tomtankman

Thanks again everyone. We were thinking this season actually but I didn't realise the ships are not in Australia. I naively thought that as they are selling rooms the ships would be here

Im thinking Serenade of the Seas to QLD in October. My wife really wants to a do a Magestic Princess TO QLD in November. Reviews are slightly better for Serenade. Does anyone have experience on the two? Cheers

Thanks OzKiwi. Some of the reviews for Carnival and P&O mention the poor quality of food.

Thanks everyone for all the advice. Its a really tricky decision. It sounds like P & O or Carnival for children but Ovation/Princess for quality. I really want to try a cruise but know I wont have a good time if I'm eating lukewarm tasteless food on a floating RSL. I actually enjoy RSLs but don't want the RSL feeling for a whole 9 days.

Thanks trig42, that's exactly the information I was after

Hi all

Thanks in advance for anyone who can assist me. I want to take the family on a 1 to 2 week cruise from Sydney. I have never been on a cruise ship before so spent all day Sunday reading reviews and blogs. From what I have read I will avoid the budget cruise ships P&O and Carnival. Spending 2 weeks lining in queues next to loud, drunk bogans sounds like a nightmare. I have also read reviews of Caribbean cruises which say the ships are too full. So what are more upmarket alternatives which still have a range of activities for families - eg pools, water slides, go karting, laser tag etc. It seems the more expensive cruise ships cater more to couples and retirees. Thanks again to anyone who can assist.