Kids on the Pacific Princess? Advice needed!

[adamrayan]

We are planning a cruise for summer 2017 for a total of 6 adults and 8 kids (3 yo - 4 yo - 8 yo - 9 yo -11 yo, 11 yo- 11yo and 13 yo).

We are looking either for a Norwegian fjords cruise or a british isles cruise.

 

The only cruise we have been on so far was a Baltic Cruise with NCL 3 years ago.

 

Due to everyone schedule at work, its a bit hard to find a cruise that fits for all of us.

 

The one itinerary that seems to fit so far would be the British isles cruise on Pacific Princess in aug 2017.

 

I read its a much smaller ship and Im a bit worried about how appropriate the ship would be for the kids.

 

What kind of entertainement can we expect at night or during sea days? are kids accepted in the pool area?

 

Is is possible to be seated with members of our group for dinner?

 

I know we are not to expect rock climbing wall and water slides on this ship and this is not a problem but we would still want the kids to have some places where they can go to have some fun.

 

 

If any of you have been on a the Pacific princess with kids, id love to hear from you.

 

Thanks!

[moki'smommy]

I just tried to upload a copy of the Parental Responsibility letter that was distributed to each cabin on the Diamond Princess on day 1. I LOVED this letter--it made it very clear that parental duties do not end at the moment they step onto a ship.

 

Yes, kids are welcome in MOST pools (there are always adult only pools and spaces), with parental supervision. Princess has an excellent kid program on all ships, and those parents and kids we spoke with were pleased with the programming. The evening entertainment is not geared to children but they are welcome to attend. MUTS (movies under the stars)....Star Wars was shown on our cruise, among other movies.

 

I've never seen a table for 14 on Princess, but you can all be seated at the same server's station...perhaps at a 6 and an 8. That's honestly better. We were at a table for 16 on another line. You can't talk to people in that set up.

 

As you noted, you won't have climbing walls or skating rinks, but there is plenty to keep the kids occupied. Sorry that my reference is not specifically the Pacific Princess, but our most recent cruises have been B2B on the Diamond and a few months ago on the Caribbean.

[JF - retired RRT]

We are planning a cruise for summer 2017 for a total of 6 adults and 8 kids (3 yo - 4 yo - 8 yo - 9 yo -11 yo, 11 yo- 11yo and 13 yo). Wow!!

 

I read its a much smaller ship and Im a bit worried about how appropriate the ship would be for the kids. Because of the size of the ship and the itineraries usually traveled, there is no room specifically set aside for the kid's club. The cruise we were on they used the card room for the kid's. There were 2 women assigned to the kid's club for approx. 10 kids. They told me they were on the ship whenever there were enough children to warrant a kid's club.

 

What kind of entertainment can we expect at night or during sea days? are kids accepted in the pool area? No specific entertainment except for the kid's club. They had a variety of activities all day long. Yes, they can go in the pool. No adults only pool except for the Sanctuary.

 

Is is possible to be seated with members of our group for dinner? That will be a problem for you. If I recall correctly, the largest table was an 8 top. You can do a switch around whenever you want to make it so everyone has a chance to talk to all members of the party.

 

I know we are not to expect rock climbing wall and water slides on this ship and this is not a problem but we would still want the kids to have some places where they can go to have some fun. Nothing for the kids specifically except for the kid's club.

The one we were on was at Christmas and they had Santa with gifts. So it would depend on when you go. Maybe Easter egg hunt for Easter?, etc.

 

See above.

[JF - retired RRT]

MUTS (movies under the stars)....Star Wars was shown on our cruise' date=' among other movies. /QUOTE']

 

We don't go to MUTS, so I'm not totally positive about this, but I don't think the Pacific has MUTS.

[joeyancho]

While I prefer Princess, I think Carnival is much better suited to families with children.

[moki'smommy]

While I prefer Princess, I think Carnival is much better suited to families with children.

 

Disney, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival are all more suited to kids than Princess...but OP sounds like they have pretty much eliminated other cruises. There is a great web site that allows you to screen cruises on many lines to select what you might be looking for. Unfortunately, I suspect it can't be listed here as it is operated by a travel agent, but YOUR agent should know about it. You can select by date, departure port, ports of call, length of cruise, and many other variables. It might help find something that might be better for the kids.

