Carnival, RCI or Disney?

[PBHTJ]

We have a Disney cruise booked this year, and I know I'm going to become addicted to cruising afterward. I have five children and probably can't afford to cruise Disney all the time because of their higher prices and the fact that we have to fly to all their ports. Both Carnival's new magic ship and a RCI voyager class ship cruise from pretty close to my home. I'm trying to decide if my family would enjoy a cruise on one of those lines or if it would be better to just stick with Disney and go less frequently.

 

A little about us: I am extremely uptight and hate drinking/smoking/gambling. I can't even imagine what a "vegas style" show would be, but I'm pretty sure I wouldn't like it. We like to eat but prefer quality over quantity. I went on an RCI cruise when I was 10 years old and had the time of my life, but I DO remember there being casinos all over the place that were smoky and that you had to walk through all the time to get anywhere. I would HATE having my children do that. My biggest concerns would be a wholesome atmosphere for my kids with great and fun kids clubs as well as something to do for me. I'm really not a sit by the pool kind of person either. I enjoy fun family activities like sports, skating, rock climbing, learning about other cultures, history, hokey family games, etc. My kids range in age from 0-11.

 

So, would I enjoy the other cruise lines?

[Warm Breezes]

We sailed on Disney when our kids were younger (1st and 2nd cruise) and have since sailed on Carnival and NCL. I have to say I am probably not as uptight about things as you are since I don't mind drinking (although I don't drink that much 0-2 drinks/day), I don't mind the casino (I look at it as entertainment and set aside a certain amount just for that), and I don't mind the shows (DD is a competitive dancer and I am used to seeing this kind of stuff on stage. Most outfits are not as revealing as you may think...they do wear skin colored tights and body suits underneath them). DD is 13 and DS is 16. We started sailing on Disney when they were 4 and 7. We moved to a less expensive option when they got older and the Disney "magic" didn't have the same affect on them.

 

I highly recommend Disney while the kids are young enough to enjoy it. To me it was worth the price when they were younger. Disney did hook us on cruising and we have enjoyed sailing on NCL and CCL as well. You can easily avoid the bars and the casinos. There are some other shows if you think the dancers will offend you. My kids love the family comedians. but they also love the production shows (the dancers don't offend us, DD would like to dance on a cruise ship to help pay for college in the future.) Disney definately has the production shows that are geared toward the kids. But I would get sick of seeing the same shows as you are limited with the Disney sailings.

 

You are just going to have to use your own best judgement. Do Disney now and then maybe a short cruise on one of the other lines to test the waters and see if there would be enough stuff to do that wouldn't offend you or your family. I haven't sailed RCCL yet because the price hasn't been comparative for the itineraries and times we could sail, but NCL and CCL are fairly similar with each having their own advantages and disadvantages. Do your research and have fun sailing.

[alj1208]

Why not try Celebrity? It's a very classy cruise line with beautiful ships that aren't over the top on bells and whistles. Certainly, people enjoy their cocktails, but I don't think you'd get a lot of wild partying, as the cruisers tend to be older. It's not marketed as a family cruise line, but the Fun Factory kids' club has received excellent reviews from parents who have used it. They also have private babysitting services. However, you may have a problem if you have kids still in diapers, since they wouldn't be allowed in the pool. I also think smoking is banned in most areas of the ship. The food is top-notch. We cruised Celebrity before we had a child and loved it. We're going on Eclipse this winter with our 4-year-old. We decided against Disney because of the cost and what we feared would be a "theme park" atmosphere. I am sure Disney would have been a great time, though.

[chipmaster]

Welcome to CC,

 

Disney is nice and you pay a pretty premium for them. I have enjoyed my cruises on Disney, Princess and Carnival. Most lines have Casinos and its almost impossible to not walk thru. There are a few things on Carnival that in the name of "fun" turn me off far more than vices like gambling.

 

Each line does have a theme, and if you think you are going to like cruising you likely will need to decide the value of the experience and premium and what "image" most matches your value/preference and budget. I'm sure everyone would love to stay in Four Seasons too but most don't choosing to go more nights and less frills.

 

Disney offers a few things like larger rooms that accomidate 5 versus having to book two rooms or a huge suite on other lines that might make certain arrangments more econcomical, but never is Disney going to be cheaper IMHO, they totally nail you for the mouse ears experience

 

You seem pretty strong in discribing yourself, I won't second guess your self assessment but IMHO there will be more than gambling/smoking and other vices that will repulse you on ships even Disney that you will need to ligthen up or vacations anywhere you get thousands of people jammed togather will drive you crazy, trust me. Even when I'm out and about doing "wholesome" things I can find umm interesting things that drive me crazy ;)

 

We have a Disney cruise booked this year, and I know I'm going to become addicted to cruising afterward. I have five children and probably can't afford to cruise Disney all the time because of their higher prices and the fact that we have to fly to all their ports. Both Carnival's new magic ship and a RCI voyager class ship cruise from pretty close to my home. I'm trying to decide if my family would enjoy a cruise on one of those lines or if it would be better to just stick with Disney and go less frequently.

