alcie Posted July 13, 2010 #1 Share Posted July 13, 2010 We're going to be traveling with 2 kids, ages 3 & 6 next year and we're trying to decide which itinerary to do. I like the Eastern Caribbean on Oasis or Allure of the Seas. I think it would be easier because there are fewer ports plus the ships look really fun. Hubby likes Southern Caribbean on Serenade of the Seas because of all the ports. The ports look cool but I worry about finding excursions and the ship looks a little smaller. Which would you rather do with 2 small kids? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Henry on CC Posted July 13, 2010 #2 Share Posted July 13, 2010 We're going to be traveling with 2 kids, ages 3 & 6 next year and we're trying to decide which itinerary to do. I like the Eastern Caribbean on Oasis or Allure of the Seas. I think it would be easier because there are fewer ports plus the ships look really fun. Hubby likes Southern Caribbean on Serenade of the Seas because of all the ports. The ports look cool but I worry about finding excursions and the ship looks a little smaller. Which would you rather do with 2 small kids? Oasis with the family; Serenade when it's just the two of you and you leave the kids at home. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
12marshall Posted July 13, 2010 #3 Share Posted July 13, 2010 Oasis with the family; Serenade when it's just the two of you and you leave the kids at home. :) Agreed. The serenade is a beautiful ship and it has a better itinerary but there is a lot more kid-friendly stuff for you to do if you go on the allure or freedom-class ship. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FreshOffTheBoat Posted July 13, 2010 #4 Share Posted July 13, 2010 I would go on the oasis or allure with the family Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Puffinater Posted July 13, 2010 #5 Share Posted July 13, 2010 Much more for the kids on the Allure or Oasis. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare flannbarr Posted July 13, 2010 #6 Share Posted July 13, 2010 I have the same dilemma right now. I have two kids ages 9 and 17 that we will be traveling with me and my wife. I am probably picking the Serenade. I like the Southern Caribbean better than the Western or Eastern. The Serenade costs about 1/2 of the Oasis and the Allure. Yes, there are more activities for kids on the Oasis ships but the Serenade itinerary is port intensive so we won't be on the ship very long on most days. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chef_christoph Posted July 13, 2010 #7 Share Posted July 13, 2010 I agree with those who have said that there is more for kids on Oasis. However, given that your children are so young, I think Serenade might be a win-win situation. The Southern Caribbean routes are fantastic and Serenade is a beautiful ship with a good Adventure Ocean area that includes a small water slide and splash pool. If your children were older, I would definitely endorse the Oasis, but this might be a great time to get the itinerary you want and have facilities that should be more than capable of entertaining children who are 3 and 6 years old. I'm sure your family will have a great time no matter what choice you make. Happy sailing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Langley Cruisers Posted July 13, 2010 #8 Share Posted July 13, 2010 Well, I had my mind made up before posting but then I read the replies and actually changed my mind. Given the young ages of the kids, I`m not sure they would `miss`it if you didn`t choose Oasis. Indeed, it is a family-friendly ship and there is loads to do, but given the price difference, you might very well have an awesome time on Serenade. It`s a personal decision. This vacation will be what you make of it, and I hope you all have a great time. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Babyberger Posted July 13, 2010 #9 Share Posted July 13, 2010 We're going to be traveling with 2 kids, ages 3 & 6 next year and we're trying to decide which itinerary to do. I like the Eastern Caribbean on Oasis or Allure of the Seas. I think it would be easier because there are fewer ports plus the ships look really fun. Hubby likes Southern Caribbean on Serenade of the Seas because of all the ports. The ports look cool but I worry about finding excursions and the ship looks a little smaller. Which would you rather do with 2 small kids? I have not been on the Serenade, so I cant speak to the ship. However, my two younger ones were just 4 and almost 6 when we cruised Freedom last year. THEY LOVED the mini golf and ice skating!!! We also did the Eastern route and they couldnt get enough of the beaches at each port. My DD, who had just turned 4 is on the small side, and on the open air buses, I just made sure to hold her tight on my lap. They are so excited and have been asking to cruise again, that we are booked for Oasis and Allure. Also, another thing to consider is the Oasis and Allure will be getting the Dreamworks characters...your 6 year old may never want to leave!!! As always, this is just my two cents! Whatever you choose, I am sure it will be great!!! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Debde Posted July 14, 2010 #10 Share Posted July 14, 2010 Serenade has mini golf, childrens pool and slide and a great ad. ocean program for the kids. My twin nephews-age 8 loved it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
