Cruising with 13, 16 and 18 yr old...which cruiseline?

[laurcolmeg]

Hello all...I am brand new to this forum..I've been lurking for a few days but finally decided to join and post a few questions. We are planning a trip for March 7/6-14/15...mainland vs cruise, still undecided. I am leaning toward a cruise because I think we will get more fun for our money. We are bringing our 18 yr old daughter for her 1st 'Spring Break', our 16 yr old son and our 13 yr old daughter. We have been doing extensive research on the different cruiselines but we've become overwhelmed with activities, itinerary, cost etc. We are pretty sure we would like Eastern Caribbean but not opposed to Western Caribbean...would prefer going out of Florida vs Texas (prob cheaper airfare from MA). Can anyone help me decide which cruiseline/ship the kids would enjoy most...and whether we should get a 2nd room vs a bigger room. I was thinking a balcony (or alteast oceanview) for me and my husband :) and an inside room across the hall for the kids. What is the most cost effective way to do this....I've been reading 1 and 2nd person vs 3 and 4th...is there a big difference in cost when you are sharing a room with more people vs getting a different room. I kind of figured it was all one set price for each person. Cost is a factor as we are now paying BIG tuition bills... Also, when my husband and I cruised many moons ago (once on Celebrity and once on Norwegien, both to Bremuda) everything was included...food, drinks, entertainment...but it seems like now there is a charge for that kind of stuff once on the ship...what is an extra charge? For instance, is using the waverunner an extra charge? Is seeing an Theater/Ice Show extra? Is getting a drink...alcoholic and non-alcoholic extra?

 

I know....tons of questions but cruising is fairly new to us and taking the kids is definitely new for us! I'd love any experise/experience that you can share!!

 

Thanks, Shirley

[JordanLovesCruisin]

Your spring break is the week before ours, we are going March 15-22.

 

We are booked on the Carnival Valor, I'm very excited. I'm just a little older than your kids, as I am in college. I have read all about the ship and it seems wonderful and so much fun. The kids programs also seem great. My brother will be 17 on the cruise, and he is excited about club O2. It departs out of Miami, and is a 7 day. The itenerary before us is the Eastern Caribbean (the week you would go). My dad picked this one because it is more affordable for 5 people, as we have two rooms.

 

Royal Caribbean is my favorite cruiseline, but now that I am over 18, I don't know that there would be a whole bunch I am interested in now that I can't go to the teen club. Same with Carnival. Keep that in mind for your 18 year old, she won't get to do the fun things with her siblings, (if that matters any). However, she will have access to the adult activities and shows, but no drinking. (Not a big deal).

 

If you are interested in Royal, they have a beautiful ship, Mariner of the Seas. They have several ships going out of MIA or FLL (Fort Lauderdale). We always fly into Miami and charter a bus to Port Canaveral.

 

Any other questions, let me know

[laurcolmeg]

Thanks for your reply! I didn't know that my older daughter wouldn't be able to do the "teen" thing...huh! Maybe we will bring a friend for her...her boyfriend, maybe....or another college friend. Would they be able to go into the clubs for dancing and what not? I am sure she won't want to hang around exclusively with her boring parents!

[crusinmama06]

Yes, she can go to the dance clubs. There is even one on Freedom called the Crypt that is sort of geared toward the younger crowd. She just can't drink. She can also go to the casino.

[Ally22]

Hi! We always get two cabins. One for me, DH and 2 year old. Then an inside for other 3 sons (19,10,8). We went on Spring Break last year for my oldest graduation gift (he has cruised 6 times and loves it). My then 18yo was a little sad about the teen club, but was elated when he found out he could now go to the casino and the nightclubs!:eek:

 

He made tons of friends instantly, played lots of basketball, minigolf and ate enough food to equal what we paid for the cruise.

 

We have always had him bring a friend to hang with (except last cruise). Just be careful and choose wisely if they do bring a friend.

 

BTW - we have always cruised Carnival, due to costs and close ports. We are in GA. Orig from MA...

[laurcolmeg]

So far it seems like my kids are in love with Freedom of the Seas....Looks like a blast! It seems quite a bit more expensive $799 (Freedom) vs $499 pp (for Adventure, Voyager) inside cabin....is it worth the extra money? Is there any way to get a deal on the Freedom? Any inside secrets on price reduction?

[VikkiGarcia]

I would sail Voyager or Adventure of the Seas save the extra $$ and put it to some good excursions. Freedom is more because of the "new-ness". Everyone will find plenty to do on the others. Royal is a great cruiseline for your kids ages.

