First time carribean cruise with kids! Carnival help

[parkesyau]

Ok so we are travelling a loooooong way from Australia in april 2018 and my dream has always been to see the carribean. I've convinced my husband to try the "cruise" way of life and I am so excited.

Originally I was looking at the MSC seaside leaving from Miami it visits st Maarten Nassau and San Juan. The ship looks phenomenal the price is cheap for a family of 4. Our kids are going to be 9 and 7 when we cruise and if we ever holiday with a kids club that's where they prefer to be at nights rather than being dragged to dinner.

I know MSC is new and shiny and has slides and bowling etc etc but I was a little concerned it was light on port days and honestly on St maarten is jumping out at me as a standout.

We are beach people we love to chill out and enjoy plus I want to see those beautiful carribean postcard beaches.

 

I've recently started looking into Carnival. Here in Australia they are known as a party ship for 20 year olds looking for a cheap holiday in the pacific.

It's hard to know what our best fit will be but I love the idea where the kids will have plenty on board to do. Waterslides and pools are great they are sun loving kids. Carnival appeals with all the bonus entertainment hasbro lip synch battle(my daughter would love that) mini golf ropes courses where applicable.

I have just read so many negative reviews about carnival in regard to service and food I am honestly scared. In saying that we are pretty laid back and don't expect the best. We will be booking an indoor room as we won't be there unless we need to sleep.

 

I have a few ships in mind and I am trying to base this on ports on offer and what's going to give us that carribean experience I am after. The beaches those turquoise beaches!!!!!!

Which is why the Glory sailing from Miami is jumping out at me. It visits half moon cay which looks out of this world. St Thomas, San Juan and grand Turk. We don't plan to sit on the beach in all 4 ports but the picture postcard HMC looks amazing. While st maarten originally was appealing I think St Thomas will still be great. Lots of snorkel tours on offer and I hear St John is where it's at.

Alternatively the Conquest has a similar route but omits HMC and st Thomas to replace with St Maarten and St Kitts

 

A third option is the Magic sailing from Orlando with the same route as the glory expect Amber cove instead of HMC. Amber cove doesn't look as postcard perfect blue waters and sand etc. maybe I am not looking at the best pictures but seems to be not as good.

 

Finally was the sunshine but only visits 3 ports of Bonaire Aruba and grand Turk

So this wasn't high on my list

 

I know the magic has ropes courses is bigger newer etc and my kids would love it I am just worried I am missing out massively in what I seek ( who cares about the husband and kids) which is the postcard beach 😭. Honestly kids would be happy there's sun and San and husband will be happy where there is beer.

 

I do know HMC is tendered and very often gets cancelled. I have read many glory trip reviews which are wonderful and the. Ports sound amazing. It's is however a smaller older ship.

 

I guess I am reaching out to all the carnival fanatics who have done the carribean and can steer me in the right direction. Maybe ease my mind on Amber cove and tell me about some beaches which look like HMC on there. or else some people who loved the glory and fee my family will too.

 

The reason carnival has become so appealing is all the shore excursions on offer.

The cruise itself won't be as cheap as MSC but I think I would rather an extra port to explore.

 

Msc is still on my list however I am now focusing on carnival as an option. It's probably the one and only carribean cruise I will do. It's a long way from where we are and won't have the luxury to do it frequently

I know ships are important and catering for my little ones is a must. Great kids facilities and clubs, entertainment preferably pool areas where we won't have to fight for a chair

We plan to said Mid April

Any advice is greatly appreciated

[pe4all]

I think that the first time you cruise is exciting and unique, no matter what line you chose. I have never been on MSC, but have been on Carnival 21x, so I think I can give you an honest evaluation. I recently booked the same itinerary on Glory because of the upgrades she just got - can't wait for the water slides! (I had been on her before the upgrades also.) My "kids" - now 25/28, started cruising CCL when they were your kid's ages, and loved it so much they picked CCL over Disney when we offered them a choice between the two!

 

We are not foodies, and have never "starved" on a Carnival cruise. Glory has a wonderful amount of food choices, between Guy's burgers, mexican, bbq upstairs, pizza, you will always find something to eat. The dining room fare is definitely not gourmet, but satisfies our needs. Remember - you can order more than one entree, dessert, etc. We have always had attentive wait staffers in the dining rooms - if they notice we don't enjoy the entree we ordered, they are quick to offer up a new one.

