Which Cruise? Advice?

[getmeouttahere0608]

Hi. Looking for advice on taking a possible cruise this year - the date is flexible right now - just looking for the best bet.

 

I'll be celebrating a couple of milestones - 30th b-day, 5th wedding anniversary and am looking for a great cruise to do so - hopefully something around May - September? It will probably be just my husband, myself and our 1.5 year old son (he turns two in late October).

 

We've been on a couple of Princess cruises (with other family members) and like the quality of food, service, etc. But since it will just be us three - I'm trying to explore possibility of cruises that can watch our little tyke every now and then. Disney looks to be too expensive...Royal Carribean looks fun but I don't think that they offer services for young toddlers like Disney and Carnival does.

 

So - any good suggestions of a great (Carnival?) boat and a great itinerary (we've been on a Eastern/Western Carribean out of Fl and just recently an Alaskan trip out of Seattle). Looking to spend a good week or little more on a cruise...we live in Southern California and would be willing to go to any port...

 

But - comments I've heard about Carnival ships are they are crowded and not the best quality in terms of food and accomodations??

 

Any advice/tips or hints would be appreciated!

[Maddycakes]

Hi,

 

It just so happens in May my family is going on a cruise for the same milestones...I'm turning 30 and it is our 5 year anneversery. I also have a dd but she turns three in October... as you can read, we have a great deal in common.

 

I have been on Grand Princess, Valor Carnival, and two voyager Royal Caribbean class ships in the past. We are VERY excited to be going on Liberty of the Sea in May.

 

We have been very good about saving money, so we were able to book 2 rooms, so we can bring a nanny with us.

 

I would hands down recomend Royal Caribbean's Voyger or Freedom class ships.

 

RCI ship and aminities cannot be compared with the other lines IMO.

 

However, I do understand your dilima, since your little one would not be old enough for the kids program.

 

So If it were up to me the choice would come down to...Do I want to go on a better ship that is packed full of unique and amazing things and have very limitied child care that I would have to pay for...(if it is even available)...or do I want to go on a ship that is WAY less impressive, but has a plethora of child care options.

 

As you know I chose none of the above:o I chose to pick up a few extra jobs and max out my credit card, to have the best of both choices.

 

Maddycakes;)