cruisin2934

To me, the Ruby Princess would be an absolute no brainer if you did not say that you were traveling with kids. I am sure my son would choose the Norwegian Bliss so that he could spend the week splashing down on waterslides, navigating the ropes course and racing go carts, which are all options you will not find on the Ruby Princess. This being said, my nine year-old has been on 18 cruises and has loved them all including 3 on the before mentioned Holland America, which I would agree, they do not cater to families. My son's favorites are RCI, NCL, Carnival and Disney while my wife and I prefer Princess to any line but also enjoy HAL. We generally let the cruise price and itinerary decide for us. There is no wrong decision just like there is no bad cruise. (At least not to me). Everybody has to compromise a little to ensure everyone has a great vacation. If you choose NCL, treat yourself to a nice dinner in the steak house or other specialty restaurant while the kids enjoy the camp. If you go with Princess, maybe involve the children more in picking an excursion while in port. For example, when ever we cruise on HAL, we might rent jet skis in St Martin or find a water park in Cozumel. I know that example pertains to the Caribbean but you could probably practice the same philosophy in Alaska. Can't tell you from experience. On our Alaska cruise, we are leaving our son with Grandma and Grinchpa.

Has anyone rented a car in St Thomas. Are there any places near the port. The only car rentals I can find are by the airport and I didn't see that they shuttle. Thanks so much