Regal Princess with Small Kids for Spring Break?

[Gatordad815]

Hi all! I was able to book a very good deal (refundable) on a mini suite on the Regal Princess Eastern itinerary for spring break 2019. I’ll be traveling with my wife and 2 small kids (almost 4 and almost 6 at time of sailing).

 

In my admittedly limited research about Princess over the last few days, my general impression is that it isn’t really considered a “family” cruise line like Royal Caribbean. It seems like there will be plenty of families and kids on board given the time of year, but outside of the kids club I am not seeing tons of stuff for the little ones to do.

 

My other option is RC’s Adventure of the Seas which I also have booked on a refundable deposit fare.

 

Any general input about sailing Regal with small children would be sincerely appreciated, as well as any specific comparisons to Adventure of the Seas. Thanks in advance for any input!

[moki'smommy]

I can address Princess in general, but not specifically Regal. Bottom line, there isn't a lot to do outside of the kid programming and the pools. The Princess ships we've been on are not specifically built as "kid" ships in the way that Royal Caribbean are Disney ships are.

 

On the other hand, kids are allowed in the fitness center (there was a minimum age) and in the locker room (no minimum here, at least not enforced). There is one or more designated "adult only" pool, but a couple that are open to everyone. If they are into soft drinks, you'll need to buy a soda package (not included in cruise fare). The kid programming has more limited hours than on some lines. BUT all the kids we saw appeared to be having fun and the parents spoke highly of the experience.

[caribill]

Yes, Royal has rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks, bigger basketball courts, etc., but these are not activities I would expect a 4-year old or a 6-year old to partake in.

 

So outside of the kids clubs that exist on both Princess and RCCL, what age appropriate activities are you expecting for your children?

[Dawniepoo]

We sailed last year close to Easter and the staff had spring-themed crafts for the kids in the piazza one day. I remember there was cookie decorating and other fun things. I've sailed both lines with my kids, do admit to sticking to Royal Caribbean when they were younger, but that was only because that was what was kind of expected with smaller kids. If I still had small kids now, I would pick the Regal over Enchantment for the kids, but if you were going on a Freedom class ship or larger, I would pick Royal. Those are my 2 cents. Enjoy your cruise!

[CruisinFinsUp]

Adventure of the seas has a waterpark area with an area for smaller kids -based on photos here, and some water slides.

https://www.cruisecritic.com/photos/ships/adventure-of-the-seas-192/splashaway-bay-363861/

 

Regal has no designated for kids pools. Regal has a tiny splash pool added to the rear of the ship, and one of the main pools is a round "plunge"pool. The other main pool is all deep. There is also one adults only pool. There is no area to play and splash without splashing others.

 

The kids clubs on Princess are great, but outside the kids clubs there are no kids specific areas or activities. If your kids love to run about and play, Adventure might be a better bet.

 

Our kids have been on Princess for years -we've offered RCI with its bells and whistles, but they prefer to "chill" on Princess.

It partly depends on your kids.

[Gatordad815]

Yes, Royal has rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks, bigger basketball courts, etc., but these are not activities I would expect a 4-year old or a 6-year old to partake in.

 

So outside of the kids clubs that exist on both Princess and RCCL, what age appropriate activities are you expecting for your children?

 

I suppose that I’m looking for general thoughts about whether the atmosphere of the ship is welcoming and fun for kids. I’ve watched you tube videos of both ships to get a sense of the “feel” of each. On Adventure there are ice skating shows and a kids splash area with slides and lots of music and dancing. It seems lively. The videos I’ve been able to find of Regal seem very sedate and relaxing as opposed to lively. And there are zero kids or even people in my age range (early 40s) in any of those videos.

 

The Regal looks like a beautiful ship. Sort of like a floating Bellagio. And while I personally love the Bellagio, I’m not sure it has the welcoming family vibe I’d want for my kids. That’s all. I’m just hoping someone whose been on Regal with small kids during school breaks can tell me if it feels like a fun, lively, welcoming experience for the whole family. Or if my initial general impressions are correct that it’s a more refined experience better for adults or older kids.

