1st Time Family Cruiser

[QueenV]

Would like to take a family cruise this summer with my children ages 5,9 & 10, but I haven't decided which cruise line to use Carnival or Disney.

Although I have read many of the reviews on this board as well as message board topics I am still undecided so I thought I would ask a few questions.

Which cruise line is better to cruise on with children Disney or Carnival?

Which Carnival ships are the best?

Which rooms are better to fit 4-5 people in?

What are the hidden cost aboard the cruise ships besides drinks and spa facilities?

When choosing a room (oceanview preferably) and category how do you know which ones are the best?

How can you make sure to get a room that does not have an obstructed view?

Which deck is the best to have your room on?

Does Disney have adult activities during the day and how long are the children programs onboard both the Disney and Carnival ships?

[Donna]

Hi Queen,
I would check into some different cruises for both Carnival and Disney....You can most likely cruise with Carnival for almost half what a Disney cruise would be, which always seem to have great reviews. While the CArnival ships and kids programs are great, so are Royal Caribbean's.

YOu may want to go into the "first cruisers" section here and do some research:

First time cruisers

Do let us know what ship and cruiseline you decide on, its half the fun planning a family cruise.

[QueenV]

Thanks I have read numerouos topics on the message boards here as well as the reviews, but still am a little lost on which one to pick. I probably will pick Carnival due to the lower prices, but which Carnival ship is the best when cruising to the Bahamas?

[lfgaynor]

Note that the shorter Carmival cruises, such as to the Bahamas that you mentioned, tend to be more 20 and 30-somethings partying. While Carnival always has lots of families on board, it will be a different atmosphere than Disney's on the short cruises.

Best,
Luisa Frey Gaynor
Family Cruise Editor

[QueenV]

Thanks. I went ahead and booked with Disney for the August cruise.

[lfgaynor]

Your family will love it!
Smooth sailing,
Luisa Frey Gaynor