Newbie question: big ship or mega-big ship?

[WestSideDrew]

I'm in the throes of planning my family's first ever cruise. (Western Caribbean - check! Kids will be 6 and 9. Going with father-in-law who requires a casino. Generally, we're an introverted family, not big partiers, don't like crowds.)

 

As I work my way through cruise lines and itineraries, one of the big choices to make is ship size. It seems as though there are two general classes sailing the Western sea in April: big (2000-3000 passengers) and mega-big (4000+)!

 

I've read a lot of comments about how the big ships don't have enough to entertain kids; the mega-big ships have far more options for them. On the other hand, the mega-big ships have lines for everything and sound quite crowded and difficult to "go with the flow". So I have MANY questions! :D

 

Specifically (and I'll ask about the differences in cruise line shortly), these are the ships in question:

 

Big

Vision of the Seas

Norwegian Jade

Norwegian Star

Nieuw Amsterdam

Celebrity Silhouette

 

Mega-Big

Allure of the Seas

Norwegian Getaway

 

1) If you cruise with kids between 6 and 10, do they use all the mega-big ship stuff, or are they happy with the standard kids' club?

 

2) Is more planning/reservations/scheduling required for the mega-big ships?

 

3) Does that limit spontaneity? Or is spontaneity a thing of the past anyway? (Side note: we're going to Disney World shortly, and with the new fastpass+ system, you have to schedule every minute of the day two months ahead of time. Talk about stress-inducing - I need a vacation from my vacation!)

 

4) Are shore excursions easier to handle with mega-big ships or more difficult?

 

5) Tendering with 4,000+ people sounds intense? Is it?

 

6) Restaurant choices look far more interesting on the mega-big ships, but if the menu changes or is good in the main dining rooms of big ships, that's not a problem. How can I find sample menus to see what's appealing?

 

7) Are food allergies taken more seriously on a big ship or a mega-big ship or does it matter?

 

8) Which would work better for vegetarians? Big or Mega-big?

 

9) I've read that if I can get a mid-ship, lower-deck balcony, that's the best cabin for combating seasickness. Is that easier on a mega-big ship or are the big ships big enough on a Western Caribbean cruise that it won't make a difference?

 

I'm totally stoked about this opportunity - but my wife is a major-league skeptic. I can't guarantee a perfect vacation - heck, I can't guarantee a semi-crappy one - but I'd like to think I can plan appropriately to put us in a best possible position to succeed. Which will do that: a big ship with fewer crowds or a mega-big ship with more to do?

 

Again, thank you so much in advance for your thoughts! Y'all rock!

[Winnigirl]

We were on the Oasis a couple of years ago and absolutely loved it. I was skeptical too because I thought it might be a zoo - but the opposite was true - I think because it was so huge, people spread out to so many different venues that there was never a crowd. .

 

1. Of course there will be certain things "off limits" to small children - the flow riders and zipline come to mind. I don't know what the age limits are, but I highly doubt your kids would notice the difference - there is so much that they can do.

 

2. I found that I did have to do more planning than usual - simply because I wanted specific times for all the shows and the speciality restaurants.

 

3. As members of Disney Vacation Club I know exactly what you mean. I was glad I did make the reservations for the things we wanted to see - but it's not in the same league as Disney planning.

 

4. I didn't notice the difference with shore excursions.

 

5. Never tendered, so I can't answer that.

 

6. The sample Oasis menus were on the NCCL website. I would assume Allure's are there too. Can't tell you about the others.

 

7. I'd say food allergies are taken seriously on every reputable cruiseline.

 

8. Simply because of the number of restaurants on the mega-ships, I would think there would be more vegetarian choices.

 

9. I never noticed any difference in the cabin-placement for sea-sickness....of course, I've never had sea-sickness, so I can't say for sure.

Edited May 5, 2015 by Winnigirl

[Honolulu Blue]

I should note that so far I've only sailed on Carnival, who don't really have the mega-big ships. So some of the answers may not directly apply to you. But let me try anyway!

