Cruise Line Help

[6chickens]

I am considering planning a Caribbean cruise and need some suggestions on which cruise line will be fit our needs. It will be myself, my husband, son (14) & daughter (11). We went on a Disney cruise two years ago. We had some issues due to a hurricane. One big disappointment was not getting to stop at Disneys private island. My kids have never been to a beach before. We did go snorkeling off a boat on one excursion, but no actual beach day.

 

While we loved the Disney ship I am looking for something less expensive. The kids are older now and have zero interest in any characters.

 

So I am having a hard determining which cruise line would be best, which ship class, etc..

 

Things that are important:

Gluten free awareness

Family friendly shows

Non party atmosphere

Not crowded or long lines

 

Things that aren't important:

Kids clubs

Characters

Casinos, adult activities

 

My kids enjoyed the aqua duck slide and I think bigger entertainment like rock walls, zip lines, skating rinks would be a good fit. BUT if a ship has these are they really crowded, long lines, reservations needed, etc?

 

We loved the Disney stage shows. I'm looking for a ship with family friendly shows. Vegas type shows would not be of interest to us. Things like the circus/acrobats would though.

 

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[Cruising Golfer]

IMHO, go for Royal Caribbean Anthem of the Seas.

Tons to do, great food and crew. Shows for the whole family. :cool:

[Grandma Dazzles]

You would probably enjoy Royal Caribbean. Any of their larger ships, including the mega ships have a lot of the things you are looking for. Unfortunately, on any major family line you are going to find lines for some things.

 

Time of year can make a huge difference as to the number of kids on board and lines for things like flow riders, zip line, etc. Having said that I would add cruised the Oasis in July with grandkids a couple of years ago and they never waited more than 10 minutes for anything. Depends if you are expecting to walk right on.

 

On the Oasis class ships the shows in the aqua theater are unlike anything else at sea. High diving, springboard diving, synchronized swimming and gymnastics. Ice shows are also wonderful.

 

You do have to make reservations for some shows, but doors open 10 minutes before shows begin for those without a reservation. You can normally get in. When you make a reservation you are just getting entry to a venue, not an actual seat. Seats are first come/first served, so if you don't have a reservation you may find best seats are taken.

 

RI private beaches at Labadee and Cocoa Cay are very nice.

 

Good luck in your search.

[janetz]

RCL Oasis or Allure

Best shows at sea, multiple pools, etc

Mega ships, but you really do not feel crowded at all :)

[geoherb]

I'd also recommend Royal Caribbean for families with children. Lots of activities and still good food.

[A2Mich]

I would also recommend Royal Caribbean as well as Carnival's larger ships.

[Keith1010]

RCI is a good option however be sure it is a seven day cruise or more as the very short cruises can become party ships.

 

Keith

[Clarea]

RCL Oasis or Allure

Best shows at sea, multiple pools, etc

Mega ships, but you really do not feel crowded at all :)

Hard to go wrong with an Oasis class ship for the variety of activities.

[Itchy&Scratchy]

My kids enjoyed the aqua duck slide and I think bigger entertainment like rock walls, zip lines, skating rinks would be a good fit. BUT if a ship has these are they really crowded, long lines, reservations needed, etc?

I'd consider Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas and her sister ships (whichever ones have the skating rink and rock climbing and water platform).

 

My friends went on the Allure and there were huge lines for everything, including the buffet. They loved Independence of the Seas for all the activities minus the lines.

Edited September 18, 2017 by Itchy&Scratchy

[Grandma Dazzles]

I'd consider Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas and her sister ships (whichever ones have the skating rink and rock climbing and water platform).

 

My friends went on the Allure and there were huge lines for everything, including the buffet. They loved Independence of the Seas for all the activities minus the lines.

 

Not sure what you mean by water platform. Oasis class ships are the ships with the aqua theater. Voyageur and Freedom class also have ice skating, rock climbing, etc.

 

Sail Oasis, Voyageur and Freedom class and find Oasis class less crowded. 0asis class handles crowds well. There can be lines on any ship. It can vary from week to week, depending upon passenger mix, and who wants to do each activity. Sometimes you can have a large group that wants to do a specific activity - I remember a large group of overseas tourists all in line, as a group, to do the zip line, for example.

 

I agree the Windjammer can be crowded, and sometimes a line to enter, which actually helps, as staff finds empty seats quickly. I find the main problem is that people automatically go to the Windjammer without trying many of the other free venues.

[OCruisers]

Welcome to Cruise Critic! :)

One of Royal Caribbean's Oasis class ships would be a very good fit for your family!

[JandRtravel]

RCI: Allure, Oasis, Anthem

 

Or

 

Carnival Vista

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums