Thread: Cruisin' with kids????

Which cruise line is best suited for kids...we have a 11,13 & 15 yr old..and we need to be thrifty!!! Would it be better to get a suite??? or just the two rooms..??? WHAT DO YOU THINK???!!!

I think you need 2 rooms for the extra bathroom! Of course, RCI has the Family suites which have 2 bathrooms, but regular suites wouldn't give you that much extra room or bathroom space.

I understand that RCI has a good program for youngsters. Also Carnival, but since my children are all adults, I don't have first hand knowledge. Someone will be along to give you their experiences with kids!

Unless you can get the family suite with two bathrooms, I recommend getting 2 rooms.

Carnival has a very good teen and kids program...as does Royal Caribbean. You need to decide on a budget, itinerary, length etc...then compare like cabin categories etc.

Either of these lines would be a great choice...

Not sure about the cabin situation as we just have one child...and she always wants the top bunk. As far as the kid programs, I've heard great things about most of them. We've just have experience with Carnival and Princess and they certainly keep the kids happy and busy. I know our girl would wake up and ask if the kids' area was open yet (she used to call it "ship school"). Your youngest will probably be in the tweens group, depending on the cruiseline while the others will be in the teen group. Usually the older kids will have some activities such as dances and parties so that the kids can get to know each other. Then they usually hang out by the pool or participate in the non-kids activities together.

I would either go on Royal Caribbean or Carnival. Both are more reasonable then Disney. Plus the age of your children are where they will not be as interested in all things Disney. Therefore, it would not be worth the extra money.

RCI offers a wealth of entertainment for all ages. Carnival does as well. I would do some comparsions to what itineraries you are thinking about then compare the ships that go to those ports. If the itinerary does not matter and the ship is more important look for what your children will be more interested in. For instance, RCI ships might have putt putt and a rock climbing wall. While Carnival might not offer both but they might have a slide at the pool. You will not know what is offered until you compare the ships and itineraries you are interested. This is what I do, then I propose the cruise/ship to my children. While Dh and I have final say, if it is a family cruise we normal go with the ship they want to cruise on. I never propose a cruise to my children unless it is a ship I would sale on myself.

As for rooms, we normally go with 2 rooms. However, I would once again do comparsion on the rooms, amenties offered, sizes, bathrooms and pricing. Once I do this I then figure out which will be more affordable for my family. Then we chose the room(s).

If you are working with a TA they should be more than willing to do all this work for you. I just trust myself better to do my own research, then if I am using a TA I ask their opinion of my choices.

Good Luck.

A suite will cost you more than two cabins, especially the two-bedroom suites. I recommend getting two side-by-side cabins that have a connecting door. This affords you the privacy when you want but the ability to know what's going on next door.

With that said, RCCL has the most amenities for kids - you really can't beat the Freedom-class or the Voyager-class ships. They are amazing for kids. However, the Freedom-class is still rather pricey because they are the 'latest and greatest'. By comparison, the Voyager-class has been offering some good pricing for families.

Personally, I would much rather sail with Princess than Carnival, but that's my preference. Some of the newer Carnival ships are very nice and have some wonderful amenities for families. But Princess offers a more upscale product without an upscale price. On both, the ships are very nice and the service is wonderful, but the food is better on Princess and the crowd is a little less party-type.

If price is a major factor, then another alternative is Costa & NCL - both have been offering some very good family deals lately - special discount for kids, buy an ocean view or balcony cabin and the inside cabin across the hall is half price, etc.

Bottom line, for the best price, look at side-by-side cabins. Then take a look at the amenities and the itineraries to help you determine which one is best for you.

But as one person recommended, a reputable & knowledgeable TA/CS can be invaluable when trying to find something that will meet your needs.

Pete

Lot's of great insight!!! Going to get the kids passports photo's today...hopefully I can get one of them to brush their hair!
Thanks!!!
PattiJo

Don't forget that both parents have to go with the kids to apply for the passport.

Oh Pete I love the Freedom class ships but she said reasonable. lol We booked FOS a year and half in advance was able to get a decent price but at that time we were also use to paying for Disney cruises. So $4000 for 2 rooms was not too terrible. lol Actually that same cruise the rooms went up by 50% before cruise time.

We have gotten 2 rooms in the past. We have sailed as a family on RCI and soon we will on Princess. If you find a line with good activities, you'll find you have to set up time to be with the kids because they will enjoy the things offered them so much. Ours loved the arcade and teen club on RCI but they are really looking forward to the 2 night all the teens dine together on Princess, and to the movies under the stars and the karaoke and games. We are sailing at the Holidays so there will be plenty of other kids aboard.