 

As far as the ports - there really is no beach at Amber Cove- just a pool area/zipline/slides. You have to get out of the port area to get to the beach- an excursion is best, but adds cost to your price. St. Thomas is wonderful - we have done the champagne catamaran snorkel to St. John's 2x, and loved it! Tons of beaches to go to. HMC is beautiful, but - as you mentioned, can be missed at times due to unforseen circumstances - AS CAN ANY PORT!! (due to weather conditions, medical emergencies, etc.) To get to a beach in San Juan you would again have to grab a cab or excursion - no beaches near the port area. The Conquest itinerary is also great - can't beat St. Martin/St. Kitts destinations. Less to do for the kids on the Conquest, though. (only one waterslide)

 

Just beware that you may be sailing during Spring Break here in the U.S. All the cruises will have tons of families/kids/college students, depending on which week you cruise.

 

I know you are traveling from far away - Australia is on my bucket list! Read, research, and you will definitely come to an educated decision. Make sure you go to the "ports of call" boards and research each port for great suggestions on what to do, how to book, etc. Many people save money by booking private excursions instead of ship excursions. Since you are coming from so far away, and it is your first cruise, I would suggest booking ship excursions. That way if you miss a port, etc., you will get your money refunded, and don't have to worry about "missing the ship." Which - while seldom happens - could happen if your privately booked excursion is late getting back. Private excursions are usually cheaper and less crowded, though.

 

Good luck, and let us know what you decided!

[parkesyau]

thankyou for your reply i appreciate your feedback and its great to hear from someone who has done glory!! I didn't realise it recently had some additions and it seems getting a few more slides which certainly helps. The reason i have started to sway more to carnival is the fact that it is geared towards families and kids. If the kids enjoy kids club and husband and i get some down time thats a bonus!! Glory and Magic are my two key ones at this stage and both work within our itinerary. Glory would leave on 14th April and Magic on 21st so i believe just outside your spring break.im sure we wills till get kids on board which doesn't bother us seeing as we have kids and our kids love socialising and making friends on every holiday. I just wasnt sure if Amber cove is more of a safer bet as a port seeing as its not tendered and if the Magic was worth so much more considering it seems Glory has many kids activities like hasbro, lip synch battle, mini golf, basketball courts, running track for me etc etc.

It really is nice to hear opinions before booking. One draw card of Glory is i can squeeze a visit in to Miami. I can't say its ever been on my top cities to visit but would be nice. Port Canaveral is obiously convenient as we will be visiting DW as well.we are pretty easy going and not the type that complain endlessly. Ideally my husband wants a drink package. Im worried theres a lot of hidden costs I'm not factoring into carnival.Food is included, drink is not??Snacks if we get hungry during the ship days?

i am a year out and already planning this trip of a lifetime. As mentioned i know its just ship but as a family i want to ensure we have a great time at sea and at port

thankyou

[pe4all]

If you are interested in adding in Disney/Universal Studios (also a "don't miss") I would definitely pick Magic. Same itinerary as Glory during that 4/21 sailing. While I have never been on Magic, we have ported next to her many times, and her waterworks and mini golf look great! Yes, Glory does have Hasbro, etc. - but going to Disney would definitely be a deal-maker for me! (try to Universal - Harry Potter is amazing!) Miami is fun to visit, but if you/your kids have never been to the Orlando area, go for it!

[ABQrobin]

Magic and Glory are both great options for families. We have done both. I would pick according to what ports you visit.

Only thing Magic offers that isn't on the Glory is the "ropes" course. Magic also has a pay restaurant, Italian Cuchina. Not really a factor IMHO.

Magic is slightly bigger, if that matters. See my trip reports under my signature for photos and videos.

 

robin

[nealstuber]

As fellow beach freak, I vote for Magic in a Cove Balcony which are not offered on Glory or Conquest.

 

Also, not to complicate things further for you, but I would price out RCCL with kids that age. If this is something you think you'll only do once Oasis, Allure or Harmony have so much more for kids and RCCL's private islands are very nice and Labadee has a pier so it's not cancelled as much.

