Thread: Southern Caribbean Cruise with Teens

Hi all,

I'm in the process of planning a family cruise for myself, husband, and two teenage daughters (14 & 15 yo). We want a fun vacation for all althought none of us are high adventure types we do enjoy doing more than just sight seeing and shopping.

Does anyone have any opinions on the Southern Caribbean itineraries for RCL out of San Juan, PR? Will there be teens on the ship during the summer? Can we find activities in say Aruba that aren't just Carlos and Charlies???

And if not the Southern Caribbean Cruise then any preferred itineraries for teens?

Since we're still in the planning stages, we're open to changing our itineraries. We even mentioned a Mediterranean cruise but I'm not sure how many teens would be on those cruises.

Thanks for any suggestions,
Veronica

Hi, Veronica:

Welcome to CLF - the friendliest board on the net!!

I know you'll get alot of different information concerning your request for help, so hopefully you'll find something that will help you.

We've been to the So. Carib on many occasions and have always had a great time. Since you mentioned that you were interested in the Summer, it depends on whether you meant this Summer or next year as to which ships are available. RCCL has the Adventure of the Seas and Carnival has the Destiny this year, but the Victory next year. I've not gotten any good reviews from my clients about the Destiny, which I guess is why they finally decided to move it out of there and put the Victory in it's place, which we've been on and have received much better reviews about. Of course it does not really compare to the Adventure of the Seas, which is a destination in itself and teens absolutely love it! And since you mentioned Aruba, I'm assuming you were more considering the Adventure of the Seas as your ship of preference.

As for the islands, there are many things to do depending on the level of activity that you're looking for. Aruba, for example, has some wonderful beaches and is very easy to get around. Last time there, we rented a Harley Davidson for the day and had a great time. There's lots of water sports available.

St. Thomas has a huge variety of things to do from beaches to watersports. And I know you said you weren't into sightseeing, but you can even take a water taxi over to St. John and snorkel at Trunk Bay.

As for the Mediterranean or even Alaska, you will find teens on board, but not as many as you would in the Caribbean. Bottom line is that families with teens traveling during the Summer are more interested in watersports than sightseeing, hence the Caribbean attracts more families.

As for whether the Southern, Eastern, or Western Caribbean, or the Mediterranean is the place for your family, you really need to do your research to see what attracts you the most. As I always say; what one person likes, another will dislike. So take what people have to offer, including me, and then decide what you want to do and go for it. You'll have a great time no matter what you decide on and, after all, that's the most important thing.

Pete

Veronica - I just wanted to mention that IF you should choose the Mediterranean, you dont only get so see some beautiful and interesting places BUT for your teens it would be both a vacation and an education!!!
On our cruise this June there were 90 children-teens onbaord. During the cruise after us there were 400 aparantly!!
But remember cruises in Europe are more port intencive then a Caribbean cruise.

Thanks for the information - I'll need to do more research. My first instinct was the Southern Caribbean for our family. It seems from this information that may still be the best choice!

Hey Veronica

Have you looked at our Cruise Places? We have a lot of the ports of call there and you can see what other folks have done and what they recommend. The link is--> Cruise Places. Lots of good stuff there!

I would imagine that most ships in the summer time will have kids and teens onboard as many school districts make it difficult for school aged kids to take a vacation while school is in session (certainly LA schools are that way). Money per each kid per each day. So from mid-June thru late August seems to be the most kid-intensive time to cruise. And any cruise that's under 20 days on the mass market lines should have plenty of teens.

We just cruised last month with our two teenage sons, age 13 & 16. There were tons of teens on the ship and our boys made friends fast. The activities on board get the kids interacting with each other quickly.
There will be a large variety of things to do at the ports. You shouldn't have a problem finding things everyone will enjoy. Definitely use Char's link to Cruise Places. This site is jam packed with helpful information!
Have fun planning, no matter where you go, I doubt you will be disappointed.

I am 15 and have found in my nine cruises you will find kids on all ships in the caribbean. It may be more during the times when school is out but even in months where school is in session their will be kids. If you want to take me along I can check my schedule? LOL, just kidding! Have fun on your cruise, I am sure you and your family will!

If you have any questions about what teens should do just shoot me a pm, I like to think I have been around the block a few times .

Ben

Welcome to CLF...

My unbiased opinion is the Southern Caribbean is awesome! The beaches are beautiful and snorkling and shopping and everything about it, lol.

The Caribbean will attract many many families...whether it be Eastern, Southern or Western...There will be many things to for the teen girls to do onboard and ashore. I have two teens myself and they both love what the Caribbean has to offer...

Good luck with your search and by all means check out Char's link!

Dolores

I've done the caribbean twice with my stepchildren - 14 yr old girl and 11 yr old boy (at the time). We did July cruises each time and there were plenty of children their age and they made friends fast with all the activities onboard.

We are the same as you mentined - more into walkinng around on our own to sightsee and shop - mostly to save a little money since excursion for 4 people can be pricey, but definitely worth it sometimes!

They had a great time doing things "on their own" with ship activities as well as family time with my hubby and I.