Best Cruises for teenagers (17 & 15)?
Sep 14th, 2010, 08:48 AM
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Best Cruises for teenagers (17 & 15)?
Wondering if there is a better cruise line for this set? Sounds like Carnival would fit the bill but any information from someone who's done this would be great. Oh, and we'll also have the oldsters with us, my dad and his mom, but they go with the flow. Thanks.
Sep 14th, 2010, 11:45 AM
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It would be a toss up between Carnival and RCCL. You can't go wrong with either of them.
With that said, the teens would enjoy the other cruise lines such as Celebrity and Pricness as well since almost all cruise lines has teen programs. It's just that Carnvala nd RCCL caters more to the younger crowd.
With that said, the teens would enjoy the other cruise lines such as Celebrity and Pricness as well since almost all cruise lines has teen programs. It's just that Carnvala nd RCCL caters more to the younger crowd.
Sep 15th, 2010, 01:29 PM
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With Mom and Dad in tow, Princess and Celebrity maybe a better bet as they will certainly enjoy those ships better than RCCL and Carnival.
As to the teens, they will find enough things to do on their own, even on the Celebrity and Princess ships. If you are travelling during the holiday seasons, there will be other kids their age and they will make friends easily, hanging out with them and you won't even see them most days.
Since you are paying the bills, pick one that suits you, not the kids. The kids will adapt and go with the flow.
We have found that every cruise line is starting to get pushy on selling you the extras such as drinks, photoes and trikets etc. The cost has gone up but the price hasn't so they have to make their money somewhere. The quality of food has also come down too, some cruise lines worst than others.
I just read a review on cruise critic comparing the food on their last cruise to Denny's. Ouch!
http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberre...?EntryID=72173
We have moved away from Carnival and RCCL to Princess and Celebrity recently although we still have an occassionaly trip on them. The main reason for the change being there are less ship board announcements, less interruptions, and the sell job is more subtle and less pushy, also the entertianment suits us better. We found peace when we wanted to, and we found parties when we wanted to.
Why you would want to pick RCCL over the other cruise lines for the teens: rock climbing wall, surf simulator, skating rink among other activities for the younger and more active crowd.
As to the teens, they will find enough things to do on their own, even on the Celebrity and Princess ships. If you are travelling during the holiday seasons, there will be other kids their age and they will make friends easily, hanging out with them and you won't even see them most days.
Since you are paying the bills, pick one that suits you, not the kids. The kids will adapt and go with the flow.
We have found that every cruise line is starting to get pushy on selling you the extras such as drinks, photoes and trikets etc. The cost has gone up but the price hasn't so they have to make their money somewhere. The quality of food has also come down too, some cruise lines worst than others.
I just read a review on cruise critic comparing the food on their last cruise to Denny's. Ouch!
http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberre...?EntryID=72173
We have moved away from Carnival and RCCL to Princess and Celebrity recently although we still have an occassionaly trip on them. The main reason for the change being there are less ship board announcements, less interruptions, and the sell job is more subtle and less pushy, also the entertianment suits us better. We found peace when we wanted to, and we found parties when we wanted to.
Why you would want to pick RCCL over the other cruise lines for the teens: rock climbing wall, surf simulator, skating rink among other activities for the younger and more active crowd.
Sep 16th, 2010, 05:09 AM
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Hey Eschew,
"Since you are paying the bills, pick one that suits you, not the kids. The kids will adapt and go with the flow."
I DO like the way you think! And yes, we are paying the bills and for that reason if that rock-bottom priced Carnival Glory cruise ($749 balcony room) is going to work then that's probably what we'll do. We usually rent a house on a beach somewhere (Rincon, P.R. last year-wonderful!) because we are just so cheap but really need to get the heck out of New York in February. So, I guess we'll try a cruise (my dad's the only one of us who has cruised before ... and he's insisting that we should get balcony rooms) but it's all about staying within that very small budget.
I really do appreciate all your help and your willingness to share your extensive knowledge. Thanks again!
"Since you are paying the bills, pick one that suits you, not the kids. The kids will adapt and go with the flow."
I DO like the way you think! And yes, we are paying the bills and for that reason if that rock-bottom priced Carnival Glory cruise ($749 balcony room) is going to work then that's probably what we'll do. We usually rent a house on a beach somewhere (Rincon, P.R. last year-wonderful!) because we are just so cheap but really need to get the heck out of New York in February. So, I guess we'll try a cruise (my dad's the only one of us who has cruised before ... and he's insisting that we should get balcony rooms) but it's all about staying within that very small budget.
I really do appreciate all your help and your willingness to share your extensive knowledge. Thanks again!
Sep 16th, 2010, 04:20 PM
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Good luck! You will love it if this is your first time. Food is included but not drinks, i.e. not even pop.
Do you plan to cram 4 to a cabin or book 3 cabins close together?
Here is another way to save more money, Balcony for mom and dad, inside cabin for the kids across the hall.
If you more more questions, just ask. There are lots of people here willing to share info.
Do you plan to cram 4 to a cabin or book 3 cabins close together?
Here is another way to save more money, Balcony for mom and dad, inside cabin for the kids across the hall.
If you more more questions, just ask. There are lots of people here willing to share info.
