What cruise for 11yr boy. NZ or AUS

[erniebernie]

Hi we are trying to figure out what cruise line to take our 11yr old grandson on,he is a bit shy, loves sports,swimming and is really interested in food technology ie cooking and making up new recipes. Looking at around NZ or AUS . Might be nothing out there to suit but would still like to take him on cruise just for the experience.Thanks for any help given.Allison.

[Rinalouise]

Hi we are trying to figure out what cruise line to take our 11yr old grandson on,he is a bit shy, loves sports,swimming and is really interested in food technology ie cooking and making up new recipes. Looking at around NZ or AUS . Might be nothing out there to suit but would still like to take him on cruise just for the experience.Thanks for any help given.Allison.

 

 

Hi!

 

I would personally recommend Carnival. At the moment there is only 1 carnival boat in Australian waters which is the spirit. The other is the Legend which comes back in mid October after it's time in Alaska. Carnival has a great kids club which offers fun friends and new experiences. It's a great way to introduce a child who has never cruised before. They have mini golf a sports court (for basketball soccer and volleyball) and 3 swimming pools to use at his leisure with or without a kids club and adults can use these too. Also leaving from Australia you have the option to visit some of the nicest reefs in the world in New Caledonia Fiji & Vanuatu. As for the food tech side they have constant demos on board on how they carve ice sculptures and the fruits they use on display (watermelon carving). Also carnival has a "Behind the Fun" tour which takes you to the inner world of the crew onboard including the massive gallery! I can't remember if the age minimum is 10 or 12 but I have a feeling it may be 10. Carnival offer cruises from 3 days with no stops 7 days to New Caledonia and/or Vanuatu & up to far North Queensland or down to Melbourne/Tasmania or 10+ days that take you to New Caledonia Vanuatu and/or Fiji and even to Hawaii! I'd recommend looking at http://www.carnival.com.au to see the ships and activities for yourself.

 

Hope this helps! :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[GUT2407]

Maybe Royal Caribbean

[SuiteTraveler]

I see you are in New Zealand! What a lovely place! So, this cruise would be more about fun for an 11 year old foodie and you and your wife delighting in spending time with him. I noticed too that your favorite line is Cunard.

 

How about a culinary arts cruise? Here are some lines that have this:

http://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=1988

 

P&O Also offers short food and wine cruises from Australia with demonstrations from celebrity chefs:

https://www.pocruises.com.au/holiday-types/sea-breaks

 

Here is the Masterchef cruise (unfortunately not in Australia, but still something to consider):

http://www.masterchefcruise.com

 

There is also a Masterchef Junior cruise but no dates have been announced for this year yet: http://www.torontosun.com/2016/02/01/masterchef-junior-winner-addison-joins-second-ever-masterchef-cruise

 

Here are a bunch more food themed cruises:

http://themecruisefinder.com/CruiseAds/list/20

 

Since your grandson is introverted, I think he would fit in nicely no matter what ship. I would make sure he brings along his tablet or computer and whatever else he likes to amuse himself with. When I was growing up and visiting my dad on his ship, they didn't have all the stuff they do nowadays for kids, so I enjoyed doing grownup things like going to tea, going to the MDR and being seated with adults for breakfast, lunch or dinner and knowing how to order and behaving myself so I would be a credit to my father. In between, I would read, or perhaps find someone in the game room who wanted to play a board game or if I saw someone doing needlepoint or crochet, I would politely ask them about it and this is how I learned to do those things - from passengers! So, what I'm saying is, I would not hesitate to take your grandson on any ship as long as he is well behaved - he will have a blast. Just being on a ship for the first time is such an amazing experience.

[erniebernie]

Thank you all very much,he would absolutely love the kids Masterchef cruise:) will defenately be looking at that and Carnival. It makes things so much easier when you get the answers from people who know. Thanks again. Allison

[OzKiwiJJ]

If he loves swimming then I'd recommend a South Pacific cruise, one of the Carnival 10 or 11 night ones that go to both New Caledonia and Vanuatu. There is lovely snorkelling there and even in winter, once you're a day or so out of Sydney, it will be pleasantly warm.