Norwegian Star vs. RCL Serenade of the Seas

[nowhook18]

I am working on planning a family cruise next February or March. It seems that the port we have to leave from is most likely New Orleans. I see that Norwegian Star and RCL Serenade of the Seas goes out of that port. With children of 4 and 7, what would most people recommend? I am not a big fan of Carnival, but would be welcome to hear opinions on their ship out of New Orleans as well. To this point I have only taken cruises with my wife and this is our first forray into "family" cruising.

[Friend100]

It is Navigator of the Seas, and not Serenade of the Seas, that will be departing from New Orleans next winter. I haven't cruised either ship so I can't comment, but between the NCL Star and RCI Navigator of the Seas, NOS is a bigger ship and will have more activities onboard.

 

Will you consider leaving out of Galveston, TX? I saw that you have cruised Crown Princess before, which will be doing 7-night from Galveston next February and March. Royal Caribbean also has Mariner of the Seas sailing from Galveston, and the two "MAGIC's" will also be there: Carnival Magic and Disney Magic.

 

Sorry to be a bit off topic.

[nowhook18]

I may consider leaving out of Galveston. The main reason we were considering leaving out of New Orleans is because we have a babysitting option in the Pensacola area for our oldest child. New Orleans is the closest port to them with decent cruises. We loved the Crown Princess a couple years back when we were on it.

[howielovescruisin]

My 4 year old granddaughter has been on NCL, RCCL, and Carnival. Her favorite was the Star. She asks me weekly when she is going back on the Star.

[boulders]

Our first family cruise was on Navigator of the Seas. It is very family friendly. We've done 8 cruises - it was our favourite ship.