CanadianCruiseCritic Posted December 17, 2022 #1 Share Posted December 17, 2022 We are looking to book a cruise for Spring Break in March 2024. We are a family of 4 and my kids will be 5 and 7 at the time of travel. We will be doing 1 week at Disney World followed by one of these cruises: 1) Adventure of the Seas (Royal Caribbean), 6 nights, $3700 CAD Balcony: CocoCay, Labadee, Puerto Plata, 2 days at Sea 2) Vista (Carnival), 8 nights, $4400 CAD Oceanview: Aruba, Curacoa, Grand Turks, 4 nights at Sea 3) Apex (Celebrity), 7 nights, $4400 CAD Interior: San Juan, St. Marteen, St. Thomas, Puerto Plata, 2 days at Sea I feel like Carnival's and Celebrity's itinerary will be more beautiful, but Royal Caribbeans will be cheaper since you can just walk off the ship in all 3 locations and go to the beach/pool without having to book excursions. Since we have young kids (and my husband and I have done many cruises pre-children) we don't need to do any crazy excursions. We just want water, sun, sand and a drink in hand. Celebrity's boat looks the nicest, but I read it's not as fun for kids. Thanks for any input! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare mom says Posted December 17, 2022 #2 Share Posted December 17, 2022 There is no way on God's green earth that I would do a week in an inside cabin with 2 kids. But YMMV. At least with a balcony you can sit outside after the kids go to bed. So, by default I'd pick #1. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ldubs Posted December 17, 2022 #3 Share Posted December 17, 2022 3 hours ago, CanadianCruiseCritic said: We are looking to book a cruise for Spring Break in March 2024. We are a family of 4 and my kids will be 5 and 7 at the time of travel. We will be doing 1 week at Disney World followed by one of these cruises: 1) Adventure of the Seas (Royal Caribbean), 6 nights, $3700 CAD Balcony: CocoCay, Labadee, Puerto Plata, 2 days at Sea 2) Vista (Carnival), 8 nights, $4400 CAD Oceanview: Aruba, Curacoa, Grand Turks, 4 nights at Sea 3) Apex (Celebrity), 7 nights, $4400 CAD Interior: San Juan, St. Marteen, St. Thomas, Puerto Plata, 2 days at Sea I feel like Carnival's and Celebrity's itinerary will be more beautiful, but Royal Caribbeans will be cheaper since you can just walk off the ship in all 3 locations and go to the beach/pool without having to book excursions. Since we have young kids (and my husband and I have done many cruises pre-children) we don't need to do any crazy excursions. We just want water, sun, sand and a drink in hand. Celebrity's boat looks the nicest, but I read it's not as fun for kids. Thanks for any input! We have shared with our kids in insides and outsides. Both worked fine for us. I would choose #1 for the reasons you give. Plus, the kiddos will enjoy RCI more too I think. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Itchy&Scratchy Posted December 20, 2022 #4 Share Posted December 20, 2022 Vista is newer. Apex is brand new. Adventure is ancient. We no longer wish to sail on old ships. Is there nothing else you like at that time? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zach1213 Posted December 20, 2022 #5 Share Posted December 20, 2022 On 12/16/2022 at 9:38 PM, mom says said: There is no way on God's green earth that I would do a week in an inside cabin with 2 kids. But YMMV. At least with a balcony you can sit outside after the kids go to bed. So, by default I'd pick #1. I don't have any desire to ever have an interior cabin with just my wife...I can't imagine if we had multiple rugrats along with us. No thanks! 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bonsai3s Posted December 20, 2022 #6 Share Posted December 20, 2022 Adventure: would be the most relaxing with stops in Coco Cay and Labadee...in a balcony....but only 6 days...older ship. Vista: Longer cruise...great ports. Apex: best ship of the 3...perhaps better food. * CanadianCruiseCritic...it sounds like you already know the differences...ultimately, it's what is important to you. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
navybankerteacher Posted December 21, 2022 #7 Share Posted December 21, 2022 On 12/16/2022 at 9:07 PM, CanadianCruiseCritic said: We are looking to book a cruise for Spring Break in March 2024. We are a family of 4 and my kids will be 5 and 7 at the time of travel. We will be doing 1 week at Disney World followed by one of these cruises: 1) Adventure of the Seas (Royal Caribbean), 6 nights, $3700 CAD Balcony: CocoCay, Labadee, Puerto Plata, 2 days at Sea 2) Vista (Carnival), 8 nights, $4400 CAD Oceanview: Aruba, Curacoa, Grand Turks, 4 nights at Sea 3) Apex (Celebrity), 7 nights, $4400 CAD Interior: San Juan, St. Marteen, St. Thomas, Puerto Plata, 2 days at Sea I feel like Carnival's and Celebrity's itinerary will be more beautiful, but Royal Caribbeans will be cheaper since you can just walk off the ship in all 3 locations and go to the beach/pool without having to book excursions. Since we have young kids (and my husband and I have done many cruises pre-children) we don't need to do any crazy excursions. We just want water, sun, sand and a drink in hand. Celebrity's boat looks the nicest, but I read it's not as fun for kids. Thanks for any input! A no-brainer. CocoCay, Labadee and Puerto Plata are synthetic "Caribbean" ports - you might as well stay on the ship when the yahoos get off. Aruba, Curacao and Grand Turk (not so much) are OK - but involve a lot of sea days. San Juan and St. Maarten are the two best ports in the Caribbean - and Celebrity will give you a good shipboard experience -- followed by Royal Caribbean, with Carnival a distant third. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiseaholic777 Posted December 22, 2022 #8 Share Posted December 22, 2022 I am glad to help . I have been on about 30 cruises, so I have a few tips. I would choose the Carnival Vista. The main reason is the itinerary. Aruba and Curacao are my to favorite ports. Plus Carnival is a great cruise line for kids. Another thing is 8 days, you are flying to Florida so take advantage of your time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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