Who's got the best kids programs?

[mickeys#1fan]

We're considering a cruise later this year. We've done the 3-day Wonder and thought it was fabulous. Our problem is this: most cruises are on sale now, even in peak season. As an example, you can get a suite on Celebrity for about half the price of a Category 9 on Disney.

We see Oceaneer's Club/Lab as a major strength for Disney. Carnival's kids program also has a good reputation. Who has had personal experience with any of the other lines' programming and which is the best in your opinion? Does Celebrity even have one? How else can I justify the wide price differences I see? I'm just not sure the "Magic" of a Disney cruise is worth it any more.

 

[lsmac]

Can't help you much with Celebrity. But do know from first hand about Princess and Royal Caribbean.
Both have excellent kid's programs. RCCL more so than Princess. While we loved our 7 day Disney, and ds enjoyed the kids' club immensely, the benefits of RCCL outweigh Disney in that case.
I wouldn't say that their kid's club is Disney's strength, I would say it is their overall service. But, we were very pleased with RCCL and their service as well! I have heard that Celebrity gears more towards an older crowd, but have a wonderful kids program, just not as extensive as the others.
You didn't mention how old your kids are?
If your kids are older, I would suggest RCCL, both for economy and for a great program for pre-teens and teens.
If your kids are younger, I would stand by Disney for a great program.

HTH
Lisa

 

[sanddune]

We went on Carnival Pride last September and loved the kids club as much as Disney's. The price was half of Disney's and we had as much fun!! Can't beat it! (We traveled with three boys ages;4,8,10.)

 

[DDreamer]

I also went through this tough decision a little while ago. I was torn between doing a Disney cruise or another cruise line with our kids (2,9 and 9). We were actually about a week away from making our reservations (waiting for tax return) on the DCL, however, the other day I was checking rates again for other lines and couldn't believe the price difference! Other lines are offering the same itinerary for about half the price. Now I'm undecided again. This will be our kids first cruise but our 3rd so this one is planned with them in mind. I too, an now thinking if the DCL is really worth it or can you get close to the same experience on other lines? We typically don't take very big family vacations because of finances, so this one is going to be THE BIG ONE for several years. So, to add to the above post, does anyone think that it really is worth all the extra money, or could families with a limited vacation budget have a very memorable and enjoyable cruise on other lines? I want to be sure the kids will have enough to do and not be bored. We really don't plan on using the clubs for "drop-off" services, but were more interested in there being a place that we all can explore together, and enjoy some family time. Do other lines have similar concepts? I LOVE Disney as much as all of you, (maybe more) and my dream is to go on a Disney Cruise, but with all the other deals going on......?

 

[MFan]

IMHO, DCL offers more for younger kids than any other major cruise line. The size and variety of their play area, the Mickey pool, the kids oriented shows, the familiar Disney characters, the number of young kids onboard are all product differentiators and are all contributing factors to a younger child's enjoyment of the cruise experience. With that said, a parent must weigh all that against the premium price for a DCL cruise.

For older kids (some preteens and definitely teens), some other cruise lines offer comparable (and for some, better) activity choices and experiences. Although some of those choices/experiences may not be what a parent would consider as "better"...