 

 

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[parkesyau]

I'll be going to Disney regardless which ship we choose it is just a case of do we include Miami on the trip which would be nice or bypass it and stay around Orlando for more time. Not really a factor as we are prepared to drive/fly between the two for the right cruise

 

I know magic is bigger and glory is older.i am unsure whether bigger ship is more important not sure how rough the seas get out that way.both port itineraries for magic and glory are great glory has HMC magic has Amber which I am not as thrilled about as half moon cay.

 

Not sure how much more value a ropes course would be once you do it once that's probably enough.

And RCI I did originally look at however it adds another $1000 to overall cost for us. MSC is around the $2000aussie dollars for interior and carnival is $3000 for a port hole room. I don't mind the price jump as carnival have a special on deposits at the moment and go to 4 ports and seem to offer a heck of a lot more for the family. I know it's older and probably dated but the glory itinery stands out( I hope we don't miss half moon even though I know it's a possibility)

I'm also hoping smaller ship means less crowds and easier to get to the pools and pool chairs

Too many factors I am sure I just need to lock something in and then forget it

[ABQrobin]

Older is a relative term. The Glory isn't that old, it looks really nice, and has all the 2.0 upgrades.

I wouldn't get an interior room, on your first cruise. Even a porthole might feel restrictive, with kids even more crowded. If you are wanting fancy, glass and muted colors, then Carnival isn't for you unless you go to the Breeze or Vista. All other Carnival ships interiors were designed by an italian artist, Farcus, so can they be very funky and creative, all with a particular theme. Glory is a nautical theme, tons of ropes and sails, and red white and blue. Magic is art deco, so pink and turquoise circles and triangles. I absolutely love the Farcus designs, but some people hate them. We are heading out in 2 days for the Freedom which is what I call a 60s psychodelic trip of pasleys and swirls.

 

Other than decor.... you really aren't going to see a whole lot of differences in ships.... like I said before, pick by itinerary.

 

robin

[A&Jfamily]

Ok so we are travelling a loooooong way from Australia in april 2018 and my dream has always been to see the carribean. I've convinced my husband to try the "cruise" way of life and I am so excited.

Originally I was looking at the MSC seaside leaving from Miami it visits st Maarten Nassau and San Juan. The ship looks phenomenal the price is cheap for a family of 4. Our kids are going to be 9 and 7 when we cruise and if we ever holiday with a kids club that's where they prefer to be at nights rather than being dragged to dinner.

I know MSC is new and shiny and has slides and bowling etc etc but I was a little concerned it was light on port days and honestly on St maarten is jumping out at me as a standout.

We are beach people we love to chill out and enjoy plus I want to see those beautiful carribean postcard beaches.

 

I've recently started looking into Carnival. Here in Australia they are known as a party ship for 20 year olds looking for a cheap holiday in the pacific.

It's hard to know what our best fit will be but I love the idea where the kids will have plenty on board to do. Waterslides and pools are great they are sun loving kids. Carnival appeals with all the bonus entertainment hasbro lip synch battle(my daughter would love that) mini golf ropes courses where applicable.

I have just read so many negative reviews about carnival in regard to service and food I am honestly scared. In saying that we are pretty laid back and don't expect the best. We will be booking an indoor room as we won't be there unless we need to sleep.

 

I have a few ships in mind and I am trying to base this on ports on offer and what's going to give us that carribean experience I am after. The beaches those turquoise beaches!!!!!!

Which is why the Glory sailing from Miami is jumping out at me. It visits half moon cay which looks out of this world. St Thomas, San Juan and grand Turk. We don't plan to sit on the beach in all 4 ports but the picture postcard HMC looks amazing. While st maarten originally was appealing I think St Thomas will still be great. Lots of snorkel tours on offer and I hear St John is where it's at.

Alternatively the Conquest has a similar route but omits HMC and st Thomas to replace with St Maarten and St Kitts

 

A third option is the Magic sailing from Orlando with the same route as the glory expect Amber cove instead of HMC. Amber cove doesn't look as postcard perfect blue waters and sand etc. maybe I am not looking at the best pictures but seems to be not as good.

