Celebrity cruisers planning a multi-gen vacation - other lines to consider?

[Alsmez]

DH (43) and I (40) are big fans of Celebrity and have our fourth S-class cruise coming up in a couple of months. Aside from a trip I took on Carnival about 12 years ago, we've never sailed another line. However, my parents have expressed interest in a cruise for a big family vacation they want to take in December 2018 or January 2019, which would include us, them (72 and 76), my two siblings and their spouses (late 30s early 40s) and three kids (7, 5 and 3 by then), plus possibly my 21 year old stepdaughter.

 

Anyway, my parents have never cruised, so my mother asked me to help her research what lines might be a good fit for the whole family. As much as I love Celebrity (and I think my parents and siblings would like it too), I'm not sure that it offers enough for the little ones. I admittedly don't know much about X's kids' program, but I am guessing that a ship/cruiseline with a greater focus on kid-friendly activities (waterslides, youth-oriented shows, casual dining venues) would be a better option. However, I don't want to lose the classy "modern luxury" of Celebrity entirely. Royal Caribbean sprang to mind immediately, but I also thought of Norwegian. Any other suggestions?

 

We are flexible in terms of port and destination, although the Caribbean seems like an obvious choice for that time of year. We'll all have to fly to the departure port so Galveston, New Orleans or any East Coast/Florida port would be fine. We'll probably stick to 4-5 day itineraries, although a 7 day for the right price could work. Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

[neverbeenhere]

Five night Enchantment of the Seas out of Galveston in Dec 2018.

 

Currently on sale for a great price, depending on stateroom selection... watchout/understand non refundable deposits.

[mailmama]

Royal's Freedom of the seas has the cartoon characters for the kids, besides the kids club. Water park for the kids too. So does the Allure. Shows to entertain all ages. Done both for family reunions and it worked great for everyone !

 

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[KuffMUp]

I would recommend Royal Caribbean. The ships are elegant enough but have stuff for the younger kids to enjoy. Don't know enough about X as i'm going to be headed off with them for the first time in 26 days!!!

[Alsmez]

So far Royal seems to be a top pick. I know the kids would enjoy Disney as well, but I'm not sure the adults would - we're not Disney haters but I wouldn't say we're fans either. Royal has a good number of 4 and 5 night sailings to choose from, too!

[Tummy]

We've been on 14 cruises in the last 9 years, 4 on Celebrity, the rest on Royal and NCL.

 

We're in our 30's and overall we like the new NCL ships better, Breakaway/Getaway than Celebrity. We like the more casual "Freestyle" dining and more selections in specialty restaurants. Cagney's steak house is always very good and much cheaper cover charge than on Celebrity. The french restaurant, Le Bistro, has also always been very good depending upon what you order. The newer ships have outdoor dining which was very nice when we went. For activities, the waterpark/water slides and ropes course was fun.

 

You might also consider the Royal Caribbean Oasis class ships. They have a lot to do, but we felt it was a lot like a land based resort or Vegas resort, since the interior is so big. We didn't like any of the food on the Oasis last year. We have not tried the new Quantum class ships on RCL yet.

 

If you are booking everyone's cabin, you might consider getting an Amex Platinum card since each cabin gets an extra $100-300 OBC on top of whatever the TA offers. $100 for inside, $200 for balcony, $300 for suites. each card member can get up to 3 cabins using the deal. On NCL you also get a free specialty dinner in Le Bistro. Click on the ship logos at the bottom of the page to see what you get on each line. Despite what it says, you can book with any TA that knows how to apply the benefit, not just Amex agents. https://www.americanexpresscruise.com/cruises/promos/amex/shopping/cruise_privileges_program.jsp?cobrand=15558&webpagerecno=2357

[Can'tstopcruising]

Interesting question.

 

We are doing our first multi-generational cruise to Alaska.

 

I checked out the other lines, but decided to stick with Celebrity Solstice after all.

 

We have met families on previous Celebrity cruises and the little ones enjoyed the kids programme.

 

My grandchildren are young like your children and they will not be needing rock climbing,etc. They will need supervised activities which are age appropriate.