 

1) I don't have kids, so I won't attempt to answer this one.

 

2) The mega-big ships have more things that are available to reserve (like shows and restaurants), so in that sense you could certainly pre-plan more of your days on those ships. I'm sure you could also wing it and do all right.

 

3) I don't think spontaneity will ever go out of style. It's just that some places are more amenable to it than others.

 

4) There tend to be lots of different excursions at all the ports in the Western Caribbean, so I wouldn't imagine the logistics would be too difficult for any ship or any company.

 

5) On Carnival, if you have status (i.e., have cruised a lot with them before) or have bought temporary status, you can have priority seating on outgoing tenders. You can also get priority if you've bought an excursion from them for that port. I'm not sure how the other companies you listed work their tenders, so I would recommend checking out their Web sites to find out.

 

6) Sample menus should be available on the cruise line Web sites, or you can use your favorite search engine for outside sites.

 

7) I don't think it matters. Any ship should be able to handle your needs.

 

8) The mega-ships have more restaurants, which theoretically means more vegetarian choices. But I don't think it matters much unless you find a restaurant that has something in particular that you want.

 

9) Balconies don't get put on the lowest decks, so if you want one, you'll have to move up some. The mega-huge ships will have more balconies overall, and the newer ships tend to have a higher percentage of balconies.

 

I hope I helped. Enjoy yourself, no matter what you choose.

[Slopoke15]

I will comment based on my experience with Allure and Oasis, and won't compare to other ships or lines that I have never used. Comments inserted below.

 

I'm in the throes of planning my family's first ever cruise. (Western Caribbean - check! Kids will be 6 and 9. Going with father-in-law who requires a casino. Generally, we're an introverted family, not big partiers, don't like crowds.)

 

As I work my way through cruise lines and itineraries, one of the big choices to make is ship size. It seems as though there are two general classes sailing the Western sea in April: big (2000-3000 passengers) and mega-big (4000+)!

 

I've read a lot of comments about how the big ships don't have enough to entertain kids; the mega-big ships have far more options for them. On the other hand, the mega-big ships have lines for everything and sound quite crowded and difficult to "go with the flow". So I have MANY questions! :D

 

Specifically (and I'll ask about the differences in cruise line shortly), these are the ships in question:

 

Big

Vision of the Seas

Norwegian Jade

Norwegian Star

Nieuw Amsterdam

Celebrity Silhouette

 

Mega-Big

Allure of the Seas

Norwegian Getaway

 

1) If you cruise with kids between 6 and 10, do they use all the mega-big ship stuff, or are they happy with the standard kids' club?

 

I'm sure your kids will love the things they can do on board Allure. There is TONS.

 

2) Is more planning/reservations/scheduling required for the mega-big ships?

 

Yes, and no. You can reserve your dining and show times if you want to. It is not imperative. If you are on Allure, and want to see the production number then I recommend you reserve that. Same goes for the comedy show (adult only) as it is popular, and held in a smaller venue. Can be hard to get in. You would still have options, and would enjoy your cruise even if you didn't reserve anything if you your group wants to go the spontaneous route.

 

3) Does that limit spontaneity? Or is spontaneity a thing of the past anyway? (Side note: we're going to Disney World shortly, and with the new fastpass+ system, you have to schedule every minute of the day two months ahead of time. Talk about stress-inducing - I need a vacation from my vacation!) See above

 

4) Are shore excursions easier to handle with mega-big ships or more difficult?

 

Likely not much difference

5) Tendering with 4,000+ people sounds intense? Is it?

 

Not sure you would be tendered anywhere if you went with Allure, but even if they had to ... tendering doesn't need to be stressful or busy if you avoid the busy times

 

6) Restaurant choices look far more interesting on the mega-big ships, but if the menu changes or is good in the main dining rooms of big ships, that's not a problem. How can I find sample menus to see what's appealing?

 

7) Are food allergies taken more seriously on a big ship or a mega-big ship or does it matter? Should be the same ship to ship

8) Which would work better for vegetarians? Big or Mega-big?

