Looking for some ideas for next cruise.

[Octanefam]

So we are planning our next cruise and need some ideas. Probably will be going down with 5-6 families and kids. So with that being said it needs to be on a kid friendly cruise. We have sailed both Western and Eastern Caribbean and wouldn't be a opposed to doing another Eastern. We really enjoyed St Thomas and St Marten. We will want to cruise between March and May.

 

So lets hear all of your ideas for a kid friendly and just fun cruise.

 

Thanks

[Keith1010]

I find that the cruise line would be key as is the ship to make it fun for the kids.

 

Returning to the Eastern Caribbean is certainly nice. Another option but involves a longer flight or longer cruise is the Southern Caribbean.

 

Keith

[Krazy Kruizers]

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

Try either RCI or Carnival -- we also love the Southern Caribbean.

[dorisis]

Panama Canal. More than 7 days.

[jammen]

Princess has one of the best security for kids.

[sherryf]

I see you are from WA. Why not avoid expensive airfare and cruise to Alaska from Seattle? I also agree that Princess is great for kids.

[DonnaK]

RCI has a very strong program for kids, especially for teens/tweens.

 

If you are looking at Eastern Caribbean, some specific recommendations are Freedom of the Seas out of Port Canaveral, Oasis of the Seas or Allure of the Seas out of Fort Lauderdale. And, if you are considering March, you can cruise on Independence or Liberty of the Seas out of Florida before they relocate for the late spring/summer.

 

Southern Caribbean out of San Juan: look at Adventure of the Seas.

 

Royal Caribbean is running a 2nd person half off promotion right now.

 

Regardless of the cruiseline, make sure you choose a large enough ship that has enough activity/amenities to appeal to everyone in your group.

Edited June 26, 2014 by DonnaK

[Fergus]

We LOVED our Alaska cruise, it was perfect for our kids. We stayed 5 or 6 days after and went to Denali and the Kenai Peninsula. It was maybe the best vacation we've ever done!

[Cruisin' Chick]

I agree about Alaska on Princess.

 

One thing I would advise is not to make all the families be tied to the hip. If a family wants to do excursion A in a port while another family wants to just sightsee in the town -- they should be able to do what they want without guilt. Same thing for while on board.

[hubofhockey]

Kid friendly and adult friendly - my choice would be Oasis/Allure. Those ships have everything and amazing entertainment for all.