28 Months and 4 - Best Line for Everyone?

[alw1977]

We plan to take a February 2014 cruise with our children, who will be 28 months and 4 at that time. We are thinking cruise instead of a land-based vacay as we will not have any sitter or grandparents on our Feb 2014 cruise and would like a decent children's program. We would use it sparingly, maybe a few hours a day.

 

I'm looking at the following lines: Disney, Royal Caribbean, Carnival and NCL. So far, I like the fact that NCL and Carnival have programming for kids 2-5. This means our little guys would be together, which may equal happier kids and a greater chance for success. Of course, Disney is Disney. We'd opt for the Fantasy, which is gorgeous, but we'd have to choose babysitting for the little guy instead of a program. Same with RCI.

 

If it makes a difference, both our boys are in Montessori programs (the little one just started) and used to a structured day.

 

Seasoned parents - would you opt for a line where your kids could be together?

[2CuteKiddies]

We've been on Carnival, RCI, and Disney. The kid's programs on all three are very good, from our experiences. Carnival and RCI have programs with a lot of structured activities, while Disney has more free play time than the others. Disney has a huge area for their club. You may find that they'll want to go to the clubs a lot more than a few hours a day!

 

If your kids are into the Disney characters, then Disney is a great option. There are lots of character greetings and characters visit the kid's club and the nursery (for the under 3 kids). Even though they'd be separate, the nursery is setup to entertain everyone who stays there. It does cost extra, though.

 

Regarding keeping them together, that just depends on their personalities. Keeping them together isn't an option for us, since the youngest is less than 1 year.

[boulders]

We plan to take a February 2014 cruise with our children, who will be 28 months and 4 at that time. We are thinking cruise instead of a land-based vacay as we will not have any sitter or grandparents on our Feb 2014 cruise and would like a decent children's program. We would use it sparingly, maybe a few hours a day.

 

I'm looking at the following lines: Disney, Royal Caribbean, Carnival and NCL. So far, I like the fact that NCL and Carnival have programming for kids 2-5. This means our little guys would be together, which may equal happier kids and a greater chance for success. Of course, Disney is Disney. We'd opt for the Fantasy, which is gorgeous, but we'd have to choose babysitting for the little guy instead of a program. Same with RCI.

 

If it makes a difference, both our boys are in Montessori programs (the little one just started) and used to a structured day.

 

Seasoned parents - would you opt for a line where your kids could be together?

 

NCL no longer has the 2 year olds and 5 year olds in the same group. In fact, they don't have a drop off program for 2 year olds anymore.

[mjkacmom]

I think only DCL and RCCL have ships with splash zones for diapered kids - none have pools for those not potty trained.

[cb at sea]

At those ages, I don't think it will matter! Only some of RCI's ships have child-care/clubs for the under 3 group, so research that before you book! The 5 year old will be able to utilize the clubs on any ship.

If you're happy, so will the kids be! Pick the line/ship/itinerary that suits YOU best!