 

Finally was the sunshine but only visits 3 ports of Bonaire Aruba and grand Turk

So this wasn't high on my list

 

I know the magic has ropes courses is bigger newer etc and my kids would love it I am just worried I am missing out massively in what I seek ( who cares about the husband and kids) which is the postcard beach 😭. Honestly kids would be happy there's sun and San and husband will be happy where there is beer.

 

I do know HMC is tendered and very often gets cancelled. I have read many glory trip reviews which are wonderful and the. Ports sound amazing. It's is however a smaller older ship.

 

I guess I am reaching out to all the carnival fanatics who have done the carribean and can steer me in the right direction. Maybe ease my mind on Amber cove and tell me about some beaches which look like HMC on there. or else some people who loved the glory and fee my family will too.

 

The reason carnival has become so appealing is all the shore excursions on offer.

The cruise itself won't be as cheap as MSC but I think I would rather an extra port to explore.

 

Msc is still on my list however I am now focusing on carnival as an option. It's probably the one and only carribean cruise I will do. It's a long way from where we are and won't have the luxury to do it frequently

I know ships are important and catering for my little ones is a must. Great kids facilities and clubs, entertainment preferably pool areas where we won't have to fight for a chair

We plan to said Mid April

Any advice is greatly appreciated

 

My advice is don't plan a cruise for any particular port; if you want to see someplace in particular, take a land based vacation there. HMC can get cancelled, as well as other tender ports such as Grand Cayman.

 

HMC is a beach day. Lovely

Grand Turk - also a beach day. Wonderful place to take a snorkel trip if you are into that. Also the tram is nice for a couple of hours to see the island

St Thomas is beautiful but developed and has a ton of things to do. This one is worth an island tour.

St. Marteen - not the prettiest port imho but decent beaches.

St Kitts - haven't been yet

Amber Cove - you are correct in that not the prettiest port for beaches but a lovely lush green island.

 

All of the ports have great stuff to do. But stay away from Nassau and Freeport as they are "ugly" by the standards you are hoping to see.

 

Glory and Conquest are the "weakest" of the ships you are looking at. But by no means bad! We have had tons of fun on both. Our kids are now 13 and 19 and you can look at my signature and see that they have been on many of these ships and many of these ports and always had a great time. So don't stress on that point. The top ship IMHO is Sunshine for its wide variety of activities and food choices. Then your best bets are Magic, Breeze and Dream - basically sister ships, and the new Vista. These have more bells and whistles than the older ships. You can use the website for a comparison but my advice is DON'T get caught up in the details.

 

Lastly, let me throw a wrench into your search. All these ports you are looking at are considered on the "eastern" routes. Have you looked into any of the "western?" I think my kids prefer this because the options are endless.

 

Cozumel - beautiful beaches, swim with dolphins at Chankanaab etc.

Grand Cayman - gorgeous 7 mile beach plus turtle farm and sting ray encounters. decent snorkeling

Roatan - our favorite port. Amazing green mountanous island with west bay beach with best snorkeling from shore I have found. Hold monkeys, sloths, iguanas...need I say more for kids?

Belize - also the beautiful blue waters you are imagining. This is a snorkel port. On a huge reef so plan a beach snorkel day at this tender port. Also, if you want to get more creative, do Altun Ha and River Wallace to see some mayan ruins and have an amazing trip down the river where we saw monkeys bats manatees dolphins iguanas crocodiles all in native environment!

 

You won't go wrong whatever you choose!

[Cruiseman38]

Was on Glory just last June and loved her. Perfect size. Food was fine. Service was top notch. Have a great cruise which ever ship you choose!!!!

[GeorgiaMomof4]

I was going to suggest looking at the Western routes as well. There are many beautiful beaches on those itineraries and I don't think they tend to get cancelled as much as some of the others but I could be wrong.

 

We just did a girls 5 day cruise to Costa Maya and Cozumel.

 

Here is a picture of the beach in Costa Maya Mexico - one of our favorite places!

 

[Anthomaniac]

The glory seven day itinerary is our favorite right now. We'll be doing it again in November. Longer cruises have less party vibe, as well as cruises while school is in session (no spring break, Thanksgiving, summer, etc)

 

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[cb at sea]

Carnival is a "family" lines...the "party cruises are the 3-4 day shorties....and that's true on ALL of the mass-market lines.

