Best short cruise for 7 year old boy

[skyw]

HI

I want to take a short cruise this October. My son has been on DCL when he was 3.5. But it is expensive. What are your thoughts experienced parents? He is social so he will want some good kid activities.

Here is my short list of needs :)

- pool or slides

- kids program

 

thanks kelly

[MamaParrotHead]

My kids, 6 and 10 on our last sailing, loved everything about Carnival. The ports, the ship, Camp Carnival program. And all the ships have atleast one slide and 2-3 pools. ;)

 

As far as ports, I wouldn't suggest Belize or Jamaica with small kids. I don't know that I'll be going back. Roatan was gorgeous and friendly, but probably only available on a 7 day sailing (not sure what you were defining as a "short" cruise, I'm reading it as like 5 day). Bahamas are pretty kid-friendly, if he's into waterslides and such a day at Atlantis in Nassau may be up his alley. Cozumel is a fun and family friendly place, I'd go for an extended stay there if the opportunity presented itself. Key West has fun things to offer kids...the Conch Train is fun, there's an aquarium, ghost tour (not sure if it's offered during the day or just at night). My 6 YO REALLY enjoyed snorkeling as well, something to consider.

 

Hope that helps!

[boulders]

I would recommend the Oasis of the Seas if you wanted to try something different from DCL. DCL would be my first choice at that age, if you're choosing a cruise for the child. Oasis of the Seas would be almost as expensive, if not more so than DCL. They also do 7 night cruises mainly as do most of the newer ships with the bells and whistles.

 

For a short cruise in October, Liberty of the Seas would be my pick. They do a 3 night cruise on Oct. 28. They would have the waterpark, flowrider, etc etc.

[tigercheerfan]

I would look into the Carnival Ecstasy it sails from Galveston. It has 4 and 5 night and the ship has been upgraded to the waterworks park. I noticed you live in Texas so you might save on airfare.

[jerin]

6 is a great age to cruise, I don't think you'll go wrong with any of the mass market lines. We're going on RCCL's Liberty of the Seas in a couple of months. Our youngest will be almost 6, and we like that it has a good kids' program, but also more than enough to keep her entertained if she decides not to do the kids' club (not likely in her case -- we'll probably be dragging her out of there).

 

Agreeing that I probably wouldn't take the kids to Jamaica (and my parents have said the same about Belize). My mom has said that sometime she wants to take the kids to swim with the stingrays in Grand Cayman, but most Caribbean ports have enough for the kids to do that we have to narrow down what we actually get to do in the time we're there.

[GatorMomInNC]

HI

I want to take a short cruise this October. My son has been on DCL when he was 3.5. But it is expensive. What are your thoughts experienced parents? He is social so he will want some good kid activities.

Here is my short list of needs :)

- pool or slides

- kids program

 

thanks kelly

 

Come with us on the Fascination out of Jax for 5 nights (key west and nassau); they have waterslides and Camp Carnival has a great rep. This is a purely selfish suggestion as I'm taking my 2 kids, including my 6.5 year old son on his first cruise, and I know if he can make a buddy he'll want to hang out in CC :D

[skyw]

gatormom- You will have to tell me how it went. It actually was a consideration for me. My Step Daughter is station in Jacksonville. We could visit her and then cruise. For some reason she is not interested in cruising....could be because she is on the navy cruise ship!!!!

 

thanks everyone for the replies. I am still trying to figure it out. I guess I want a 7 day experience crammed into a 4-5 day one.

[A&Jfamily]

gatormom- You will have to tell me how it went. It actually was a consideration for me. My Step Daughter is station in Jacksonville. We could visit her and then cruise. For some reason she is not interested in cruising....could be because she is on the navy cruise ship!!!!

 

thanks everyone for the replies. I am still trying to figure it out. I guess I want a 7 day experience crammed into a 4-5 day one.

 

Why not go for a 7 dday then?

[skyw]

Good question. :)

It would be an easier sell to DH on a short cruise. He doesn't have the passion like I do. I love the ocean. He loves water too. But his idea of a vacation is fishing all day long. I try to combine them. The last few years we went to WDW and he got to fish. DS missed playing with kids so I think we wont do WDW for a while. He would make a friend at the pool and then never see them again.

