First Cruise to Mexico with a 13 year old? Travel agent needed or not?

Question

I am planning a cruise with my daughter, who will be 13 at the time of travel. I saw a nice 4 day cruise from New Orleans port to one destination at Cozumel Mexico. Then back to the port. This will be my first time on a cruise and out of the states.

I am leaning toward Carnival b/c of the teenager activities and price. However I am nervous doing this myself. I called Carnival's 800 #, but the CSR wasn't help either. He was trying to sell this and that, but he wasn't answering my questions.

Like if I go to Mexico will I have to get different money? Do I need a passport, is my room the anchor or stern...etc. I felt like I was getting on his nerves.

Do you recommend I use a travel agent, or do they try to sell you everything also. In addition, what questions do you recommend I ask and what should I say no to...thanks

Answer 1

You are approaching this in the correct manner. You need to find someone who is willing to listen to you and answer your questions. They should be willing to sell you want you want, without trying to pressure you into something else. However, they may suggest other alternatives because they think something else might be a better fit for you. Interview a few travel agents. If you find one you are comfortable with, book with him/her. Ask about cancellation fees and what happens if the price drops after you book the cruise. The cruise will not cost any more if you use a travel agent because travel agents get a commission from the cruise line.

Tell the travel agent what you are interested in. The travel agent should ask why. Then ask the travel agent to make a recommendation. Then ask the travel agent to explain why (s)he made that recommendation. Ask about what is included and what is not included. Ask what the ports are like and what the days at sea are like. Ask about the teen program. Ask about the travel agent's experience and if the travel agent has been on the ship you are interested in. Ask about what concerns you have. Again, only use a travel agent you feel comfortable with. If the travel agent wants to sell you something, ask why you should purchase it and if necessary, tell the travel agent you will get back to him/her, so you can do your own research.

Carnival and Royal Caribbean both have activities that would interest a thirteen year old. In fact, I was just on a one week cruise on the Freedom of the Seas with a thirteen year old girl who said that she enjoyed the cruise. For a short cruise, the Navigator of the Seas would also be a good choice.

I have been on three cruises to Mexico plus two other cruises to Cozumel. You do not have to exchange your money. US dollars are accepted in Mexico. I would highly recommend getting a passport. The rules keep changing, and the only safe bet is to have the passport.

The front of the ship is the bow. The back of the ship is the aft or stern. The right side of the ship is starboard and the left side is port. Your cabin can be anywhere on the ship. There are typically four categories of cabins:

Inside - no windows
Ocean View - has a window, but no balcony
Balcony - has a door to a small private balcony
Suite - larger than standard, usually the best the ship has to offer

On the larger Royal Caribbean ships (the Voyager and Freedom class ships - the Navigator of the Seas is a Voyager class ship) there is a fifth category which is an inside cabin with a window over looking the Royal Promenade, which is the main shopping area inside the ship.

Typically, the higher on the ship you are, the more you will pay, even for an inside cabin. In fact, an inside cabin (with no window) on the highest deck on the ship might cost more than an ocean view cabin (which has a window) on the lowest deck of the ship.

As to location, if you want the least amount of movement, midship and close to the water line is best. If you like to look at the wake, then a rear facing cabin is a must. If you want to be close to the action, then you want to be higher up. If you want quiet, then pick a cabin that has only other cabins above, below and next to you. A cabin below the disco, or next to the casino might not be that quiet.

Answer 2

A travel agent can sell you a package deal that includes the cruise, air travel from your city of residence to the port, etc. But this isn't necessary and won't really save you any money. You can easily book the same cruise and air travel by yourself.

I surprised the Carnival rep wasn't more helpful - usually the customer service numbers are very helpful. You may want to consider Royal Caribbean as well - they have similar pricing and destinations as Carnival. Carnival has a reputation of being a "party cruise", with lots of adults drinking heavily and gambling, so some other cruise lines might be more appropriate for teens.

If you're visiting a major port city in Mexico like Cozumel, Baja, Cabo, etc, then no, you won't need to change your money to pesos. The popular areas in these cities cater to tourists and are eager to accept American dollars. If you stay in the streets, shops, and restaurants recommended by your cruise line (you'll get a map and list when you get off the ship), then you'll be perfectly safe.
Depending on when you leave, yes, both you and your daughter may need a passport. There are new regulations starting soon that require passports for travel between the U.S. and Mexico, even if you never step off the ship. The FAQ section on the website will give you more details.