[A&Jfamily]

thankyou for your reply i appreciate your feedback and its great to hear from someone who has done glory!! I didn't realise it recently had some additions and it seems getting a few more slides which certainly helps. The reason i have started to sway more to carnival is the fact that it is geared towards families and kids. If the kids enjoy kids club and husband and i get some down time thats a bonus!! Glory and Magic are my two key ones at this stage and both work within our itinerary. Glory would leave on 14th April and Magic on 21st so i believe just outside your spring break.im sure we wills till get kids on board which doesn't bother us seeing as we have kids and our kids love socialising and making friends on every holiday. I just wasnt sure if Amber cove is more of a safer bet as a port seeing as its not tendered and if the Magic was worth so much more considering it seems Glory has many kids activities like hasbro, lip synch battle, mini golf, basketball courts, running track for me etc etc.

It really is nice to hear opinions before booking. One draw card of Glory is i can squeeze a visit in to Miami. I can't say its ever been on my top cities to visit but would be nice. Port Canaveral is obiously convenient as we will be visiting DW as well.we are pretty easy going and not the type that complain endlessly. Ideally my husband wants a drink package. Im worried theres a lot of hidden costs I'm not factoring into carnival.Food is included, drink is not??Snacks if we get hungry during the ship days?

i am a year out and already planning this trip of a lifetime. As mentioned i know its just ship but as a family i want to ensure we have a great time at sea and at port

thankyou

 

I love hearing that this is a trip of a lifetime for you - made me chuckle because Australia is a trip of a lifetime for me!

 

The first key to having a good cruise is go with the right attitude - nothing in life is perfect and if you go with an up beat excitement and happy disposition you will have a great time.

 

Is there a chance you could push things to early May? If so, you might find prices a little cheaper. Check out the size of the rooms - CCL is known for having some of the biggest at sea at about 185 sq ft for a balcony - so tight! Throw in 2 kids = chaos. If this really is a trip of a lifetime, I think it would be more enjoyable if 1) you at least have a balcony cabin for the extra space - The kids can come back and go to bed at 10 when camp lets out and mom and dad can watch the stars or 2) you get two rooms - We have been able to consistently book a balcony and an inside across the hall for the kids for $3000 for a week. The extra plus of 2 rooms is 2 bathrooms!

 

As for costs, you will find plenty of threads on here on here outlining the ins and outs. But your food and entertainment is all included (except casino of course or some small necessary things like a martini tasting etc). Kids camp is free until 10 pm and they run about 9 am-12 pm. 1 pm-4 pm and 6 (kids dinner) or 7 pm - 10 pm for free. You can pay for after hours parties but we never did. As for snacks, pizza and deli both have very long hours. Guys burgers runs from lunchtime until early evening. And there is always room service - which has many free options. You will NOT go hungry!

 

Another advantage to booking 2 rooms is that if one of you is more of a drinker than the other, and the $50 per day cheers program would be a benefit, then only one adult needs to purchase it. The other can simply buy their beverages onesie twosie as they want. We just can't drink what cheers demands for 7 days - usually don't spend more than $400 on board for alcohol in 7 days.

 

For non alcoholic beverages, you can get coffee, hot chocolate and hot tea 24/7. Milk/ Juices from room service 24/7. MDR offers all kinds of juices with breakfast (please eat in MDR for breakfast and avoid the rush and hassle with kids that is a buffet - be pampered and waited on!) and Lido will have OJ, Apple and Guava punch. At lunch thru dinner they will switch to iced tea (nasty), lemonade (good to cut tea with) and milk off buffet or from the MDR. We do not get soda cards given these options as it just isn't a big deal for us.

 

Factor in your tips and the costs of your shore excursions and you should be good to go. Of course there are passports etc but those aren't cruise costs per se. You will spend less on the cruise that you will at Disney!

[Drrandall]

I'm taking my 2 daughters on the Breeze in July. Cozumel, Jamaica, Grand Caymen. Seems there are a lot of picky people here up and down about Carnival.

I work at a casino in Colorado. Lots of rich people that cruise a lot. Most have gone on Carnival. I haven't heard one bad review yet from anyone. I'm looking forward to it.

[parkesyau]

Thanks everyone for your input

I know not to get too caught up on one particular port but both glory and magic are favourable for us. With glory edging out on the port and magic edging out on the ship size. It's great to hear people still enjoy the glory.