 

Also, I am not thrilled with some of the itinerary's. We really like to be at port a lot. 3 days at sea is too much. 4 days is ok but you might not make Grand Cayman. So you see how it goes. Then it is 3 days again.

[A&Jfamily]

Good question. :)

It would be an easier sell to DH on a short cruise. He doesn't have the passion like I do. I love the ocean. He loves water too. But his idea of a vacation is fishing all day long. I try to combine them. The last few years we went to WDW and he got to fish. DS missed playing with kids so I think we wont do WDW for a while. He would make a friend at the pool and then never see them again.

 

Also, I am not thrilled with some of the itinerary's. We really like to be at port a lot. 3 days at sea is too much. 4 days is ok but you might not make Grand Cayman. So you see how it goes. Then it is 3 days again.

 

How do you feel about going out of Miami? I think the Destiny does 5 day runs with 3 ports of call.

[imsulin]

Good question. :)

It would be an easier sell to DH on a short cruise. He doesn't have the passion like I do. I love the ocean. He loves water too. But his idea of a vacation is fishing all day long. I try to combine them. The last few years we went to WDW and he got to fish. DS missed playing with kids so I think we wont do WDW for a while. He would make a friend at the pool and then never see them again.

 

Also, I am not thrilled with some of the itinerary's. We really like to be at port a lot. 3 days at sea is too much. 4 days is ok but you might not make Grand Cayman. So you see how it goes. Then it is 3 days again.

 

I think the RCI Majesty does 3-night cruises from Miami, going to Nassau, Key West, and Coco Cay....all great ports for kids! No slides, but great pool and lots of activities in each of these ports. Lots of great reviews about the Majesty. If you do the Ecstacy out of Galveston, great water park with slides! Also, in Cozumel, I think you can book a fishing excursion for the day. Can't keep the catch, though. Good luck!

[allesonwonderland]

HI

I want to take a short cruise this October. My son has been on DCL when he was 3.5. But it is expensive. What are your thoughts experienced parents? He is social so he will want some good kid activities.

Here is my short list of needs :)

- pool or slides

- kids program

 

thanks kelly

 

My son's first cruise was on the Conquest when he was 7. He had a great time! I know it's not really a 'short' cruise...

[airlink diva]

Thanks for this thread Skyw!

I want to take my nephew on a short cruise in 2011 or 2012.

Disney is too rich for my blood!

I've cruise alot as an adult and know what I like to do, but with a six year old. It's stumping me on what ports and what to do that won't be too long and yet fun.

I am leaning towards Cozumel or the Bahamas.

I will keep an eye on this thread to help me out!

[rolloman]

October Sailings

10/31 NCL Dawn 5 nighter out of Miami insides only 309.00

10/16 RCCL Radiance of the Seas 5 nighter out of Tampa insides 319.00

10/28 As mentioned Liberty of the Seas 3 nighter out of Miami 229.00

 

I would leap on that Liberty of the Seas cruise as it is the cream of the crop. Followed by the other two.

 

As for Carnival, IMO, not even a remote consideration. On the short cruises, Camp Carnival is a joke and the 3-5 day cruises are booze cruises, ie. heavy emphasis on non stop party. Good luck with your choice.

[A&Jfamily]

October Sailings

10/31 NCL Dawn 5 nighter out of Miami insides only 309.00

10/16 RCCL Radiance of the Seas 5 nighter out of Tampa insides 319.00

10/28 As mentioned Liberty of the Seas 3 nighter out of Miami 229.00

 

I would leap on that Liberty of the Seas cruise as it is the cream of the crop. Followed by the other two.

 

As for Carnival, IMO, not even a remote consideration. On the short cruises, Camp Carnival is a joke and the 3-5 day cruises are booze cruises, ie. heavy emphasis on non stop party. Good luck with your choice.

 

I would respectfully disagree. I have been on 2 5 day cruises with CCL in the past 2 years and neither was a booze cruise. In fact, they were far more "sedate" than the spring break cruise from Miami. My kids attend Camp Carnival regularly and it was handled no differently or any less professionally on the shorter cruises than the camp on the longer cruises.

