Kids programs

[Grandpaul]

I'm planning on taking all my Grandkids on a cruise next summer. I have sailed NCL and RCL many times but I'm looking at a Princess cruise out of New York. How do Princess Kids programs compare with NCL and RCL? I need a couple hours in the casino. Thanks

[tx121]

In my opinion,

I think that RCL and Carnival have the best kid's program. On Princess ships, they do offer a nice program for the children, but not as good as RCL or Carnival - they invest a lot on focusing on the young cruisers. I think as long as the kids participate, then they will be happy anywhere they go with you!

[CruisinFinsUp]

We sailed RCI Jewel & Caribbean Princess. My kids age 6 & 4 preferred Princess over RCI when asked, but our experience was that on both trips they both LOVED the kids centre, and did not want to leave either place. I think that you can count on them enjoying themselves no matter what ship you choose!!

 

We preferred Princess' anytime dining option - lots of food was available on the buffet anytime the kids were hungry - because my kids are not hungry to eat at specific times. We could get a full lunch at 2:30 at the buffet, whereas on RCI, by 2:30 the buffet was down to snacks and lite fare only. Plus you can go to the dining room whenever is good for you, not at certain times.

 

There was a LOT more fruit on the buffet on Princess, whereas RCI only had three types of melon, and not even that always. My kids eat TONS of fruit.

 

RCI main pools are saltwater, which can be harder on little kids who don't swim that well, Princess all pools are fresh water. RCI SOME SHIPS ONLY have a GREAT "Adventure Ocean" outdoor pool and waterslide area. We had this on the Jewel - it was freshwater and GREAT for the little ones. The waterslide is only open certain hours due to staffing, but was a lot of fun when it was open. We spent all our "pool" time at the kids pool.

 

Either way you cannot go wrong in my opinion!!

 

What ages are you VERY LUCKY grandkids?? :D

[Eskwire]

I was going to ask the ages of the kids and also when you plan to travel...the number of kids on any particular week might dictate the way the program is run. More info, please!:) My daughter and niece (last year ages 4 and 5) had a wonderful time on the Princess program. There were lots of kids, but they also had each other. Someone else wrote in this week that the kids' program on Princess in the 8-12 was not that exciting, but also that there were not that many kids generally on the ship.

 

Also, as you mentioned casino time, are the kids parents going as well; are you going with any other adults? Something to consider is after 10pm Princess only does group babysitting (you have to prebook this) until 1 am for $5 per hour (and per kid) but RCI has in cabin babysitting.

[tx121]

Oh yeh, I forgot to mention the way each cruiseline separates the age groups. RCL separates the kids from 3-5,6-8,9-11 12-14 and 15-17. Princess has three groups 3-7,8-12, 13-17. In my honest opinion, I think that if your kids are in the 3-7 yr old group, it is fine I guess, but if you have kids in the later group (8-12 or 13-17), than it's a different story. I would be afraid if a 12 yr old would bully my 8 yr old or if a 17yr old boy is going to hit on my 13 yr old daughter. There may not be any problems, but as a parent, you have to think of these things.

[Cruisin' Chick]

I was going to ask the ages of the kids and also when you plan to travel...the number of kids on any particular week might dictate the way the program is run. More info, please!:) My daughter and niece (last year ages 4 and 5) had a wonderful time on the Princess program. There were lots of kids, but they also had each other. Someone else wrote in this week that the kids' program on Princess in the 8-12 was not that exciting, but also that there were not that many kids generally on the ship.

 

Also, as you mentioned casino time, are the kids parents going as well; are you going with any other adults? Something to consider is after 10pm Princess only does group babysitting (you have to prebook this) until 1 am for $5 per hour (and per kid) but RCI has in cabin babysitting.

 

I was going to ask what ages your grand kids are too. As eskwire says, if you go when there are lots of kids, there will be more activities. This is the situation on any ship.

[Cruisin' Chick]

Oh yeh, I forgot to mention the way each cruiseline separates the age groups. RCL separates the kids from 3-5,6-8,9-11 12-14 and 15-17. Princess has three groups 3-7,8-12, 13-17. In my honest opinion, I think that if your kids are in the 3-7 yr old group, it is fine I guess, but if you have kids in the later group (8-12 or 13-17), than it's a different story. I would be afraid if a 12 yr old would bully my 8 yr old or if a 17yr old boy is going to hit on my 13 yr old daughter. There may not be any problems, but as a parent, you have to think of these things.

 

My girl was 8 on her last cruise. The only kid she had a problem with was a fellow 8-yr-old. She got along great with the 11 and 12 yr olds.

[Grandpaul]

Thanks for the info. I am planning on cruising late August. We will have 5 Grandkids ages 3 to 7 and 2 kids ages 9 and 10. We will also have a 5 month old along with us but she or he might be a little too young for a program. LOL. The parents are coming along. Should be an eventful cruise.

[tx121]

I say go with Princess... the ages of your grandkids suit best with their format. The 3 and 7 year old can be together--unless that 7 yr old is turning 8 soon, and the 9 and 10 yr old will be together also! Have a great cruise with your family!

[Eskwire]

Uh oh, a 5 month old...you have to be 6 months to travel Princess. Check the other lines, I don't know their rules!

[SissasMomE]

I'm planning on taking all my Grandkids on a cruise next summer. I have sailed NCL and RCL many times but I'm looking at a Princess cruise out of New York. How do Princess Kids programs compare with NCL and RCL? I need a couple hours in the casino. Thanks

 

I have never been on NCL, but the kids' program is comparable to that of RCL. My daughter loved both.

[tx121]

If the age of the 5 month old is a problem, maybe consider RCL. They have a new fisher price program for babies and tots. They are basically mommy/daddy and me type of classes , each running for 45 minutes each morning. It is still in its develping stages, but at least the babies/tots can interact with toys and each other for a bit.

[Grandpaul]

Thanks for the info about the babies. I've been on over 30 cruises but I never took any tots so I wasn't aware of that. That changes things quite a bit. These websites are really helpful. I appreciate all your help.