Children's activities

[maritimecruiser]

As a family with two small children (5&7) we usually stay on the ship while docked at ports, the shore excursions are a little too long for the youngest. Having sailed with Disney and Carnival, I was surprised that NCL does not offer much for activities in their kids club while in port. From what I can see it is just free play that is not free. Is this so? It appears that Princess is the same way? Guess we'll staying with Carnival and Disney:confused:

[jam82]

We have a Princess cruise book and with 10 ports in 14 days we will probably stay on the ship some too. I was under the impression that Princess offered some activities during port days and that there was no extra charge. Anyone know for sure?

 

As far as what you said about NCL, I believe you are correct: Mostly free play that is not free. I believe it is $5 or $6 per hour per child.

[sail731]

Princess does not charge for port times. They do ask that you preregister (let them know a day or two in advance) so that they can staff appropriately.

[smoothy]

Maritimecruiser, DW and I have done 3 cruises with our boys (currently 7 and 5 also) 2 in the Caribbean, and a b2b to Alaska. Post where you are cruising to and lets see if we can give you some suggestions for kid-friendly shore excursions.

 

In terms of what line to go on, we have only done RCCL and Celebrity, and both have the normal kids club activities on shore days. Someone else can probably pipe in about the other lines.

[sprockie]

If it's a Caribbean cruise you're going on, there are usually beaches/activities close by that you can take in, yet make your own timetable.

We've always done our own thing and visited beaches, brought sand toys etc. for a few hours, then head back to the ship. No need to take an expensive excursion to do the same thing - on your time for a fraction of the price.

[fqtvguy]

HAL also offers a full day of free activities in Club HAL on port days. Our DD (4.5 year old) just loved Club HAL.

[maritimecruiser]

Thanks everyone! It would be Eastern Caribbean or Bahamas, not sure yet.