I contacted a travel agent for a 7 day cruise to the Western Caribbean. She suggested Carnival Pride and RCI Enchantment. I was concerned about the youth programs and how they compare. I wanted to know about the policy of nonsmoking and smoking on the ships and the best on shore experiences for the age groups. I have two girls and two boys.
I'm the family cruise editor for CruiseMates.com. Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean have good youth and teen programs on all their ships. We really enjoyed Carnival's family ship board activities, ranging from deck games, Name that Tune contests, and a family disco night.
In making your decision, however, you may want to decide what type of "style" cruise you prefer. While both lines attract families, singles and retirees, there is more of a party atmosphere on Carnival ships and thus the public rooms are generally more smoky than I've experienced on other cruise lines. On Carnival's behalf, your kids will probably get a blast out of the 214-foot spiral water slide that is on all Carnival ships. As for excursions, most lines offer similar shore excursions. We've cruised on the Western Caribbean itinerary with our eight-year-old daughter twice and have found plenty of family fun ashore.
Let me know if you have any additional questions.
Smooth sailing!
Luisa Frey Gaynor
Thank you for the info. I saw discounted prices for the RCI shore excursions and Carnival didn't list any prices,someone wrote that there isn't any discounts for children. What's your experience. cc
We priced the Voyager and it is very expensive for 6 to travel, but that was our first choice for the children's activities. We compromised and got a deal on the Pride which I think will have a good family program. cc
Hello I am 15 and recently went on the RCL Enchantment and have been on the Carnival Destiny(13).
I prefer RCL because they had more activities and their activities lasted into the night. For the 13-17 age group RCL had activities that lasted until 2 in the morning. I had alot of fun. One night they had the pool all for the teens. But, while in port they have limited activities for the older kids. They have activities at around 10 in the morning and when they leave port. On one day we were supposed to dock at St.Maarten but it was raining so we were anchored in a holding place off the coast of St.Maarten so they made an "emergency schedule". Rcl has some wild activities too.
I also really enjoyed Carnival over all but prefer RCL for their activities
Thank you for your info! We decided on the Pride, because of the price and it has a good children's program. I would like to try RCV sometime in the future before my children are grown.cc
Hi im a 15 year old girl and went on the Carnival Victory for future cruises with your children and teenagers i would reccomend this Cruise ship there were lots of activities and children and teenagers programs from all age groups
Cruise for kids 16,15,13,9 & Mom & Dad
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