 

A little about us: I am extremely uptight and hate drinking/smoking/gambling. I can't even imagine what a "vegas style" show would be, but I'm pretty sure I wouldn't like it. We like to eat but prefer quality over quantity. I went on an RCI cruise when I was 10 years old and had the time of my life, but I DO remember there being casinos all over the place that were smoky and that you had to walk through all the time to get anywhere. I would HATE having my children do that. My biggest concerns would be a wholesome atmosphere for my kids with great and fun kids clubs as well as something to do for me. I'm really not a sit by the pool kind of person either. I enjoy fun family activities like sports, skating, rock climbing, learning about other cultures, history, hokey family games, etc. My kids range in age from 0-11.

 

So, would I enjoy the other cruise lines?

[onthelake]

We like Princess. Everyone will have a different opinion on which line - we choose based on itinerary since any ship will have great amenities. Since you have a larger family, try googling six suitcase travel and click on the cruise tabe. It will show you the different cruise lines and how many people each can accommodate.

 

We did Disney and my son enjoyed it but for the extra cost, we haven't ever done it again. Also, when we were on board the 'theme' was Princesses so my son felt everything was too 'girly'. Disney has also changed from age based programs to mixed age activities. You may like this since your kids can attend things together. Have fun!

[sandytoes03]

We have a Disney cruise booked this year, and I know I'm going to become addicted to cruising afterward. I have five children and probably can't afford to cruise Disney all the time because of their higher prices and the fact that we have to fly to all their ports. Both Carnival's new magic ship and a RCI voyager class ship cruise from pretty close to my home. I'm trying to decide if my family would enjoy a cruise on one of those lines or if it would be better to just stick with Disney and go less frequently.

 

A little about us: I am extremely uptight and hate drinking/smoking/gambling. I can't even imagine what a "vegas style" show would be, but I'm pretty sure I wouldn't like it. We like to eat but prefer quality over quantity. I went on an RCI cruise when I was 10 years old and had the time of my life, but I DO remember there being casinos all over the place that were smoky and that you had to walk through all the time to get anywhere. I would HATE having my children do that. My biggest concerns would be a wholesome atmosphere for my kids with great and fun kids clubs as well as something to do for me. I'm really not a sit by the pool kind of person either. I enjoy fun family activities like sports, skating, rock climbing, learning about other cultures, history, hokey family games, etc. My kids range in age from 0-11.

 

So, would I enjoy the other cruise lines?

 

My kids are very young, and have never cruised, yet, but I can tell you that RCI is an awesome cruise experience. You can easily avoid the casino if you don't want to go there, and the kids need never walk through if that's what you prefer. The larger RCI ships have rock climbing, ice skating, (those shows are amazing!), mini-golf, surf simulators, etc. So, there would be a lot for you all to do. There are adult shows, but your kids wouldn't go to those, and I think the overall atmosphere of a RCI cruise is very family friendly.

 

I've never done Carnival or NCL, so I can't say about those. But, the NCL Epic has been getting some really good review lately, so that might be one to check out.

 

I did do one Celebrity cruise in Alaska. I don't think I'll ever take my kids on Celebrity. It was downright sleepy. Maybe that's because it was Alaska, but I didn't see much for kids to do at all. My DH and I had a great time in Alaska, but it just didn't seem that kid-friendly to me.

 

Good luck with whatever you choose and have fun!!

[twomoons]

Hi Susan, We have sailed all of the above & have two daughters, 7 & 5. We loved Disney last year because of the great access to characters that the kids get. I think that makes it worth the premium pricing. We love Royal Caribbean & they consistently have the top rated kids club. We are cruising on Oasis next month. If you are not into the shows or gambling there is so much more to do with & without the kids than on Disney. Celebrity (we've been on Millenium, Century & going on Summit) also has great facilities, but will be slightly more $ than RCL, & the amenities on RCL are more appealing to the kids. Carnival I would stay away from completely. We love cruising & are very social, but the difference is quality, service, food, the blaring music & screaming waiter's shows during meals drove us nuts! I feel much more comfortable with my kids on the other cruise lines. We tend to book way ahead, so we can get the best rates possible, then keep an eye out close to the 90 day mark so that we can take advantage of any price drops and/or upgrade cabin if specials are available at final payment time.

