Best Cruise line/ship for a graduation cruise.

[2bfirsttime]

We would like some recommendations for a family cruise. The occasion will be a high school graduation, so this trip will be around May or June of 20XX. Our son, when asked what he would like to do for graduation said he would like to go on a cruise for his vacation, a cruise to the Bahamas’ to be more precise.

We would like for him to take a friend along, because really what teen wants to be stuck with the parents 24-7? So what we would like to know, what cruise line would be good for two adults and two teens? (18 years old) Preferably one with more of an adult population, we know it will be summer time and small children will be on all lines so were not looking for an adult only cruise, but a cruise aimed more towards adults.

The second thing I would like to know is what kind of room(s) would be best for a group of four? We have considered two options. We envision something like a two bedroom suite with a separate living area, however we cannot seem to find those kinds of room posted online. The other option would be two separate rooms, with joining balconies. What are some opinions or options that we have not explained?

Third, what would be the best things to do on shore in the Bahamas’? Our son is a water and land person, so we know we would never get him to parasail, however we KNOW we want to do that, but this trip is about him, so I need some suggestions on things he would enjoy.

Thank You ahead of time for your input and we look forward to any and all valuable information to can provide us with.

[cb at sea]

I think you'll find that 2 connecting cabins will be more cost effective than a full 2-room suite, in most cases. For the big suites, you'll have to call the cruiseline to book...they can't be done online usually as there are required numbers of guests required to book those rooms.

 

All of the mass market lines will have all ages....so don't worry about adult vs. kid activities. There is plenty for everyone to do...and little kids don't really affect your vacation, as long as they aren't yours! The kids are well entertained in the various kid's clubs and won't be everywhere on the ship!

 

Get a guidebook on the ports you'll visit, and let your son decide what he wants to do! There are all kinds of things available...and the guidebook will give you the fullest overview and can save you some big $$$ by allowing you to "do your own thing", rather than buying those expensive excursions!

[kitty9]

First of all, are you looking for a luxury line? This is the luxury line board, which includes lines Crystal, Seabourn, Regent, Sea Dream and Silversea. If it's a luxury line you're looking for, I'm not sure any of these lines would be great for teens as they don't generally attract families and have very limited activities for teens or kids. None of the luxury lines cruise Bahamas in summer, they really don't do Bahama cruises at any time of the year, so you would best be served to post your question on the boards of the mass market lines such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Princess and the rest.

 

For some general answers, not many cruise lines do Bahamas in the summer, as they reposition to Europe or Alaska for the summer months, so your choices will be very limited. There aren't any mainstream lines that would be adult oriented at that time of year, so no matter what line you choose, you're going to have lots of families with small kids. Some lines attract less kids, but for Bahama cruises, no matter what line, they seem to attract lots of families. BUT, you will find less kids the earlier you can sail, say very early in May.

 

Royal Caribbean and some Princess and NCL ships have two bedroom family suites and that might work for you. Your other option would be to have you and your husband in a suite and the boys across the hall in an inside cabin---if budget is a concern that would save you some money rather than having them in a balcony cabin.

 

Another problem will be, most cruise lines have a rule that if a person is under age 21, they must have an adult in their cabin, age 21 or older (on some lines the age is 25) in the cabin with the underage passengers. It's not a problem with children of your own as cruise lines will allow related children to be in a cabin by themselves, but having a non-related friend MAY be an issue in having a separate cabin.

 

As far as activities, the 18 to 20 year old population is pretty much forgotten on cruise ships. They're too young to drink, and on some lines they can't even go into the casino, and there are no activities specific for that age group. Some lines will allow you to sign a waiver for the teen to drink beer or wine, but the parent of the teen must be on board the ship. If caught underage drinking, you can be thrown off the ship at the next port. For activities, teens usually hunt each other out and then just hang around together.

 

As for Bahamas, personally I don't get the appeal of that place because I've always found it boring, but there are watersports to be had, such as snorkling, swimming with the dolphins and your basic beaches.

 

But as I said, you really need to post your questions on the boards of the cruise lines you're interested in. AND, I highly suggest visiting a local travel agent who specializes in cruises. You have no obligation to book the cruise with the TA, but at least you can get brochures and some guidance as to what to book.