[flamomo]

I would OP that the British Isles itinerary is very port intensive. It might be exhausting for the younger ones and their parents.

Actually, Med cruises are the same way. There are usually very few sea days to get a change to rest up before the next batch of back to back port days.

[waltd]

The Pacific Princess is probably one of the least child friendly of all the Princess ships IMHO. Yes she is a very small ship. Normally geared toward a older crowd. It definitely does not have Movies Under The Stars. The ship is beautiful but really nothing much for kids. If on the other had the trip is port intensive you would really not be on the ship much and after a long day everyone is going to be really tired. LOL

[DougH]

While I love the Pacific Princess I also think it would not be very kid friendly. It is not at all like the bigger ships and really has very few pubic spaces for them to hang out. No MUTS, no big atrium, no kids area. I think you would be much better on a larger ship with more options for them

[PescadoAmarillo]

The Pacific Princess does not have a kids club except when there are enough kids on board to warrant it. Therefore, you may book the cruise and not find out until you arrive on the ship that there were not enough kids to have a kids club. The only time I've seen a kids club on the ship was during a Christmas sailing, and then it was held in the card room and involved a few crafts. No toys, no video devices, etc.

 

There is nothing else for the kids to do on the ship other than use the one pool. I'm not even certain they are allowed in the hot tubs (though I am guessing they are). No kids areas of any sort.

 

As Waltd said, it is the least kid friendly ship of any on Princess.

[JimmyVWine]

Princess has an excellent kid program on all ships' date=' and those parents and kids we spoke with were pleased with the programming. [/quote']

I disagree with this and think that Pacific Princess is very much the exception to the rule. No kids club, and something that hasn't been mentioned, no Anytime Dining which can be key with children who don't necessarily share an adult's sense of structure.

[MNfamilycruiser]

I have been wondering kind of the same thing, we will be on a British Isles cruise on the Pacific next August with 2 older teens. They don't need to be entertained as such, but I was hoping there would be enough to keep my older extroverted daughter busy on sea days.

Most of the rest of the family would be happy sitting on our balcony reading a book, but she needs more activity.

 

Does anyone know what kind of daytime/evening activities they would have on the Pacific? Trivia? She is a participant, not a watcher ;)

[PescadoAmarillo]

I have been wondering kind of the same thing, we will be on a British Isles cruise on the Pacific next August with 2 older teens. They don't need to be entertained as such, but I was hoping there would be enough to keep my older extroverted daughter busy on sea days.

Most of the rest of the family would be happy sitting on our balcony reading a book, but she needs more activity.

 

Does anyone know what kind of daytime/evening activities they would have on the Pacific? Trivia? She is a participant, not a watcher ;)

 

The intimate atmosphere makes for some fun daytime crafting and dance activities on sea days, and if she's old enough she could use the fitness center.

[MNfamilycruiser]

The intimate atmosphere makes for some fun daytime crafting and dance activities on sea days, and if she's old enough she could use the fitness center.

Yes, she will actually be 19.....:eek: I suppose that is old enough to go to the casino!

 

I can see her doing dance activities, maybe even crafting - if she can talk one of us into going with her.

[skynight]

We are planning a cruise for summer 2017 for a total of 6 adults and 8 kids (3 yo - 4 yo - 8 yo - 9 yo -11 yo, 11 yo- 11yo and 13 yo).

 

Thanks!

If you wish to stay with Princess find another ship. One with a youth area, with sports court areas, and with multiple dining areas that youth enjoy. Some suggestions are:

Any Alaska itinerary, cruise only or cruise with land tour package

Caribbean Princess 12 day British Islands

Crown Princess North Cape RT Southampton.

[DrivesLikeMario]

Having done over 21 cruises with 5 or 6 different cruise lines with our sons, I wouldn't recommend a family cruise on the Pacific. The choices of things to do are so limited compared to the bigger ships. If you plan on doing a very port-intensive cruise where you're off the ship every day but maybe 1 or 2, then you might be okay, but this is seriously not a ship my kids would've ever wanted to cruise on. Try JMHO.

