aotmc

I love HAL, but have selected other lines when going with family, but that is because kids in our family are very active. A few things to consider with a few of my opinions (others may have different thoughts, and please share!). For a line with a lot of kid care or kid friendly areas/activities so parents and kids can do their own things, I'd look into Royal Caribbean. If families will want to spend most of their time together and/or off ship, but you still want to appeal to those without little ones, I'd go with Princess. If your group is more kid-centric or kid-focused, Disney is supposed to be a great option (I haven't sailed with them but know friends who have gone even without their kids!) HAL offers better food, better education/talks/viewing, but lacks in "excitement" programing. You won't find slides, tons of recreational areas with several sport courts or big pools. They also have more limited "open" hours on ship, everything is pretty quiet compared to others in the evening after the show, and while in ports. I'd avoid Carnival. They appeal and market target groups, their aim is to please everyone, but I have found instead of offering a little for all, it ends up no one is satisfied.

For my upcoming 7 day cruise in may, prepaying (they say it gives a little discount to pre-book) it is $149 USD per person for pass for the entire cruise on the Oosterdam.