Which Cruise line?

[Harrypotterkids]

We just got back from our first cruise on the Wonder. We loved it but I can't justify Disney's spring break prices next year ($2,000 more for essentially the same cruise!!!!) We have narrowed it down to the Carnival Magic or Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas. We have two boys who will be 13 and 9. The younger one loves sports but the rock climbing wall/flow rider doesn't appeal to the oldest. I think he will like the characters even though he feels if it's not disney it's not worth it! We are pretty conservative and not big drinkers at all. Which cruise would you recommend? I feel like the service/entertainment may be better on the Freedom but I like the waterslides on the Magic. Our oldest loved the kids club on the wonder. Can anyone comment on the kid's clubs on these ships? Are they comparable? I want to make sure everyone has fun!

 

[NoodlesMom]

Out of the two, I would probably recommend the Freedom for the age of your kids. I've been on the Magic but not the Freedom. I did sail the Navigator of the Seas and the Freedom is a bigger, newer ship. I know some people have a favorite but I think they are both great cruises. Royal Caribbean has so many activities during the day and my son enjoyed the kids club. I will say that on our cruise, they did not stick with the scheduled activities but he still enjoyed it. I feel like Carnival didn't have as much to do for the kids during the day except for the slides and ropes course and that can get old to the kids after a few days. You can't go wrong with either so maybe you could base your decision on the itinerary.

Also, Keep an eye out for DCL for spring break 2018. I booked the March 11, 2017 on opening day and it was a little more than $2000 cheaper than it is today or than it was at the 12 month mark. I'm still shocked at how much it has increased. I'm sure it was due to the Star Wars day being added. Were not Star Wars fans so I would have never spent that much more for it. Good luck with your decision and have a great cruise.

 

[Hundredacre]

What about ncl? We are booked with them this upcoming year and been impressed with our interaction with them so far. The new ships have great prices and lots of stuff for kids.