Sassafrass

Considering another Caribbean cruise in Jan to Mar time frame. Itineraries are similar, departing from San Juan.
Ships are Carnival Liberty, RCL Adventure of the Seas and RCL Jewel of the Seas.
Carnival Liberty is offering balcony cabins at only a little more than ocean view or inside on the RCL ships.
Ship ratings are about the same, but from reading about them, there is quite a different vibe.
We have had only window or inside before, so no personal experience to go by.
Also, granddaughter, age 6, will be with us.
So, which would you guys go with, inside on RCL Adventure or Jewel or balcony on Carnival?
Showing my lack of knowledge - are balcony cabins safe for active kids? Of course, we adults watch her, but she is busy.
She will be with her Mom so I might feel guilty, but we could have a balcony and they could have an inside.

One other option: Royal Princess out of Miami. Itinerary is not as desirable and not sure how good it would be for kids, but the ship is newer and looks so beautiful, plus a couple of good offers, that is tempting.

Opinions, please.

Gardyloo

The balconies have railings and barriers that would be safe for kids. For me, at least, a balcony is worth a lot; it really changes your perspective on things.

Dayenu

I would pick the ship that has the best programs for kids.

jacketwatch

I would try the balcony, especially if you have never tried one before. They are safe and its so nice to sit there and watch the ocean. Give it a go!

JBass1

Hands down, get the balcony -- not only to be able to get outside, breathe fresh air but the view! And it makes your stateroom feel larger. An inside cabin room would never be an option.

Sassafrass

Thanks, all of you. We usually go super cheap so we can do more trips, and most of the time an inside has been fine, but we figure a 50th anniversary deserves something a bit more special. So, a balcony it is.

jacketwatch

Wow! 50h. We met you once. Did you get married when you were 10. . You look amazing. Congrats!

Sassafrass

Now, Jacket, others can't know how much you are exaggerating, but you are kind anyway. Sorry to say that since we met you, we have had a lot of wear and tear, and I am afraid look every day of our 70+ years. More character, I say, or maybe we have become characters. A rejuvenating cruise is perfect treatment.

Orlando_Vic

I, too, would opt for the balcony. However, I have qualms about cruising anywhere on Carnival given their history including the reputation of toga parties and belly flop contests.

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doug_stallings

I also tend to prefer a balcony vs. an inside cabin, and Carnival has gone a long way to improve the quality of its regular offerings. But I'd opt for an ocean-view cabin category guarantee over an balcony if it were on a much nicer cruise line. (Though I'd add that Carnival has gone very far in improving the quality of the regular offerings on all of its ships, and the regular cabins on Carnival are still bigger than more expensive cabins on a lot of cruise lines.)

You're more likely to encounter a raucous party cruise on a 3- or 4-day itinerary. And you're more likely to encounter ultra-crowded ships during school holidays, when half the cabins can be filled with extra kids.

jacketwatch

Sass you are always a character!

I agree with Doug about those 3-4 day booze cruises to avoid. I don't think too many will fly to PR just to hop a ship and get toasted when they can do that from say FLA. or TX. or NO.

Sassafrass

I am looking only at 7 day cruises. I have it narrowed down to three. Depends somewhat on the kids' plans.

If only DH and me, I am considering Regal Princess because of the ship and good balcony rate right now. It departs from FT Lauderdale.

If DD and GD go, then it will be one of the others, departing from SJ, PR.

From PR, itineraries are nice for DD1 and GD and include a stop in St Kitts to see DD2 for a day.

Two quotes from some of you - can't remember who, but I agree, "it is all good." and, "any day on the water is better than a day at home." or something like that."
Any cruise is fun. I want both!

doug_stallings

For what it's worth, even Carnival Liberty has the new Carnival upgrades, including Guy's Burger Joint and the new taqueria and bar on the pool deck.