Which ship fits the bill????

[cdnliving]

Hello. We are a family of 4 (41, 39,12,10)) travelling March break,looking for ancruise with great kids programs and an upscale small ship feel. We're leaning towards Holland America as its line of ships are small and look intimate and classic. However, we are concerned about the number of kids and kids programs. Are there enough to keep them sufficiently entertained? Are the kids programs scheduled? - getting their own activity schedule would be one of the highlights of their vacation. Additionally we don't want a party cruise, but definitely want some vibe that lasts into the late evening as my husband and I plan to have a date or two. We have also looked at RCI and Princess, but their ships are much bigger, and everything looks so spread out. From previous vacations we have taken, kids have greater fun when they meet other kids, so this means a nicer vacation for all...... Any suggestions or shared experiences would be great. Thanks.

[newmexicoNita]

Even though HAL isn't known for offering the best kids program they are working very hard to change their image and one thing to remember: spring break, cruise ships equals lots of kids. If you really want the small ship experience I can't think of a better line. The luxury lines do offer the same, small ships but are really not geared to kids at all not to mention the pricing. NCL has a great kids program (one of the best at sea) RCI offers lots of activities for the kids and of course Carnival has a good program; none will offer you the intimacy of a the smaller ships. NMnita

[rlkubi]

I have been on 1 Holland America and now we'll be going on our 5th Carnival with another one booked in January. Holland America's main passengers are older. I am 48 and felt young! We took our kids who are older and my granddaughter last year (she was 3) on Carnival and they loved it. I can't speak for the other cruise lines but I really like Carnival.

[vmom]

Have you thought about one of the Princess cruises smaller ships?

[kitty9]

I don't think HAL is best for children of that age. HAL tends to attract a much older clientele, although they are trying, but not really succeeding, in getting rid of that image. Have you thought of Celebrity? Their ships carry less than 1900 passengers, and that's pretty good when compared to the behemoths that carry 3500.

[cdnliving]

Thanks everyone for the good yet, very varied replies....they're all so different - hence my debate. I'd love to hear from any others about their experiences with any of these ships with kids and why they love them.

[jerseygirl3]

I would recommend Celebrity. Their service is outstanding and I've heard excellent things about their kids program. We are going with family for Easter and my nieces and nephews are also coming (ages 9, 12, 14). It will be their first cruise. I've been on Carnival, NCL, Royal Caribbean, Princess, and Celebrity and from what you describe, I think you would enjoy Celebrity.

[Cruzman]

We sailed on the Veendam last Thanksgiving and they had to bring in extra children's counselors because there were so many children onboard for this week. I would expect a similar experience on a sailing during spring break. The reputation as a cruiseline only for the 70+ is rapidly disappearing on most HAL ships. Of course the older demographic still applies on the longer cruises, especially when school is in session. I think this rule applies to just about any cruise line however. I've cruise HAL 6 times and overall the average age wasn't a lot different than other cruise lines on which I have sailed. As for late night activities, I've partied 'til 3 AM in the Crow's Nest several times. My teen aged daughter has cruised 21 times and to this day, she maintains that her very best cruise experience was on the Ryndam. I am certain that one of HAL's S or R Class ships would be just what you are looking for!

[Silvery Seas Cruiser]

Just a thought and please take it as such, but I am wondering if your commitment to a small ship is an absolute. The reason I am asking, is that if I were a child, I just couldn't be happier on any ship than Freedom of the Seas, the present biggest cruise ship in the world.

 

I know that sounds presumptuous of me when you clearly state you want a smaller ship, but I tell you honestly kids just loved the H2O Zone and they loved the ice skating show and some are even asked to sail on the ice show pirate ships. All the kids I saw looked so happy. There was also a wonderful theater show loosely based on fairy tales and children's stories...truly remarkable effects your children might enjoy.

 

Also Freedom goes to the private island Labadee which has many wonderful activities and water sports for children.

 

But if Freedom is just too monstrously big for your taste, perhaps a Disney cruise would be another good choice for your children. However if you enjoy visiting the casino, Disney does not have casinos on their ships. Disney also has a private island with activities children enjoy.

[karen2cruz]

HAL would definitely give you that oldfashioned cruiseship feel. Service, food, ambiance (teak wood promenade and balconys, flowers everywhere). Our first HAL cruise was this aug/Sept. Took my 18 year old son and he had a great time. Their were a nice number of kids all seeming to enjoy themselves and the kids program rooms seemed to have lots going on. Thier are pools and video arcades and all the shows seemed appropriate for all ages.

