Should I come back to Carnival? Very conflicted.

[Lerin]

Sounds like your kids aren't really into cruising.

 

Perhaps you should plan a land based vacation, maybe a family friendly resort? Possibly Disney world, a dude ranch near the Rockies, or there are some great lakeside resorts in the Adirondacks.

 

Good luck

[mousey]

I would opt for the Valor. We've cruised with our DS since he was 9. From day 1 he hated the kid's club so we never forced him to go. Since that first cruise, the DS always went to the arcade and always made friends that he would later hang out with all over the ship. He loved cruising. Once he became a teen, he would sign up for the club, go there on the first night, make friends and then he never went back. The kids could be found hanging out all over the ship. Playing ping pong, basketball, games in the arcade, and getting dressed up and going to the steak house as a group. When he got to be 16 he asked to take a friend on our cruise. We did that and they had an awesome time and also met lots of kids through the teen club, though they didn't hang out there. At 17 we brought the same friend along on another cruise and again they had an awesome time.

 

If your kids have a friend going on a cruise it is golden and can't be beat. You will also have friends to hang with. If you go on the other cruise you're taking a chance that your kids might not make a new friend and be bored. I don't care what there is to do on a cruise, if the kids don't make a friend, it stinks. My DS always made friends right away, usually within 15 to 20 of getting on the ship...usually in the game arcade and later in the teen club. The DH and I used to make a game out of seeing how long it took him to make a friend from the time we got on the ship. I definitely would opt for going with the friend.

 

You are absolutely right to discuss the trip with your kids and get their input, why wouldn't you, it's their vacation too. Yes, you will make the final decision but knowing what your kids would like is very important for the overall planning. Our DS was included in choosing our itineraries and excursions. The three of us would get on Cruise Critic and other sites and look at all the excursions. We'd show him the deck plans and point out where all the places on the ship that he might be interested in where. We have great memories of planning all our cruises with him. The more you discuss all the options with your kids the more interested they will be about the cruise.

 

Enjoy your children, they grow up so fast. Our DS is now 18 and in college. Of his own choice he will be spending his spring break this year by coming home to be with us, his local friends, and his girlfriend "who is not a girlfriend" LOL!They've been together since they started high school but refuse to admit to being boyfriend and girlfriend (I think because it's not cool; who knows). He chose this instead of going to Cabo with his frat brothers. He wants to go on another family cruise with us, his girlfriend "who is not a girlfriend", and one friend. I am one relieved mom as I truly would have freaked if he had decided to go to Cabo with his frat buddies. They are great kids, I've met several of them and a couple of them stay in my home over Winter Break. But I'd rather be cruising with him in the Summer than having him go to Cabo with the frat guys. I would definitely let him go and pay for the Cabotrip but I'm glad he chose to come home and travel with us in the Summer.

 

Whatever you decide, I hope you and your family have an awesome vacation.

Edited February 22, 2014 by mousey

[LMaxwell]

Allure / Oasis. Carnival has nothing in the same ballpark. You could probably work an Ocean Balcony / Across the Hall interior for the kids and save money.

 

I gave up on Carnival when it became apparent they went off the cliff. I keep hoping it will get better. Brilliant this, brilliant that...they haven't convinced me. But I keep reading and looking here because if things improve I might; as of right now Carnival has nothing on Oasis / Allure. Have you considered inviting your friends? Watch prices, O and A are not always as expensive as them seem, especially with price drops. TA's will give out a lot of perks for Royal too.

 

During our week on Allure we met many nice people who we would see at activities. The little ones who were part of our group had a blast at kids camp and other activities.

Edited February 22, 2014 by LMaxwell

[RuthlessBoss]

Sounds like your kids aren't really into cruising.

 

Perhaps you should plan a land based vacation, maybe a family friendly resort? Possibly Disney world, a dude ranch near the Rockies, or there are some great lakeside resorts in the Adirondacks.

 

Good luck

 

I agree here. It sounds more like the kids needing to be entertained instead of enjoying things as they are. The poster wants a family cruise, but sounds like the kids really want things to do on their own and have the extras provided for them.

[Rosethorn40]

Wow! Really? I mean I don't think you even got my post. It's not just a conflict because of the kids. We like to go with our friends as well. We have a great time with them. I bet your son just loves your vacations huh? Anyhow, we vacation as a family for family fun. I can't imagine a parent that would be happy with their kids being miserable because they are happy and they paid for it. That just seems so weird to me.

