Which Cruise?

[DwarfMaster]

We have decided our next family vacation will be a cruise. It will be myself, DH, DS9, and DD4.

We have been on a pretty tight budget the past year and I cannot justify the price differnence for a Disney Cruise at this time. As true Disney fans, we will look into a their Cruise again in the future. But for now ~ could you please give me your thoughts on the following:

5 Night Western Caribbean from New Orleans to Calica/Playa Del Carmen & Cozumel on Carnival's Sensation

5 Night Bahamas from Jacksonville to Key West & Nassau on Carnival's Celebration

The price for each of these as well as airfare from Pgh are fairly close.

Which of these ports are more kid-friendly, age-appropriate for my family? I've always wanted to do Mexico but I wasn't sure it was kid-friendly. Also I've been told the Sensation is a much bigger/better boat.

Any thoughts?

 

[CRSNDSNY]

bump
sorry i can't answer your questions...

 

[Robert and Kelley]

We have never cruised with anyone else but Disney. That being said we have been to Cozumel and it is pretty Kid friendly. We have also been to Nassau and it is ok if you take a tour and get away from the touristy stuff. New Orleans can be kid friendly but stay away from Burbon street. I voted you should wait a little longer and do it right for your first cruise.

 

[marycaym]

I think if you have done DCL in the past you will be disappointed with Carnival. That being said though some love carnival, I am not one of those. The only other line I would cruise other than DCL is Royal Carribean. I don't think Carnival's kids club is that great and the customer service was horrific, worst cruise I have ever taken, if I could have gotten off I would.

Royal Carribean, the newer ships, have great kids clubs and tons to do - the rock climbing wall, ice skating, etc.

Check out cruisecritic.com - lots of reviews on different ships, might help you out some.

 

[Jimbo]

I'm not a fan of Carnival. We've cruised with them twice, and both cruises were really bad ones. I'm not crazy about the Bahamas either, so if you want my opinion, I'd sooner stay home than take a Bahamas cruise on Carnival.

We've cruised with Royal Caribbean 4 or 5 times, and enjoyed all of them. In some, (but not all) respects they are better than DCL. They have a huge fleet, and can offer almost any length and itinerary that you could want. And I think that their prices are at least comparable to Carnival.

So if I were you I'd either cruise on RC, or wait a year for Disney.

 

[diz_cruise_rocks]

Defanatily hold out for the dis cruise.

 

[GoofyFD]

I would also say wait. DCL is the best for kids. I would say!