Opinions please...what should we do?

[Cameron-by-the-Sea]

Ok, here is our dilemma: We are a family of five--my dh, me, two sons 18 and 20 and a daughter 22. I am planning our family vacation for the summer and my husband, who is a dentist would like to earn some continuing ed units while cruising. There are two Alaskan cruises available that offer dental seminars. Our first choice, the Oosterdam which sails on 7/23 or the Carnival Spirit on the 29th of June. We have only cruised on HAL one time and had a wonderful time. We have also been on the Carnival Paradise when it was non-smoking and it was a great cruise as well. Unfortunately the Oosterdam is quite a bit more expensive which surprised me b/c normally HAL's prices are more inline with Carnival. Would we be disappointed with Carnival--I just don't know. So...my question...should we pay more for HAL or go with the Spirit?

Keeping my family demographics in mind, what would you do?

Thanks for any suggestions!!!!

[CaptData]

I would watch the prices but you are going during primetime for kids and families which means higher fares. I would go on the Sprit or the Oostrdam. the O is much newer but Carnival is geared more for you kids. Do a plus minus thing then decide.

[FlorenceItaly]

and we were cruising with our 17 year old ds, Carnival.
If it were just dh and I, probably HAL. I have cruised both, but have not yet been on the Vista ships, which I do understand they attract younger cruisers. Btw, you are going to LOVE Alaska!

Marie

[Budget Queen]

First off you are looking at 2 completely different routes. The HAL is a round trip Seattle cruise and the Carnival is a one way trip. My self- I would never consider any one way without adding on at least another week for interior touring - independent. You costs if you don't will probably be more on the one way due to open jaw flight needed. As for the round trip Seattle- way too much outside passage sailing for my preferences, better are the round trip Vancouver trips. You need to do some homework- IF Alaska is the priority? If you are looking for Dental Seminar credits- then that is your option. For clairfication- you will find kids on BOTH lines and the Carnival sailing in Alaska is VASTLY different than Carnival Caribbean sailings, bulk of passengers will still be middle aged and above. If going for ALASKA- look at ports, time in ports, route, glacier, price and budget fully for costly excursions- you get only half a trip without them.