Second cruise recommendations?

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TINKERTOY ..... the 1 & only

Carnival is a nice cruise line for beginners and budget cruising. But it is not the only line with programs for kids, most lines have them. I have been on more than 15 cruises with Princess, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and NCL and they all had staff persons assigned to run programs for kids of various ages. Some ships even have teens only discos and other kids only areas with a staff person or two to supervise.

Here's my recommendation. I suggest a Royal Caribbean cruise on one of its new ships Freedom of the Seas or Liberty of the Seas. Identical ships that do Caribbean itineraries. Here's what I wrote for someone else about the Freedom which we went on last November.

The ship holds over 3,000 passengers but we completed boarding in about 30 minutes from the curb to our cabin. It would have gone faster if they had been ready at a couple spots. We were slowed mainly by one person looking at all of the "Set Sail" passes as we entered the terminal. Then they were slow in setting up a second security desk to take security photos for the cruise cards. After that it was a breeze.

I loved the balcony cabin we had. It was roomy and had plenty of space for clothes; bags go under the bed. They announced to us that the beds on the Freedom will be cruise line wide; its was a great pillowtop bed and was very comfortable in comparison to beds on other ships. There was a flat panel HDTV in the room, a safe, and a shower stall with a sliding door. Our room included a love seat and coffee table.

The ship has a mall area down its middle with shops on both sides, including a barber shop, coffee shop, and a place where you can get free food 24/7. That's in addition to the 24/7 free room service.

The ship has some features that other ships don't have. The rock climbing wall is on many RC ships. But the new "flow rider" is unique to RC's Freedom and Liberty of the Seas ships. It is a place where you can go surfing on a boogie board right on the back of the ship. It works great, although I didn't try it. There is stadium seating for people to watch or sit while awaiting their turn. The ship also has an ice skating rink and during the week there are two days when there is a free ice show that is great, kinda like the Ice Capades. The ship also has a full sized basketball court and mini-golf. I cannot remember if it also had the roller blade track but it certainly has the ice skating.

This ship is great for kids and families with kids. On the pool deck there is one area called the H2O Zone which is essentially a small water park for kids; but us big kids can play there too. It has water cannons, a small lazy river, a pool, and falling water all over. Kids will love it. Then the middle of the ship has another pool where everyone can get wet or use a hot tub. Then up further there is an adults only area called the Solarium with a pool and two hot tubs that extend over the sides of the ship. These tubs are huge, can hold maybe 12 people and you can look over the side of the tub at the ocean.

The ship has THE best gymnasium I have ever seen on a cruise ship. All of the latest equipment, including weight machines, rowers, steppers, treadmills and each has its own TV screen so you can watch TV while you workout. It also has a boxing ring and some other new high tech stuff.

In addition to the ice shows there was a show in the main show room each night. There is a casino and there are bars and lounges all over the ship. There is an internet cafe but I would ship it as it way too expensive and just wait until you get to Cozumel and there is an internet cafe right at the pier that is only $5. for an hour (vs $50 an hour on ship).

The only thing I did not like about the ship was its Windjammer Cafe where everyone goes for breakfast and lunch if they don't go to the main dining room, is too small for everyone and people were walking around looking for a table after they got their food. We decided to just order the free breakfast room service an eat on the balcony.

I like the ship and may go again on it or its twin when i can catch one of their super cheap fares. Chheck out this web link:

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/findacruis...

If I can get one of those $1499. suites next year I may go again.

rba01701

Carnival Liberty 6 night. Oh yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Teen club is awesome so is the camp carnival. For Mommy and Daddy and Grammy and Gramps its heaven.

coolliz2444

I think that the kids might like one of Royal Caribbean's cruise ships as they are really fun as well. I would think that a caribbean cruise would be a great idea for the kids. It's warm down there no matter what time of year you go and there is always something fun to do at any port that you go to.. I think that would be a spectacular idea.

Nikkiâ™¥

I wouldn't go on carnvial because even though it has great camps, there are a lot of alchoholics, and ppl overboard, and many people drunk...i reccomend disney cruise lines or celebrity cruise lines...

Selly

If you have kids, try Disney. Holland America Line now has added Signature of Excellence feature in their ship with tremendous facility for children check out their website, www.hollandamerica.com

I would strongly suggest Disney or Royal Caribbean if you are taking a family cruise and including young children. Carnival has a reputation for being a "party" ship and you'll have a lot of people on board who are doing just that. Not my preferred venue for impressionable children and definitely not someplace I'd want to take teenage children.

Of course Disney is #1 when creating a great cruise environment and activities for children - this is what they specialize in. I've been very impressed w/ Royal Caribbean as well. Some will tell you Disney is too pricey, but if you book early (even a year in advance) and shop around for promos / discounted fares, it can be just as affordable as Royal Caribbean.

As for itinerary, the Caribbean is always a fun spot, especially during colder weather at home. Try looking at a cruise over Thanksgiving week.

Alaska is perfect for relief during the hot summer months and educational as well as a lot of fun for the kids. The climate is comfortable (high in the low - mid 70's).

Your best bet would be to work with a reputable travel agent. Look for one that is an IATA, CLIA and/or Virtuoso Member.

Bon Voyage!

cruise junkie

try the 8 day to mexico from san diego..

for kids i prefer Disney, Carnival is good too but it's a party ship. It all depends on your children's ages and maturity.

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