 

On what do you base your opinion Rolloman?

[rolloman]

I base my opinion on the past Carnival cruises I have taken and with conversations with people who cruise as much as or more than me and whose opinion I respect. Carnival goes out of its way to disqualify toddlers from attending, to much crying...out you go...not having fun...out you go... where on NCL for example if a kid is not happy, the crew go way out of their way to make the child comfortable and welcome.

 

It is not even worth debating whether or not Carnival is the "fun" ships. Fun as in 18-30 year olds type of fun. I recommend Carnival for that age group, but for small children no way, the atmosphere is not conducent IMO. Carnival is the only ship out of all my sailings where I witness a young gal deep throat a banana to win a pool contest, Carnival is the only cruiseline where a passenger took my chips off the casino table and made a run for it. Carnival is the only cruiseline where I was the only one in a jacket and dress shirt for formal dinner and the 8 other random people had on T shirts and or Harley motorcycle assessories. If that is your thing, excellent, I am glad they exist for you...live it, love it, sail it. For me IMHO Disney is the best for infants to tots, NCL (new ships) for toddlers to single digit aged and Royal Caribbean for 7 thru 18. Just and another FYI, I do not have a problem with Princess and Celebrity is my favorite cruiseline.

[A&Jfamily]

I base my opinion on the past Carnival cruises I have taken and with conversations with people who cruise as much as or more than me and whose opinion I respect. Carnival goes out of its way to disqualify toddlers from attending, to much crying...out you go...not having fun...out you go... where on NCL for example if a kid is not happy, the crew go way out of their way to make the child comfortable and welcome.

 

It is not even worth debating whether or not Carnival is the "fun" ships. Fun as in 18-30 year olds type of fun. I recommend Carnival for that age group, but for small children no way, the atmosphere is not conducent IMO. Carnival is the only ship out of all my sailings where I witness a young gal deep throat a banana to win a pool contest, Carnival is the only cruiseline where a passenger took my chips off the casino table and made a run for it. Carnival is the only cruiseline where I was the only one in a jacket and dress shirt for formal dinner and the 8 other random people had on T shirts and or Harley motorcycle assessories. If that is your thing, excellent, I am glad they exist for you...live it, love it, sail it. For me IMHO Disney is the best for infants to tots, NCL (new ships) for toddlers to single digit aged and Royal Caribbean for 7 thru 18. Just and another FYI, I do not have a problem with Princess and Celebrity is my favorite cruiseline.

 

Camp Carnival does not accept kids younger than 2; there are many cruiselines, that have a base-line of 3 for the programs, so to single Carnival out for this is not warranted.

 

All I can say to the OP is that you will find many on these boards that speak for families - with children of all ages - who have found Carnival to be an excellent family vacation, and the best value for your money. We have taken 5 Carnival cruises since 2007, and have had consistently great experiences with everything from meals to service to camp. We have enjoyed elegant evenings with many other couples in suits and cocktail dresses, and quiet, romantic dinners in the Supper Clubs. While Carnival may have rightly earned it's image in the early 1990's as a "party scene," that image has long since been replaced with that of a fun, family cruiseline. Just look at the website, read John Heald's blog and explore the recent additions of the waterworks to the ships and you will see who Carnival is marketing too.

 

 

Whatever you chose, I hope you find a ship that is right for you.

[rolloman]

Camp Carnival does not accept kids younger than 2; there are many cruiselines, that have a base-line of 3 for the programs, so to single Carnival out for this is not warranted.

 

 

Who said anything to the contrary? By your history you have basically only cruised Carnival,,, therefore you have nothing to compare it to. After you take off those Carnival colored glasses, shop around and then report back with your findings. As far as kids clubs go...Carnival is Kmart....Disney is Saks 5th Ave. If we took a cruiseline ranking vote in a room full of "seasoned" family cruisers I guarantee you would be sadly disappointed in the outcome. Matter of fact... here is the ranking from respected Travel magazine Conde Nast Traveler. Carnival is not even in the top 10 lol...