[2bfirsttime]

Kitty9, great post. Thank You.

We were not aware that luxury liners do not sail to the Bahamas' during the summer months. Thank You for pointing that out. We will start looking into the mass liners and see what we can come up with.

 

So sad that young adults in his age range are forgotten. You did bring up a very valid point about drinking. He is not a drinker, but on a special vacation like this he might would like to try a drink or two. After all its a right of passage for him to leave high school behind and enter into adult life. (He naturally would be supervised by us if he were to choose to indulge in that kind of activity.)

 

Thank You again for your input. Your information is very valuble and insightfull.

[Essiesmom]

Most of the lines that do the Bahamas only do it on short cruises, 3-4 days. Agree that you are going to have a problem with two non-related (to each other) 18y/o in a cabin. Only cruise line sailing regularly from the US that allows 18y/o to book a cabin without older person is Disney (and they do the Bahamas). Other lines are Cunard, P&O, Thomson Holidays. Could not find any age regulations on the MSC website.

Suggest you try this website to find cruises visiting the Bahamas: http://www.cruisetimetables.com. The upper port list is ports of departure, the lower list is ports of call. Suggest you use the ports of call list, click on the port, then the month you would like to sail (not the date within the month). this screen will show all of the ships calling there that month and the itinerary. Also suggest you see a travel agent, a real brick and mortar type.

[2bfirsttime]

Most of the lines that do the Bahamas only do it on short cruises, 3-4 days. Agree that you are going to have a problem with two non-related (to each other) 18y/o in a cabin. Only cruise line sailing regularly from the US that allows 18y/o to book a cabin without older person is Disney (and they do the Bahamas). Other lines are Cunard, P&O, Thomson Holidays. Could not find any age regulations on the MSC website.

Suggest you try this website to find cruises visiting the Bahamas: www.cruisetimetables.com. The upper port list is ports of departure, the lower list is ports of call. Suggest you use the ports of call list, click on the port, then the month you would like to sail (not the date within the month). this screen will show all of the ships calling there that month and the itinerary. Also suggest you see a travel agent, a real brick and mortar type.

Thanks for the website refferal. As the parent of one of the boys we will be on-board. We suggested that he take a friend so he wont be lonely or feel that he HAS to be with us ALL of the time.

 

So for now the obsticle may be the second room. Do the cruise lines REALLY know who is in what room? Could we not say book one parent and one young adult in one room and the other parent and other young adult in another room, but the parents (chaperones) stay in one room and the boys in the other room?

 

I suggested that we fly for whatever trip our son wanted but he REFUSES to fly. (I have offered Disney for Christmas, he will not FLY) His loss is all I can say. Not sure whats holding him back.

 

Since my original post I did look around and like you said it seems that most trips to his destination are 3-4 day trips. I called him and he suggests that we do a road trip to go down, Disney (being we offered to fly there for Christmas to begin with) for a few days, then get on-board. So this adds something new to search out.

[casandbliz]

We just took a Mexican Rivera cruise with Royal Caribbean ( Marnier of the Seas) to celebrate our anniversary and our sons college graduation this past June. Although our specifics are different, lots of generalities are the same:

 

We too, took a friend for our son to share in the experience. At this age, they really like to be on their own. We actually purchased 2 balcony staterooms- the boys room was on one deck below us, so they could feel independent. But I think they would have been happy with an inside stateroom!! Maybe you could look at a balcony room for the parents and an inside stateroom for the kids. And yes, I am sure you could have one parent in one room with your son, and the other parent in the other room with the friend, at least when you book. The cabin stewards won't mind, just so they get their gratuties!!!

 

We let the boys do their own thing on board- didn't really see them until dinner! I insisted they do excursions thru the ship, since they were a lot more active than us!:o

 

They were carded occasionally on board for alcoholic drinks, but didn't drink at dinner with us. If your son/friend want an occasional/celebratory drink, I would suggest purchasing it yourself, and then give it to your son. At least try it- we didn't have to do it, but maybe other readers have. Or you can order champagne for your cabin, and then it wouldn't matter!!!

