Ideas for non-Disney Mom/Daughter Cruise

[skater]

I want to take my 14 year old on a trip next winter and I'm not sure the Disney cruise will work real well for us (we can't use the slide, not sure if she can go to the adult pool, etc.). Anyone have suggestions? I'm looking for something that feels safe, has a nice pool and hot tub and is easy to navigate. Thanks!

 

[Darcy03231]

Our family likes both Carnival and Royal Carribean. Both are very family friendly. We prefer the smaller ships (which are also older and tend to be less expensive) as we find them easier to navigate around. The flip side to that is the larger newer ships tend to have more going on - like the rock climbing walls, ice skating, minigolf, inline skating, etc. One of our favorites is the Carnival Inspiration. We've sailed her several times and always have a great time!

 

[skater]

Our family likes both Carnival and Royal Carribean. Both are very family friendly. We prefer the smaller ships (which are also older and tend to be less expensive) as we find them easier to navigate around. The flip side to that is the larger newer ships tend to have more going on - like the rock climbing walls, ice skating, minigolf, inline skating, etc. One of our favorites is the Carnival Inspiration. We've sailed her several times and always have a great time!

Thank you. This gives me something to investigate . I think a smaller ship would be perfect for us. My daughter is a figure skater, so I think she can do without a skating rink . Is the pool nice?

 

[Darcy03231]

Thank you. This gives me something to investigate . I think a smaller ship would be perfect for us. My daughter is a figure skater, so I think she can do without a skating rink . Is the pool nice?

The pool is very nice and does have a slide. We usually do the 5 day cruise to Grand Cayman and Cozumel when we sail her, rather than the 4 day one (just to Cozumel). Since she sails out of Tampa we combine it with a couple of days at Busch Gardens.

 

[monkey68]

Thank you. This gives me something to investigate . I think a smaller ship would be perfect for us. My daughter is a figure skater, so I think she can do without a skating rink . Is the pool nice?

I wouldn't book the cruise just for the ice skating. I can understand, I also skate, but the rink is tiny, and the hours you can skate are very limited. It's IMO just not worth it for the skating rink alone. But RC is a fun cruise line in general. And it is kinda cool to skate in the middle of the ocean, just don't plan on skating every day or being able to go whenever you want.

We went on Carnival a lot when I was your daughter's age. They have a pretty decent teen club if your daughter is into it. I personally never did those things, but I would go for the first meet up and find other kids to hang out with. And anyone can use the slide.

 

[NCRedding]

We've done 6 DCL cruises, 2 NCL cruise, 1 Carnival cruise and one RC cruise.

My second favorite after DCL was the Carnival--and I was quite surprised that I liked it as much. It was just me and DH. I would say if you go on Carnival, and it lists a show as "adult only" listen to the recommendations. The adult shows were RAUNCHY (but very funny). I loved the food. We were on the Liberty, which is large. I really liked their entertainment alot.

 

[lovetoscrap]

My husband and I did a cruise this spring on an Italian line called MSC . We really loved it. There wasn't a lot for teens to do though, but if you are planning spend your time together that wouldn't be a problem. They did have several hot tubs and pools. There were not a lot of scheduled activities on the sea days, but we had brought cards and games and books and really enjoyed the time together. The evening shows and entertainment were also great. Of course the ports were beautiful.

This line is pretty inexpensive so we choose it due to budget and really had a great time. They are only in the US for a few months each year so not sure if they would work with your timeline.

 

[mrsmom]

I have been on the carnival glory with dh and i and had a great time, The kids on the ship seem to be enjoy themselves and We took our four kids then11,14,16 22 over thanksgiving on the carnival triumph , They LOVED IT!!. the was alot to do and activites for you and your dd to do together.
Check out www.cruisecritic.com and get info ,have fun on whatever ship you choose.
Kim