[CruisinFinsUp]

I suppose that I’m looking for general thoughts about whether the atmosphere of the ship is welcoming and fun for kids. I’ve watched you tube videos of both ships to get a sense of the “feel” of each. On Adventure there are ice skating shows and a kids splash area with slides and lots of music and dancing. It seems lively. The videos I’ve been able to find of Regal seem very sedate and relaxing as opposed to lively. And there are zero kids or even people in my age range (early 40s) in any of those videos.

 

The Regal looks like a beautiful ship. Sort of like a floating Bellagio. And while I personally love the Bellagio, I’m not sure it has the welcoming family vibe I’d want for my kids. That’s all. I’m just hoping someone whose been on Regal with small kids during school breaks can tell me if it feels like a fun, lively, welcoming experience for the whole family. Or if my initial general impressions are correct that it’s a more refined experience better for adults or older kids.

 

 

A few years ago we sailed Regal for two 7 day cruises back to back. The first week there were some kids and families. Mostly retired folks.

 

The second week was March Break for most of Canada's public schools and the ship was packed with families. It was a more upbeat atmosphere, but as I recall it took the ship staff quite a few days to "realize" the change in demographic and play some music from the 70's and 80's for the parents. Otherwise the music tends to be older. Princess is welcoming and warm - we've always felt comfortable cruising with the kids (lots on Princess - see my signature) - but I wouldn't call it lively.

 

Now our kids prefer the "fewer kids" environment. They meet who is on board, but its not 1000 under 18's. Depends on your kids.

 

I think what you are looking for will be better found on Adventure of the seas.

[nattie]

We have been taking our DS on Princess since he was 2 yo (he is almost 9 now). We greatly prefer Princess ourselves, tried NCL and Carnival and product is just not the same. Tried RCCL before the kid, and it was OK, havent done it with him yet.

DS enjoyed both lines we tried at first (splashier facilities) but stated that he enjoys Princess clubs more. From parent's standpoint the staff is better, more attentive to kids. From just personal experience standpoint, kids are better behaved, but might be just that its less of them?

DS always makes ton of friends with other kids and cruise director staff.

We are sailing Regal for spring break 2018.

[meab]

We will also be sailing Regal for spring break this year. My youngest is 8. I think between the kids club programs, overall shipboard activities, and port days, there is plenty to keep most kids happy. Last year we were on HAL Eurodam, and my kids liked it. There were about 150 kids onboard, and while that was a lot for HAL, it's nothing compared to Royal Caribbean. Our sailing on Regal is set to have about 200 kids onboard, so it should be interesting to make the comparison.

 

My kids cruised Princess in Alaska, and they were all in the range of age 3-12 then. I can't remember the exact count of kids on that sailing, but it wasn't a humongous amount. My kids were fresh off Royal Caribbean Allure and Liberty as well as Disney Magic and NCL Epic... at the time, Princess was hands down their favorite kids club experience. Counselors were very attentive and lots of fun activities. And it wasn't overly crowded with kids, so they could make friends and see the same kids each day.

 

On the other hand, I think if you gave my kids the choice of Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas vs. Regal Princess, they would probably choose Adventure. I think that's only because we haven't been on Royal Caribbean in a while and they miss things like the kid-friendly pools, rock climbing walls, etc. It's not necessarily that one is better than another, they're just different. It's not like they are upset about going on Princess this month!

 

You didn't mention if you've cruised before.... a lot also depends on your kids and what they like to do, and what kind of vacationer you are in general. For my 8 year old, I think his favorite cruise so far was HAL. Then again, I think his favorite cruise is probably the one he last came back from!

 

I don't think you can go wrong with either choice. My vote would be a) price and b) whichever one has a private island beach day!