 

At the very least, enjoy your cruise, and I think we are awesome parents to give our children a cruise for their graduation!!!! We need to get the next generation started!!!!

[Krazy Kruizers]

You will find little choices for cruises to the Bahamas at that time of the year -- most of the cruise lines pull out all the majority of the ships starting as early as April to go to Alaska -- the Med -- Baltic.

 

If you can afford it -- 2 cabins would be the best -- and also a 7 day cruise. Some of the cruise lines have private islands which are lovely.

 

Bahamas -- I could do without that port.

[luvsun22]

We just took our daughter as a graduation gift a few weeks ago. Our situation was a little different because it was my husband, myself and our two daughters, but we booked two rooms with each girl being booked with one of us and when we boarded they took one room and we took the other. According to my TA this is done quite often and never questioned once you are on board. I'm sure it will all work out for you! Have a great time!

[Capt_BJ]

1. I'd say you indulge your kid a bit much .... not in taking a cruise, we took our two graduates on a cruise in May and had a great time. But I won't go here and I won't fly ... fine stay home

 

but I digress

 

2. All the cruise lines pull their ships out of Bahama/Carib in the summer? Huh?

check RRCL or Carnival out of Miami, Port Everglades or Port Canaveral...and even DCL. Monarch of the Seas from Canaveral does 3 and 4 day cruises to the Bahamas every week.

 

3. Your best bet is adjoining cabins altho you will be told you can book one good and one 'less' cabin by booking one adult and one 'not' in each; and after boarding you can get different keys. True, but be careful, especially when one of the underage is not your family. Been there - done that - got the t-shirt; and wish I could return it.....

[cruiseman40]

2bfirstime:

Where would u like to leave from, what Port and cruiselines? I'd suggest 4 days on NCL Sky? Leaves out of Miami, goes to Nassau, and Freeport, and NCL's Great Stirrup Cay. You have 3 ports(or stops) in 4 days. It's not like the other's where you have either 1 to 2 ports in 3/4 days. You get more ports in my opinion for almost bout the same price. You can also stay overnite in Miami which I also would recommend if you have the extra time. I als would recommend adjoining cabins or you have the Oceanview or higher category and they have inside category for example and above. Just another option. Goodluck and have fun. If you decide 7 days cruises or longer that's even better....goodluck with ur decisions.

 

 

 

 

We would like some recommendations for a family cruise. The occasion will be a high school graduation, so this trip will be around May or June of 20XX. Our son, when asked what he would like to do for graduation said he would like to go on a cruise for his vacation, a cruise to the Bahamas’ to be more precise.

We would like for him to take a friend along, because really what teen wants to be stuck with the parents 24-7? So what we would like to know, what cruise line would be good for two adults and two teens? (18 years old) Preferably one with more of an adult population, we know it will be summer time and small children will be on all lines so were not looking for an adult only cruise, but a cruise aimed more towards adults.

The second thing I would like to know is what kind of room(s) would be best for a group of four? We have considered two options. We envision something like a two bedroom suite with a separate living area, however we cannot seem to find those kinds of room posted online. The other option would be two separate rooms, with joining balconies. What are some opinions or options that we have not explained?

Third, what would be the best things to do on shore in the Bahamas’? Our son is a water and land person, so we know we would never get him to parasail, however we KNOW we want to do that, but this trip is about him, so I need some suggestions on things he would enjoy.

Thank You ahead of time for your input and we look forward to any and all valuable information to can provide us with.

[akcruz]

If you are doing disney I would suggest Royal's Freedom on the Seas. It leaves out of Port Canaveral which is about 45 - 60 minutes away from Orlando. It has sailings that stop in the Bahamas (thier private island there) as well as other places such as St. Thomas, etc.

 

With Royal you can book connecting cabins and have the boys in one and you in the other. In the past we have had DH and I in a balcony with the kids in an interior across the hall but sounds like they may not be allowing that any more. The Freedom class of ships has a sports deck with basketball court, rock climbing wall and the flowrider (surfing machine). Teen boys love this area to hang out. While they will not be allowed in the teen club, if they are together there are plenty of other places for them to go. As a matter of fact most of the teens only use the club as a meeting place then go elsewhere. On Royal the boys will be allowed into all venues, but will NOT be allowed to drink (and not waivers to be had when leaving from a US port).

