megmas

kitkat343, I would love to hear more about Cunard with kids. We could only get an oceanview room with 4 people on QE2, does this matter? What was your room like? Thanks to all for the replies and advice 🙂

I am in the beginnings of planning a multi-generational cruise for my mom’s 80th birthday in July 2025. She really wants to go to the Norwegian Fjords and I have found 3 options that work date wise and are all similarly priced. There will be 8 of us, 4 adults in our 40’s, 2 kids ages 8 and 12 and two almost 80 year olds. The 40 year olds in our party aren’t cruisers (hence my lack of knowledge) but are happy to do this for my mom (but she won’t be doing any major shore excursions as she has a bad knee). My parents went on the QE2 transatlantic crossing and loved it, so the QE2 is appealing for that reason (my father is not into large/loud resorts and prefers a more refined atmosphere.) We would prefer to leave from Southampton (as we have family based in London) but want the best itinerary, so if we have to leave via the Netherlands, we can make that work. The main focus of this trip is to see beautiful scenery a few nice port stops (I don’t think we will want to have to do too many excursions to get to the scenery - like a bus tour- it's too tricky with kids and my parents- so we would prefer to see the scenery on the boat) That being said, I don’t just want to see cities in Norway, we want to see the natural beauty. It seems all 3 have kids clubs and pools (but only QE2 has a retractable roof pool, so weather-wise is this a better fit?) I know they will really be limiting cruise access from 2026, so I want to make sure we pick the right literary, as we likely won’t be doing this again. Any advice would be appreciated. THANK YOU! Option 1 - Cunard QE2 Southhampton At sea Stavanger, Norway Alesund, Norway Skjolden, Norway Lustrafjorden, Norway (Cruise-by) Sognefjord, Norway (Cruise-by) Hardangerfjord, Norway (cruise-by) At sea Southhampton Option 2 HAL - Rotterdam Rotterdam At sea eidfjord, hardangerfjord (cruise-by) alesund, nordfjoreid (cruise-by) bergen At sea Rotterdam Option 3 - Princess - Sky Princess Southhampton At sea haugesund, skjolden olden stravenger At sea Southhampton