[helenb]

Pacific Princess, as stated above, does not have a dedicated kids' area. This is because she was originally built as an adults-only ship (under Renaissance Cruises, IIRC). However, they do operate a kids' program when there are 'enough' kids onboard. When we sailed the Pacific Princess, it was 18, although that number may have changed. But if you are bringing 8 kids onboard, then that's already a good portion of the way there. When we were onboard, there were 30 kids and they held kids activities in Sabbatini's and the Crown Grill during the day. We saw the kids in the pool, and sometimes at the shows. They seemed to be having a good time.

 

Again, as others have stated, the British Isles is a very port-intensive cruise. The kids may simply be exhausted, spending all day in port. Ours certainly are when we take them on European itineraries! Kids' facilities may not be as important.

 

If the cruise works as far as everything else goes, I would just book it. You can call Princess in advance (maybe 2 weeks before sailing?) and determine how many kids are onboard and whether or not there will be a kids' program. If there will not, then perhaps pack a few extra games or books or toys for your kids, to help keep them entertained on those couple of sea days.

Edited September 8, 2016 by helenb

[MNfamilycruiser]

We are planning a cruise for summer 2017 for a total of 6 adults and 8 kids (3 yo - 4 yo - 8 yo - 9 yo -11 yo, 11 yo- 11yo and 13 yo).

We are looking either for a Norwegian fjords cruise or a british isles cruise.

 

The only cruise we have been on so far was a Baltic Cruise with NCL 3 years ago.

 

Due to everyone schedule at work, its a bit hard to find a cruise that fits for all of us.

 

The one itinerary that seems to fit so far would be the British isles cruise on Pacific Princess in aug 2017.

 

I read its a much smaller ship and Im a bit worried about how appropriate the ship would be for the kids.

 

What kind of entertainement can we expect at night or during sea days? are kids accepted in the pool area?

 

Is is possible to be seated with members of our group for dinner?

 

I know we are not to expect rock climbing wall and water slides on this ship and this is not a problem but we would still want the kids to have some places where they can go to have some fun.

 

 

If any of you have been on a the Pacific princess with kids, id love to hear from you.

 

Thanks!

How about Royal Caribbean - Serenade of the Seas? We just got off a 7 night Norwegian Fjords Cruise - that might be a better fit for a family with younger kids. The kids club was used, there were many families on board. In August a 7 night - departs August 19th if that is not too late for you. August 12th is Scandinavia and Russia

Edited September 8, 2016 by MNfamilycruiser

[riclop]

We are planning a cruise for summer 2017 for a total of 6 adults and 8 kids (3 yo - 4 yo - 8 yo - 9 yo -11 yo, 11 yo- 11yo and 13 yo).

We are looking either for a Norwegian fjords cruise or a british isles cruise.

 

The only cruise we have been on so far was a Baltic Cruise with NCL 3 years ago.

 

Due to everyone schedule at work, its a bit hard to find a cruise that fits for all of us.

 

The one itinerary that seems to fit so far would be the British isles cruise on Pacific Princess in aug 2017.

 

I read its a much smaller ship and Im a bit worried about how appropriate the ship would be for the kids.

 

What kind of entertainement can we expect at night or during sea days? are kids accepted in the pool area?

 

Is is possible to be seated with members of our group for dinner?

 

I know we are not to expect rock climbing wall and water slides on this ship and this is not a problem but we would still want the kids to have some places where they can go to have some fun.

 

 

If any of you have been on a the Pacific princess with kids, id love to hear from you.

 

Thanks!

 

Not the best line for kids.

[adamrayan]

Thanks for you replies. As I said, Im well aware this is not the best option with kids. I browsed RC, NCL, Princess, Disney, Celebrity, Carnival...

 

more than 10 nights wont work.

One of us cant travel between day 1-9 of each month.

We cannot leave before June 24 and cant be back later that Aug 20...

 

We already did a Baltic Cruise and travelled to most cities visited by med cruise....

 

We also have a MSC Norwegian fjords cruise that works. But i personnally prefer the british isles itinerary.Which is why I was asking: what kind of entertainement can we expect in the evening? Only music? Will there be perforers? What kind? What can of activities can we expect on the 2 sea days?