[Gatordad815]

You didn't mention if you've cruised before.... a lot also depends on your kids and what they like to do, and what kind of vacationer you are in general. For my 8 year old, I think his favorite cruise so far was HAL. Then again, I think his favorite cruise is probably the one he last came back from!

 

I don't think you can go wrong with either choice. My vote would be a) price and b) whichever one has a private island beach day!

 

We haven’t yet cruised with kids but by the time spring break 2019 comes, my kids will have been on 2 cruises, both on RC’s Oasis of the Seas. I’m not considering Oasis for spring break 2019 because it’s a repeat itinerary.

 

My kids are little extroverts, as am I. I think they will love the kids clubs no matter which ship we are on so it’s great to read Princess offers a good club experience. As far as what type of vacationers we are, being Florida residents we have stuck mainly to Disney with the kids. It was Vegas pre-kids. Part of what I love about Disney is that it’s so entertaining and kid friendly. But part of what I hate about Disney is how chaotic it can be. I prefer a happy medium...

 

Price is a little less on Regal only because the gratuities are free with the promotion booked. Both go to St. Thomas, St. Martin, and private island destinations, though there is no ferrying at Labadee which is a plus from what I can tell. Adventure is an 8 night itinerary that has an additional stop in St. Kitts. The Jr. Suite on Adventure looks roomier and more functional for 4 than the Mini Suite on Regal, though the Regal looks more upscale overall. The casino on Regal looks like the Bellagio Las Vegas which I love, while the casino on Adventure looks like Harrahs Las Vegas which I hate, though I probably won’t have much casino time on a family trip so that’s a small factor.

 

I think you’re right that we will enjoy either choice. Thank you for the thoughtful input!

[Gatordad815]

Thank you all for the input. I sincerely appreciate it. Interesting to read perspectives about fewer kids being good for the kids that are actually on board, though it makes a lot of sense now that I think about it. Being one of 200 as opposed to one of 1000 may have distinct advantages, add to the enjoyment of the experience, and reduce overall chaos. As long as it’s still “fun” which it seems it can be.

 

Lots to consider here...

 

Thanks again for the input!

[meab]

good that you picked a mini suite on regal. if you were in a regular balcony, the kids would be in the upper bunks and i don't think the lower beds can be put together.

 

adventure of the seas "might" be a bit of a let down after oasis. if they've done royal caribbean twice by then, give princess a shot. especially if the price is lower and you get the prepaid gratuities.

 

like i said, i don't think either one is a bad choice, just different. and as long as the deposits are refundable, you can always change your mind later! 2019 is a ways away still! good luck!

[LeeW]

Took a Transatlantic cruise on Sea Princess a few years back. Fourteen days and only about 4 kids onboard. Still remember the six year old (Samantha) that participated in every event on the ship. Polar plunge above the Arctic Circle, front row in ice carving demo, dancing in all the themed nights. And zonked out occasionally in an umbrella stroller. No kids programs at all, although she could use the facilities with her parents. She had a ball and all the passengers knew her. You will have a lot more kids on a spring break cruise.

[riclop]

Hi all! I was able to book a very good deal (refundable) on a mini suite on the Regal Princess Eastern itinerary for spring break 2019. I’ll be traveling with my wife and 2 small kids (almost 4 and almost 6 at time of sailing).

 

In my admittedly limited research about Princess over the last few days, my general impression is that it isn’t really considered a “family” cruise line like Royal Caribbean. It seems like there will be plenty of families and kids on board given the time of year, but outside of the kids club I am not seeing tons of stuff for the little ones to do.

 

My other option is RC’s Adventure of the Seas which I also have booked on a refundable deposit fare.

 

Any general input about sailing Regal with small children would be sincerely appreciated, as well as any specific comparisons to Adventure of the Seas. Thanks in advance for any input!

You are correct . Princess is more of an older crowd compared to RCCL.

