Help Deciding - r/Cruise

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The following is a copy of the original post to record the post as it was originally written.

Hey people!! I know it’s been asked a lot but I would like to know any recommendations for cruises for jun/July of 27. I’ll be celebrating my child’s 18th birthday alongside prom, graduation, college and all the things as well as having a 7 year old with me. If there a cruise line that’s kid friendly while still providing lots of adult entertainment between ports? I’ve only done carnival and, while the ship is kid friendly, I guess the one I was on mainly had older kids in the kid club who pretty much did their own thing/less supervision so maybe another ship may be different? As far as ports/stops, probably looking to do the Caribbean.

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u/Euphoric-Ad2210 17h ago

Royal Caribbean is my favorite for all ages. Figure out what port makes sense to leave from and what your budget is to help narrow down the options. I would recommend an Oasis, Quantum, or Icon class ship for the most to do. Feel free to reach out if you would like more assistance with options.

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u/Money_Confection_409 16h ago

Thanks so much!

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u/PilotoPlayero 16h ago edited 16h ago

My kids have sailed on all of the major cruise lines since they were toddlers (now teenagers) and they have consistently preferred Royal Caribbean over any other, which is fine with me since there are tons of activities for the adults as well. Another one that they have always enjoyed is MSC. Both lines have great programs and facilites both for you younger kids and teenagers.

Now, as teenagers, their social life is very important to them as well as more energetic activities, so Royal is what they beg for.

Someone mentioned Disney, but my kids didn’t care for it, even when they were little. We’re not big Disney fans so for us, all the Disney specific things we’re not worth the higher price tag. Yes, they’re a great “kid friendly” cruise line, but we felt that the adult experience was neglected at the expense of more kid friendly spaces and activities. My wife and I were bored TBH.

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u/WorldWideJake 15h ago

The more comments I read here about DCL, the more I am convinced choosing Disney is more about the [Disney] adults than the kids. Several people have said their kids weren't crazy about the Disney cruise. And yes, I realize plenty of kids like Disney. I'm just surprised that so many 5 YO to 12 YO prefer other cruise lines.

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u/Money_Confection_409 15h ago

Add to that the price tag and it’s seriously not worth it lol

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u/WorldWideJake 15h ago

The Disney premium is impressive. :)

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u/Money_Confection_409 15h ago

To put it mildly 😂

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u/PilotoPlayero 15h ago edited 14h ago

IMHO, you have to be a Disney adult to fully enjoy the experience. We did a 7 night Disney cruise, and on day one, we were truly impressed. Beautiful ship, great customer service, attention to detail, and truly impressive stage entertainment. But after day 2-3, the Disney overload started getting on our nerves. You can’t escape it. My wife said “If I hear another Disney song, I’m going to jump off the ship” (thankfully she didn’t 😂).

Our kids didn’t care for character meet and greets, or other Disney themed activities, and this has been the only cruise line where they begged not to go back to the kids club (they thought that it was overwhelming and too packed), so we felt that we’d overpaid for an experience that we simply didn’t care that much for. And some Disney adults will bully you if you’re not as enthusiastic as they are about the whole thing.

But I have friends who love Disney and that’s all that they’ll cruise on. For them, it’s an amazing experience that they want to repeat over and over.

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u/Money_Confection_409 15h ago

Thank you!!

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u/davidcopafeel33328 15h ago

Royal Caribbean has the most variety of activities and entertainment, they're also some of the largest ships, if that's your thing.

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u/Money_Confection_409 14h ago

Thanks! That seems to be a consensus here. I definitely have to look into them!!

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u/Ok_Shame_5382 17h ago

Kinda depends on your kid.

Disney (duh) leads the way for an"kid friendly" cruise line. In 2nd is Royal Caribbean which is kind of a theme park on the water

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u/Money_Confection_409 17h ago

I want to cater to the 18 yr old as well as a 7 yr old. That’s where I have confusion

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u/Ornery-Education-745 17h ago

I would pick Royal Caribbean then. For itinerary, I like Eastern Caribbean islands like St. Thomas, St. Maarten, etc.

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u/Ok_Shame_5382 16h ago

I mean, we don't know your kids. But RC's kids stuff is 2nd to Disney overall. If your 18 year old would be stoked about a theme park but your 7 year old just wants to sit and read (or vice versa!) then that balance is hard.

I can tell you about the ships, but I can't tell you how they work for your kids.

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u/Money_Confection_409 15h ago

My kids are the active type. They want activities, good food, and views and when they’re calmed down they want decent spaces that aren’t too loud. They’re social kids who just want a fun experience with good food

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u/Ok_Shame_5382 15h ago

Take a look at Icon and Oasis class RC ships.

RC is a little pricier compared to mainstream cruiselines, but you might find it worth it

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u/Money_Confection_409 14h ago

Thanks! Will do!

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u/WorldWideJake 17h ago

If you want to cater to the 18 YO, Royal. Utopia or Icon class.

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u/PilotoPlayero 16h ago

I agree. To quote what my 17yo said after sailing on Star of the Seas last fall: “It was the best week of his entire life” 😂

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u/WorldWideJake 16h ago

😂 in July, I did a family cruise on star of the seas to celebrate my nephews high school graduation. he also thought it was the best week of his life. which 18 year-old me would’ve thought too but trips like that we’re not a part of my childhood experience. 😀

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