 

 

Is the pool covered?

 

Thanks.

[JF - retired RRT]

what kind of entertainment can we expect in the evening? Only music? Will there be performers? What kind? What can of activities can we expect on the 2 sea days?

On our Panama cruise there was a show every night....singers, comedy, dancers, etc.

 

Is the pool covered? No

 

Thanks.

 

Also had guest lecturers almost every day about ports, the solar system, history, etc.

[taxatty]

The production shows are much smaller in scale because there is no large theater, but the performers are talented and the setting is much more up close and intimate. Also expect the usual adult-oriented pianists, music duo/trios, dance classes and comedians that you see on other Princess ships.

[Tiffanymom]

We have been on 6 cruises on the pacific Princess. Never have seen children on board. This is not a kid friendly ship. No anytime dining, no tables larger then 8 persons. There is a nightly buffet dinner. Shows are in a small lounge, not a show room. If the kids are not seated in the front row they will not be able to see the shows. I love this small ship but I do not think it is the right one for families. The kids will not like it and I would not want to be with unhappy kids. The one pool is small. Sea days are quiet with some adult activities(choir, dance lessons, trivia). Some adult pool games. O remember any MUTS. Just movies in the cabins. If you do go get a mimi, they are very large cabins.

 

I hope you can find a cruise to everyone happy.

[notentirelynormal]

Not the best line for kids.

 

I disagree. I know many people feel this way that have cruised the fancier kid cruise ships but I think it is a personal preference. Also, I know that some that have said it did so because they didn't want kids on their cruises.

 

Lots of people, including me, think that Princess has a lot to offer for kids. It just doesn't have the rock climbing, ice skating type things. While that kind of thing can be fun it is not necessarily what every kid/family looks for in a cruise ship. Their kid program is great. It is geared more to learning and having fun at the same time.

 

We've been on many cruises with Princess with kids and they have always enjoyed the ships and kid programs. Last cruise it was the Junior Chef program where they went into the kitchen with the head chef and made their own cake. It was an awesome event. The got their own hat, jacket and pictures. The cake was then delivered to your cabin for dinner that night.

 

I prefer the rock climbing events to be done at home and for them to learn the joys of cruising from the ships. The sound and sight of the ocean and its wonders. I think the kids should enjoy the new destinations, the dining experience and cruising in general.

 

I also find it a great time to expand their manners. The respect you show your cabin steward who is cleaning up after you. What was her name again? Good morning Maria. I already cleaned up my my mess but have a nice day! The waiter and assistant who serve you dinner every night. The guy who is washing down the decks. Wearing formal clothes on formal night. Most importantly, getting pictures done with grandma if you want to sail again :D.

 

Elevator manners are also in place. Step back and let the people off first. Then let the people there first on first and let the mobility challenged on ahead of you while carefully standing in front of those trying to barge on ahead of them/you. Of course the "have a nice day" comments as well.

 

My grandson is finally at the age (11) where he loves to go to the shows and see the entertainers. He is in to stage so it is a great time to experience it. With a smaller ship there is a better chance of him meeting the entertainers such as the magician on our last cruise. I find it a great time to let them spread their wings with some secretive close watching. Since there is not the same party or "activity level" as the other cruise lines I find that there is also a different attitude among the kids. How to phrase it? Less boisterous maybe.

 

Pacific Princess is a very small ship and was designed long before kids were cruising. It is the original Love Boat style. It was designed for those that love to cruise for the ship and the destination. It was not designed to entertain kids as the destinations were the main attraction. My bathroom is almost as big as the casino. We have been on it when we had kids but the three year old was more interested in stairs he could see through then going to the rarely opened club.

 

Thirty years ago on the original Love Boat my daughter learn to bowl glasses with oranges in the restaurant, scavenger hunts with the cabin stewards helping and could fold a pretty good napkin. Meals were preformed table side and you were escorted to your table every night by a handsome Italian.

Edited September 9, 2016 by notentirelynormal

[Lucky TGO]

I just like to say I admire you for being able to go on a cruise with eight children. Good luck and have a great time!!

Tony