Cruising for a little Me Time
By Cheryl Rogers
You’ve found someone to take your shift at work, or spent several extra hours at the office securing the fort, and now you’re ready for a real vacation. Instead of peace and quiet when you get home, you’re confronted with your eager children — who finally have gotten you to themselves for two weeks.
“How about a game of Monopoly, mom,” your nine-year-old girl chirps.
“Hey mom, what’s for dinner,” your 15-year-old son asks.
Right about now, you have visions of spending your entire vacation flipping pancakes, folding clothes and playing Monopoly for the 200th time…
It’s true. Moms who work face very real challenges having a relaxing vacation, but there are ways to get the pampering you need.
With my family, cruises have long been a favorite. As Florida residents, we need look no farther than our nearest port for a break from everyday stresses like car pools, cooking or cleaning. We also enjoy cruises because there are plenty of activities for varied age groups, from toddlers to grandparents.
Where else can you enjoy sumptuous meals virtually around the clock, entertainment for the entire family, and time to stretch on a recliner and sniff the salty sea air? Early risers will have solitude to pray, jog on deck, or head for the gym, beauty salon or sauna. Night owls can count on shows, a midnight buffet, leisurely strolls, games and more.
At the port of Miami, there are nine cruise lines traveling to the Bahamas, the eastern and western Caribbean, Mexico, Key West, South America and beyond. My personal favorite is the eastern Caribbean, mainly because it stops at the lovely Virgin Islands, a vacation destination in its own right.
Expect to pay $100 a day for each adult on the cruise, even more for an outside cabin, balcony or suite. This will include your cabin and all-you-can-eat dining.
With some careful shopping, you might find prices even lower, but check cruise reviews, room location, age of the vessel, and weather conditions. It may not be a real bargain. Know what you are getting. Expect to tip maids and servers and pay extra for sightseeing excursions and souvenirs.
Shop for bargains by snagging unsold rooms close to cruise time. Sail during the off season, weather conditions permitting. Rates do vary for the same ship, based on the sail date, so do your homework. You may even find a deal where the third and fourth passenger per cabin is deeply discounted, down to say $99 for the cruise.
Reviews can be read online at Cruise Reviews or Cruise Critic. Look for cruise bargains at Travelocity, Expedia or Cruise 411.
Some cruise lines offer programs for children and teens. There are even more child-care options when traveling with grandparents or adult age children. With some extra adults in your party, you can opt for adjoining or adjacent rooms, or even nearby rooms, and get out of the more expensive family suite.
Plan ahead by checking with cruise line websites, where you can take a virtual tour of ships and check their destinations and restaurants, as well as room availability and prices.
To sail out of Miami, check with either of these cruise lines: Azamara Cruises, Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruise Lines, Costa Cruise, Crystal Cruises, Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, Norweigian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, or Royal Caribbean.