[Baron Barracuda]

Since you're from the NYC area the logical choice would be Royal's Anthem out of Bayonne. Has unique activities like bumper cars, sky diving, North Star and circus school, plus rock climbing, surfing, etc, etc. Really enjoyed entertainment venues 270 and music hall. They offer several itineraries and best of all, no airfare.

[Alsmez]

We've been on 14 cruises in the last 9 years, 4 on Celebrity, the rest on Royal and NCL.

 

We're in our 30's and overall we like the new NCL ships better, Breakaway/Getaway than Celebrity. We like the more casual "Freestyle" dining and more selections in specialty restaurants. Cagney's steak house is always very good and much cheaper cover charge than on Celebrity. The french restaurant, Le Bistro, has also always been very good depending upon what you order. The newer ships have outdoor dining which was very nice when we went. For activities, the waterpark/water slides and ropes course was fun.

 

You might also consider the Royal Caribbean Oasis class ships. They have a lot to do, but we felt it was a lot like a land based resort or Vegas resort, since the interior is so big. We didn't like any of the food on the Oasis last year. We have not tried the new Quantum class ships on RCL yet.

 

If you are booking everyone's cabin, you might consider getting an Amex Platinum card since each cabin gets an extra $100-300 OBC on top of whatever the TA offers. $100 for inside, $200 for balcony, $300 for suites. each card member can get up to 3 cabins using the deal. On NCL you also get a free specialty dinner in Le Bistro. Click on the ship logos at the bottom of the page to see what you get on each line. Despite what it says, you can book with any TA that knows how to apply the benefit, not just Amex agents. https://www.americanexpresscruise.com/cruises/promos/amex/shopping/cruise_privileges_program.jsp?cobrand=15558&webpagerecno=2357

 

Thanks for the tips! I will have a closer look at Norwegian. I have heard from many people that NCL is pretty awful unless you cruise in a suite, but perhaps that is changing.

[Alsmez]

My grandchildren are young like your children and they will not be needing rock climbing' date='etc. They will need supervised activities which are age appropriate.[/quote']

 

Yes, I was a little worried that the activities on RCL are geared a bit more toward tweens and teens, but upon looking at their website it seems that they offer a fair number of things for younger kids as well. I won't be the ultimate decision maker on this trip, but I will point this out to my parents!

[Alsmez]

Since you're from the NYC area the logical choice would be Royal's Anthem out of Bayonne. Has unique activities like bumper cars, sky diving, North Star and circus school, plus rock climbing, surfing, etc, etc. Really enjoyed entertainment venues 270 and music hall. They offer several itineraries and best of all, no airfare.

 

This would be perfect for us but the rest of the family is not NYC based - they'll be coming from the Chicago area. We could host them for a night before the cruise which would save on hotels, but I'm not sure any of them will want to spend two or three days of a short cruise in cold weather before we hit warm temps. Maybe if we choose a 7 day itinerary that would work...

[Shadow9612]

I think you should consider your parents moreso than the kids, due to the ages of your parents.

 

I think celebrity is the best fit for all generations so you get the luxury feel for your parents, you know already what to expect, and I've always seen kids on X cruises having a good time.

 

Royal might be excellent for teenage kids, but perhaps too hectic feeling for your parents - just my 2 cents.

 

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[Can'tstopcruising]

An afterthought!

 

My family (not us) went on the Allure. At the time the older one was 3 and he loved everything about it. That ship is eye candy! Even a carousel in one of the lobbies!

As for seniors, some love the excitement of a huge ship and others don't. You know your parents' taste!

 

Whatever you choose, it is wonderful that you all will be together.

[hcat]

Oasis had a carousel, kiddie waterpark, lots for the young,,We didnt like it very much..,not compared to X..esp for dining.Pool areas crowded Lots of pre reserved events and lines.....

 

Maybe Royal ship down in size from Oasis would be good...still have the kiddie, stuff and characters and maybe more acceptable for your parents.. That's what we're looking at for a three generation family cruise...

 

Independence has 4 and 5 nighters frim Fl.. You can order a nice Royal brochure online for 2018 -2019...nice photos and itins along with deck plans,..

