non DCL-options for 2018 ... too many choices?

[momof2n2]

As much as we would love to try a 7-night on DCL Fantasy, it just is not in the budget. We are a family of 8 and even two inside staterooms will cost me $11,000 for the May week we'd like to go.

I was hoping to get an NCL eastern Caribbean cruise on either Getaway, Escape, or Breakaway, but the May week we are travelling Getaway is doing the same Western itinerary we just did this May.

I asked our TA to get quotes for Carnival's Vista and MSC Seaside. Seaside has some nice fares, but I think I missed the really good ones others grabbed a few months back. And I'm a little bit worried Seaside won't have quite enough for us to do. (Kids will be 17, 15, 13, 12, 7, 5). Vista ends up being not a ton less than DCL, so I don't think I will go that route, even though she has a nice 8 night southern Caribbean the week I can travel.

RCI doesn't have their May 2018 Caribbean itineraries out yet. That would be an option, too.
I am interested in the Freedom of the Seas... possibly a newer one, but they are a little, um, gigantic?

Those of you who travel with kids, can you tell me what some of your favorite non-DCL ships are and why?


We COULD go in January 2018, as well. I know there are plenty of NCL and RCI itineraries then, and some MSC as well.

 

[ldo]

we have traveled with kids from 3-18 years old. We like DCL the best. But, after that, we like various cruises for different reasons. For the best value, I suggest a Freedom class on RCCL (or smaller version Voyager class). They are about the size of the Fantasy, or a bit smaller, I think. They all have decent kids clubs, will pick up the kids after 45 minutes at the 1st dinner seating for the kids club (they bring their food 1st), have good pools, putt=putt, rock climbing walls, These ships also have ice skating rinks with ice shows, and a flow rider for older kids/teens. They have a good mix of activities. And, the price is usually really good compared to RCCL newer ships.
Downside: MDR food is good to meh, IMHO, but perfectly edible. We pay extra a few night for upgraded dining. Kids club usually open 9-12, 2-5, 7-10 on sea days, if that matters to you. No nursery for under 3, but they do have open houses for toddlers (with parent). 12+ is only staffed after dinner, but they do things around the ship like putt=putt contest, digital scavenger hunts, etc.
We paid less than 1/2 of what DCL would cost last spring break. That was for cabin for 4 with bunk beds. So not as family friendly cabin as DCL, smaller, no privacy--but with $3K in my wallet, I'll forgo some privacy and have a kid in a bunk bed over me. My co-worker said she would not like that at all as that's not a vacation to her. I was fine with it.
My older teens (and us) like Princess. Better MDR food than RCCL, IMHO. We like the outside movies at night, but they are usually pg/pg13/R and not for younger kids. Princess also plays the movies in the big theater on sea days. These are movies you can get on DVD, not 1st run.
We did NCL Epic in Europe and liked the different entertainment for older teens/adults and the pub.
Bottom line, RCCL is a good value option for families who are priced out of DCL, IMHO. Their spring 2018 should be out in March.

 

[DisMommyTX]

It depends what your priorities are.

NCL has the best live music. Even our kids enjoy hanging out listening all over the ship. It helps that we can get free drinks and specialty dining as well. However, I usually make ports/itinerary our top factor, so unless you can change dates, that is out. If you can, some dates also have 3rd/4th passengers free, so that could make a huge difference.

Royal Caribbean is the only other ship with lots of kid friendly shows. (Others tend toward 70's music and cabaret dancers, especially on the older/smaller ships.) My kids love the rock wall, ice shows, and dining options on RCCL.

I have never been on MSC, but I looked into it for this summer as well. I was concerned about their kids programming. If the kids aren't happy, then it affects everyone. I would look at the age breakdowns for the kids/teen programs. Which line would have the best options for your kids--only you know what they would want to do.

I personally would choose the 8 night Southern Caribbean. Vista is one of their newest ships, though honestly my daughter would choose any Carnival ship over DCL as long as it has a Guy's burgers and a movie theater. As for prices, unlike DCL which only goes up, Carnival actually has sales where fares go down. Look for sales during wave season, and get on email lists for a couple cruise sites (vacationstogo, CruCon, etc.) Even if you don't end up booking through them, they will give you a heads up when anything goes on sale, so you don't have to keep checking prices all the time. Carnival also has some price-guarantee fares which will allow you to re-book the same cabins at lower rates (with no penalty) if the cost goes down. Hard to compare since Disney is not running a comparable itinerary, but their 10-nt southern Caribbean in May 2017 is about twice the cost of Carnival's 8-night.