Cheaper cruise ship that has a great waterplay area for kids?

[Naomi John]

Been on the Fantasy with it's waterworks twice. I don't remember the salty taste on the slides, pool, yes, slides, no.

[sas80]

The Carnival Ecstasy class is cheap and has water slides and a play area.

We are sold on the Carnival Magic class (Magic and Dream) GREAT water works play area 2 adult and 2 smaller kid slides and a HUGE kids club area.

[Kuffam]

NCL EPIC has a great water playground with three slides, a spray garden, and two pools.

[Aosborn]

We sailed on the Royal Caribbean Liberty of the Seas. They had a great water/splash zone area for the kids. Even out 13 month old had a spot to get wet.

[Gatrcruzer]

I second the Liberty of the Seas recommendation. It goes on 4 and 5 night itineraries, and is a fabulous ship with many great things for kids/families to do, wonderful water works area, and excellent entertainment. On the other hand, NCL has had some good deals with 4th and 5th passenger (in the same cabin) free, so if you see one of those deals you might want to go for it!

 

One thing to consider date-wise: By the time May rolls around a lot of the ships that do the Caribbean routes are relocating or have already relocated to their summer routes (Europe, Alaska). That means there are fewer ships sailing the Caribbean route in May, so prices might get higher that time of year and there are likely fewer options. By November most ships have returned to their Caribbean route, so you might find better deals by then (and you might have saved up some money after your car issues by then...).

 

Good luck, and hope you get to cruise soon!