will work to cruise Posted July 14, 2010 #11 Share Posted July 14, 2010 I have the same dilemma right now. I have two kids ages 9 and 17 that we will be traveling with me and my wife. I am probably picking the Serenade. I like the Southern Caribbean better than the Western or Eastern. The Serenade costs about 1/2 of the Oasis and the Allure. Yes, there are more activities for kids on the Oasis ships but the Serenade itinerary is port intensive so we won't be on the ship very long on most days. We just did a B2B on the Serenade with our 9 and 16 year old girls. All of us had a blast and really enjoyed the ship. On the other hand, we booked the Oasis for next June while onboard. Just have to try it once. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunkissed Mommy Posted July 14, 2010 #12 Share Posted July 14, 2010 Both are great ships! The Radiance Class (Serenade) is my favorite and has a decent childrens' area. I know because all the adults were asked to leave by a deck manager when I was on the Jewel back in November. I guess we were having too much fun on the water slide! Oasis was a blast too. Both have plenty for children, obviously Oasis has more. You know your children better than anyone. So think of what they like and make your decision from there. :) Either way you can't go wrong! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lynn the Cruiser Posted July 14, 2010 #13 Share Posted July 14, 2010 The Oasis was amazing and next I am going on the Serenade. Just keep cruising and you can try all the ships!!!!!:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NYCRUISR Posted July 14, 2010 #14 Share Posted July 14, 2010 and my 2 cents.....I think your kids will enjoy either ship. It will be pleasing your hubby that is more in question. I know we love the southern caribbean and so if he wants that itinerary than I'd say do the Serenade. However, the Adventure of the Seas has a wonderful southern route and we like the voyager class ships a bit more. Why not check her out! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cctimmom Posted July 14, 2010 #15 Share Posted July 14, 2010 My kids aren't small (10 and 14) but I went through the same dilemma -- Allure or Serenade. I ended up going to with Serenade. As much as I personally love the sea days, I think having 3 days at sea will equal more boredom for the kids. With kids of any age, I don't think you have to worry so much about the excursions, because my plan will be to probably do 1 or 2 activity type excursions (i.e., COSOL in St. Lucia), but then just don't beaches, or maybe just remain on the ship for some the remainder. Yes... Oasis/Allure has a TON of family-oriented activities and I can't imagine how you would ever get bored... and young kids, especially, will love all of the characters that will be on board... but I think you'll have just as many fun things to do with the kids on Serenade, and ultimately (at least for us) it was less expensive. If expense isn't as much of an issue... then with a 3 and 6 year old, I probably would go more for Oasis for the sole reason that I THINK (I'm not totally educated on this, so it' just my speculation) the kids clubs are more extensive on the brand new ships. Either way... I'm sure you will have an amazing vacation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RenieRaider Posted July 14, 2010 #16 Share Posted July 14, 2010 And here's my two cents.... For the kids: Adventure Ocean, the childrens program onboard, is great on both ships! They are small children, it's going to be an adventure for them not matter what! Because they are small, it may be easier on YOU to be on the Serenade.... not so much walking for them. ;-) For you: The Serenade of the Seas is a real easy ship to navigate, not a lot of walking/carrying with the children in tow. Same fabulous Spa services. Two specialty restaurants to choose from if you want to get a sitter one night. For your hubby: Same reasons as above... AND Seranade of the Seas Adult activities are pretty much all on one deck, Self Leveling Pool Tables, Schooner Bar, Casino, Pit Stop Sports Bar (Awesome) and Cinema! If your Hubby wants to do the Serenade of the Seas, I'd make him happy. I know, I know... they say "if Momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy." BUT! There's nothing like an excited man. ;-) Look at the cost. The per day cost. What is the best value for your family. Whatever you decide....... it's all good! Bon Voyage! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare flannbarr Posted July 14, 2010 #17 Share Posted July 14, 2010 I have gone back and forth several times as a result of these great posts. I really don't like the Oasis itinerary since I have been to all of these islands. So I picked Serenade for my family which includes my 17 and 9 year old sons. My older son plays high school basketball and loves playing onboard and serenade has a small court. That seems like a minor detail for me to worry about. These great posts are making me think again! Darn it! Serenade is so much cheaper too. Ugh. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare flannbarr Posted July 17, 2010 #18 Share Posted July 17, 2010 Can anyone else help me decide b/w these two great ships? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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