 

Would highly recommend Hal first, Princess second or even the smaller class ships of RCCL for a great cruise.

 

Personally I did like Disney staterooms...but too many kids and mediocore food. My kids felt lost in the crowds of other kids. Same with the Voyager class of RCCL - too big. The boys were 13 and 17 at the time and wanted to go rock climbing. They only allowed them certain times to sign up. they finally got a time anf stood for an hour to make a 3 minute climb.

 

I think the smaller numbers increase the kid's feeling a little more special.

 

Best wishes for whatever you decide.

[Stardoggy]

It really is interesting to read the different opinions. Your family sounds a lot like mine when we first started cruising with our kids. My husband and I began taking our kids on cruises when they were 9 and 13. My kids are now 24 and 19, but have cruised lots of times. I don't think my kids would love cruising as much if we had started them on Holland America. We did not feel like the staff was nearly as prepared or kid friendly as the other lines we have been on (Carnival, RCCL, Celebrity and HAL). We first took them on RCCL when they were 9 and 14. They had a wonderful time. My husband and I had already sailed RCCL and knew the line was to our liking. We also love Celebrity but because they don't have many ships, it isn't always easy to get a good deal. They both have great kids programs and are so family oriented. Our kids have only been on Carnival once, but they had a good time.

 

I, too, think you might give some thought to a big ship, in particular, the Mariner of the Seas. She is absolutely beautiful and there is sooooooooooo much to do. We had fun ice skating, playing putt putt, and the spa/gym area was wonderful. My kids were older at this point, but they met so many other young people and we didn't see much of them all week. It was by far their favorite cruise. My husband and I loved it also, and will cruise on another "big" ship, but will also enjoy a smaller, more adult-oriented cruise occassionally when it's just the two of us.

 

With all that said, a cruise is truly the most wonderful vacation. ENJOY!!!!! :)

 

K

[cdnliving]

Thankyou all for taking the time and thought for such informative posts.

I have ruled out Disney and Carnival thus far, and celebrity doesnt sail during March break to the Caribean from Fla. ..... YOu have all raised good points about HAL, RCI, and Princess. And yes the Mariner looks absolutely gorgeous - I'm trying to get my head around the big size, and the potential disconnet it might bring us as a family - I hate to trade off the intimacy for the luxurious surroundings as tempting as it is - my it really is beautiful!!!! After looking at the photos of the Mariner I am thinking perhaps I should look at the newer larger ships - you have raised some good points. Needless to say, I'm still working it all through. ....any more insights, experiences would be very appreciated.

[caviargal]

As one who finds the service and food aboard the large ships to be average at best, I avoid them at all costs.

 

Yes, Freedom is a pretty ship and so are the Voyager class of RCI ships but these ships carry a ton of passengers, which you are always aware of when in the public areas. They are also kid magnets and there are many unsupervised kids running amok on holiday sailings. If this does not bother you, perhaps you should consider but I was appalled at what was allowed to go on when the # of kids aboard was high. Forget the adult areas as they are apparently up for grabs as well.

 

I took a group of over 200 on HAL's Zuiderdam last spring break. We had about 30 kids and teens along. I had great feedback from the parents regarding the quality and availability of the kids programs. Vista class ships on HAL were built to help them enter the family market and, although they are larger than the others in HALs fleet, they are not nearly the behemoths of RCI and Princess. And I found the service really very good.

 

X also has a high quality kids program.

 

It really depends what you are looking for....

[jerseygirl3]

Thankyou all for taking the time and thought for such informative posts.

I have ruled out Disney and Carnival thus far, and celebrity doesnt sail during March break to the Caribean from Fla. ..... YOu have all raised good points about HAL, RCI, and Princess. And yes the Mariner looks absolutely gorgeous - I'm trying to get my head around the big size, and the potential disconnet it might bring us as a family - I hate to trade off the intimacy for the luxurious surroundings as tempting as it is - my it really is beautiful!!!! After looking at the photos of the Mariner I am thinking perhaps I should look at the newer larger ships - you have raised some good points. Needless to say, I'm still working it all through. ....any more insights, experiences would be very appreciated.

 

Celebrity has no ships sailing the Caribbean from Florida in March? If that's true, I would think they are locking themselves out of a huge population of cruisers.

[tsj]

My 13 & 15 y.o. daughters loved sailing the Coral Princess last March, it was a 10 day and still lots of kids aboard. We have sailed some large Carnival ships, a couple of medium Princess ships, the kids loved them all.

We enjoyed the Coral very much, 1900 passengers, lovely ship, lots to do. Our biggest problem is dragging the girls away from the teen center. Whatever ship you choose enjoy your cruise!