 

9) I've read that if I can get a mid-ship, lower-deck balcony, that's the best cabin for combating seasickness. Is that easier on a mega-big ship or are the big ships big enough on a Western Caribbean cruise that it won't make a difference?

 

The mega ships are so large, and Allure is also wider than most, so quite often you won't even know you are on a ship. The seas would have to be really rough before you got lots of movement on that ship. Still a good idea to take motion sickness stuff with you, but you may not have any issues.

I'm totally stoked about this opportunity - but my wife is a major-league skeptic. I can't guarantee a perfect vacation - heck, I can't guarantee a semi-crappy one - but I'd like to think I can plan appropriately to put us in a best possible position to succeed. Which will do that: a big ship with fewer crowds or a mega-big ship with more to do?

 

Even though Allure will have more passengers, my experience is that they spread around the ship so much that it seldom feels like you are on board with 5000 other people. Sure, there are times it is noticeable, like the Windjammer at peak times, or the pool area on a nice, hot day ... but you will be able to make do, and find somewhere to settle in

 

Again, thank you so much in advance for your thoughts! Y'all rock!

[Cuizer2]

I'm in the throes of planning my family's first ever cruise. (Western Caribbean - check! Kids will be 6 and 9. Going with father-in-law who requires a casino. Generally, we're an introverted family, not big partiers, don't like crowds.)

 

As I work my way through cruise lines and itineraries, one of the big choices to make is ship size. It seems as though there are two general classes sailing the Western sea in April: big (2000-3000 passengers) and mega-big (4000+)!

 

I've read a lot of comments about how the big ships don't have enough to entertain kids; the mega-big ships have far more options for them. On the other hand, the mega-big ships have lines for everything and sound quite crowded and difficult to "go with the flow". So I have MANY questions! :D

 

Specifically (and I'll ask about the differences in cruise line shortly), these are the ships in question:

 

Big

Vision of the Seas

Norwegian Jade

Norwegian Star

Nieuw Amsterdam

Celebrity Silhouette

 

Mega-Big

Allure of the Seas

Norwegian Getaway

 

1) If you cruise with kids between 6 and 10, do they use all the mega-big ship stuff, or are they happy with the standard kids' club?

 

2) Is more planning/reservations/scheduling required for the mega-big ships?

 

3) Does that limit spontaneity? Or is spontaneity a thing of the past anyway? (Side note: we're going to Disney World shortly, and with the new fastpass+ system, you have to schedule every minute of the day two months ahead of time. Talk about stress-inducing - I need a vacation from my vacation!)

 

4) Are shore excursions easier to handle with mega-big ships or more difficult?

 

5) Tendering with 4,000+ people sounds intense? Is it?

 

6) Restaurant choices look far more interesting on the mega-big ships, but if the menu changes or is good in the main dining rooms of big ships, that's not a problem. How can I find sample menus to see what's appealing?

 

7) Are food allergies taken more seriously on a big ship or a mega-big ship or does it matter?

 

8) Which would work better for vegetarians? Big or Mega-big?

 

9) I've read that if I can get a mid-ship, lower-deck balcony, that's the best cabin for combating seasickness. Is that easier on a mega-big ship or are the big ships big enough on a Western Caribbean cruise that it won't make a difference?

 

I'm totally stoked about this opportunity - but my wife is a major-league skeptic. I can't guarantee a perfect vacation - heck, I can't guarantee a semi-crappy one - but I'd like to think I can plan appropriately to put us in a best possible position to succeed. Which will do that: a big ship with fewer crowds or a mega-big ship with more to do?

 

Again, thank you so much in advance for your thoughts! Y'all rock!

 

If you have young kids, you might want to steer clear of HAL (Holland America Line) or Celebrity. These are premium lines that cater to a much older demographic, and thus do not offer much for young kids.

 

The Vision of the Seas has a pool and a rock climbing wall. The two NCL ships (Star and Jade) have a pool (the Star even has a kids pool) and water slides.

 

ALL will have a kids club and an arcade (though HAL and Celebrity might not).