 

My kids are now 15 & 20 and they love what Royal provides to them. Whatever you choose, enjoy.

[kjunea]

On Carnival, you can put the kids across the hall from you and you in a balcony. Also, on the Spirit Class ships, they have a few configurations that have an inside with a connecting door to a balcony room. These are all forward, but they might meet your needs very well. The Pride, sailing out of Baltimore, does a 7 day itinerary in June that goes to Nassau and Freeport in the Bahamas, as well as Cape Canaveral and it is a spirit class ship. I think you would like that class of ships.

[DFritz]

I agree with the suggestion for Royal Caribbean with either their Voyager or Freedom class ships. The ship with the flowriders, rock wall, etc. will keep the youth very happy.

 

I also wouldn't book them a balcony as they won't be in the room enough to enjoy it but I would consider one for the parents. You can usually book the cabin with a parent name on each and then speak with the guest information desk once on board to switch the cabin occupants. If you have cabins near each other or connecting this may not be necessary.

 

I also agree that Bahama's isn't really the best in teen friendly ports but they will probably enjoy the private islands or Atlantis water slide package. Other port options that the teens may love include Cozumel...jungle jeep safari is great....Ocho Rios....climbing Dunn River Falls....Labadee, Haiti....ziplining...Grand Cayman's stingray adventures.

 

Feel free to send me an email if you have other questions needing answered.

[Abear2]

My vote would also be the Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas, if it goes at that time to your son's destinations. :) Out of 15 cruises, this has been my favorite ship. The teenagers loved that flowrider and I think your son and his friend would have a great time on this ship. I would book a connecting room intstead of all four in a room. This would not only give you some privacy,but also two bathrooms...showers, toilets etc... ;) Good luck with your choice.

[2bfirsttime]

casandbliz, sounds like you had a GREAT time! Being that you let them do their own thing did you at least insist on having meal times together? I like your idea that they can only book excur through the cruiseline. I am not sure I would let ours go out on their own like that. (being in unknown places that far away from home) You were BRAVE.

 

Krazy Kruizers, two rooms are not a problem, seven days sounds fantastic. I personally have not found anything about the Bahamas' that really excites me either. (Never been there, but my opinioncomes from looking at our options online) My personal choice would be the European cruise!! Those look fantastic. In fact DH and I were looking at it online last night and have put the European cruise on OUR list.

 

luvsun22, thanks for the heads up. It looks as though booking one room in my name and one in DH's name will be the only way to go.

 

Capt_BJ, I may very well indulge him a bit much and there are trips we have taken where he did stay home. But this is his trip. And I dont mind indulging him, he is a honors student and strong in his faith and devotion to God. So giving to him, even with stipulations is a joy for me.

 

Like I said before, I dont think the drinking thing will be a problem, both of the youth that will be going are good kids and have lots of opportunities to drink before and never have. I never worry much about those two, I have seen many times the kids here have had drinking parties and instead of those two going, they go night fishing and are home by 10 or 11. WELL before curfue. IF and I say IF they were to choose to indulge I would first have to know it would be OK with the other parents and even then I would only allow ONE drink. It sounds like you have had a bad experience. So I TOTALLY understand where you are coming from.

 

cruiseman40, I am going to ask our son to explore port cities. It seems that most of them have great offerings of activites to do. So going in a few days early or staying a few days later is something I have suggested. I do know he has shown interest in the past towards visiting Miami. DH and I have been there many times and have always had a blast.

 

akcruz, the flowrider sounds like for for all! I seen that on Samantha Brown, and I WANT to do that myself. I have a question about the clubs. I understand they will be too old to go to the teen clubs, but can they go to the adult clubs? I know they cant drink in them, and thats fine, but can they dance or take in the comedy or stage shows?

 

DFritz, the water park sounds like a lot of fun and the jeep adventure too. I WILL be emailing you. So many questions :D

 

Abear2, will be exploring RC. Your suggestion of two rooms for two bathrooms makes TOTAL sense. I had not put any thought into that. I know at home we would have never survived all these years without multiple bathrooms.