 

Top 10 Large-Ship Cruise Lines*2009

Rank

2008NameScore11Crystal Cruises90.6722Regent Seven Seas Cruises88.7134Disney Cruise Line82.5043Oceania Cruises81.3255Cunard Line80.0766Celebrity Cruises 78.3777Holland America77.9289Princess Cruises75.80910Royal Caribbean 73.0910-Norwegian Cruise Line68.26

[A&Jfamily]

Who said anything to the contrary? By your history you have basically only cruised Carnival,,, therefore you have nothing to compare it to. After you take off those Carnival colored glasses, shop around and then report back with your findings. As far as kids clubs go...Carnival is Kmart....Disney is Saks 5th Ave. If we took a cruiseline ranking vote in a room full of "seasoned" family cruisers I guarantee you would be sadly disappointed in the outcome. Matter of fact... here is the ranking from respected Travel magazine Conde Nast Traveler. Carnival is not even in the top 10 lol...

 

Top 10 Large-Ship Cruise Lines*2009

Rank

2008NameScore11Crystal Cruises90.6722Regent Seven Seas Cruises88.7134Disney Cruise Line82.5043Oceania Cruises81.3255Cunard Line80.0766Celebrity Cruises 78.3777Holland America77.9289Princess Cruises75.80910Royal Caribbean73.0910-Norwegian Cruise Line68.26

 

I tried RCI first, mistakenly believing the "party boat" reputation. I found the food and service mediocre, so I don't really have any interest in them. I would agree that Disney is Saks 5th Ave, everything they do is - but I can take multiple cruises for the price of a 4 day Disney cruise. I also have dear friends that took their kids on Disney - and the kids had a great time, but they did not - because EVERYTHING was geared toward the kids; they said that "the streets rolled up by 8 or 9 everynight." The fact that Carnival is geared for all ages is one of the things I like best; we travel as a family, with the youngest being 6 now, and the oldest 72, and find that Carnival offers something for each of us.

 

I am not adverse to trying other cruiselines - I am sure when I want to take a South Pacific cruise, I will venture to another line. And I know I would love to do a transatlantic with Cunard. So I certainly would not say that I have Carnival colored glasses on.

 

I don't need a poll of other cruisers to know whether Carnival's kids club is good; I have seen it with my eyes. They have a wide range of age appropriate activies and the counslors have fun playing with the kids.

I have found the Camp staff very attentive - after the first night, they know my son by name and welcome him with a hug. I know it is good because my kids chomping at the bit to leave the dinner table and join their friends in camp. What higher praise is there? I am sorry if your child did not enjoy their experience.

 

As for the rest of the Carnival experience, I find the food consistently good, the steakhouse on par with Ruth's Chris, the service excellent, and the activities varied. I would certainly hope for the $ that I would find and even richer variety, quality and experience with some of the more expensive lines like Cunard, but I don't see the need to spend that type of money when a relaxing and fun family vacation can be found with Carnival in my own back yard.

 

If you read enough on these boards, I think you would find that the majority would say that of the mainstream lines, Carnival, RCI, NCL etc, the similarities are far greater than the differences. Feel free not to like Carnival, I do, and was simply offering the OP another opinion on the subject based upon my experience.

[rolloman]

 

 

If you read enough on these boards, I think you would find that the majority would say that of the mainstream lines, Carnival, RCI, NCL etc, the similarities are far greater than the differences

 