Edited October 30, 2017 by hcat

[cynbar]

Thanks for the tips! I will have a closer look at Norwegian. I have heard from many people that NCL is pretty awful unless you cruise in a suite, but perhaps that is changing.

We prefer Celebrity and Princess but have enjoyed our NCL cruises, don't agree that they are pretty awful Decor is brighter than Celebrity, atmosphere is livelier, entertainment is better and there are more of the "bells and whistles" that would appeal to the younger ones. I do have to say that we budget for several nights in the specialty restaurants, love the variety and prices are better than Celebrity. It's worth considering.

[Loracpin2]

We are loyal Celebrity (28) cruisers but booked RCI Anthem of the Seas for our 50th Anniversary (same ages as your parents) cruise with our three children and their spouses, all in their 40's and our eight grandchildren ranging from 8 to 18. Our goal was for EVERYONE to have a great time and they did. There were enough activities and bells & whistles to make everyone happy (especially Grandma & Papa constantly seeing 14 smiling faces) and I don't think this would have happened on a Celebrity ship. We also did this for our 45th anniversary and that time we chose the Freedom of the seas. The kids were then 3 to 13 and loved the DreamWorks characters.

 

If you go with Royal, I recommend Freedom, Oasis or Anthem class ships.

[Algebralovr]

The ages of your little people they would be fine in the Celebrity kids club. My 21 and 23 year olds enjoy the laid back X line as well. We enjoyed a big family vacation on Silhouette and rented an Alcove for the week as Home Base.

 

Your 30-40s will be fine, as the kids will be entertained and they can relax.

 

So, I'd go where you know you and your parents will be happy

 

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[NantahalaCruiser]

The 7 and under kids will probably enjoy the kid's activities on Celebrity as well as any other cruise line other than probably DIsney. And the 70's grandparents will probably like Celebrity best.

 

So perhaps it depends mostly on the interests of the six in their late 30's and early 40's along with the potential 21 year old. If they are relatively active and athletically inclined then they would probably appreciate RCI more than Celebrity. If more sedate than active, then Celebrity is you best bet.

[awhfy]

If it is a consideration, Royals casinos are smoking, not non smoking like Celebrity.

 

Kids club on Celebrity are good. Much better ratio of counselors to kids, more activities

 

Martini Bar on Celebrity

 

 

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[phxbne]

We had a great 3 generation vacation on Celebrity a couple of years ago.

I suggest that the adults choose based on pricing and itinerary - when we did that, Summit out of San Juan won out for better pricing and more interesting stops (for our family) than RCL out of Florida. Although that itinerary is sadly much less appealing after this devastating hurricane season.

My daughters first cruise was at age 5 on Solstice and she loved it. The kids club is great on Celebrity.

Have a wonderful time creating shared memories!

[Alsmez]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts! Turns out my parents have decided to go in a different direction with this vacation - I don't think my dad was up for a cruise. He is somewhat of a nervous traveler and I think the idea of a floating hotel was just not appealing. They've booked a house in Orlando instead, so at least we'll still get some warm weather! I will keep these ideas in mind though, in case an opportunity to cruise arises in the future.

[kearney]

We took our first Celebrity cruise in September on the Equinox. We loved it, but the cruise was mostly couples 45-75 year of age with only 6 children on the ship. I did see a few activities for kids, but not much. We have sailed RCCL about 16 times. They really focus on families. I highly recommend the Oasis class of ship. It is a large ship, but does not feel large... people spread out. My husband has difficulty walking so we try to get a cabin near the aft elevators... this bank of elevators lines up with the dining room and provides easy access to the Boardwalk area... out the back of the ship and Central park in the center. Now the ship is focused inward, with few ocean views from public areas. So you might want to get a suite in an ocean view balcony (or a connecting cabins- ocean view balcony) to use as a gathering place... perhaps a few cabins across the hall, ideally looking out to Central park or boardwalk (although these are a bit away from elevator).