 

The Allure adds a Flowrider surfing simulator (your kids are probably too small), a mini golf course, a rock wall, an H2O Zone (a pool area for kids the age of your children, a zip line (again, your kids are probably too small), a carousel and an ice rink (but no water slides).

 

I haven't been on the Getaway. However, I do know it has water slides, an aqua park and a ropes course.

 

1) Most kids enjoy the kid's club. Still, even my six year old nephew enjoyed the water slide so much and I think he went up and down more often than the elevators.

 

2) To some extent - yes.

 

3) Again, to some extent - yes.

 

4) I've been on small (700 passengers) medium (1,400 to 2,000 passengers), large (3,000 passengers) and extra large (4,000+ passengers) and to some extent things are easier on the smaller ships. However, there really is not much difference between 3,000 people suddenly going ashore and 4,000 people suddenly going ashore, so I would not factor in this issue.

 

5) I don't know about the Getaway (if it goes to NCL's private island or to Grand Cayman you will tender) but the Allure does not tender (it only goes to islands with docks).

 

6) Google the ship and itinerary and you should find some menus. Yes, the menus change in the main dining rooms.

 

7) Food allergies are taken seriously on all sizes of ships.

 

8) I don't think there is going to be any difference.

 

9) The earlier you book, the more cabin choices you have. The ships are big and have stabilizers. That said, it has been my experience that if the ship is rocking, the entire ship is rocking.

 

Here is a link to my review of the Allure of the Seas, which includes over 200 photographs ...

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1928555

[minnesotamamafish]

Go to http://www.beyondships.com . It has sample menus, dailies schedules to see activities offered, kid's club dailies, handouts (spa prices, etc.) , deck plans, interviews with officers, and more. It's a great resource for getting a quick "feel" for each ship.

[WestSideDrew]

Great info! I knew you would come through!

 

So it sounds as though I shouldn't worry about food options too much or about seasickness (as long as standard precautions are made).

 

And it sounds as though with Allure at least, they've designed it well enough that 5,000 people doesn't feel like 5,000 people, and that even if you don't reserve everything ahead of time, you can still have loads of fun. That's a relief, since trying to get our little group of six to do the same thing can be challenging - I don't know how big groups manage!

 

On the other hand, that's no help at all! I was counting on a firm "Definitely do this!", not a "You'll have a great time whichever you choose!" :rolleyes:

 

As I research it, Allure looks awesome, but I don't love the itinerary (since it doesn't tender, there's no Cayman or Belize). And while I hear that some people don't even get off the ship, for me, the ports/excursions are the number one draw. That may change once I get addicted, as I've been warned might happen. :D

 

But helpfully, I don't feel that I'll have a bad experience on a 2000 passenger ship that goes to ports that I'm more interested in (Cayman, Roatan, Belize for example); it would just not be as bells-and-whistly.

[Cuizer2]

Great info! I knew you would come through!

 

So it sounds as though I shouldn't worry about food options too much or about seasickness (as long as standard precautions are made).

 

And it sounds as though with Allure at least, they've designed it well enough that 5,000 people doesn't feel like 5,000 people, and that even if you don't reserve everything ahead of time, you can still have loads of fun. That's a relief, since trying to get our little group of six to do the same thing can be challenging - I don't know how big groups manage!

 

On the other hand, that's no help at all! I was counting on a firm "Definitely do this!", not a "You'll have a great time whichever you choose!" :rolleyes:

 

As I research it, Allure looks awesome, but I don't love the itinerary (since it doesn't tender, there's no Cayman or Belize). And while I hear that some people don't even get off the ship, for me, the ports/excursions are the number one draw. That may change once I get addicted, as I've been warned might happen. :D

 

But helpfully, I don't feel that I'll have a bad experience on a 2000 passenger ship that goes to ports that I'm more interested in (Cayman, Roatan, Belize for example); it would just not be as bells-and-whistly.

 

Try the Freedom of the Seas out of Port Canaveral. The Freedom of the Seas will go to Labadee (Royal Caribbean's private island), Falmouth, Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Cozumel.