 

Anyhow I know what is on Allure. But what are the shows like on Valor? Are they the same shows from ship to ship? They don't need to be broadway quality for me, but I'd hate to get on and find out it's the same exact shows.

 

Don't be too hard on this poster. Maybe they grew up in the same generation as I did. My parents never took our wishes into consideration when planning family vacations. We were dragged from one historic site after another all across America. I thought if I had to read just one more historical marker I was going to scream (I'm pretty sure we stopped at every one east of the Mississippi). Anyway, I can understand why you are conflicted; Go with RCCL and you have a ship filled with things to do, and just maybe they might make a new friend, or go with friends and they already have a buddy. Have you asked your kids if they have a preference?

 

Without knowing you or your kids I would say go with Royal. You have tried Carnival twice on a Dream class ship, the best Carnival has to offer, and you were not 100% happy. I don't think that the Valor, smaller, less to offer would change you opinion of Carnival.

[TheCalicoCat]

Wow! Really? I mean I don't think you even got my post. It's not just a conflict because of the kids. We like to go with our friends as well. We have a great time with them. I bet your son just loves your vacations huh? Anyhow, we vacation as a family for family fun. I can't imagine a parent that would be happy with their kids being miserable because they are happy and they paid for it. That just seems so weird to me.

 

Anyhow I know what is on Allure. But what are the shows like on Valor? Are they the same shows from ship to ship? They don't need to be broadway quality for me, but I'd hate to get on and find out it's the same exact shows.

 

My point was that you are allowing misery on a vacation. Growing up, I never went on a cruise or to Disney, etc. (I think we went to Astroworld once.) & did not have a miserable childhood.

 

My 6 year old does love our vacations, he is excited to be going on his 7th cruise (14 nights on the Pride repo), all on small ships (CCL, RCCL, & HAL) without the stuff that bores your kids to pieces.

 

We just have different expectations. Mine is that we will have fun, & to me it sounds like yours is that your kids won't appreciate a cruise vacation.

Edited February 22, 2014 by TheCalicoCat

[njmomof2]

I completely understand your position. I have two boys (now 16 and 11.5) whose first cruise was on Liberty of the Seas. Talk about starting out big (in 2007 before the big girls were around). They had the large promenade, the flowrider, the rock wall, the ice skating, etc. Made it difficult to step down, even to a Voyager class ship. That flowrider is the single biggest draw for both of my boys (aside from freshwater pools).

 

We have never cruised with friends and only with my mom as family. Now that I'm a single mom and money is always a topic, I still want to pick a cruise that my kids will enjoy, because then I will enjoy it.

 

They are not beach kids (we live in NJ but they have only been to the NJ shore one time...don't like sand, saltwater, etc), so a beach resort land vacation does not appeal to them. The older one want nothing to do with historic sites unless we fly to Italy and do the European thing, which is still a few years away.

 

We are booked on Allure for the week of August 24. Got unbelievable airfare and now waiting to see if the price of the cruise comes down a bit.

 

While I understand the idea of being with a friend, I have to think that if your kids don't like Carnival (and my kids really don't either, and NEVER use a kids club) then after a short time, even a friend is not going to make up for that. Instead of 2 unhappy kids, you now have 3.

 

Pricing being the same (between cruise and air) I'd say do Allure. So much more for the kids to do during the day, and while the ports are just meh, I think overall everyone will be happier.

 

ETA: Growing up, we never did a "big" type vacation. Drove up to Maine, New Hampshire, etc., rented a house for a week and my dad got to float around in a lake in a big 18 wheel tractor trailer tire inner tube, with a transistor radio in his hand, listening to the Yankees play. We went along. I have fond memories, but cruises, Disney, that sort of thing? Nope, didn't have the money.

 

But as an adult, I realize that times have changed. I simply can't say to my kids...I pay, you go along and like it. Don't like it, stay home. I don't have anyone for them to be with (as they do not want to stay with their father any more than absolutely necessary) and we sail with my mom. So either we all go, or none of us go.

Edited February 22, 2014 by njmomof2

[TheCalicoCat]

Don't be too hard on this poster. Maybe they grew up in the same generation as I did. My parents never took our wishes into consideration when planning family vacations. We were dragged from one historic site after another all across America.

