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Algebra2
| | Posted on Friday, March 23, 2001 - 3:35 pm: |     |
Anyone ever been on a cruise???
Not sure if it is for me but the idea of going on a vacation with a two-year old and NOT getting on a plane is temting.
Any advice on cruises or any other great vacations with kids -- we are flying up to Montreal for a long weekend in May to take our son to his first MLB game (Mets/Expos), if anyone has any Montreal tips that would be great as well! |
Shh
| | Posted on Friday, March 23, 2001 - 4:03 pm: | |
Went on a 3 night Royal Car. cruise this past February with our 2 girls, aged almost 3 & almost 5. Mealtimes were fine, but any time spent in the miniscule cabin was very stressful. The kids program was great, but our younger daughter was 2 months too young. Maybe with 1 kid it would be easier, but I would definitely hold off on cruisng until he can go into the kids clubs. There's just not that much to do on board for that age group.
I would highly recommend an all inclusive resort instead. We did them 2 years in a row with our girls, and we never even needed the kids clubs. There are nice beaches, pools, pretty grounds to walk around, decent food, and alcohol! Plus, the shows at night are generally outdoors and we found with a stroller or two seats together, our kids could relax, enjoy the show or snooze. Also, when your kid naps in the room, you can at least sit on your terrace or balcony, have a drink, read a book and enjoy the fresh air.
We went to the Dominican Republic, first to Punta Cana and then to Puerto Plata. Punta Cana was a little nicer. The flight is only 3 hours or so. And the value is comparable to cruising. We just found the resorts to be a little less confining than the ship. |
Eliz
| | Posted on Friday, March 23, 2001 - 5:46 pm: | |
Algebra2 - I grew up in Montreal so I'm kind of prejudiced but I think it's a beautiful city - second only to Quebec City. I have to say it's a great place for a quickie romantic weekend but should be fun with a child as well.
In the summer there is much more to do with the Fireworks Competition, Jazz Festival and Comedy Festival.
For kid activities I would suggest wandering around the Vieux Port (Old Port)/ Old Montreal area - there's usually lots of stuff going on. You can walk around and then stop in a cafe somewhere for something delicious. There is also the Biodome which has 4 different ecosystems and is a great place for kids (even 2 year old). And I believe right next to it is an Insectarium with all different kinds of bugs - yippee!
If you want tsome open space try Beaver Lake on Mont Royal- a very popular park on weekends.
Montreal is all about food - if you like to eat out you'll enjoy yourself. Most locals eat late so if you want to go somewhere nice (i.e. a little better than the golden arches) you should feel quite comfortable with a child if you go early. On the kid friendly side Montreal prides itself on its bagels, smoked meat (a unique and delicious sandwich), and the ever present hot dog and frites. There's a famous place called Schwartz's on the main (boul St Laurent) but it's an experience - not exactly service oriented.
You can go to www.sympatico.ca which is Canada's largest search engine and do searches on strictly Canadian sites and find out more.
Bon voyage |
Eliz
| | Posted on Friday, March 23, 2001 - 5:47 pm: | |
p.s. I agree with Shh about cruises - I would definitely go for the all inclusive resort. |
Algebra2
| | Posted on Sunday, March 25, 2001 - 9:49 am: | |
Thanks Shh and Eliz.
I'm thinking of going back to Jamaica next year with the boy -- anyone ever been to Beaches Resort? |
Shakespeare
| | Posted on Monday, March 26, 2001 - 10:00 am: | |
Jamaica is rife with violence. Moreso recently. |
Evm
| | Posted on Monday, March 26, 2001 - 1:40 pm: | |
I just got back from Jamaica and I loved it. I saw nothing amiss. I did do an all-inclusive (Sandals) which was awesome. I heard Beaches was great too, for kids and parents. |
Mlj
| | Posted on Monday, March 26, 2001 - 4:13 pm: | |
Being in the cocoon of a resort is one thing. However, on many if the islands, once you leave the confines of the resort, with its fantasy type setting of tropical paradise, you see the hard realities, such as the extreme poverty and poor infrastructure with which the people live. Just my opinion. |
Barleyrooty
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 3, 2001 - 9:43 pm: | |
I have no personal experience of cruises but came to Maplewood from 2 years in Bermuda. Happy to give you advice there if you have specific questions. Bermuda's a good option because it's close and the weather's mostly great. Most people don't realize it's 1/2 the distance of the Carribean. Bad because it's expensive. It's also small, so a few days gives you plenty of time to check everything out. I wouldn't recommend more than 3/4 days there unless you are heavily into golf,diving,sailing or windsurfing. Beaches are nice too. Very low crime and friendly people. email me at barleyrooty @ iname.com if you have any specific questions or concerns. Plane is only about 90mins so not too daunting! |
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