Gulf Shores then Cruise for a few days?

We are planning our family vacation for the year. We have 3 boys ages 15, 10 and 6. So we need lots of action! :) We love the beach, seafood and the south, but aren%26#39;t crazy about touristy areas.

This would be our 1st trip to Gulf Shores and while we have been spoiled by many all-inclusive resorts, we%26#39;ve never taken a cruise before.

We are considering a few options, one of which would be to spend a few days in Gulf Shores and then maybe take a cruise for a few days or vice versa.

What are your opinions. Do you know of any websites that would be helpful. Have you ever split up a vacation like this? Is there enough to do in Gulf Shores w/out the cruise? Is there somewhere nearby Gulf Shores that we should visit?

Thanks for all of your great advice!

StL Cards Family

Gulf Shores then Cruise for a few days?

By a cruise I%26#39;m assuming you are talking about going from Mobile.

Carnival advertises heavy down here so I%26#39;d check them first.

Bear in mind, it%26#39;s about an hour-hour 1/2 from here to Mobile.

With boys those ages, 2-3 days down here may be enough. We are family oriented but other than beach activities, we are limited. When I say ';beach activities'; it can range from playing in the water to body boarding to boating/fishing/etc. The boys will definitely love The Track and Waterville USA. Also, a trip to the Zoo and miniature golf are ideas as well.

Basically when you come down here you%26#39;re looking to relax, enjoy time at the beach, have a good meal, and enjoy time together.

Hope this helps and remember to RELAX!

Email me if you have more questions....

Gulf Shores then Cruise for a few days?

Cruises out of Mobile are four or five days. The Holiday is considered a ';party'; vessell, so it would not be my first choice with children although I think they may have a children%26#39;s program on board.

Unless you plan to get two cabins, cruising would not be comfortable with three boys all in one cabin.

Condo on the beach may be more relaxing. When they get tired of the beach or pool, visit Fort Morgan, take the ferry across the Bay, go to the Naval Air Museum in Pensacola, maybe the Blue Angels will be flying.

Fewer tourist shops in Orange Beach than Gulf Shores, but still good restaurants a short drive away or some within walking distance depending where you stay. Also, has Adventure Island, water park, mini golf, etc. within walking distance. Won%26#39;t have to get back in the car and drive up Hwy. 59.

Hope you enjoy the area.

Wow! Thanks for the great advice. Maybe the cruise idea combo-ed w/ the beach idea isn%26#39;t for us.

A condo on the beach sounds great. We live in the mid-west so no fear of our boys getting bored w/ the beach!! They are always sad to leave!!

The Blue Angels idea sound interesting, We%26#39;ll definetly be checking into that!

Thanks again for the suggestions %26amp; ideas!

StL Cards Family