I have been on these boards since the beginning when it was a part of AOL, I am well versed on what has been said over the past 10 years of this websites existance. As for similarities, you and they are right there is endless similarities...they are all made of steel, they all float, have muster drills, serve food, have cabins, visit other countries on and on and on... but the fact is and which you shy away from is the OP's question, which is the BEST for her 7 year old???...now she can take the advice from you and your one sided opinion after multiple cruises on Carnival, or she can listen to the world who voted in Conde Nast Traveler that Carnival is not even in the top 10 of cruiselines. I am glad you have had " good" cruises on Carnival, the sad thing is maybe you could have had "awesome" cruises with another line. The funny thing is, if you would have said Princess, NCL,RCCL, Disney, basically anyone else, I would not have participated in this thread, but instead you have challenged me..... I think the OP wanted to know which was the BEST for her son.. not good, not ok, not a I "think" Carnival because I have only cruised it. The facts are the facts, Carnival is not in the top 10, Carnival lost a passenger this year and could not save it due to capsizing their own rescue boat and a Disney ship had to come to the rescue to quite easily save the passenger. Carnival lost one of its own crew who was jumping on the rail acting a fool and fell in and was lost at sea earlier this year, thats right a crew member, a person who is supposed to be setting an example and is there for your safety....Don't even get me started on the health care onboard....Disney allows 4 month old infants, the only line because they have the facilities and medical staff... actually the more I write I am embarrassed for you to try and debate Carnival should be the line this young lady should choose hands down as the BEST for her most prized possession. Yes, Carnival is a cruiseline, a fun cruiseline on a budget but to answer the OP question is it the best available cruiseline for her young child.... far from it....

[GatorMomInNC]

I have been on these boards since the beginning when it was a part of AOL, I am well versed on what has been said over the past 10 years of this websites existance. As for similarities, you and they are right there is endless similarities...they are all made of steel, they all float, have muster drills, serve food, have cabins, visit other countries on and on and on... but the fact is and which you shy away from is the OP's question, which is the BEST for her 7 year old???...now she can take the advice from you and your one sided opinion after multiple cruises on Carnival, or she can listen to the world who voted in Conde Nast Traveler that Carnival is not even in the top 10 of cruiselines. I am glad you have had " good" cruises on Carnival, the sad thing is maybe you could have had "awesome" cruises with another line. The funny thing is, if you would have said Princess, NCL,RCCL, Disney, basically anyone else, I would not have participated in this thread, but instead you have challenged me..... I think the OP wanted to know which was the BEST for her son.. not good, not ok, not a I "think" Carnival because I have only cruised it. The facts are the facts, Carnival is not in the top 10, Carnival lost a passenger this year and could not save it due to capsizing their own rescue boat and a Disney ship had to come to the rescue to quite easily save the passenger. Carnival lost one of its own crew who was jumping on the rail acting a fool and fell in and was lost at sea earlier this year, thats right a crew member, a person who is supposed to be setting an example and is there for your safety....Don't even get me started on the health care onboard....Disney allows 4 month old infants, the only line because they have the facilities and medical staff... actually the more I write I am embarrassed for you to try and debate Carnival should be the line this young lady should choose hands down as the BEST for her most prized possession. Yes, Carnival is a cruiseline, a fun cruiseline on a budget but to answer the OP question is it the best available cruiseline for her young child.... far from it....

 

 

Okay, I am cruising on Carnival with my kids (including a 6 year old boy) for the first time next month, so I can't say from personal experience which is the best for a 7 year old BUT...I booked Carnival, in part, because of the recommendation of Cruise Critic (which named Carnival one of the best cruise lines for families, overall, along with RCL) and because of a lot of great recommendations from people on the family cruisers section of this board. Travel and Leisure magazine named Carnival as #2 for family cruises. Also, I have relatives who have traveled on Carnival and used Camp Carnival and liked it. So I'm not sure why you don't think Camp Carnival is highly rated outside of this board (it is certainly highly rated within this board). I definitely agree that other cruise lines are higher end and higher rated overall, but just for Camp Carnival, it has gotten excellent reviews both on Cruise Critic and elsewhere.

 

From what I can tell, the Conde Nast list you rely on is overall cruise lines, and is not specific to kids activities or interests. And I believe the OP wants to know what is best for her 7 year old. If you only take that into consideration, I think it would be hard not to say Disney since they are geared toward kids and have a built in branding that kids recognize and love. But if you also want to consider price, food and rooms, then Carnival is definitely in the running.

 

And I did consider Disney. But it literally cost 50% more and although I could afford it, I couldn't really justify it - although I would still like to do a Disney Cruise sometime and I'm sure they are great. I looked at RCL but the rooms were a lot smaller, and that is as much a consideration of how much my kids will enjoy the cruise as the camp, since we'll be spending more time in our room than in camp. I didn't do NCL because I have family who have cruised on that and had bad things to say about it (specifically, that the food was horrible).