 

I was on the Freedom of the Seas when it did this route in June 2007. The Freedom of the Seas recently was upgraded during a dry dock. I was on the Freedom of the Seas again a couple of weeks ago, but this time I did the eastern route.

 

Here is a link to my review from June 2007 ...

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=30442

 

Post 24 has the pictures.

 

Here is a link to my review from April 2015 ...

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2203566

 

This review has a ton of photographs.

[Lerin]

You've mentioned several times that you don't like to socialize much and want to avoid crowds.

Why are you looking at such large ships at all?

We've taken our kids on several small to medium sized ships and had a blast. The still have children's clubs and activities and all that. The only thing missing was rock walls, ice skating and a merry go round. But the kids don't know that. ;)

 

With that in mind, I'll try to answer your questions:

1) If you cruise with kids between 6 and 10, do they use all the mega-big ship stuff, or are they happy with the standard kids' club?

Cruised with a 6 and 8 year old and they were thrilled beyond belief with what was provided in the kids club on all sizes of ship. They all have crafts, dances, scavenger hunts, music, masks, parades, food, slumber parties... Sometimes it's better not to be crowded in a room with 100 other kids, but be just 1 of 25.

 

2) Is more planning/reservations/scheduling required for the mega-big ships?

Yes, there are many shows that require tickets or a reservation. 1 of many reasons we don't do the big ships. Too much hassle, especially when traveling with kids who can be so unpredictable.

 

3) Does that limit spontaneity? Or is spontaneity a thing of the past anyway? (Side note: we're going to Disney World shortly, and with the new fastpass+ system, you have to schedule every minute of the day two months ahead of time. Talk about stress-inducing - I need a vacation from my vacation!)

* see previous answer

 

4) Are shore excursions easier to handle with mega-big ships or more difficult?

Depends, sometimes they can get crowded. On the other hand sometimes you get to be first off the ship and avoid standing in line.

 

5) Tendering with 4,000+ people sounds intense? Is it?

Sometimes. There can be lines and some ships require you to get a ticket or number to disembark first.

 

6) Restaurant choices look far more interesting on the mega-big ships, but if the menu changes or is good in the main dining rooms of big ships, that's not a problem. How can I find sample menus to see what's appealing?

Right here on Cruise Critic! Also Google is your friend. We usually do 1-2 speciality restaurants a cruise, only once with children. Everyone ho eats pays the additional fee and some kids don't really appreciate speciality dining.

 

7) Are food allergies taken more seriously on a big ship or a mega-big ship or does it matter?

Doesn't matter. We cruised on a ship with 120 and they took wonderful care of individuals with special needs. Possibly better since with so few individuals, they got to know everyone on a personal level.

 

8) Which would work better for vegetarians? Big or Mega-big?

Any, also small and medium

 

9) I've read that if I can get a mid-ship, lower-deck balcony, that's the best cabin for combating seasickness. Is that easier on a mega-big ship or are the big ships big enough on a Western Caribbean cruise that it won't make a difference?

It really doesn't make a huge difference unless sea sickness is a huge issue for you. What makes the best difference is not the ship, but the medications you personally take. I prefer the bands while others in my family swear by ginger and green apples. None of us take actual drugs, though there is a lot of information here on CC about those too.

[minnesotamamafish]

Great info! I knew you would come through!

 

So it sounds as though I shouldn't worry about food options too much or about seasickness (as long as standard precautions are made).

 

And it sounds as though with Allure at least, they've designed it well enough that 5,000 people doesn't feel like 5,000 people, and that even if you don't reserve everything ahead of time, you can still have loads of fun. That's a relief, since trying to get our little group of six to do the same thing can be challenging - I don't know how big groups manage!

