can still walk, but is rather weak and tires easily, can we request a wheelchair from Celebrity when she's standing in line to get on the ship?

Third, how do kids do on Celebrity cruises? Is it a big no no to take kids ages 4 and 10 to the main dinning room? My son does reasonably well in restaurants these days. But 4 year olds are, well, 4 year olds.

Fourth, are you usually close enough to the coast that you can see the shore when you cruise up the Pacific Coast? I wouldn't think so, but I just don't know.

Last, overall, do you think it's a good idea to give cruising a try with this group, or should I just wait for some time in the unknown future when my wife and I can go alone?

Many thanks, Ben

PS One more question, I think I read somewhere that you can request babysitters (or leave the kids in the Fun Factory?) so that Mom and Dad and Grandma can go and enjoy a peaceful dinner. Is that true?

[CatmanD]

[size=large]Hi there, I'll see if I can answerer some of your questions. For 5PM sail a ways we have boarded the ship as early as 11-12, if you go at say 1 you'll have the crowds. Yes on the wheelchair, for the line (although with a chair you should be taken asap. You can use the chair the entire cruise. Our grandson was 9 on his first Celebrity cruise, he ate with us or in the kids area. Do what you're comfortable with doing. Nope on the coast except when getting near post You're a family, if this is your cruising future until the kids are grown, well go for it. This will give you a real good idea of a cruise and you have a GREAT cabin. (of course). The kids should love the Fun Factory, leave then there when you can. The "baby sitters" are an extra cost and you shouldn't need them.

In closing, I don't post here often but it's a nice site. Just wanted to point out that these question types should be posted over on their main Celebrity boards. This one is for people who want to "get together" before their cruises (Roll Call). It's no big deal, just wanted to mention it. Have a great cruise.[/size]

[Ted_D]

Ben,

Welcome to cruising and to our boards. Catman answered most of your questions, but I thought I would add a point or two since you are new to cruising. Please review CAREFULLY the passport requirements and make sure to follow them. If one of the adults shows up without one, they will not be allowed on the ship and there will not be a refund.

With regard to the kids and eating, you probably will have no problems at all. The waiters usually do a great job of serving them first, entertaining them with tricks, etc, and making your dinner easier. If, on the other hand, you would be more comfortable elsewhere, there is a casual dining alternative restaurant, a really informal poolside grill and pizzaria, and even 7x24 room service. So, you have lots of options in addition to the main dining room. But please don't feel obliged to pass it up. I bet you'd do well there. You will also find that most of the families traveling with small children as well as the elderly passengers will opt for the early seating. The choice is yours, of course.

Finally, you asked opinions of whether it might be better to delay cruising for a while. Definitely not! Ninety-nine percent of all cruisers have a wonderful time, and they come in all sizes, shapes, colors, nationalities, etc. The three generations of your family will undoubtedly be part of the 99%, rather than the exception. And, Catman correctly pointed out that your ship has many organized (and well supervised) kids activities, so the adults will likely get some time alone as well.

Have a great time.

Ted