[elaine5]

plenty of kids of all ages the week prior to Easter a few years ago on another Princess ship. They played G movies in the AM at the pool, and had lots of extra Easter activities. They did Lip Singing at the pool for teens. I thought Princess did a great job of adding exra kids/teens/family activities. I doubt they play Thomas the Train by the pool in February. These were all in addition to the kids clubs programming. If your kids will go in the kids clubs, it really doesn't matter what ship or cruiseline you are on, IMHO.

 

However, I have also been on the sister ship to Adventure. It's a great ship--the Ice Show is great, plus they can try ice skating, can watch others on the rock walls and flow rider. There should be a fun piza parlor (free) and they have fun shows in the indoor promenade area. Plus the water park area. I'd probably pick Adventure with your ages.

But their will be plenty of kids from March-April next year, if you choose Regal.

[Cruisecrazy25]

We cruise on Princess every year for Spring Break. The last few years have been on the Royal/Regal. My daughter is 10 and has been cruising since she was 9 months old with the majority being on Princess. I have sailed Royal Caribbean in the past, but have yet to take my daughter on it. I am actually waiting until she is a bit older, maybe 12ish so she would actually enjoy the activities RC has to offer.

 

Spring break will definitely have more kids than normal. In fact 2 year ago we had to go line up early and sometimes the club was filled to capacity (not pelicans for younger kids it was shockwaves).

 

My daughter has always LOVED the kids club on Princess, but she likes structured activities. We went on Disney when she was 4 and she hated the kids club because it wasn’t structured (granted, we went two summers ago on Disney and she loves it now haha). My point being, I feel at your children’s age you will find the kids club on Princess to be great!

 

I actually feel the royal class ships are the most accommodating to families out of all the Princess ships. I also feel like the majority of crew on Princess are very accommodating to children and make them feel special. If you have any other particular questions please feel free to ask :)

[hm9912]

Hi all! I was able to book a very good deal (refundable) on a mini suite on the Regal Princess Eastern itinerary for spring break 2019. I’ll be traveling with my wife and 2 small kids (almost 4 and almost 6 at time of sailing).

 

In my admittedly limited research about Princess over the last few days, my general impression is that it isn’t really considered a “family” cruise line like Royal Caribbean. It seems like there will be plenty of families and kids on board given the time of year, but outside of the kids club I am not seeing tons of stuff for the little ones to do.

 

My other option is RC’s Adventure of the Seas which I also have booked on a refundable deposit fare.

 

Any general input about sailing Regal with small children would be sincerely appreciated, as well as any specific comparisons to Adventure of the Seas. Thanks in advance for any input!

 

Our three grandchildren almost six, four, and almost three had a great time on the 11 day Halloween cruise on the Regal last October

 

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They loved the kids club, the pools, and the food. They were never bored

 

 

Ice cream three or four times a day

 

Howard

[goofy559]

We've cruised with our daughter extensively. She has sailed Disney, RCCL, and Princess. Hands down Princess wins - as others have noted, the kids clubs were far less crowded, and offered more interesting activities.

 

She is now 19, but her opinion never wavered - once she was out of the Princess phase, she asked to sail on Princess......and asked never to go on RCCL again...

 

Also, I found that the staff on Princess loved to engage with little ones as they miss their own kids.

 

At the end of the day, you know your kids best, but, I can't see them not having a good time on the Regal. Also, one thing I didn't see mentioned was that on sea days they turned the fountain area into a play zone, allowing the kids to run through it.

 

Enjoy, no matter what you choose!!

[guesablue]

We will be sailing on Regal Princess in two weeks for Spring Break. My kids are the exact ages of the OP. I was a bit nervous going into it. I guess I was more concerned about the "vibe" of the ship, like the OP explained. Reading the replies here has been helpful. Thank you.

[geoherb]

We were on the Regal last month during the President's Day week. I did not realize how many schools give that week off. There were 189 children under 18 on our cruise. I'm sure that there will be many more during the spring break weeks this month and next.