West carribean was originally what we looked at but decided on the east. I know there is more to do on west but not overly thrilled with the ports

I'm trying to search as many trip reports on both ships to give me a better idea. Cabins don't matter to us I would rather save the money for shore excursions. Unfortunately the Aussie dollar is weaker to the USd so finances are a factor

We have stayed in small rooms before and to be honest will only sleep. Looking at either a port hole room or a scenic oceanview at the front of the glory or just a standard inside room on the magic. This part is just minor detail to us.

I think I need to bite the bullet and just lock one in. I appreciate all feedback and pics etc it's great to see some info from different people

[mariefisher]

I have taken my grandkids on a few cruises and I have to say for beaches and beautiful water I would pick the Western itinerary. Cozumel and Costa Maya don't sound glamorous but the water is so beautiful and the beaches are so accessible. St Thomas does have St John, which is breathtaking but by the time you get there, there is little time to enjoy the island. It is a trek from St. Thomas. One thing I have learned is that each ship has its pluses and minuses and all you have picked are great. But for a once in a lifetime trip I would pick the one you think your kids would love the most. Because I have found if the kids are happy and busy, my husband and I will find our fun. I am sure some will disagree but we have had the best time with our grandkids when they our having a great time. When they say " we don't want to eat in the dining room, we want to go with the kids cub" I know I did good. Have a really fun time planning, what an experience your family is going to have! Enjoy

[A&Jfamily]

Ok if you are set on eastern then I vote Magic. I would place the convenience of being in the Orlando area and the ship at the top of the list. HMC is an unknown so I don't thing you should factor that in. And you still get a beautiful beach day in St John and Grand Turk.

 

 

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[attran99]

Not sure how helpful this is, but recently we took our family (kids 14, 12, and 11) on a trip through the southern Caribbean. The kids had a fantastic time, and met a lot of new friends on the ship via the kids' club. Our kids are eating adult portions now, and they really enjoyed the offerings in the dining room. They also had no qualms about visiting the buffet for burgers, chicken tenders, hot dogs, and fries...not to forget 24 hour pizza and ice cream. We had an amazing time at our stops, but we loved St. Kitts, St. Maarten, and St. Thomas the most. St. Kitts was a huge hit because our trip to Carambola Beach Club had the added surprise of (for additional fees) jet skis, beachside massage services, and photos with the island-native monkeys on top of one of the most beautiful beaches we've ever seen. The photos with the monkey were the highlight of their day, and the beachside massage being ours. The stretch of beach is big enough for a walk down to the black sand shore on the other side. Carambola also offered the poshest beach club we found out entire trip...large, comfy and padded chaise loungers, large umbrellas, and the bar makes an amazing lemon ginger tea that's to die for on a warm day. Taxi out the resort will cost you about $8 per person, and the driver will make arrangements with you to come pick you up when you are ready to go back to the ship. We had Cecil (owner/operator of Champ Taxi Service) and his brand new van took us on a tour of the island (with narration) and a stop at Timothy Hill where you will see both the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea in one gorgeous shot. Carambola Beach Club rental fees will run $30 for a set of 2 loungers and 1 very large umbrella. Food and drinks are a la carte. If you're interested in snorkeling and sea life, Coki Beach in St. Thomas offers the best snorkeling we found during our journey and they have an aquarium, too...we stayed on the beach and skipped the aquarium. The family loved being able to see so many different fish in the clear waters.

I agree with what previous folks say, pick the itinerary and not the ship. You'll likely have so much fun at the ports, you won't need too much of the ship when you come back aboard. We were on the Fascination (almost no bells and whistles), and still had a fabulous time because it was port-intensive with 5 stops. Oftentimes, we came back aboard too tired and in need of a shower, some light room service (with a stop at the bar to take drinks back to our room) and a pre-dinner nap.

