Ship for children?

[Valor2005]

We're planning a cruise to celebrate our daughter's graduation from nursing school. We'll also be taking our GS and GD, ages 8 & 2. I'd like to get some opinions on the best ship for children this age. We'd prefer to cruise out of a Florida port. Datewise, we're thinking sometime between Nov. 2012 and Feb. 2013. All opinions would be greatly appreciated!

[4spring]

I think that Carnival does a great job with kids & for the price you can't beat their cruises. I'm sure Disney would be a wonderful choice as well but they are more than what I want to spend. I think RCC & NCL are also upping their kid friendly atmosphere as well. Again, Carnival tends to be the most reasonable & we've always had good luck with them.

[Valor2005]

Thank you for your reply. We plan to sail with Carnival. Just unsure which ship and itinerary would be best for the kiddos. Couldn't talk our DD out of taking them with us. ;-) Thanks again.

[4spring]

We've gone as a family on three cruises; cozemal/costa rica/panama, nassau/puerto rico/st. thomas/grand turk & key west/nassau. I'd say that I've enjoyed the last two the most with the kids just because the ports all seemed to offer a far amount. The puerto rico combo was very kid friendly, I thought & we didn't spend a ton of money on excursions. Key West is also a great port I think for kids because there is so much right there within walking distance. I'm less enthusiastic at the moment on any ports in Mexico. but that's just me.

[Valor2005]

Thank you, 4spring. I was wondering about San Juan. We've only been there once, but got in very, very late due to high seas. It looked interesting and GS loves forts. Would love to see it during the daytime.