 

Quite true. My dad's idea of a vacation was camping - at a local lake. In a tent without electricity. I was happy when the camping amenities included a flush toilet & hot water.

[tghhwh]

This IS a hard decision! I did find with our teenager, He really did just spend most of his time on the Oasis, doing what he did on the CCL ships, which was finding new friends and hanging out. He did report that it was harder to connect on the Oasis d/t it being such a large ship.

Maybe you could go on the Valor this time, and talk your friends into going on the Allure/Oasis next time:) I'm sure you will have a great time whichever you decide.

 

Happy Cruising!!!

Edited February 22, 2014 by tghhwh

[PortSideCruzan]

Yeah I checked flights and the San Juan will cost a little more. So really the costs are almost equal. That's only because the Carnival Cruise is in July and we are flexible so we can wait and go toward the end of August when prices come down a bit for Allure. I just don't know. My wife just read the entertainment options for each ship at night. For the kids Carnival had nothing except the arcade. We all tend to be night owls. The late comedy shows aren't for kids, then there is arcade or bar. The shows and entertainment on Allure just seem incredibly better.

 

Hi Frayedend :)

 

I believe you just located the answer to your dilemma.

 

 

:)

 

 

[frayedend]

Thanks for all the replies everyone. I think it's clear that there is good reason to be conflicted. Good points on both sides. A couple more details just to reply to some of the posts...

 

I am the husband :D I know it seems more women here on CC but I love researching vacations so I'm the one on the boards. My wife would most likely not want any extra alone time with me either :D. But that is why I'll have my own cabin.

 

Anyhow the kids have chosen a cruise vacation as their ideal trip. We've offered Disney (they are just a bit too old to enjoy a full week there). My older son doesn't really enjoy theme parks or scary rides in general so a Universal type thing is out. They really like cruising. They've been on Disney, and on RCCL Mariner. As a matter of fact they enjoyed Carnival but spent so much time in the arcade I think they spent more than my wife spent in the casino. LOL I just don't want them spending a vacation playing video games. They do enough of that at home. They do enjoy shows. They love the beach and really liked snorkeling last trip. A lot of ports is nice but can actually add quite a bit to the cruise price when you think about it. Lunch every day unless you go back to the ship, tours, taxis, etc.

 

The funny thing is I asked my kids and their answer is "I don't know, that's a hard choice." I guess I'll give them some time while I wait for my work bonus. I'll make a final choice when I get the money to book in a month. :D

 

I also understand the parent making the decision but I think I have the same dilemma. I love hanging out with friends. My friend likes to stay out and drink while both our wives prefer a show and bed. We enjoy the same tours and stuff. But at the same time we have wanted to try Oasis since it first was introduced. I keep thinking about Carnival and the flat coke that made it hard to enjoy my rum and cokes, the same shows 2 years later, etc and I just want something more. But then again there was the 24 hour ice-cream, which was much better last year than when we first went on Dream, and the 24 hour pizza which I really liked. Makes me hungry. :D

 

Heck maybe we flip a coin.

[LMaxwell]

we have wanted to try Oasis since it first was introduced.

 

That's the real answer here. I strongly believe you'd have zero regrets with the decision.

[Mysticks1]

I also understand the parent making the decision but I think I have the same dilemma. I love hanging out with friends. My friend likes to stay out and drink while both our wives prefer a show and bed. We enjoy the same tours and stuff. But at the same time we have wanted to try Oasis since it first was introduced. I keep thinking about Carnival and the flat coke that made it hard to enjoy my rum and cokes, the same shows 2 years later, etc and I just want something more. But then again there was the 24 hour ice-cream, which was much better last year than when we first went on Dream, and the 24 hour pizza which I really liked. Makes me hungry. :D

 

Heck maybe we flip a coin.

 

Is booking Allure or Oasis along with you completely out of range for your friends? Have you suggested that they cancel the one they have and book with you instead of you booking with them? (sorry if I missed that if you posted before)

Edited February 22, 2014 by Mysticks1

[frayedend]

Is booking Allure or Oasis along with you completely out of range for your friends? Have you suggested that they cancel the one they have and book with you instead of you booking with them? (sorry if I missed that if you posted before)

 

Mostly it's about the dates. They have fixed vacation that has to be requested way in advance. We had no idea the price differences between months and we didn't even know if we could go anywhere this year. So we told them not to think about us and to book something so they wouldn't lose any good deals. The difference in price for them is quite a lot, like almost $2000. Not to mention the Allure had no rooms for 3 people that week. The price I got was for Oasis leaving the day before.

