Which of these ships would be best for teenage boys?

[Pete&Jackie]

Hi, we are looking at an Eastern/southern Caribbean cruise departing the end of December and have found 5 options but not sure what would suit out teenage boys best (aged 16 & 14).

They love meeting kids from around the world so want to make sure there will be a few others their age onboard.

The options are:-

Oasis of the Seas, Celebrity Summit, Celebrity Silhouette, Regal Priincess or the Adventure of the Seas.

Any advice would be appreciated.

[champagne123]

Hands down, the Oasis. My boys LOVED LOVED LOVED this ship. So much to do, their heads will spin.

[Hlitner]

So, you are talking about a holiday cruise which do attract many families with kids of all ages. Of the ships you list, we think the Oasis of the Seas has more to interest most teens, then the other ships. Why we have little interest in that type of super mega-ship, the vast amount of facilities coupled with an excellent teen program should serve you well. Most teens rate their experience based on how many new friends they make....and on the Oasis, because of its numbers (should be near 6000 passengers at the holidays) there is plenty of opportunity to meet other teens. We have actually cruised on all the ships you list, and we also think the Silhouette and Regal Princess would be fine....but they just do not have as much in amenities to get the interest of teens. As to the Adventure of the Seas, having to fly your family to San Juan during the holidays will add to the cost. But the plus is that you get a very port-intensive itinerary with southern Caribbean ports that generally have warmer weather then the cruises leaving out of Florida. But this ship also attracts a disproportionate number of non-English speaking passengers (because of its proximity to South and Central America.

 

Hank

[Clarea]

Another vote for Oasis, and welcome to Cruise Critic.

Edited May 30, 2016 by clarea

[Essiesmom]

If they really want to meet a lot of international kids (who might not speak English) I would suggest MSC Divina from Miami. EM

[Grandma Dazzles]

Another vote for the Oasis. The Oasis class of ships offer so much for everyone; truly unlike any other cruising experience. Adventure is another possibility, but sailing out of San Juan you may find more Spanish-speaking passengers.

[Aquahound]

No doubt. Oasis.

[SuiteTraveler]

Of the ships you have listed, Oasis is definitely best for teens.

 

Celebrity and Princess - the kids clubs are almost afterthoughts. There is little onboard of interest to teens - no water slides, no flow rider, no ropes course, no zip lining, no rock climbing wall.

 

Here are the ships that have the most to do for teens:

RCCL

Oasis of the Seas

Allure of the Seas

Harmony of the Seas

 

Quantum of the Seas

Anthem of the Seas

Ovation of the Seas

 

Freedom of the Seas

Liberty of the Seas

Independence of the Seas

 

NCL

Epic

Getaway

Breakaway

Escape

 

Carnival

Magic

Sunshine

Breeze

Vista

 

RCCL and NCL are direct competitors, Carnival is a slightly cheaper alternative on their newest 4 ships and has somewhat less. Where RCCL has flow riders and ice skating, NCL has full scale water park slides (3 - 5 of them) and a ropes course. The Carnival ships I mentioned also have a few water park slides and a ropes course. Shows on RCCL are more geared towards family. Shows on NCL are more geared towards adults. Carnival relies heavily on comedians on their ships. All 3 have great kids clubs. NCL has the largest and most comprehensive buffet. Carnival comes in second, RCCL third. NCL and RCCL have lots of specialty restaurants which cost extra. Carnival has a steakhouse, Italian restaurant and sushi restaurant on Breeze and Vista and Guy's Burgers - all of which cost extra. NCL and Carnival have a great thermal suite (edge goes to NCL) for the parents (costs extra). RCCL has the all-adults Solarium (included.)

 

RCCL has:

Rock climbing wall

flowriders

biplane (Oasis class)

ice skating

sports court

mini golf

 

NCL has:

major water slides

ropes course with zip line

rock climbing wall

sports court

mini golf

bungee trampoline

spider climb

 

Carnival has

major water slides

ropes course with zip line

sports court

mini golf

[Cruisin'Christine]

I would go with the Oasis of the Seas. I have been on the Allure of the Seas (sister ship of Oasis) twice and teen boys would LOVE it. They would enjoy the Flow Rider for body surfing and regular surfing. They can even take a lesson on the Flow Rider to try and master it further. There is the zip line, pools, hot tubs, mini putt, basketball court, and ice skating. There is so much for them to do.

[Keith1010]

I too would go with Oasis.

 

Keith

[Extra Kim]

Oasis of the Seas or maybe Adventure of the Seas.

 

I have sailed on both Allure ots (sister ship to Oasis) and Celebrity Equinox (sister ship to Silhouette) and liked both ships, but IMO Celebrity are not a cruise line for teens.

[leaveitallbehind]

Oasis as well.