When you book your room, either on the phone with an agent or online, you select the type of room you want (suite, interior, etc), and they randomly select a room in that type, then tell you how much it is and where in the ship it is. If you don't like the location, they can see what other locations are available at that price. It's just like buying a ticket for a concert. Keep in mind that you hardly spend any time in the room, just sleeping and changing clothes, so it really doesn't matter much where it is.

Check out the websites for a couple cruise lines, and explore the "Before You Board" and "FAQ" sections, this will give you a lot of great information. When you call, start out by saying that you aren't ready to book yet, but you have some questions since you've never cruised before. That should discourage them from trying to sell you anything.

Answer 3

I took my 12 year old on her second 7 day cruise this past May and she loved it. We have gone on Carnival and have found them wonderful with plenty of activites for her. or she can just hang around the pool.

By next year you'll need a passport for both of you

The money I have used in cozumel is American and I never had any problems with it if its your first crusie, go ahead and use a travel agent. they will answer all your questions if you find a good one, after that book thru whoever gives you the best service and deals

Answer 4

We visited Cozumel on a Carnival cruise on Spring Break.

Passports are not required until 2008 for this trip. However, if you need to get passports, allow plenty of time for processing prior to your trip.

You don't need Mexican money. In fact, they love US dollars in Mexico. Don't bother getting Mexican money because you will be stuck with what you don't spend.

Carnival has desk plans on their website, so you can see where your cabin is after it is booked.

Check out www.vacationstogo.com They are very helpful.
Just decline the travel insurance.

Don't go overboard when booking a cabin...you really only shower, change clothes and sleep there.

Answer 5

I think since this is your first time doing this you should use a local travel agent. No I don't think the travel agent will try to sell you into buying more than you need or want. At least that has been my experience. Just tell them what you have to spend and what you want and they "should" get you the best deal they can.

I just checked out Expedia and CheapTickets but all of their Mexico cruises are on the pacific side.

Answer 6

you don't need a travel agent, you don't need a travel agent, etc.
I used a travel agent for first cruise, last four without.
Carnival is a great line for young, old, and young at heart.
my advice is ask for lowest catagory inside stateroom. It may not have any windows but trust meb you will only sleep in your room anyway if you even sleep at all because come on you can always sleep when you get home.
front of the ship= Bow
back of ship = Stern
port= left
starbord= right
may sound confusing but hey so is life
know you will have a blast and realise cruising is adictive.

Have Fun

Answer 7

Hi! Renne! I hope you're having a lovely afternoon. I'm a home-based travel agent and to anwer your questions: Yes, you do need a passport for both yourself and your daughter, and yes, you do need to change US dollars to Mexican money when you go onshore. Because of the overload in the US Passport office, I would suggest you apply for your passpost either today or tomorrow since the wait time is now 3 months out, even with expediting your application. In addition, my website is comparable to Expedia and Orbiz and I offer lower if not comparable rates. To learn more, please go to my website at www.shutupandtravel.biz. Once open, click on the BOOK TRAVEL icon. Once open, click on the Cruise tab at the top of the page and plan your trip accordingly. I would love to assist you in whatever you need to make your trip enjoyable and pleasant, so please don't hesitate to contact me. My email address is [e-mail] and my cell is [phone] (USA). Let me know. Thanks!

Much happiness and joy,
Anna R. Wells

Answer 8

Yes, i would recommend a GOOD travel agent.
its your first cruise and you have many questions(as most people would) and you deserve to have the answers to them.
You probably will need mexican money yes, (for shore excursions). Yes you need a passport,
also may i suggest two websites which might help you.
cruisecritic.com
cruiseclues.com
have a good cruise.

Answer 9

yes yes yes see a travel agent....do your homework first as far as looking at prices, and ports online at the diffrent lines websights..then go talk to some one.. you don't need to book that day get info and excited..find a agent you like..try two or three if you need to..and then they will take care of all your needs

Answer 10

look at Zef's answer, as it is overall the most honest , detailed and EDUCATED!!! I would have voted rated him twice if I could have!