 

I guess I got spoiled last cruise by having friends with us.

[Tapi]

 

I guess I got spoiled last cruise by having friends with us.

 

 

Just a friendly advice from someone who has traveled quite a few times with friends and family members:

 

Even if you travel with a friend who you had a lot of fun with before, that doesn't mean that the experience will be the same a second timer around. It can vary from one cruise to another tremendously. When I lived in Florida, after one awesome cruise with friends, we agreed to make it a tradition. After the 2nd cruise together, we agreed that the tradition was over with.

 

I'm not trying to dissuade you from cruising with friends, but what I'm trying to say is that you should look at the big picture and consider all the other factors. Would you even be considering the Valor if your friends weren't sailing? Would you be having second thoughts about sailing on the Oasis or Allure under different circumstances? You don't want to find yourself on a cruise ship wishing you had spent your money somewhere else.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

Edited February 22, 2014 by Tapi

[carsaw]

After my last cruise on Dream I was pretty sure I was done with Carnival. Although my only 2 Carnival cruises were on Dream and we enjoyed them, I wasn't completely happy. I forget some of my complaints but the only real thing keeping from going back was a lack of things for my kids to do. They are boys, 13 and 11. They will not absolutely not do the kids club. So please don't post how they will enjoy. It doesn't matter because they won't do it and every time I post that I get at least a few people telling me to force it on them. Anyhow, that's out. So they spend money in the arcade all day and night. The basketball is always filled with teens that won't let them play. Mini golf is bore city after a while, and honestly the water slides didn't really entertain them much, at least not to keep them busy for a week. It was so noisy outside you couldn't hear the movies on the big screen so that kind of sucked for them too.

 

We planned on our next cruise being Oasis or Allure. We really like Royal Caribbean and there is lots for the boys to do. They like to skate and things like that. They will go to the shows and somewhat enjoy them.

 

Anyhow, this is where my conflict arises. We have friends we cruised with last time. They book Valor Southern in July. We weren't sure we could go on a vacation this year, but taxes worked out so we may be booking something. We can go Valor for about $4500 (2 balcony staterooms, I snore badly) or we can go on Allure in August for $5000 with 2 balcony (boardwalk, not ocean).

 

The problem is no friends on RCI. Our friends have a son that my kids love hanging out with. I don't know what to do. The kids aren't sure either. They want to see Allure or Oasis as well. But they like having a friend. Valor has a great itinerary and is port heavy, so less time on ship. But that will also mean more money.

 

Advice? How are the shows and other things on Valor?

 

There is no comparison between a Carnival ship and the Allure. I have been on a number of Carnival ships including the Dream, Magic, Breeze and others. The Allure is wonderful and your children would love it.

[Dave85]

Frayedend:

 

I'm also a dad. I applaud you for the way that you're handling the family vacations planning process. IMHO, don't spend one extra post trying to defend your position to someone who doesn't agree with you and probably never will. From what you wrote, it seems like you're raising great kids.

 

I'm starting to see a pattern among those who don't believe kids should contribute their opinion to the family dynamic. They weren't given that option growing up, and seems like some didn't even take a real vacation until they were old enough to pay for it themselves. :(

 

I guess I was fortunate enough to start cruising when I was just 7 years old, and before I graduated from high school I had already taken family vacations all over the American continent and Europe. My parents ALWAYS included us in the decision making process and more than once the decision was swayed in our favor while other times it wasn't. There's a life lesson to be learned from that.

 

We turned out OK, with all of us never getting in serious trouble once, becoming involved in our community and Church, attending college, becoming professionals and now raising families of of our own. This is why I now include my children in the family vacation decision making process as well, even though they are still little. My parents did something right, and I plan on copying the example. :)

 

 

Like!

 

OP, to answer your original question: Go with Allure if it's financially viable for you (I always hesitate to comment on price difference threads because I have no idea how much that particular amount of money means to any individual family I otherwise know nothing about :p).