 

I am also trying a family cruise on Celebrity next year, after researching and hearing lots of good things about the kids program.

 

My point is, you seem to be saying that Carnival cruise line is no good because it isn't in that Conde Nast list, but that list isn't ranking based on the kids program, but the overall cruise. There have been plenty of other organizations - including Cruse Critic and Travel and Leisure - which have ranked cruises based on family-friendliness, and Carnival and Camp Carnival came out near the top.

[rolloman]

My point is, you seem to be saying that Carnival cruise line is no good because it isn't in that Conde Nast list, but that list isn't ranking based on the kids program, but the overall cruise. There have been plenty of other organizations - including Cruse Critic and Travel and Leisure - which have ranked cruises based on family-friendliness, and Carnival and Camp Carnival came out near the top.

 

I think I listed several reasons and examples of IMO Carnival is not our cup of tea. Safety, kids club, staff. Again I am sure you can go on any cruiseline and have what you consider a good time. Carnival IMO is for those on a budget. Also again, anyone can go on one sailing and say it this or that. This website is full of one hit wonder reviews. My first cruise ever was on Carnival and it was good. I quickly booked other lines and found out good could be great. That old tired saying RCCL cabins are small, NCL food is bad.. man that is just a bunch of bull. All lines have ships with small cabins. You want a bigger cabin then you pay for a bigger cabin, they are available. All the food on all the ships has taken a downward trend. They want you to eat in the specialty restuarants now... you basically have to go there for the consistant outstanding food. Did NCL use to be brutal for kids, yeah I believe they did, now they have the EPIC and Jewel class ships and I don't think they can be beat. The new RCCL Oasis and soon to be Allure..incredible.. the New Disney Dream...will be out of this world. Apples to Apples what does Carnival have? The Dream?? The over crowded Dream? The constant bad review Dream?? Listen, think what you want, do what you do,.... when someone asks me what is the BEST I tell them what is the BEST IMO. Take your child on any Carnival ship, then any of the actual ships I just mentioned and then get back to me, I would really like to hear someone say with a straight face Carnival is the best after a first hand experience. My last Carnival cruise this summer was just that... my last... the food was horrible, the ship was crowded, the passengers onboard were not kid friendly, the kids club was a joke for my toddler. I am not going to go into specifics but someone or something in that kids club really upset my child. About 3 weeks later, we go on the EPIC and my little one is still talking about the kids club. It was incredible for her. The upside is the cruiselines seem to be taking families into consideration and the newer vessels are gearing toward them. Funny thing is, I just don't see it on Carnival, EXAMPLE....NCL Dora the Explorer and NICK. RCCL Shrek and Dreamworks....Carnival Freddy the smokestack....LMAO, I can ramble on about this all day and night long......

[McDebbie]

Come with us on the Fascination out of Jax for 5 nights (key west and nassau); they have waterslides and Camp Carnival has a great rep. This is a purely selfish suggestion as I'm taking my 2 kids, including my 6.5 year old son on his first cruise, and I know if he can make a buddy he'll want to hang out in CC :D

When are you going? I am looking for a cruise for my 7 year old grandson (7 Dec 3) He is in S Carolina and we are in Florida so we were thinking Jacksonville would be a good half way point.

 

We just got off Carnival Victory and have nothing but good things to say about Carnival EXCEPT the stupid photo selection process but all lines have that.

[skyw]

I am not sure when we are going. I like to look at prices too. My DS goes to a school that allows family trips!!! As long as they are doing well in school. It is a small christian school. I am soooo thankful.

 

I still haven't decided. I just don 't want to be at port on a ship...and look across and see the one I really wanted to go on. So I think what I want is really muddying the waters. :) I would love to be on Freedom of the Sea for 7 nights!!!!! But that is not possible.

[rolloman]

I would love to be on Freedom of the Sea for 7 nights!!!!! But that is not possible.

Liberty of the Seas is a sister ship to the Freedom and as I mentioned before it has a 3 day October sailing meeting all your criteria.