[Cheryl H]

We did a Canada/New England itinerary with our 3 1/2 year old on the Jewel of the Seas. It was great! I do not recall that we ever walked thru the casino.

 

Our itinerary had great ports and we did some nice tours! Then we had a nice dinner in the main dining room each night. We might have seen a juggling show or magic or something similar. And there's a production show or two each sailing, but I don't recall any of the shows being offensive. I think they did advertise some late night comedy that was adults only.

 

We don't drink either. I didn't see anyone drunk. Everyone was enjoying their vacation and we met some really nice people.

 

Because our sailing was cool weather, there was family time swimming twice per day at the indoor solarium pool. However, our kiddo was still in pullups so we did not participate in that. He did go to the Fisher Price play groups.

 

My husband is not a lay out in the sun guy either. But this was a different cruise, more about getting on the tours and seeing the autumn colors and eating all the seafood we could get!

 

We had a great time. There are pictures from our cruise below.

[Marie51]

My grandchildren actually like Royal Caribbean and Carnival over Disney. I do not think Disney warrants the high price they charge. If I were you I would change to another line that is less money. I don't see how you won't have a good time.

[mygirlchandler]

I'm totally afraid to book DCL because I *know* I won't ever be able to do anything else once we do that. We are Disney Maniacs. It stops me from even getting started, vacations/cruises are addictive enough!

 

We're going to try the girls on a short Carnival cruise first. Then if they love it and do well, we will consider a land/sea Disney package.

 

Galveston is the closest port to us, and we're going to try the Ecstasy. It looks old and like there is a lot of glitz (the atrium looks so gawdy to me :p).

 

With an 8 & 4 year old there will not be time for gambling. I work in the casino industry, so those things are not enticing to me at all and I don't even blink at them. We do like to drink, but will not be having a Liquid Vacation b/c of the girls. Our first cruise (DH & me) was a very liquid vacation and I want to apologize for my drunken laughter on the van ride back from an excursion in Cozumel. I wish I knew who those folks were. I really would say I'm sorry :eek: BAD MOMMY!!!)

 

Carnival looks fun because of the water slides and putt putt onboard. It will be just a starter for us.

 

You might want to stick with DCL since they are the most family-oriented. No casinos on board and lots of family stuff for you all!

[eslocklier]

I have only cruised on Carnival, and I don't have kids but I can tell you that it was plenty wholesome. Our cruise ship had a casino, but I never saw anyone smoking the whole time I was there. I didn't even notice people drinking a lot. There were shows, but no vegas style shows. There was a Beatles cover band show, and I think some sort of comedian which I didn't go to. The food was good and everyone at our table was great. The pools were a safe area where the kids seemed to have tons of fun, and I know they had other activities for kids as well. My husband got me into cruising because he went all the time growing up with his parents. He loved carnival and Norwegian growing up, but didn't enjoy Disney. Those are my experiences. Hope it helps.

[Jenjer]

We did Disney and loved it with the kids and for our next cruise we asked them they are almost 9 and 6, if they wanted Disney again. After showing them the pics of Freedom and Oasis they picked RCCL.

 

The pool splash areas are really neet on the RCCL ships. They have so much more active things to do, Ice skating, rock climbing, flow rider.

 

Disney is amazing but I think there are other great ships out there.

[cb at sea]

Okay...there are NOT casinos "everywhere"!!!! There is one, and it can be a bit smokey at times, but on most ships, you don't have to go thru it to get anywhere.

 

As far as atmosphere goes, you'll find all of the lines you mentioned are quite similar! The "vegas-style" show is called that because of the "glitz"...not the content! You may want to avoid the comedians and the production show, but all the others will be more than family-friendly..(even the productions shows are not 'racy' by any means!)

 

There are so many different things for different folks, you're sure to find exactly what you're looking for in a vacation! Do as much or as little as you like!

[twomoons]

We have a Disney cruise booked this year, and I know I'm going to become addicted to cruising afterward. I have five children and probably can't afford to cruise Disney all the time because of their higher prices and the fact that we have to fly to all their ports. Both Carnival's new magic ship and a RCI voyager class ship cruise from pretty close to my home. I'm trying to decide if my family would enjoy a cruise on one of those lines or if it would be better to just stick with Disney and go less frequently.