 

You'd be spending a significant amount of money on a cruise on Valor that you're not certain your entire family would enjoy, and obviously if your kids are bored that would impact your own enjoyment of the cruise. I'd spend the extra $500 for the sure thing.

[frayedend]

Like!

 

OP, to answer your original question: Go with Allure if it's financially viable for you (I always hesitate to comment on price difference threads because I have no idea how much that particular amount of money means to any individual family I otherwise know nothing about :p).

 

You'd be spending a significant amount of money on a cruise on Valor that you're not certain your entire family would enjoy, and obviously if your kids are bored that would impact your own enjoyment of the cruise. I'd spend the extra $500 for the sure thing.

 

At this point I am leaning toward Allure. The price difference isn't that significant to me. I wish I could find my review of the Dream, but search isn't working. I remember saying in it that while I had fun I wouldn't be going Carnival again. Allure looks really good. I know it will cost more in the long run. They have more things that aren't included and stuff. But I will probably save money on ports. I think with the islands offered we'll just stick to beaches. No need to tour them or anything crazy.

[graby5401]

Royal Caribbean>Carnival.

 

Sent from my ADR6350 using Forums mobile app

[golfb4cruzing]

They sound like indoors kids to me. Carnival hasn't changed that much. Bring there Ipads for them.

[frayedend]

They sound like indoors kids to me. Carnival hasn't changed that much. Bring there Ipads for them.

 

Not really indoor kids at all. Allure is also on their mind because of the ice skating. They are hockey players. They go to practice 3 or 4 nights a week, have one or 2 games per weekend. Our family spends the entire winter at hockey rinks. They do play more video games than I'd like at home when there isn't hockey but there isn't much you can do outside in winter here. In summer they are out most of the time. But they are active and healthy. If the Carnival shows keep them and us entertained then that will probably be fine, with all the port stops. But if not then the nights can get boring rather quickly. Allure seems to have so many shows we'll be busy each night.

[golfb4cruzing]

My bad. I didn't catch the MA, USA. Are they more used to fast paced activities and creating their opposition to the kids club? We don't have any kids to know the clubs and you're right the basketball courts are dominated by older folks. I'm used to seeing that age group roaming free on the ships eating ice cream and pizza.

[frayedend]

My bad. I didn't catch the MA, USA. Are they more used to fast paced activities and creating their opposition to the kids club? We don't have any kids to know the clubs and you're right the basketball courts are dominated by older folks. I'm used to seeing that age group roaming free on the ships eating ice cream and pizza.

 

They are definitely used to fast paced stuff. We are a go go go type of family. We research stuff and get everything in. We aren't used to down time. We researched beach only type resorts and figured we'd get bored pretty quickly. That or spend a lot of money. The kids club thing used to be mostly anxiety in new situations, which is genetic I think. Coupled with the fact they can't go together due to their age (which would help them overcome the initial anxiety). And now at their age I think they look at it as stupid. The older one, being 13 may be more willing to go with the teens. But my 11 year old does better with older kids so being in the young group would bore him quickly.

 

They are very independent otherwise and will roam the ship. But if we give them that freedom and there is nothing to do they will end up at the arcade.

[sprint180]

I have a question for you? My sons 15 and 17 now would not do the carnival kids club (they were 12 and 14) they spent their time with our family and we had a really good time. You mentioned they liked rci better. I thought they had basically the same to do on board (not talking allure here just their other ships) What is better on rci? just asking because we are planning another.

 

and, I personally would do the allure. I so want to take my kids on that one.

Edited February 23, 2014 by sprint180

[Andoria]

My point was that you are allowing misery on a vacation. Growing up, I never went on a cruise or to Disney, etc. (I think we went to Astroworld once.) & did not have a miserable childhood.

 

My 6 year old does love our vacations, he is excited to be going on his 7th cruise (14 nights on the Pride repo), all on small ships (CCL, RCCL, & HAL) without the stuff that bores your kids to pieces.

 

We just have different expectations. Mine is that we will have fun, & to me it sounds like yours is that your kids won't appreciate a cruise vacation.

 

 

There is a HUGE difference between a 6 year old and a 13 year old. Heck at 12, my son was thrilled with cruising. At 13, he enjoyed the pizza...13 can be a hard age.

 

IMO I'd go with the Allure in a heartbeat.