Canada in 5 days

We leave for our first cruise in 5 days and now we're worried about the weather. We picked Canada because we aren't really beachy people but now we're getting worried about the weather and swimming. We're in Philly and never considered that the last week of August would be too cool for it (lame I know but what's done is done)  Our girls are eager to try the pools on board. Will they be able to make use of them? Has anyone taken a Canadian cruise at this time of year? Is swimming possible? 

I assume that if it rains there are plenty of things to do right?

Still wondering about the money to bring? What's a daily average for 2 adults and 2 kids?

How fast does it take kids to warm up to the idea of being on their own (Circle C) ? How much do they need for the arcades each day and is that cash or on the card? I saw that there was some type of teen spa treatment. What is it and what's the cost?

Anyone ever stay on the Upper Deck Balconies? Another strange question I know, but where is the upper bunk? We've scanned the virtual pictures and can't seem to se where it would be?

Our own hairdryer or the on on the ship? I know most hotel dryers are not very powerful. 

Should I be getting this nutty? 

Hi,

   I would like to say you that,Canada is one of most beautiful destinations of the world.And their weather is too good.I have never taken any Canadian cruise before.There are a lot of adventures to see.If you are looking for attractive packages for Canada,Then,you should search online and you could get very good packages for adults as well as for kids.

The upper bunks come down from the ceiling.

We just came back from the Canadian cruise.  We sailed Sept. 17th.  It was beautiful and we had a fabulous time!  We sailed with our three tween kids.  They loved Camp Carnival and Circle C, even though there weren't very many other children sailing.  We did find that Camp Carnival and Circle C weren't always open when we wanted to use them (because there were so few kids on this cruise), but the kids had no trouble having fun elsewhere on the ship.

We were determined to use the slide on the ship even if it was a little chilly, and there were 3 days when we used the slide.  If it's too windy Carnival keeps the slide closed, but it was open three days.  The first two days we had rain so we spent time exploring the inside of the ship and/or ports on those days.   We set out on this cruise to have fun, so we looked at the weather as an adventure.  The slide was a blast and there is no line for those brave souls who try it this time of year.  And then you can hop into the hot tub afterwards.  :)

I told my kids at the beginning that they wouldn't be using the arcade, so they didn't ask.  However, when we walked through the arcade there was nobody using it.  Because of the time of year and relatively few kids on this cruise, I don't think the arcade got used much.  I have read that kids who do use the arcade can easily spend $100 there because the games are expensive. There were video games in both Circle C and Camp Carnival that the kids had fun playing.

The soda issue ended up being a non-issue for us.  The Lido buffet offers lemonade and iced tea.  Soda requires a special trip to the bar (I think - we never bought soda), so my kids were quite happy to have lemonade.  At the formal dinner we all had water.  Sometimes DH and I had a glass of wine.  If your kids do have soda with dinner, it is only $1.95. 

The hair dryer is like a hotel hair dryer.  I brought my own. 

It's true what they say - having fun on a cruise has a lot to do with your attitude.  If you set out to have fun, you will, no matter the circumstance.  The shows and comedians were amazing.  We were so busy having fun, I didn't even sit back and read the book that I'd brought. 

How much spending money really varies.  We didn't use the casino.  We spent about $10 per day for DH and I on drinks.  I spent about $100 on photos.  They have great photographers on board and it's nice to have some good memories to take home. 

I was anxious before we left, too - not sure what to expect.  Canada and Maine are gorgeous this time of year.  You will have a blast!  Have a good attitude and avoid complainers.  :)

And I just noticed the OP was in August, so this reply is a tad bit too late.  Hope it helps someone else who's heading to Canada in the fall...

Hi,

    I am glad that you enjoyed a lot there and you had a fabulous time in Canadian Cruise.I have never been there,so,I have no idea about it.And I could get much idea from your experience.Thanks a lot for sharing your experience.