First Family cruise - Mexican Riviera

[elliam]

Hi there. We've done some research via this site and connecting with a travel agent. This will be our first cruise - Feb 2009 - and we are thinking of going on an 8-day Mexican Riviera cruise with Carnival (Spirit). Our kids are 3 and 6. We just want to make sure that we aren't ending up on a total party ship. We aren't opposed to having a few drinks but just don't want our kids to be tripping over too many drunken cruisers. We also want to know if there are better decks than others. Obviously they are all priced different and there is a reason for that - but is it worth it to be higher up and closer to activities?Also, we are wanting to have a balcony. Is this an issue with young kids - is there security latches or anything?If there is anyone that has any other tips on traveling with this age kids on Carnival? Thanks so much!

[Kerry's Girls]

I found my 7 day Carnival Pride cruise to the Mex Riviera to be more families than partiers (but I have a feeling it's a solid mix of both - we just don't run in the same circles or have meals at the same time).

 

I think you'll be happy with your choice, and you'll find loads of information here.

 

Best,

Mia

[cb at sea]

It's the short 3 and 4 day cruises that really "party hardy"-- the longer ones are a mix of families, older folk and younger people! You'll have a great trip!

[Uncle Fester]

Hi there. We've done some research via this site and connecting with a travel agent. This will be our first cruise - Feb 2009 - and we are thinking of going on an 8-day Mexican Riviera cruise with Carnival (Spirit). Our kids are 3 and 6. We just want to make sure that we aren't ending up on a total party ship. We aren't opposed to having a few drinks but just don't want our kids to be tripping over too many drunken cruisers. We also want to know if there are better decks than others. Obviously they are all priced different and there is a reason for that - but is it worth it to be higher up and closer to activities?Also, we are wanting to have a balcony. Is this an issue with young kids - is there security latches or anything?If there is anyone that has any other tips on traveling with this age kids on Carnival? Thanks so much!

 

The days of Carnival being a complete party boat have pretty much ended. Shorter cruises will have more of a party atmosphere, but the longer 7 and 8 day cruises are pretty much families, honeymooners, and retirees.

 

I've been on several cruise lines, and have found Carnival to be no more of a party than the others.

[scavenger]

Hi,

 

We'll be heading out to the mexican rivera on Spirit with our 3 year old and will be glad to report back on conditions, etc. its our first cruise with this new addition and I'm sure it will be a great experience. He's a crowd magnent, so the more crowded the kids area is, the happier he'll be, I hope theres enough young kids on board to keep him happy with all his new friends (he's already talking about meeting them, giving them names, etc.).

 

Will let you know how it goes..

 

CWTC

[etsdas]

I don't recall the exact dates, but we took the 10 day Carnival Spirit in February a couple of years ago, and thoroughly enjoyed it (we are retirees). As I recall, there were hardly any high school/ college age kids.