 

On the other hand, that's no help at all! I was counting on a firm "Definitely do this!", not a "You'll have a great time whichever you choose!" :rolleyes:

 

As I research it, Allure looks awesome, but I don't love the itinerary (since it doesn't tender, there's no Cayman or Belize). And while I hear that some people don't even get off the ship, for me, the ports/excursions are the number one draw. That may change once I get addicted, as I've been warned might happen. :D

 

But helpfully, I don't feel that I'll have a bad experience on a 2000 passenger ship that goes to ports that I'm more interested in (Cayman, Roatan, Belize for example); it would just not be as bells-and-whistly.

 

We have been on the Carnival Conquest with our kids (10 and 17 at the time) and the Carnival Magic without kids. I know our kids would have enjoyed all the Magic had to offer over the Conquest, but they didn't miss what they didn't have. They were such in awe over the new experience and all the activities it DID have. That's why I don't think your kids will have any problems with the ones you have narrowed it down to.

 

I would agree with the previous poster that said to avoid HAL and Celebrity because they are less kid friendly overall. (Going by what I've read.) But I would include Carnival Conquest Class ships and especially Dream Class ships if they work for your preferred itinerary.

 

We have since found we prefer more and bigger like the Magic, but would not hesitate to recommend the Conquest Class for first-timers.

 

Since we went in January there were very few kids and fewer kids activities than normal, but since you're going in April, that won't be a problem. Even so, our kids were busy with swimming, waterslides and hot tubs, scavenger hunt, Hasbro the Game Show, mini golf, stage shows, comedy show, movies on the big screen, Build a Bear, arcade, late night parties, and more. You can see, even on a mid-size ship there is plenty to do.

 

We are also introverted people but like to be active. I think it is better to start at a mid-size or large ship versus a mega-ship like the Allure. I'd worry one so big would be overwhelming and/or make it less exciting to go on a smaller ship later.

 

So I would stick with Vision, Jade, Star, and Getaway; and add Conquest and Dream Class, and Freedom of the Seas Class, if you want.

 

Our ports have been Cozumelx2, Grand Cayman, Montego Bay, Roatan, and Belize if you have any other questions.

 

:)

[Essiesmom]

Start with a smaller ship. The really big ones are a destination in themselves. Sure, they have tons of stuff to do, and you are paying for it. But most of your days will be spent in port. The kids won't be spending every day on the ship looking for things to do. On a mega ship, you may think you have seen it all, and later read a review and find there are places you never saw. If you have never cruised, any ship is going to WOW the kids, it will seem huge. If you find you really like cruising, move up progressively. After awhile, you will find ships are much the same and book for the ports. EM

[A2Mich]

I too have sailed on a few different sizes of ships. The smaller ships (which there are very few of anymore) don't really offer a whole lot of options. Another thing to keep in mind is whether your children need to have activity options available or are they the type that need to be constantly engaged and entertained. My kids happened to love the Adventure Ocean on Freedom of the Seas (was on the same cruise with Cuizer2), and were able to use the rock climbing wall. My daughter was too short for the Flowrider, and my son was barely tall enough (they have height restrictions, which are different for boogie boarding and for stand up surfing). We too, are fairly introverted, and do not like crowds at all (heck, I can barely tolerate dealing with other people AT ALL, let alone crowds), and felt, at some times, that even Freedom of the Seas was a little too large, as finding deck chairs in the shade or near the pool was not going to happen on a sea day unless we stooped to CHOG behavior, which I won't do. There were however, plenty of sun loungers on the upper decks if you don't mind frying in the hot sun. Lines at the buffet could be long if you went at popular times, and the lines for the "last chance T-shirt sale" were horrendous. Wait times for elevators tended to be another nuisance, but otherwise the "crowds" weren't really too bad at all.

