First Cruise, I'm overdue on a family trip: Alaska questions please

[RazFamily]

Hi, first time poster here.

 

Short version: years ago we had a family goal, and the deal was if we achieved it we'd take them on a cruise. Five years later I am way overdue, I work all the time and haven't taken more than a day off in a few years. So I need to really bank some great family time, and I'd like to take them on a great trip this summer.

 

We're thinking about a cruise, and have it narrowed down to Royal Caribbean (Jewel of the Sea) and Disney (Wonder). Both leave end of June, the RC dates and departure location (Seattle vs. Vancouver) are slightly better. And RC is about 2,500 less than Disney.

 

My wife and I have two daughters, ages 11 and 13. Athletic/into sports, social butterflies, love good food, love activities (versus just poolside hangout, though they dig that too).

 

I've never Cruised before. Could you guys give me some advice on what's the better choice for our two kids, and some of the pros/cons?

 

The RC is less money and the dates are better...but at the same time, I don't want to skimp if the Disney cruise would be that much better for them.

 

Thanks so much!

 

RR

[sail7seas]

RCI has lots of activities for families. Some folks love Disney but that would drive me nuts. If your family is big time into Mickey and his gang, Disney may be worth the extra money to you. If they can pass on Frozen and Donald Duck, I would suggest more fun for the children on RCI.

 

Truthfully, you won't go wrong with either but if Alaska experience is more important to you than ship board experience (as it is for many on Alaska cruises) Princess and HAL have the very longest history and has worked with the same providers for tours etc for years.

[Lizzie68]

I've never cruised Disney, but can recommend Royal Caribbean especially with your kids' ages. Lots for them to do, and the ships are in excellent shape. The only downside is that RC goes from Seattle, so you will go around the outside of Vancouver Island and miss most of the Inside Passage, which is very scenic. But their itinerary is very good.

[chipmaster]

As I mentioned in the Alaska threads, is for Alaska pick a ship that does Glacier Bay, hopefully one way then you get two scenic cruise dates. ONce you got that settle on the lines that work for you.

 

During the summer all the lines will have reasonable good children activities, but agree both RCCL and Disney maybe more than Princess / HAL but you pay more for them, and may get less Alaska experience.

 

IMHO all about the Alaska experience first.

[Cruisin' Chick]

Personally I would crazy on a Disney ship and I think my daughter at age 11 would have too (she still likes Disneyland, though, and can't wait til Grad Night there next month). By that time, if she had to hear any Disney Channel music, it would be like water torture to her (and she absolutely hated "Frozen").

 

It sounds like maybe Royal Caribbean would be a good fit for your kids for sea days.

 

Princess and Holland are known to be the best for the Alaskan cruise experience so don't necessarily count them out (even though on the couple of sea days, your kids may prefer the activities on a RC ship).

[RSLeesburg]

The Jewel is a beautiful ship. I would take her and spend the extra money on excursions.

[zqvol]

I would take the Vancouver departure, it ends up being a much more scenic cruise as you go up the east side of Vancouver Island.

[Markanddonna]

Your kids will love Royal Caribbean. An Alaskan cruise is really port intensive and ALL about Alaska. Try to find a sailing that does Glacier Bay- the coolest day in Alaska! Save Disney for the Caribbean.

[Lerin]

RC for sure, there is nothing Disney has that is worth $2500 (except no casino and a zillion kids)

 

Keep in mind that Disney also costs more due to simple supply and demand: they only operate 5 ships while RC has over 20. If RC suddenly got rid of 15 ships, their price would skyrocket as well.

Edited May 10, 2015 by Lerin

[zookiebird]

The Jewel is a beautiful ship. I would take her and spend the extra money on excursions.

 

Absolutely agree with this. Your time aboard ship will be terrific but as others have said, your cruise is really about the incredible experience Alaska offers. Please, take in as much as you possibly can. You and your family will never regret it.