SOE improvements- which Ship to cruise????

[localady]

I am hoping to get some suggestions on this one- Dave asked the question "Will the SOE improvements make you change the ship you are cruising on?", and at that time I answered "no". Well after seeing the teens area that is to be part of the SOE program I have now have a change of heart. :confused:
My DH and I are presently scheduled to sail with the "Veendammers" on 11/26/05 along with my 2 teen sons. At that time the Veendam won't include any dedicated area for the teens. I have done some research to find out that the Zaandam will also be sailing at that time on a 10 day Panama Canal itinerary. It will have it's SOE enhancements including the teen area.
Here's the rub- the 10 day Zaandam cruise will cost more than the 14 day Veendammers cruise and to stay within budget we'd have to transfer to an A cabin and an interior vs. the Suite and interior cabin we have booked on the Veendam (We love the Suite perks).
This would be a no-brainer if not for the boys, I have to wonder whether the new teen area is worth the transfer to the Zaandam, and the change from a 14 day to 10 day cruise. I'd appreciate any thoughts anyone else has on this. (Yea I know to have such problems!!!)
Thanks in advance for your thoughts!:cool:

[Pudgesmom]

I haven't cruised with the improvements, but I did show the pictures to my 15 year old. He was very impressed. My two teenagers do not want "activities," just a place to hang out. Which, I think, is exactly what is provided in the "adult free" zone. One problem though, do you care if your children never see the canal?:rolleyes:

As far as the cabins go,my brood would never use their balcony anyway, so I'd put them in the inside and give them the chance to be with their peers. I guess I'd have to live with the smaller balcony and amenities.

Beth

[jhannah]

Man, that's a hard one! You are certainly generous and caring to consider "stepping down" for the benefit of your sons. While that would be a tough decision, it would probably be a tremendous enhancement to their cruise experience to go that route. And perhaps the price will come down a bit before the sailing. Of course, you could always just say, "It's only money" and have an all-out celebration on the SOE-equipped Zaandam. ;)

[localady]

Thanks to you both for your responses! I will also talk to the boys and let them know the choices, and see what they think too. They were very impressed with the teen area on the Ryndam. I'm hoping Lisa can pass for 18 and get some photos or a feel for the area on her upcoming cruise!!!:cool: