marilyn

We would like to cruise to Alaska with our teenager. Which cruise line is the best one for him to enjoy? Do all of the cruise lines offer naturalists on board? We will be going in July. Thanks!

Trying

You have to be kidding with a teenage son! I would advise on going on a car trip, it is really fun with a teen, especially if he will be able to drive.

Vic

No cruise is really designed for a teenager. Typically the cruise is a success if they make friends with other youngsters. That's problematical at best especially on an Alaskan cruise that is usually dominated by older folks. Few things are worse than having a bored teen on your hands.<BR><BR>Trying has a point. Last summer we traveled by car just as my daughter got her learners permit. She had a great time drive all over creation.

joyce

Isn't funny what different opinions we all have? I cancelled a car trip because last summer because the thought of being shut up with 1 preteen and 2 teens in a car driving to big sur gave me hives! We went to an all-inclusive in Mexico and they had the time of their lives!!!!! We just got back from a Christmas cruise with a family of 15, 6 of whom were teens, and they all gave it the thumbs up. I would make sure there was some type of teen program, although on the new NCL Sun, all the kids pronounced the teen club as lame immediately. I would probably not recommend Alaska. I would go at a time that a lot of other kids should be there, either school holidays or summer vacation. From what I understand, Holland tends to be older. NCL's programs seem to be good. Don't expect to see much of your son. We took walkietalkies to keep track of our kids. You might consider taking a friend for him if youwant to do alaska, if you can find one who's parents are willing to foot the bill for him. feel free to email me me for any more suggestions. <BR>Joyce

Donna

Alaskan cruises offer a lot of shore excursion that your son will probably love. Like kayaking, white-water rafting, hiking, dog sleds, helicopter rides. I'm sure he will enjoy it. Carnival will probably have the most kids his age. I know a lot of older people go on Alaskan cruises, but Alaskan cruises are best enjoyed by those who are physically able to take part in the more challenging shore excursions.

Paul Therault

<BR>Hi Marilyn,<BR><BR>Yes, althought Alaska cruises attract mostly older passengers, Carnival has more families (probably due to the price) and passengers do tend to stay up later. The Spirit is a wonderful new ship with a great itinerary (little better Southbound). The naturalists, although not up to par with America West, are excellent.<BR><BR>Paul

Suz

I have three teens. We have gone on quite a few cruises. Their favorite line is Carnival. We have also traveled by car on many family vacations. It is less taxing on everyone to go on a cruise. Car trips are fun, and the long drives are made enjoyable via books on tape, but the cruises are more fun hands down for the teenagers. And Carnival has a lot of other teens on the ships when schools are out of session.