 

One thing I do suggest is to make your decision based on what you know about your family - don't tell them the options available on other ships that yours may not have, or you may end up dealing with the nag factor from the kids. Freedom didn't have a water slide, zip line, bumper cars, skydiving, NOrthStar, carousel, etc. They did have the Adventure Ocean club (whose hours of operation can be annoying at times), the H2O Zone, rock wall, mini golf, free in cabin Dreamworks movies (same 4-5 movies looped all week long), a few free TV channels (though some are in Spanish and German), as well as Pay per View movies in the cabin (about $12 or so each for one time viewing), as well as movies on the big screen in the pool at night. Usually about 2 movies per night, plus an occasional 3D movie in the theater. My kids were kept busy most of the time and complained very little. The biggest complaints from them were about going to the MDR for dinner (so we would sometimes go to Johnny Rockets or the Windjammer, or let them order room service while the rest of us got ready and they went to Adventure Ocean while we were at dinner until 10pm). I don't know if booking a ship like Oasis/Allure would make for a great first experience. Obviously, they would have a great time, but I can foresee two potential things happening -

 

One: they would be on absolute overload with so many options that you would

be hounded to do absolutely everything RIGHT NOW (if your kids are like

mine).

Two: With so many options of things to do and see, they might be disappointed

on a future cruise should you decide to book a smaller or different

cruise, and they now expect all ships to have the same amenities.

 

We didn't book Allure or Oasis for that very reason. We can't guarantee that we could cruise on an Oasis class ship all the time, and don't want them to get too excited and expect a different ship to offer the same things, knowing that they don't. I would try booking a large ship (70,000-90,000 tons) and see how the family even likes the whole experience. You can always surprise them later with a larger ship and more offerings, but at their ages, you may experience a lot of disappointment if you can't deliver the same or better experience in the future. Just my .02 worth, and I have 3 kids - 2, 8, and 10, so the older two are at that stage.

[WestSideDrew]

These are wonderful comments! A2Mich, Essiesmom, mnmamafish, and Lerin2, I think you all are right on the money.

 

If we start with something like Vision of the Seas, they'll be impressed enough; moving up will still maintain a sense of awe. But if we start with one like Allure, it would be harder to do a smaller ship later.

 

I think that settles it. Now to decide: Royal, Carnival or Norwegian? That might ned to be another thread....

 

This has been so useful - thank you all for your thoughts!

[A2Mich]

These are wonderful comments! A2Mich, Essiesmom, mnmamafish, and Lerin2, I think you all are right on the money.

 

 

 

If we start with something like Vision of the Seas, they'll be impressed enough; moving up will still maintain a sense of awe. But if we start with one like Allure, it would be harder to do a smaller ship later.

 

 

 

I think that settles it. Now to decide: Royal, Carnival or Norwegian? That might ned to be another thread....

 

 

 

This has been so useful - thank you all for your thoughts!

 

 

Bingo! You've got it!

[Winnigirl]

I am not a fan of Norwegian - I used to be a huge fan - our first cruise was on the Norway. At Christmas we cruised on the Norwegian Epic and we were pretty underwhelmed. It was the most bizarrely laid-out ship I have ever sailed on. The food was mediocre at best, the corkage fee for bringing wine on board is just plain tacky and now they have announced that you will no longer be able to bring food to your room from the buffet and are going to charge a service fee for room service. All those reasons are why we'll never cruise Norwegian again.

 

I would definitely look at a RCL cruise. They are tailor-made for families and - other than Disney - provide, I think, the most entertainment for kids and adults alike.

[serene56]

I am not a fan of NCL either-- their cabins are just way too small (or feels that way to me)

 

We are cruisers on Carnival, Princess and Royal. (mostly Carnival because of Price.

 

We have taken our Grand daughter (age 9 now) on 5 cruises- (booked Freedom of the seas for April 2016 for her 6th cruises.

 

For her there is enough to do on a mid size ship. (the voyager was just too big and I felt i needed a vacation after my vacation with that cruise.

 

We do dinner and the main shows as a family and she has participated in the camps now that she is older. She hated the baby camps

 

 

With shore excursions we book with private vendors-- less people-- less money

 

do not discount Carnival- check out the Dream, Magic,Breeze or splendor

[Cuizer2]

For her there is enough to do on a mid size ship. (the voyager was just too big and I felt i needed a vacation after my vacation with that cruise.

 

You thought the Voyager was too big? The Freedom of the Sea is even bigger (about 15% bigger).

