Best line for cruising with parents

[Bases5]

We have cruised with the parents 7 times, 4 Carnival 1 Hal 1 Princess 1 RCCL..

They loved the Balcony first and for most. 3 of the Carnival were on fantasy and windows only.

I really believe they would put there cruise experience in this order. Hal, Carnival, Princess, and RCCL. DW and I would put ours Carnival Princess Hal and RCCL. There are so many thing that make differences. Intermarry size of ships. Passenger ratio. and the biggest Length of cruise. The shorter cruise is definitely more routey.

Taking everything in consideration (Spring Break) I would choose Princess. You have a choice of traditional or anytime dining.

just my 2 cents.

[buddyjo143]

DH and I enjoyed our recent cruise on the Victory and thought it might be even more fun with company. My parents have been on two HAL cruises, one to the Panama Canal and one to the Med.. I was wondering if anyone in baby boomer bracket had "jumped ship" as it were to Carnival and had a great time. My mom likes the sound of some of the Western Caribbean itineraries offered by Carnival. Things that my mom really likes about Holland:

 

1) Everyone knows your name

2) Multiple course meals (big on fancy food)

3) Towel animals (she was shocked when I showed her pictures of ours)

 

If Carnival isn't the best option for our family, is there some line in between, in which my folks will be happy and DH and I (in our late 20s) won't be bored? One more note - this will be Spring Break, as I teach and lack other options.

 

My understanding is that everyone can know your name on a HAL ship because it is so small.

 

Fantasy class ships are small enough that even though the pizza lady didn't know my name, she knew what kind of pizza I liked. Your room stewards and waiters will definitely know your name.

 

You can have a multi-course dinner on a Carnival ship. I like the fact that you don't have to order every course and the magical waiter still times the service so that all start and finish their meal together.

 

And you do know about the towel animals.

 

So why not Carnival with your folks?

 

And while you don't say where you teach school or which break (we get a break at the end of Feb. and the end of April) I wouldn't worry too much about kids on the cruise. And you didn't mention it.

 

DH and I talk with lots of different folks during the open seating breakfasts and lots of "older" folk sail Carnival for the value, quality and choices.

[mrdood]

After having many of the same questions, we are trying Princess next :)

[flynrph]

After having many of the same questions, we are trying Princess next :)

If you 35+, you'll probably enjoy it. A little more understated elegance. Ships not so flashy. The beds are being updated to Carnival standards, but my last two Princess cruises did not have them. Your name is put on a card in the hall next to the door, nice touch. Things are a bit more subdued, things are quieter overall. Pools are fresh water and heated. Service and food are about the same. If you are looking for a little more relaxation, you'll be fine.

If you like a lot of action, stick with Carnival.

I switch between these lines depending on itinerary and pricing. (I'm back to Carnival this year over New Year's because Princes kicked their price up $750 a person, not worth the extra 750. A hundred , maybe)

[rin1]

buddyjo143 - You make excellent points. I agree about value, quality and choices. My break is March 22-March 30. I had some issues last year with gangs of 11 year olds roaming the ship/being in adult-only areas, etc. I guess I'm hoping that with Princess I wouldn't have those problems. We're looking for R&R mainly, and I want the best possible experience for everyone. I would hate to endorse Carnival to my folks and to have them think it too loud and boisterous. On the other hand, I would hate to go with Princess, spend more than I would for a balcony on Carnival for an outside, and wonder what all of my extra money went towards...

 

flynrph - We are in our late 20s. I know that a lot of people find Carnival's decor to be garish, but I enjoyed it. That being said, my husband enjoys sedate vacations. Sleep in, read on deck, have a good meal, maybe catch a show. On our last cruise we caught the late night comedian a few times and hit the casino a bit, but we did not demand to party until dawn. Heated pools sound pretty posh. :) What do you think, Carnival with a balcony for $100pp more for an outside on Princess?