Carnival or Royal Caribbean?? Islands?? family of 4

[SugaMyst]

We want to take our daughter on a trip to celebrate her high school graduation + her accomplishments (Honors graduate w a full ride to WVU honors college!)

([emoji16] Sorry, but I'm so proud!!)

 

I've researched so many cruises and I feel more lost now then before!

 

This is our "situation..."

There would be 4 of us, me, dad, our daughter (18 y old) & our son (15 y old).

We'd perfer to leave from Florida;

We would like to go in September;

We would like to take a 7 day Eastern Caribbean cruise - around the St. Martian, Turks areas

I want as much all-inclusive we can get;

I want a ship that will keep our son entertained.

(My entertainment will come from the pools and hopefully a casino.)

Excursions don't really matter to us - We are truly going for the beaches and "tropical" experience. Of course though, I really want to swim with a dolphin!

 

 

I guess what I want is a lot of bang for the buck. I'm hoping someone can shed some light and help me decide which would be best, Carnival or RC? Islands to visit? Any any other advice.

 

Thanks! Carrie

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[SadieN]

Think it depends on the ships and your family. We sail Carnival.

Many of RCI ships have flowriders. If that’s important than choose that. The newer Carnival ships have lots more things to do (sky rides, ropes courses, waterslides) than the older ships.

If your kids don’t need that kind of stimulation and can entertain themselves then it doesn’t matter which ship you choose. Carnival’s kids club age out at 18. Sometimes an 18yo will be accepted by the counselor. Bring her student ID. It really depends on the numbers.

At 18 they can do almost anything onboard except drink and go onto the Serenity Deck.

 

 

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[cb at sea]

The SHIP will be the thing....research which ships go where you want to go at the time you want to be there. Pick the biggest ship on either line....they are newer and have more "bells and whistles".

 

Both RCI and Carnival have nothing for 18 year olds....they are considered adults (as they should be) and it's up to them, just like it's up to you, to entertain yourselves. They can do everything but drink booze. The 15 year old will be totally entertained on either cruise line or ship....he's still young enough to make use of the clubs and the friends he'll meet there.

[Joebucks]

The SHIP will be the thing....research which ships go where you want to go at the time you want to be there. Pick the biggest ship on either line....they are newer and have more "bells and whistles".

 

Both RCI and Carnival have nothing for 18 year olds....they are considered adults (as they should be) and it's up to them, just like it's up to you, to entertain yourselves. They can do everything but drink booze. The 15 year old will be totally entertained on either cruise line or ship....he's still young enough to make use of the clubs and the friends he'll meet there.

 

This post pretty much nails everything I was going to say. I think the cruise line/intinerary you choose is subjective to you and your family. The most important thing I think, for the younger crowd is the bigger ship. That age when they are older teens can be tough to find enough activities to stay busy.

 

Congrats to your daughter as well!

[Grandma Dazzles]

Would suggest Royal Caribbean, especially one of the mega ships - Oasis class.

 

I disagree that there is nothing for 18-year-olds specifically. The organized children's clubs and activities end at 17 but that doesn't mean there is nothing to do! 18-year-olds can do anything anyone else can do except drink alcohol. Examples include casino, rock climbing, zip line, full sports court, pools, flow rider, ice skating, table tennis, mini golf, shuffleboard, dancing, trivia, and much more - enough to keep anyone busy!