 

If you want, you can read my review. Here is a link ...

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2203566

Edited May 7, 2015 by Cuizer2

[serene56]

You thought the Voyager was too big? The Freedom of the Sea is even bigger (about 15% bigger).

 

If you want, you can read my review. Here is a link ...

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2203566

 

 

i know. but this is what my family is chosing for the family cruise. I am trying a midship cabin this time instead of an aft one. Hoping it can make the difference. (plus my 88 year old dad-- all that walking

 

thanks for your review

[serene56]

Now I gotta think about upgrading my promanade view to a balcony because of your review

[WestSideDrew]

I think I'm set on Royal - not only from your comments but my colleague at work (who is one of those twice a year cruisers) strongly recommended Royal Caribbean over Norwegian as well. He likes Carnival too, but thinks that for a first cruise, based on personality and spring break, Royal is the way to go.

 

So all things considered, I'm going to recommend to my family that we book on Vision of the Seas.

 

 

• It's big enough to have all the neat stuff (kids' club, pools, restaurants, shows, bars, etc.) without being overwhelming.
  
• The itinerary goes to places we'd (or really, I'd) like to see with lots of diversity (Roatan, Belize, Costa Maya, Cozumel): beaches, ruins, jungles, etc.
  
• It leaves from Tampa, an easy port to get in/out of from Indiana.
  
• If they love it, it will be all the easier to sell them on a bigger/newer ship in the future.
  

Thank you all so much for the feedback! So so so awesome!

[serene56]

You thought the Voyager was too big? The Freedom of the Sea is even bigger (about 15% bigger).

 

If you want, you can read my review. Here is a link ...

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2203566

 

 

what I do for my camera= =I have a small waterproof cooler. I put my camera in this case-- then wrap a towel around the case and leave it on the floor. Very rare do i have the issues with the lens fogging because of the temp changing

[Cuizer2]

Now I gotta think about upgrading my promanade view to a balcony because of your review

 

You do realize that the pictures are of:

 

1) The Royal Suite

2) The owner's suite

3) The most forward balcony cabins are the only ones with a "bonus room"

 

right?

[Cuizer2]

what I do for my camera= =I have a small waterproof cooler. I put my camera in this case-- then wrap a towel around the case and leave it on the floor. Very rare do i have the issues with the lens fogging because of the temp changing

 

You can also just sleep with your camera. A little snuggle will keep it warm. :)

[serene56]

You do realize that the pictures are of:

 

1) The Royal Suite

2) The owner's suite

3) The most forward balcony cabins are the only ones with a "bonus room"

 

right?

 

yep and my first cruise was 5 of us in an inside cabin- and balcony for every one since then.

Freedom is #26 and promanade view with my dad in the cabin...i just dont know about that--LOL

[minnesotamamafish]

I think I'm set on Royal - not only from your comments but my colleague at work (who is one of those twice a year cruisers) strongly recommended Royal Caribbean over Norwegian as well. He likes Carnival too, but thinks that for a first cruise, based on personality and spring break, Royal is the way to go.

 

So all things considered, I'm going to recommend to my family that we book on Vision of the Seas.

 

 

• It's big enough to have all the neat stuff (kids' club, pools, restaurants, shows, bars, etc.) without being overwhelming.
  
• The itinerary goes to places we'd (or really, I'd) like to see with lots of diversity (Roatan, Belize, Costa Maya, Cozumel): beaches, ruins, jungles, etc.
  
• It leaves from Tampa, an easy port to get in/out of from Indiana.
  
• If they love it, it will be all the easier to sell them on a bigger/newer ship in the future.
  

Thank you all so much for the feedback! So so so awesome!

 

It sounds like the perfect choice for your family! I want to try RCCL in the future. Now to look at VotS YouTube videos and hype it up to your family!

 

Remember, when you read reviews, take the top and bottom scores with a grain of salt, and read the middle. Nothing is perfect and nothing is horrific if you have realistic expectations, optimism and smiles! :)

 

Hope you have a fantastic first cruise with many to come!