Manda917

We are looking to book a Christmas Market River Cruise- We will be traveling with my 9 year old, so Viking is out of play.  It seems that AMA and Uniworld have cruises that allow children on board.  Does anyone have a suggestion for one over the other?  We were originally looking at the Disney one, but the dates do not work as I want to be home for Christmas. 

I have the exact question!!  We are booking Encore in March 5 adults and a 7 year old. 

Did you consider any different ships/itineraries? 

I’m definitely curious about recommendations although not the OP.  We were looking at the 12 days British isles on Emerald princess. Seems to have the best itinerary.  Anyone taken this cruise before? Or have a different suggestion. 

On 11/23/2021 at 3:07 PM, parallax said:

Celebrity is a great option for your child and for you as well. My daughter, between the ages of 5 and 8, did 3 cruises on Celebrity and loved them.   She cried when we had to get of the ship on the last cruise. The kid's club is fabulous and is not overrun.  The staff is very attentive and got to know our daughter very well.     On one we cruise, when we stopped in Rome and were in front of the Colisuem, we heard someone yelling out our daughter's name.  We turned around and discovered  it was one of the counselors from the kid's club.

 

There is a group on this board who thinks that children have no place on Celebrity.  Ignore them.  When on Celebrity, I have discovered the more repugnant behavior comes froms the adults than the children.   

Thanks.  I think you have convinced me!!  

12 minutes ago, TrulyBlonde said:

May I suggest a Disney cruise? At 6 yrs of age, this would be a perfect time for him to experience one. You can also have your own free time when he is in the Kids Club version.

 

I starting taking my Grandson at age 5 and he loves it. Let me add that being a FL resident also has it perks on pricing for Disney.

WE had that as our original plan, but I am thinking that all of the activities might not be going on on the Disney cruise and for that price point I want the full experience.  We are passholders so know that Disney is still not open to full steam. 

6 minutes ago, pl281 said:

@Manda917

 

Hello from up the road in Boynton Beach...

We have an 8 year old and have only taken him on Celebrity - Our son has ASD so the less activity / etc is actually better for him.

 

They do have a kids club on Celebrity (not sure what's going on right now with COVID restrictions) there are many on CruiseCritic that have said they have taken their kids (or grandkids) on Celebrity - and there are those that will tell you to stay away.

 

It really depends on your child / what their needs are - also where you are going. We've been taking trips for sightseeing - which our little one enjoys.

 

If your son needs lots of activities / playground etc it may not be as good -

 

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Thanks for the info.  We are going Spring Break so I am assuming this might have more kids on it than other weeks.  He did go on an Alaskan cruise and although he was only one of 6 kids on the entire ship he still had a great time.  I guess I would love if anyone had info on their kids club.  The good and the bad.  

The last Royal Cruise we did the kids were all thrown into one kids club (no age separation) and he hated it. But I was told they were trying out that model. 

Just now, Phxazzcruisers said:

in my humble opinion  I think a 6 year old would have much more to do and have more fun on a Royal cruise than Celebrity

Thanks.  That is what I am thinking.  

We usually do a spring break cruise with the whole family, including my 6 y/o son.  Since he is the only child in the group I like to make sure he has plenty that he will enjoy.  Usually we book on Royal as that seems to fit well, but we are considering booking Celebrity.  When we travel just us (no kid) we love Celebrity, but I am afraid is won't have a lot to appeal to him.  He does like hanging out with his family and the BIG waterslides aren't really his thing yet.  My husband wants me to book the cruise YESTERDAY...so I welcome any opinions or suggestions.