jennymaxgirl

Hi!

My husband and I (40 yrs old) are considering taking our children ages 5 & 8 on a Caribbean cruise in November. Looking at the Royal Princess for 10 nights - either the Eastern Carib or Southern Carib itinerary. Both have fantastic ports - which is why we are interested.

The question is, will the ship be too sophisticated (i.e. boring) for the kids to enjoy for 10 nights? We want them to have a great time onboard. There isn't a kids' pool, etc. and most all videos I have watched of the ship are ALL adults...

Does anyone know if many children travel on this ship? Would one itinerary be better suited than the other? I think I have read that the longer itineraries attract and older crowd.

Thanks for your input!! :)

Jennifer

Hi all. I am a new cruiser. I have a choice to take a 10-night Eastern caribbean cruise (Royal Princess) on October 31/15......or I can take a 10-night Souther Caribbean cruise (also Royal Princess) on November 10/15.

Both depart and return to Fort Lauderdale. The Southern itinerary goes a bit further down to Aruba and Bonaire.

The big question is - given that this is still within hurricane season, should I be concerned and take the later date cruise? ie November 10th is a little closer to the end of the hurricane season.

Additionally, Aruba and Bonaire are technically out of the hurricane zone - so would this be a better option during this time of year?

I am attracted to both, but the Oct 31st sailing is cheaper. But I am wondering if that one is riskier weather wise than the Nov 10th Southern Carib.

Thanks for your help! I am confused!!

Jennifer

Awesome news! Thanks for keeping us in the loop :)

Thanks for the detailed pics. Keep em coming! It's very helpful to those of us who have never sailed NCL before.

We are a family of four, kids ages 5 & 8. Looking to cruise in November 2015. I have narrowed it down to two cruises (I think). They have similar pricing for balcony staterooms so price is not an issue. I am more trying to decide which ship will be the nicest for us in terms of activities and also visually appealing. Also which one is just more enjoyable all around. Looking forward to your opinions.

The Escape will be new and it would only be its' 3rd week in operation. Sails from Fort Lauderdale to St. Thomas, Tortola, Nassau.

The Freedom sails from Port Canaveral to St. Thomas, St. Martin, Cococay.

Which one should we choose? The Freedom has the nice open Royal Promenade, ice rink, etc; but the Escape will be brand new, has watersides, freestyle dining.

Does anyone know if you can go to the point of the ship on the front of the Escape? I like the observation deck on RCL ships.

Please provide any sort of opinions. Much appreciated. Cannot decide for the life of me!

Jennifer

I am just wondering if we will be uncomfortable with the kids on this ship. I understand fully that RCCL or NCL would be a more kid-friendly choice, but my husband and I, in our forties, aren't big fans of the loud poolside games, crowds, loud music, etc. The kids will be happy to be a ship period, as they are fascinated with the structure and mechanics of a ship and it will be their first cruise.

Basically wondering if other guests would be irritated to see kids this age in the pools, etc. I don't want to feel like we have to tip toe around as to not bother anyone. My kids are well behaved, but they are kids and they would naturally have louder voices, etc.

Please let me know your thoughts.

Wow, It's huge! i just booked 1864 on Freedom of the Seas. While Navigator is a different class of ship, I think i can safely assume the room will be very similar if not the same.

 

Great Picture, Thank you.

 

So looking forward to experiencing this cabin/stateroom!

I just booked 1864 on Freedom today! Do you think it is the family size room with a separated living area as per the picture you quoted above?