We do not have children, but I have been impressed with the number of activities for a wide age range... something for virtually everyone. I never felt the presence of children to be a problem... then again we are not pool people, so perhaps that is where there might be issues. Between the zip line, flow rider, rock wall and now the big slide on Harmony... so say nothing of game rooms and sports activities.. there is a lot to do. They also have great shows, from broadway (did not particularly care for "Cats" on Oasis) to comedy shows to ice shows etc...

FYI Central park balcony rooms look down onto a quite part of the ship and Boardwalk balcony rooms over look a noisier, active part of the ship with a large merry go round and a large diving arena where they put on shows. The ice and diving shows feature Olympic caliber performers. Not familiar with Carnival and it has been years since we sailed NCL.

[the_dylaness]

I'll surprise myself here by saying that I really might consider Norwegian, if you can do the Haven.

For a long time I never even considered cruising NCL. Then, it just so happened that a short cruise (I'd never done 5 nights before and haven't since) kind of fell in my lap. We went on an older NCL ship, NOT in the Haven... and did not have that great of a time, although my then 5 year old daughter liked the kids club a LOT compared to Disney (too busy). I decided to give them one more try, and we went on the Escape in the Haven last month. The rest of the ship was kind of a zoo, but the Haven was nice, and there were activities of some sort for everyone. Lots of shows, lots of different pool activities for our kids, good Splash Academy programming... Is it perfect? No. But I think it would be great for a multigenerational cruise.

 

For comparison I have also sailed RCCL (forever ago, totally different than today's product), Princess, X, Carnival (never again), Crystal, Seabourn, Disney, HAL, and maybe someone else who I can't remember right now? So we have experienced a lot of different styles of cruising, from insides to suites, and I would most recommend NCL Haven based on our experiences, for your upcoming cruise. Either way, happy cruising!

[hansolosmom]

Here are my thoughts just in case the plans change:

If you look to book from NYC - then go either Anthem or Breakaway (but only if you can do Haven). For either ship you would have a covered area for the cold days since they were both designed for cold weather. Both have a good number of activities.

If anyone has issues with smoke avoid Breakaway.

 

If you are looking for something out of FL -

I would try either Freedom class or higher on RC. They have tons of activities for all ages.

I would even consider an S class on Celebrity. However, if you were cruising in Dec/Jan there may not be as many families as you would have in the summer, unless it was around the break time.

 

It's usually not the kids that have an issue since all the kids clubs are pretty good and comparable, it's the adults where you need to make sure you have the activity spread like rock walls/flowrider vs tango classes and trivia.

[fshagan]

Thanks for the tips! I will have a closer look at Norwegian. I have heard from many people that NCL is pretty awful unless you cruise in a suite, but perhaps that is changing.

 

Like all lines, it depends on the ship and what your individual likes and dislikes are. We are veteran NCL cruisers but have also sailed Disney, Celebrity, NCL and Princess.

 

Disney remains our favorite because of the ships - immaculate, far cleaner than any other line we have been on - and the lack of casinos and people trying to get their money's worth out of a drink package make it much nicer family atmosphere. But, others like to gamble and smoke and drink, and so Disney would bore them to death. Pre-teen kids absolutely love Disney's children's programs but friends with teens have liked other lines with more activities. You typically pay twice as much to sail DCL, though.

 

NCL would be my choice for a family gathering, especially if some have not sailed before. The Freestyle concept for dining fits them better, and they won't feel awkward for "dressy" or "formal" or "evening chic" nights. NCL does Freestyle much better than Celebrity's any time dining, which is a poor imitation of the concept. If your group includes teens and young adults, then NCL moves out in front in my view (even ahead of DCL).

 

Celebrity would be third, but I'm basing that on a single cruise on the Infinity recently that was good, but we didn't feel it was any better overall than NCL. There is a lack of activities, at least on our cruise, that I think might bore teens and the twenties crowd. Between Celebrity and NCL I would choose by price and ship.

 

We haven't been on Princess in several years, but left because it was too formal, too staid, and a bit pretentious. It may be different now.

 

So my opinion would be DCL if you can swing it and have pre-teens, or between NCL and Celebrity on larger ships if you have teens and people in their 20's.