BudgetTravel

Luisa Frey Gaynor: There aren't many beach destinations on New England and Canada cruises. If your ship calls at Martha's Vineyard, then you're in luck for pristine beaches which are great for swimming. Also, if your ship stops in St. John, New Brunswick, Canada, there is an excursion you can purchase which takes you to a coastal village and beach complete with sea caves. Here, however, the water is colder and the beach is better for combing for shells and rocks. Lastly, those ships calling in Bar Harbor, ME, are in close proximity to Acadia National Park, which has a scenic beach.

If you just want beach time and it doesn't matter if you sail north to Canada or south to warmer, beach climates, then I suggest you hop on a cruise from New York to the Bahamas and northern tip of the Caribbean. NCL and a few other lines offer these cruises either year round or seasonally during the summer months.

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White Plains, NY: We are a family with two teenage girls and can leave from NYC or Fort Lauderdale/Miami for a cruise in June. What cruise line and port would give us the best bang for our buck? and when is the best time to book to get the best discount? Also would we need two rooms or could we use one since omost of our time would be spent outside the cabin. (the kids are 13,15) Thanks.

Luisa Frey Gaynor: Generally, the most family friendly line that gives you the "most bang for your buck" is Carnival Cruise Lines. They also have a very good teen program for your two young adults. You can either cruise north from New York to coastal Canada (summer season) or cruise all the way to the Caribbean from New York. These are the most cost effective options since you can drive to the port of New York and save yourself lots of money on four airfares compared to flying to Florida to catch a Carnival cruise. Generally, these days, the best discounts are offered the earlier you book your cruise.

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Maplewood, MN: Every year we do a family reunion with about 22 people. We've been considering a cruise but are not sure how this would work for a large group. Ages are 5 to 85. We're used to the difficulties of vacationing with a large group but are there things about cruising that would make it more difficult or less?

Luisa Frey Gaynor: Family reunion cruises are becoming increasingly popular. In fact, Holland America Line offers a family reunion package with reduced rates for families booking five or more staterooms for the same sailing. In addition to the group pricing, every family member gets a soda fountain card for unlimited soft drinks, a free family photo per stateroom, and dinner for the entire family in the alternative restaurant on HAL ships. Those booking at least 10 staterooms get a complimentary upgrade from an outside stateroom to a verandah.

What's great about cruises is that there is literally something for everyone. From top rate (free) youth and teen programs, to educational lectures or piano bars at night for adults, everyone in your group will find plenty to do. The beauty of cruising as a group is that you can request for your extended family to eat dinner at tables right next to each other so that even if people want to do their own thing by day, you'll all be together in the evening. (Plus, no one has to cook or clean up, compared to if you rent a big house or condos for your reunion.) Also, cruising allows each individual family some privacy since they'd probably each book their own stateroom. This gives in-laws an option if they want a little down time from the group. Since cruise lines have tons of shore excursions you can opt for, chances are you'll find activities ashore that many in your group will want to do together too.

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Hamden, CT: We are looking to take a cruise in August to Alaska. We are a family of 6, so we will be getting two cabins. We heard the only way to really go is getting balconies. So we are determined to see Alaska the right way. We are looking at taking either the north or southbound trip. We have 4 children, their ages are 15, 14, 12, and 7. We have traveled with Carnival before(to Canada and Bahamas) and the kids have enjoyed themselves. Is it worth paying the extra for Alaska and going on Princess or Royal Caribbean than on Carnival? Any suggestions you can give us would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your time!