mscreneet Posted October 2, 2010 #1 Share Posted October 2, 2010 Im looking into a cruise on NCL for next summer. This will be our very 1st cruise with them if we decide to go. Were normally Carnival cruisers however in looking at the pricing, were willling to give Norwegian a try. Just wondering, which would be the best ship for a group of folks going with kids. We have kids ranging in age from 8-15 years. The EPIC looks great however at the time that were wanting to cruise it will be leaving out of Barcelona which is not an option for us right now. Any suggestions on a ship that would suit us best and keep the kids happy and busy??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
electricron Posted October 2, 2010 #2 Share Posted October 2, 2010 Generally, all NCL ships are about the same when it comes to kids. Of course, different ships have potentially different activities. One ship may have better facilities for teens while another ship may have better facilities for smaller tots. Since the Epic is out of the question, may I assume you don't wish to fly to Europe and that you're planning a summer cruise? May I also assume you don't wish to fly? Or is it you don't wish to get passports for the entire family, and that you may be willing to fly in America? Or is it you can't afford to fly far? How about to the opposite US coast or Hawaii? Do you live close to Miami? When you get right down to the memories your family will have for a lifetime, they're going to remember the places visited on your cruise far more than what they did on the ship. I would be far more interested planning stimulating shore excursions for them than worrying about which ship is best....but I know that's my personal opinion. Therefore, I going to suggest an itinerary where Carnival doesn't go normally: Bermuda on the Dawn or Jewel, Alaska on the Pearl or Star, or Hawaii on the Pride of America. Pick the cruise your pocketbook can best afford.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruis247g Posted October 2, 2010 #3 Share Posted October 2, 2010 We've sailed on a variety of ships on several major lines, beginning when our children were preschoolers. There tend to be a lot of children in the summer, so your children will very likely find other friends on any ship. Perhaps, we've just been lucky, but we've found that each line and ship were very well suited to all ages of children. The children's center activities were fun when the children were younger and we found that almost every children's center staff member was very good with the children. Our children always loved the pools and all the activities, such as basketball or shuffleboard or ping-pong or rock climbing or whatever they found on the specific ship. Of course, they always love the game rooms. Also, our kids love the simple things, such as the "near constant" availability of ice cream! I hope you have a wonderful time on whichever ship you choose! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richpontone Posted October 4, 2010 #4 Share Posted October 4, 2010 They have Nickelodeum on board. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GigCrusier Posted October 4, 2010 #5 Share Posted October 4, 2010 Disney My daughter is now 20-years old and has been on 19-cruises. Her all time childhood best memory is Disney! Memories are PRICELESS!!!! :cool: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Planer's Edge Posted October 4, 2010 #6 Share Posted October 4, 2010 Disney My daughter is now 20-years old and has been on 19-cruises. Her all time childhood best memory is Disney! Memories are PRICELESS!!!! :cool: Sorry, they specifically asked about NCL. :confused: The crusade continues. :rolleyes: PE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CruisinMaterial Posted October 4, 2010 #7 Share Posted October 4, 2010 I would highly recommend the Norwegian Jewel for the age groups you are referring to OP. She's a great ship with great leadership onboard coupled with Nickelodeon at Sea. The teen program onboard is good as well. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mpk218 Posted October 4, 2010 #8 Share Posted October 4, 2010 Jem Jewel Jade and Pearl. Good size ships for your age group and plenty for the kids to do on their own..;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mickey557 Posted October 4, 2010 #9 Share Posted October 4, 2010 We sailed the first time this past summer and I was hoping the ship would be great for the kids and it was ( the Dawn) But what they remember and talk about the most were the excursions we did. They loved visiting a foreign country ( Bermuda- we started small lol) This summer we are looking into another cruise and its really more about where we are going since that is what they want the most. My kids were 7 and 9 and had a blast on the Dawn and thought the kids club was great ( they are still singing songs they learned :) ) Good luck I think you will enjoy whichever ship you choose. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richpontone Posted October 4, 2010 #10 Share Posted October 4, 2010 As I said before, Nickolodeum is on board and you have the best crew in the NCL fleet. Remember, if you have any onboard complaints, John O'Hara, the ship's housing director, will resolve any housing, service or other non housing problem. His onboard extension is 8888. Not only is he the nicest most professional NCL officer, but his staff will jump through hoops for him and you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newmexicoNita Posted October 5, 2010 #11 Share Posted October 5, 2010 Disney My daughter is now 20-years old and has been on 19-cruises. Her all time childhood best memory is Disney! Memories are PRICELESS!!!! :cool: Disney is a great line, but what does that have to do with what NCL ship is the best for kids? Now to the OP, It depends on what your kids like to do, but NCL does have a great kids program as well as the teens seem to always have fun. Nita Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GigCrusier Posted October 6, 2010 #12 Share Posted October 6, 2010 Sure... Take your kids on NCL EPIC... Walk through a Casino every day. Teach them to Drink in an Ice Bar. How about improve comedy... or Family fun with the leader in the entertainment industry focused on Familiy and KIDS. "Disney" Just providing another point of view, folks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArthurIhde Posted October 6, 2010 #13 Share Posted October 6, 2010 go to Disney! it is the best choice! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silkhair1 Posted October 6, 2010 #14 Share Posted October 6, 2010 The Star has a fun kids pool area in the back of the ship, but it is a smaller ship and the teens may be bored with the kids area, but it is great for the younger ones. Check out pictures of it! Good luck on your choice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mpk218 Posted October 6, 2010 #15 Share Posted October 6, 2010 go to Disney! it is the best choice! I agree go to Disney, it shouldn't cost you much more than maybe double .. Thats an expensive mouse..;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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