Other Cruiselines??

[DreadLockCruiser]

I've pretty much bounced between Carnival and RCCL, with the exception of one trip on the big red boat. I am wondering are these the only two cruiselines that are cool for younger people and familes. I'd like to book something a little different for me and the kids next year, but I am thinking Carnical & RCCL might be my only two options.
Believe it or not, I don't think a Disney Cruise is for us, for two reasons..1-we live in Orlando and are pretty much Mickey'd out..2-I'd have to get 2 seperate cabins for the 5 of us on a disney ship or 2 bedroom suite which is WAY out of my price range. Oh, reason 3- there is no casino for mom.


should I look into princess, norweigen, or holland america?

[Donna]

HI DLC,
I would certainly look into Princess as an option. Just from my personal expierence, I think the Royal CAribbean Voyager and Freedom class ships are absolutely wonderful for families cruising with their kids. There are more activities for every age group, including adults...but thats just MHO.

Let us know what you find.

[LisaK]

Princess might be a really good option for you. Look into the large Grand Class ships, lots of activites, really good kids & teens program. We sailed on the Golden with teens during school break, there were plenty of other kids for them to hang out with and yet mom can still enjoy the ambiance that is Princess. The adults found plenty to do day and night.

[Dave the Wave]

Stay right where you are with a lean to Royal Caribbean.

[Roland]

Originally Posted by Dave the Wave

Stay right where you are with a lean to Royal Caribbean.

Of course you are right DtW. But giving me a bad conscience, since I was sailing on a crossing on QM2 two weeks ago
So stick to RCI, if you can DLC

[thecruisequeen]

Costa, Princess and Holland I would try.

For now I have no desire to go on NCL. My sister sails with NCL on new years so I'll see what she has to say. I don't care for freestyle cruising.



8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)

[DreadLockCruiser]

thanks guys. I'm still looking but I am leaning to the Grand Princess or RCCL Freedom

[DreadLockCruiser]

And what about getting two cabins? My oldest children are going to be 14 & 12, by the time we go next year. The youngest will be in a cabin with me of course, they are 6 & 8. I am wondering if the cruiselines will even allow children to be booked in a cabin alone without an adult, even if it is a connecting cabin.

[seadog2]

DLC, I've been on Princess and had a pretty rough time of it. It was very difficult to get even just the basic service. We had to ask for bar service at different spots around the ship. We ( my brother and I ) don't drink we were trying to get cokes. On the first dinner night, we were seated at our table (my brother and his wife and me and my wife) and the waiter and asst. waiter came over and said hello introduced themselves and we never saw them again it took almost 1 hr. to get new ones. We inquired what happened to our servers and we were told that they both suddenly took ill. For the rest of the cruise we noticed several indifferences. We are not roudy people and DW and I are experienced cruisers. We are not picky or hard to please. Princess we have decided not to do again.

[thecruisequeen]

Both ships are great but I would pick Freedom.

Looking to book the next cruise my choice would be liberty however the rates are up there. Got a good rate for the Mariner. Told my son (12 yrs old) that we might go on the Mariner instead of liberty (he has been on Mariner sister ships so knows what it is all about) he said "we are going on a small ship". After being on the Freedom twice he thinks all other ships are small. We are all looking forward to Gensis.

Kids now a days don't know how good they have it!!!!

[dlm2005]

We booked a balcony cabin for ourselves and an interior cabin (directly across the hall) for the kids. The Ship officially booked one parent and one child in each cabin, but there are no problems if you "switch cabin mates" when you unpack. That way all of us could enjoy a balcony from time to time, two showers forgetting ready, and the kids actually liked the darkness of the cabin when all the lights went out (and if not, you can bring a night light or keep the bathroom light on and the door cracked).

[dlm2005]

Sorry, I spoke too soon. I'm not sure of the poilicy for two cabins but only one adult....

[thecruisequeen]

looking around pricing things out I see Costa is having a kids sail free sale. I priced out a cabin for one adult and 2 kids and the cabin total for the week is $1,387. now that is dirt cheap!
Something to think about

[threecruisers]

Hi....Iam sold on RCCL Voyager class....Kids can stay in their own room we have done that for years...Nothing beats the promanade!!!!!!golf ,rock wall, ice skating, cafe promanade...can I say more have fun on the voyager class................

[skymaster]

I'd stay away from HAL with the kids. I can't imagine having trouble with the wait staff on Princess. We've sailed Princess time and time again, and had nothing but outstanding service, and food on each and every cruise. The Caribbean Princess is excellent and has the Movies under the Stars , (Just like the Carnival Liberty). Yes, the Voyager class has lots of stuff to do, but if you've been there, done that, and are looking for something different to try, I'd give Princess, or even NCL a shot. I've had good luck aboard NCL as well, but with kids, I think Princess would be better.

Ken

[thecruisequeen]

When I get older and I can't rock climb, surf and ice skate anymore I'll try Princess, Hal and costa.

But for now I'm a RCCL girl all the way.

[Divemaster]

Stay with RCL, then maybe a large Princess ship. Just don't think HAL would do it with that many kids - even with their recent kiddo renovations.