Other Cruise Line cherry

[hanscarlet]

We have decided to do our Alaska trip with DCL in August 2018 because my parents really want to go do disney since they haven't gone since 2013. So the problem is that I need my April cruise fix and one without the parents. I can't swing two DCL cruises in one year so looking to try a new cruise line but I am scared because I've never cruised with anyone other than DCL. Can anyone recommend the closest alternative cruise line that is good for kids ages 9 and 6? My oldest is on the Autism Spectrum and so I like the combined clubs so she can be with her younger sister but I guess on the other cruise lines they appear to break up the clubs. Anyways looking for a clean, family friendly line and also if there are character experiences on other lines that would be neat too. Thanks!

 

[xlxo]

While you are waiting for an answer.... thoughts.....

• may I suggest short listing cruise line that include Glacier Bay? Holland America and Princess offers the majority of trips, other cruise lines do the occasional GB itinerary.
• With the two I suggested.... I think Princess offers more family oriented quad cabins. However Holland America offers a photo package. I'll let others comment on the latest cruise line smoking regulations.
• the other cruise lines do not offer DCL characters. On my Holland America trip.... they had a guy in a bear suit when getting off at Juneau in the morning for photo's. But I don't think that counts.
• for the same sailing week.... you may notice significant savings by going with other cruise lines.

 

[hanscarlet]

thanks for your reply! to clarify we are going to do DCL Alaska but I guess I am looking for another cruise line to do a carribean or bermuda itinerary... I have heard RC has dreamworks characters

 

[Hundredacre]

What about the carnival vista? We have it booked for next year. Brand new ship. Looks absolutely amazing. We also have a ncl booked on the getaway. Ropes course etc. Kids very excited about this one. We also have celebrity scheduled but are in the process of rethinking. Looks amazing, got amazing deal, but getting nervous about lack of kid's activities and other cruisers. Read a review saying "most boring cruise ever."

 

[Jennifer777]

I would suggest calling each one and asking abut their services for special needs. It's one of the reasons we're still sailing DCL, even though the price is getting harder to justify, because I feel very comfortable with the way they have a special services team to help guests with special needs. Our son is on the spectrum as well and they have helped us make his trip easier to enjoy through a few special requests like a private table in a quiet area in the MDR and not having to wear his band for the kids club the entire cruise, only when he's in the club. These sound simple but made a huge difference to him. Knowing how each cruise line will handle your child's needs could make a big difference in which one you choose. Maybe one will allow them to still be together even though they normally separate. I think your best bets would probably be Norwegian, Carnival or RCCL because they have made huge strides moving more towards family cruising so I would start with them. Good luck!

 

[tinkerone]

Royal has DreamWorks characters and they even have parades with them which is kind of neat. I'm attaching the tab for kids items.

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/finda...?pagename=onboard_cat_kids_teens_and_families

I think the adult only areas look amazing! They have lots of other things to do as well, much more than Disney IMO. My time dining looks interesting, not locked into a specific time for dinner, go when you want.
Have a great cruise with what ever you choose.

ETA-their pools look better than DCL as well but full disclosure, we have not sailed on RCL yet. Its coming in November.

 

[phinz]

If I had kids and was looking for something other than DCL in the Caribbean I'd be all over the RCCL offerings. Heck, now that we're stepping away from Disney as our primary choice, we're seriously looking at the RCCL and NCL Caribbean offerings with a bigger magnifying glass.

 

[bumbershoot]

*Some*, not all, Royal ships have DreamWorks. I can say without a doubt that Freedom does.

On our last Freedom cruise there was a large group called Autism of the Seas, which seemed to be a lot of fun for those involved. I spoke with a few parents of autistic kids and they said that their kids were having a blast and they made it all so easy.