New to Cruising - Family of 4

[maddiesmom]

Hi there!!! Just looking for some advice.  I'm looking for a great family cruise for myself, husband and our kids (13 & 9).  I'm thinking NCL Prima or MSC Seascape.  Not sure the Haven or Yacht Club is even worth it with kids? Should I book a family suite instead? (MSC Seascape 2 bedroom Aurea family suite or NCL Prima Forward-Facing Suite with Master Bedroom & Large Balcony) We've only cruised 2 other times, both NCL, but definitely open to other cruise lines. Love the private spaces NCL and MSC offer with the Haven and Yacht Club, but just not sure its worth it with the kids coming with us. Please Help!!

[Ashland]

Have you considered RCI...they have some great two bedrooms GS category. Just did Harmony (Oasis class ships) so much for kids to do on these. Just another line to consider.

[lobsternight]

I guess one question to consider is if you need a suite? We started off with NCL and twice have cramed 5 in an inside cabin (would not recommend), including my late cranky mother.  But really how much time are you going to spend there? We have slowly climbed up the ladder, moving from ocean view to different verandas   In our case we spend very little time in the cabin. Even on a trans pacific with many days at sea, did not spend too much time there.

 

We mostly cruise Celebrity now, recently did the Eclipse with 4 of us in a Sunset Veranda, boys 15 and 21. Celebrity is great, just enough young people to keep the boys happy, but not overwhelming with too many kids.  The kid and teen programs have always been good, so the kids were always happy.  Of course the eldest is old enough to hit the bars now, so a whole new world for him.

[navybankerteacher]

Every time someone talks about NCL I feel it is important to point out that if you want enjoyable meals, you need to consider one of their "premium restaurants", A major reason for their low fares is the minimal food quality and service provided in their included restaurants.  If you are satisfied with basic nutrition, OK -- but if you want anything really enjoyable you should eat in (and pay for) their alternative dining options - making other lines reasonable options.

 

[cruiseaholic777]

I would look into a RCCL cruise. They have good food and plenty of options for your family.

[maddiesmom]

20 hours ago, cruiseaholic777 said:

I would look into a RCCL cruise. They have good food and plenty of options for your family.

I don't like that they charge a 13 yr old as an adult fare.

 

[Ashland]

9 minutes ago, maddiesmom said:

I don't like that they charge a 13 yr old as an adult fare.

 

Why ?? Do you think they require less onboard from space to service from staff ??

[navybankerteacher]

37 minutes ago, maddiesmom said:

I don't like that they charge a 13 yr old as an adult fare.

 

Try to think! 

 

That 13 year old fills a bunk as completely as a 50 year old would - while probably eating a whole lot more.  And, more to the point, that 13 year old would not contribute very much to on-board spending (such as alcoholic drinks) which is a MAJOR revenue source for the cruise line.   

 

The only reason lines do not charge DOUBLE for kids is because accommodating them makes it  possible for revenue producing passengers (the parents of those teen agers) to cruise at all.

Edited November 2, 2022 by navybankerteacher

[Essiesmom]

Your teen is a body in the lifeboat, as is a senior or an infant.  Often the 3/4 guest in a cabin is charged less, but it has nothing to do with age.  There are lines that have kids sail free promos.  MSC is one.  EM

[maddiesmom]

14 hours ago, Ashland said:

Why ?? Do you think they require less onboard from space to service from staff ??

Other cruise lines offer kids sail free up to 17, but thank you for your reply. 

[maddiesmom]

13 hours ago, Essiesmom said:

Your teen is a body in the lifeboat, as is a senior or an infant.  Often the 3/4 guest in a cabin is charged less, but it has nothing to do with age.  There are lines that have kids sail free promos.  MSC is one.  EM

absolutely.  I don't expect her to sail for free, but being 13 she shouldn't be charged full fare.

[maddiesmom]

On 10/31/2022 at 7:43 PM, navybankerteacher said:

Every time someone talks about NCL I feel it is important to point out that if you want enjoyable meals, you need to consider one of their "premium restaurants", A major reason for their low fares is the minimal food quality and service provided in their included restaurants.  If you are satisfied with basic nutrition, OK -- but if you want anything really enjoyable you should eat in (and pay for) their alternative dining options - making other lines reasonable options.

 

That's why I just booked the Yacht Club on MSC.  Sounds like better options for food, more personalized service, and more private space! Thanks for your comment! Happy Sailing

[mjkacmom]

17 hours ago, maddiesmom said:

I don't like that they charge a 13 yr old as an adult fare.

 

They charge everyone an adult fare (although 3rd and 4th are usually reduced). If anything, kids should pay more, because they don’t generate nearly the amount of profits adults do. How much do kids spend on alcohol? Spa? Casino? Kids are taking beds away from adults who’d spend more. I’m not anti kid (have 5), but the only thing profitable from kids is the fact that they sail with adults.

[Ashland]

3 hours ago, maddiesmom said:

Other cruise lines offer kids sail free up to 17, but thank you for your reply. 

RCI on occasion offers KSF 12 and under. 

Best of luck and enjoy whatever cruiseline meets your requirements.

You're very welcome.

[maddiesmom]

1 hour ago, mjkacmom said:

They charge everyone an adult fare (although 3rd and 4th are usually reduced). If anything, kids should pay more, because they don’t generate nearly the amount of profits adults do. How much do kids spend on alcohol? Spa? Casino? Kids are taking beds away from adults who’d spend more. I’m not anti kid (have 5), but the only thing profitable from kids is the fact that they sail with adults.

There's no login to that.  You say the same thing about someone paying for an inside stateroom and paying $500 for a cruise vs someone paying for a balcony stateroom and paying $1500. Also someone receiving a free drinks credit vs someone paying for each drink

[maddiesmom]

52 minutes ago, Ashland said:

RCI on occasion offers KSF 12 and under. 

Best of luck and enjoy whatever cruiseline meets your requirements.

You're very welcome.

Thank you! Booked Yacht Club on MSC Seascape.  Excellent deal vs what NCL was offering

[mjkacmom]

13 minutes ago, maddiesmom said:

There's no login to that.  You say the same thing about someone paying for an inside stateroom and paying $500 for a cruise vs someone paying for a balcony stateroom and paying $1500. Also someone receiving a free drinks credit vs someone paying for each drink

Let’s face it, they’d be better off financially if every cabin just had adults.

[Turtles06]

5 hours ago, maddiesmom said:

absolutely.  I don't expect her to sail for free, but being 13 she shouldn't be charged full fare.

Based on what? 

[capriccio]

10 hours ago, maddiesmom said:

That's why I just booked the Yacht Club on MSC.  Sounds like better options for food, more personalized service, and more private space! Thanks for your comment! Happy Sailing

We greatly enjoyed our only MSC cruise in the Yacht Club two months before Covid stopped all cruising.  We do plan to cruise again in the Yacht Club before our status match expires next year.  By the way, if this is your first MSC cruise, make sure you apply for the status match (an automatic 5% off the fare).