 

A little about us: I am extremely uptight and hate drinking/smoking/gambling. I can't even imagine what a "vegas style" show would be, but I'm pretty sure I wouldn't like it. We like to eat but prefer quality over quantity. I went on an RCI cruise when I was 10 years old and had the time of my life, but I DO remember there being casinos all over the place that were smoky and that you had to walk through all the time to get anywhere. I would HATE having my children do that. My biggest concerns would be a wholesome atmosphere for my kids with great and fun kids clubs as well as something to do for me. I'm really not a sit by the pool kind of person either. I enjoy fun family activities like sports, skating, rock climbing, learning about other cultures, history, hokey family games, etc. My kids range in age from 0-11.

 

So, would I enjoy the other cruise lines?

We just got off Oasis of the Seas & our kids loved it. There was so much to do. The kids enjoyed the Adventure Ocean club even more than the Disney Kids Club! The casino is on deck 4, so won't even run into it unless you want to, as it is in a separate area outside of where the regular traffic is. Definitely check it out.

[twomoons]

We did Disney and loved it with the kids and for our next cruise we asked them they are almost 9 and 6, if they wanted Disney again. After showing them the pics of Freedom and Oasis they picked RCCL.

 

The pool splash areas are really neet on the RCCL ships. They have so much more active things to do, Ice skating, rock climbing, flow rider.

 

Disney is amazing but I think there are other great ships out there.

 

Just got off Oasis of the Seas after doing Disney last year. My daughters are 5 & 8. They loved this ship! They even enjoyed the kids club more than on Disney. I would highly recommend to anyone with kids!

[cantw8togo]

Having sailed on RCI (Independence of the Seas), Celebrity (Millenium) and HAL (Volendam), I would recommend RCI for the variety of family friendly activities that they offer. Our favourite cruise line is Celebrity, but RCI has more activities (flowrider, ice rink and climbing wall) that appeal to our 2 DS's, ages 7 & 10.

 

In my opinion, Celebrity offers better quality, but RCI has more activities for active families, (although I don't how Celebrity's newest ships would compare to RCI's.)

 

Hope this helps,

 

N.

[acenjen]

My family are disney maniacs as well, but I have to say that it doesn't cloud my judgment in this regard. We have sailed Disney twice and Carnival once. I would not choose any other line for my family than Disney at this point. Our children are 5 and 7. I miss the casino, but not the other ships. Disney is so classy. Now, I have never been on a cruise during a holiday or the summer, which I understand can lend it's self too screaming kids and crowdness. With that in mind, Disney is always clean and the staff is great. Just my two cents.

[bus man]

I've only cruised RCI, so I can only speak to them. But on the ships I've sailed, there is absolutely no need to pass through the casino if you don't want to. Even if you want to get from Point A to Point B and these points are on opposite sides of the casino, all you have to do is go up or down a deck, walk to the other set of stairs, and go back up/down. (Honestly, I would recommend avoiding the casino anyway. The cigarette smoke is nauseating, to me at least.)

 

One of the things I really enjoy about the cruising experience is that there is room for everyone on board to do their thing, without getting in other people's way. I am a lot like you (conservative, non-smoking, non-drinking, non-partying, etc.), and I have never once felt uncomfortable on a cruise ship. Is there drinking and partying going on? Sure there is. Are there fun, wholesome activities going on as well? You betcha! The partiers and the drinkers don't bother those of us who abstain, and we don't bother them either.

 

Whichever line you pick, I hope you have a wonderful time.

[jmom5]

I also have 5 children and understand the plight of finding an affordable, yet very enjoyable vacation for a family of 7. My kids range in age from 7 to 15 and they all LOVE Royal Caribbean. We are a very active family and enjoy doing things rather than laying by the pool all day, we aren't partiers and we don't really frequent the shows, unless its a comedian or something of that sort - I said all of that to say that although we don't do those things, we are never bored on a RCCL ship. One thing is we usually only take our kids on the bigger ships (Voyager class or above) because they do have more for the kids to do. We have gotten to the point that the last couple of cruises, we only take them on the Freedom class because they love the flowrider and will sometimes do it for hours at a time - they would really miss that if we were on a ship without it.

The casinos are in a separate area (usually deck 4) and you don't have to walk through it to go anywhere. The only time I notice smoke on RC is if I go in the casino.

We have always had a great experience in Adventure Ocean, the kids program. My kids love it and I usually have to make them leave.

 

We have went on Carnival once, we tried it because the price was so much cheaper and figured if we liked it, it would give us another option. After that cruise, we decided that Carnival was not for us and we will not cruise with them again. Too much smoke, not active enough for us, kids didn't care for the kids club and public areas always felt very crowded.

 

We have never cruised Disney, basically because of the price it would be for all of us, but I'm sure I would love the experience!