[kitty9]

I don't know where you heard that Celebrity isn't sailing in March but I found quite a few sailings for the month of March '07.

 

Century March 1, 15, 29

Connstellation March 2, 12, 23

Galaxy March 5, 16, 26

Millennium March 4, 11

Mercury March 18, 26

[cdnliving]

Thanks for that. The online TA I was using had no availability for Celebrity for March for some reason, so for the past week, I figured they were sold out!! After a few people mentioning it I called Celebrity and they do in fact have availability. Their ship fits the bill perfectly, yet I have read mixed reviews on the demographic and scheduled programs for the kids. Anyone with some experience with this????

How was the entertainment and liveliness of the ship?? Thanks....again

[Shifra]

Here is my suggestion. Since you have stated you would like a more traditional and classic cruise with your children I would definately go with Holland America. As a previous poster stated the vista class Hal ships would be a good fit for you. They may be a bit larger than the S or R Class Hal ship but they still deliver that wonderful classic cruise experience. You will also find that the ages are lower on vista class, and during spring break you will see many families with young children.

 

I think the Westerdam or Zuiderdam would be great choices!! JMO

[rvrgirl]

You guys are 41 and 39 and thinking about sailing holland .......

We have docked with Holland and I don't think anyone was younger then maybe 70. Why are you counting Carnival out?

[Jsipes]

I suggest an Alaska Cruise on HAL. I have nade 3 cruises on HAL Ships this year, and was very pleased. Most of HAL's customers are Seniors....except for the spring/summer Alaska Cruises. Those cruises are a lot of Famlies, including Grandparents. Holland Amer has good facilities for youngsters to keep them busy. You don't have any drinking, wild parties, and craziness that many of the other cruise lines cater to. The programs for your youngsters are adequate, but not as elaborate as Princess or Carnival. But the atsmosphere and service far exceed the others, and the price is reasonable for what you get.

[Cruzman]

One other thing that may, or may not be important to you; of the cruise lines mentioned, only two have swimming pools filled with fresh water, Holland America and Princess. All the rest have pools filled with sea water.

[caviargal]

You guys are 41 and 39 and thinking about sailing holland .......

We have docked with Holland and I don't think anyone was younger then maybe 70. Why are you counting Carnival out?

 

It is obvious from your posts that you enjoy Carnival, but the OP specifically said they are looking for a smaller ship that offers an upscale experience. Carnival does not meet either of those requirements.

 

Piped in macarena music in the dining room, announcements at dinner about the status of the red, white and blue teams and dancing on tables are not indicative of a upscale experience.

[cdnliving]

Thanks everyone for your well thought out replies. Holland sounds great. I think for this holiday will go either Sun Princess or Celebrity Constellation. Caviargirl, I noticed you have been onboth lines - princess and celebrity - would you or anyone else, mind telling me which you think would be best for us regarding the vibe (which one has a livelier vibe) and if you know how are the kids programs? Thanks!

[caviargal]

Thanks everyone for your well thought out replies. Holland sounds great. I think for this holiday will go either Sun Princess or Celebrity Constellation. Caviargirl, I noticed you have been onboth lines - princess and celebrity - would you or anyone else, mind telling me which you think would be best for us regarding the vibe (which one has a livelier vibe) and if you know how are the kids programs? Thanks!

 

I have not cruised on Princess since 1991. I was not impressed enough to go back actually, for no particular reason.

 

Connie is IMO the most well thought of ship in X's current fleet. I love the M class ships for the T pool, Aqua Spa cafe, size and spacious feel, as well the great food and service I have always found on X.

 

I am booked on Century in 8 weeks and my 4 YO niece is joining us. I have read consistently positive reviews on X's kids program. Though not attracting hundreds and hundreds per sailing - a good thing in my book - they do have a great program, including reasonably priced group babysitting til 1am.

 

Their website is a great source of info.

[kitty9]

cdnliving, I've been on 45 cruises, on all the mass market lines, except MSC, and all the luxury lines so perhaps I can give you a comparison. For me, Celebrity beats Princess in many ways. I find Celebrity's ships to be more elegant, and less glitzy. The food is about equal on both ships, but for me, after crusing on the Sea, Golden and Grand Princess ships, service is much, much better on Celebrity. We had to practically tackle waiters in the lounges to get them to wait on us for something as simple as a soft drink. The room stewards and dining room waiters on Princess weren't all that great while our butlers and room stewards/stewardess' on Celebrity have all been wonderfully professional. The alternate dining venues on Celebrity are the best at sea, on the M class ships.