[akcruz]

 

akcruz, the flowrider sounds like for for all! I seen that on Samantha Brown, and I WANT to do that myself. I have a question about the clubs. I understand they will be too old to go to the teen clubs, but can they go to the adult clubs? I know they cant drink in them, and thats fine, but can they dance or take in the comedy or stage shows?

 

 

Yes, once they hit 18 they are considered an adult once on board for EVERYTHING except alcohol consumption. My daughter was 19 when we did Mariner last year and she visited the adult disco on her own, gambled a bit in the casino, and came to the adult (18 and over) comedy shows with us. As was mentioned by another poster Freedom has been our favorite ship so far. You can also see where Liberty and Independence are sailing when you are looking as they are the same basic ship. One or both may be in Europe when you are looking but not sure. Freedom sails year round right now from Port Canaveral alternating weeks between Eastern and Western Caribbean.

 

Any other questions, feel free to ask here, on the Royal Caribbean board, or the Family board. You will get lots of help from just about all on Freedom and/or other equivalent ships.

[2bfirsttime]

Yes, once they hit 18 they are considered an adult once on board for EVERYTHING except alcohol consumption. My daughter was 19 when we did Mariner last year and she visited the adult disco on her own, gambled a bit in the casino, and came to the adult (18 and over) comedy shows with us. As was mentioned by another poster Freedom has been our favorite ship so far. You can also see where Liberty and Independence are sailing when you are looking as they are the same basic ship. One or both may be in Europe when you are looking but not sure. Freedom sails year round right now from Port Canaveral alternating weeks between Eastern and Western Caribbean.

 

Any other questions, feel free to ask here, on the Royal Caribbean board, or the Family board. You will get lots of help from just about all on Freedom and/or other equivalent ships.

 

Thanks Again. I have been really looking at RCI today, WOW...

(dad and I may have to take an RCI before the grad cruise)

 

I found some different and very nice iten's. Seems that in 2011 they are sailing out of New Orleans. Thats closer to us then FL. I have sent the information to our son's computer and given him some homework to do so to say *lol* But even so, if he choses to go to FL to sail out of that's good, we can spend some time down there before and after.

 

Anyone else looking at the itens out of New Orleans for 7-10 day cruises? If so what do you think of the lineup?

[Cruisin' Chick]

1. I'd say you indulge your kid a bit much .... not in taking a cruise, we took our two graduates on a cruise in May and had a great time. But I won't go here and I won't fly ... fine stay home

 

but I digress

 

2. All the cruise lines pull their ships out of Bahama/Carib in the summer? Huh?

check RRCL or Carnival out of Miami, Port Everglades or Port Canaveral...and even DCL. Monarch of the Seas from Canaveral does 3 and 4 day cruises to the Bahamas every week.

 

3. Your best bet is adjoining cabins altho you will be told you can book one good and one 'less' cabin by booking one adult and one 'not' in each; and after boarding you can get different keys. True, but be careful, especially when one of the underage is not your family. Been there - done that - got the t-shirt; and wish I could return it.....

 

Hmm, I wouldn't fly at all (absolutely terrified) so I even turned down going with my parents and sister to Asia, a trip leaving the day after I graduated from high school. Finally took my first flight when I was a junior in college in order to go with some other students to San Francisco for a football game.

 

I still am a white knuckle flyer, but I was only going to fly when I decided I was ready. And my parents knew it.

 

So I wouldn't say these parents are being indulgent about this. It's a strong fear when one has it.

[Cruisin' Chick]

I also don't get the third post about this being the "luxury board" here. I'm guessing that somehow the OP accidentally posted there and it was moved to "Ask a cruise question." But I couldn't find any update on that, so it just left me wondering.

[2bfirsttime]

I also don't get the third post about this being the "luxury board" here. I'm guessing that somehow the OP accidentally posted there and it was moved to "Ask a cruise question." But I couldn't find any update on that' date=' so it just left me wondering.[/quote']

You are correct in your thinking. This was moved upon request.