[ommax2]

We just did RCI IN 2015....and my kids begged to go back to Carnival....we are on Magic 6/17....after a week at WDW.... We did the opposite last time, and I learned that we WDW first, so we can relax after on a cruise. My teens are waterfall jumping with dad at Amber Cove, and my little and I are hanging at the pool and Grandmas over the water cabana! I'll be happy to share all about kids stuff(she is 10) when we get back with you...:)

[lolavix]

We sailed on Fascination last summer and enjoyed ourselves quite a bit. I wanted to mention that at least on the Fascination, the kids' club for ages 9-11 wasn't so great. There were several nights where my boys were in a conference room, away from any of the toys and games in the regular kids' club area. There was one night that they contacted us and asked to be picked up because they weren't having fun, which hadn't happened on our NCL cruise. I am not sure if this is true of all Carnival ships or just some. I don't think it was true for the other age groups on the Fascination.

 

My boys still met other kids, but we all sort of thought it was odd to not be in the actual kids club at time.

[parkesyau]

I have taken my grandkids on a few cruises and I have to say for beaches and beautiful water I would pick the Western itinerary. Cozumel and Costa Maya don't sound glamorous but the water is so beautiful and the beaches are so accessible. St Thomas does have St John, which is breathtaking but by the time you get there, there is little time to enjoy the island. It is a trek from St. Thomas. One thing I have learned is that each ship has its pluses and minuses and all you have picked are great. But for a once in a lifetime trip I would pick the one you think your kids would love the most. Because I have found if the kids are happy and busy, my husband and I will find our fun. I am sure some will disagree but we have had the best time with our grandkids when they our having a great time. When they say " we don't want to eat in the dining room, we want to go with the kids cub" I know I did good. Have a really fun time planning, what an experience your family is going to have! Enjoy

 

 

You are so right happy kids is happy parents.

Another vote for the western cruise I am now considering it again😁 Oh my goodness

Magic western leaves Orlando and the itinerary is Cozumel Belize mahogany bay Costa maya

I guess I thought two Mexican ports was a bit much

I know Cozumel is flooded with tourists etc

I don't know what Cozumel plus means either 🙈Omg just when I was certain on the east hahaha... out of those ports I know a previous poster mentioned Belize for beautiful beaches do u find them on your own or shore excursions?

Snorkelling is high on the kids list. The pirate ship on hmC looked fun typica photo op

 

The other west trip is ochos rios grand Cayman and Cozumel on the vista one less port so not keen on this option

[mufc99]

We travelled to Fort Lauderdale from WA in March!

Then went on Carnival Conquest, which took in St Marten.

Brilliant spot for plane watching!

Must say the food on the ship was excellent!

[honestguy]

I didn't read all the other replies, but I will say this. you're coming a long way to see the caribbean. I feel St thomas is a must. I think it's the prettiest port to dock in in the caribbean. Also with all the the other islands surrounding st thomas, it has that magical feel. imo. St john is even more amazing, but on a cruise you have to choose one or the other to see. Now onto HMC. It's the best beach period imo.(I've been to almost every great beach in the caribbean) Grand turk is awesome as well. but IMO St thomas, is better than st maarten.

[parkesyau]

I didn't read all the other replies, but I will say this. you're coming a long way to see the caribbean. I feel St thomas is a must. I think it's the prettiest port to dock in in the caribbean. Also with all the the other islands surrounding st thomas, it has that magical feel. imo. St john is even more amazing, but on a cruise you have to choose one or the other to see. Now onto HMC. It's the best beach period imo.(I've been to almost every great beach in the caribbean) Grand turk is awesome as well. but IMO St thomas, is better than st maarten.

 

I guess im always going to find West Vs East lovers. Which is why East was my first choice, until some west lovers threw in their love for the west in as far as shore excursions for the kids haha and now im confused once more. HMC i know is a 50/50 with weather and if we can get on shore. I would love to see it but no guarantees.West was originally on my list however i was not getting the " carribean" feel going to mexico twice. No offence mexico they have some wonderful beaches but it was the appeal of those other east ports that attracted me. Good snorkelling is a must. While belize looks wonderful and mahogany bay the snorkelling in belize is restricted to 8 years old my son is going to be 7 and would hate to miss out. surely they can put a life jacket on him and let him put his head in and see the fish.

Back to the drawing board i go to do some more research on Belize and Mahogany bay beaches and shore excursions :eek: I have the Glory east cruise on HOLD for 24 hours so its going to be a long night i think. For you west lovers point me in the right direction for shore excursions to look at in belize and mahogany bay and costa maya that may sway me.Cozumel is easy ( beach club or xcaret ;) )