[cruis247g]

Our children, now a preteen and teen, have sailed numerous times and LOVE it! That's one of the reasons we sail. We prefer a second room to a larger suite, unless you can afford a really large suite with an additional bedroom, bath, etc. Since our youngest is still a preteen, we try to book adjoining/connecting rooms. The connecting door can be opened or closed. I feel more comfortable with it open at night, so I know that no one is entering (or leaving!). When they were younger, the children would arise early, close the door, and watch television. Now the roles are reversed - we arise earlier, close the door and go sit on the balcony with coffee, while the children rest.

 

The disadvantage to an extra room (vs. staying in one) is that it is more expensive. Most cruise lines don't care who the first two passengers are - they must pay full fare.

 

The kids seem to like most lines, but I think their favorite is Royal Caribbean. However, we like the slightly smaller ships, e.g. the Grandeur. Some of the really large ships just seem too big -- this is our perception -- and many love the massive ships. But again, the chidren have enjoyed every line. If you're going at Spring Break, when we often cruise, you'll find lots of children.

 

Enjoy!!!

[crusinmama06]

Any inside secrets on price reduction?

 

Yeah, don't do spring break, summer or holidays. ;):D

 

But seriously, this is their first cruise? They would be perfectly happy on Voyager. If price is an issue, then go with the lower one. :)

[JordanLovesCruisin]

So far it seems like my kids are in love with Freedom of the Seas....Looks like a blast! It seems quite a bit more expensive $799 (Freedom) vs $499 pp (for Adventure, Voyager) inside cabin....is it worth the extra money? Is there any way to get a deal on the Freedom? Any inside secrets on price reduction?

 

Adventure was a BLAST. So was the Mariner. I agree with the other person, go on the Voyager class (plenty to do!) and spend more money making the trip more of an experience by doing incredible excursions..

 

And I am bummed I wont get to do the teen thing. I will be 19 on the cruise, however my boyfriend is coming with us, and he his a year and a half older. My brother and him are very good friends. However, I am very excited to not have a hole punched in my card saying that I'm under age! I will love going to the casino and doing more adult things!

[crusinmama06]

Adventure was a BLAST. So was the Mariner. I agree with the other person, go on the Voyager class (plenty to do!) and spend more money making the trip more of an experience by doing incredible excursions..

 

And I am bummed I wont get to do the teen thing. I will be 19 on the cruise, however my boyfriend is coming with us, and he his a year and a half older. My brother and him are very good friends. However, I am very excited to not have a hole punched in my card saying that I'm under age! I will love going to the casino and doing more adult things!

 

Jordan, I have been meaning to ask...is that a picture of you in your signature? You are a beauty :D if it is.

 

Good luck in the casino. Hope you have better luck than I have there...lol. ;)

[cantwait2cruize]

I would book two cabins and bring your daughters boyfriend. We always travel with my daughters boyfriend (now her fiance!) and it has always worked out really well for our family. It is nice for the boys (I also have a son) to do their own thing when my daughter and I are shopping. :)

[JordanLovesCruisin]

Jordan, I have been meaning to ask...is that a picture of you in your signature? You are a beauty :D if it is.

 

Good luck in the casino. Hope you have better luck than I have there...lol. ;)

 

Yes, that is me! Thank you so much that is so sweet of you to say that! You made my day! Look at you and your beauties! You better watch out. in 7-10 years you are going to have your hands full with boys lined up around the block. Your kids are so blessed to have parents that take them with them on trips! And your knowledge is valuable, I always like reading your posts.

 

I hope the casino is good to me! I'm SURE next time is your time ;)

 

 

cantwait2cuize- HOPEFULLY my boyfriend will maybe maybe turn into my fiancee on the cruise? I'm so happy he gets to come with us this time. It will be the first time he has flown, seen the ocean, been out of the USA, etc. Congrats to your daughter!! :D

[cantwait2cruize]

My daughter now 21 got engaged on their last cruise, their first cruise together. Go to MY Profile and find the post, it's under how did he propose. She posted her pictures. Hope your family has an amazing vacation.

[JordanLovesCruisin]

My daughter now 21 got engaged on their last cruise, their first cruise together. Go to MY Profile and find the post, it's under how did he propose. She posted her pictures. Hope your family has an amazing vacation.

 

She is BEAUTIFUL! They look like a lovely couple! Have they set a date?