Sep 17th, 2010, 03:41 AM
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If it was just our family of four going we would probably try for one room ... or maybe the husband and I would get a balcony and see if the boys could go steerage ... get a job on the oars ... you know, like a working vacation? They're big boys (6'1" & 2", football players) But since we've got the oldsters - and it's MY dad and HIS mom, and there is no cohabitation, we figured we'd stick one kid with each grandparent. I was hoping this would get us a senior rate for 2 rooms but we're already getting the early bird booking rate and that's so low there won't be any further discounts given. That's OK, getting pretty excited ... and I have 5 months to feed on this until the actual trip! I definitely feel I'm getting my money's worth.
Do you have any suggestions/favorites for shore excursions? We'll be hitting Cozumel, Belize City, Roaton and Grand Cayman. Thanks.
Do you have any suggestions/favorites for shore excursions? We'll be hitting Cozumel, Belize City, Roaton and Grand Cayman. Thanks.
Sep 17th, 2010, 09:08 AM
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3 cabins works better anyway as 4 to a cabin would be quite cramped. We did it once in 2001 and that was the one and only time.
My idea of adventure maybe different than yours. So, understanding that it is personal taste.
Cozumel, we've been there a few times and have yet to stayed for any length of time at the island. We have always gone to Playa del Carman. Most people will pick one of the three excursion at Playa del Carman: Tulum, EcoPark, or Coba. Be aware that all 3 involves long bus rides (over an hour), the ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carman, and you can spend only about 3 hours at the destination with a very long travel day.
If you have not been to any of the three, I will pick Tulum first, Eco-Park second and Coba last. Coba involves a fair amount of walking so I am not sure with the GP in tow. All 3 attractions involve some sort of physical activities. By the way, Tulum is by the sea, so you may have 1/2 hour or so at the beach there. The sea color is so blue that it looks just like the post card from the top of the cliff.
An alternative is to just spend the time at the island, take a cab to the beach, light house etc or visit the local smaller Mayan Ruins. Or book the local island tour. Make sure you negotiate cab fare before getting in, as well as making arrangement for them to come back and pick you up at designated time. You don't want to be stranded.
Berlize is best known for their Mayan Ruin and snorkeling. Take your pick. My pick will be the Mayan ruin again ... but snokerling is great there.
Have not been to Roatan yet. Most Western Carribbean itenary usually stops at Jamica until recently. I have heard that the beaaches are beautiful, great scuba diving from people who have been there.
Grand Cayman: beaches and more crowded beaches. We took the trip to Hell and back, sent a post card to friends and family from hell while we were there ... It is such a toursit trap ... but hey, can't argue with the majority. Almost everyone been to Grand Cayman been there at least once. Any Grand Cayman land tour wwould almsot certainly include a trip to hell and back.
We have also taken the Atlantis submarine ride (not the semi-submissable) which I thought was very good. No, you don't get to see Atlantis, it is only the name of the tour company.
Depending on weather and where you get ashore, (if you get off at the regular mian pier) you can just get off the ship and walk around town a bit. If the weather is bad and you ended up tender ashore to the alternate pier, it will be a $5 cab ride. If the weather is real bad, you don't get ashore at all and they will refund your port charges.
You should contact the cruise lines and see what shore excursions are available. They can range from $29 to $199 per person per excursion so it adds up real quick.
You can book independent tours outside of the cruise line, which is cheaper. I will advise against it for the Tulum trip but shoudl be okay for the others. Just use precautions.
We have also taken trips on the cheap, especially for ports that we have visisted several times. We just stroll off the ship, walk around town, go visit the locals, sit at a beach for a bit, and then stroll back to the air conditioned ship.
You don't have to spend money to have fun but if you want to see places, then the excursions are unavoidable. You don't go all the way to Egypt and then didn't go and see the Pyramid.
My idea of adventure maybe different than yours. So, understanding that it is personal taste.
Cozumel, we've been there a few times and have yet to stayed for any length of time at the island. We have always gone to Playa del Carman. Most people will pick one of the three excursion at Playa del Carman: Tulum, EcoPark, or Coba. Be aware that all 3 involves long bus rides (over an hour), the ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carman, and you can spend only about 3 hours at the destination with a very long travel day.
If you have not been to any of the three, I will pick Tulum first, Eco-Park second and Coba last. Coba involves a fair amount of walking so I am not sure with the GP in tow. All 3 attractions involve some sort of physical activities. By the way, Tulum is by the sea, so you may have 1/2 hour or so at the beach there. The sea color is so blue that it looks just like the post card from the top of the cliff.
An alternative is to just spend the time at the island, take a cab to the beach, light house etc or visit the local smaller Mayan Ruins. Or book the local island tour. Make sure you negotiate cab fare before getting in, as well as making arrangement for them to come back and pick you up at designated time. You don't want to be stranded.
Berlize is best known for their Mayan Ruin and snorkeling. Take your pick. My pick will be the Mayan ruin again ... but snokerling is great there.
Have not been to Roatan yet. Most Western Carribbean itenary usually stops at Jamica until recently. I have heard that the beaaches are beautiful, great scuba diving from people who have been there.
Grand Cayman: beaches and more crowded beaches. We took the trip to Hell and back, sent a post card to friends and family from hell while we were there ... It is such a toursit trap ... but hey, can't argue with the majority. Almost everyone been to Grand Cayman been there at least once. Any Grand Cayman land tour wwould almsot certainly include a trip to hell and back.
We have also taken the Atlantis submarine ride (not the semi-submissable) which I thought was very good. No, you don't get to see Atlantis, it is only the name of the tour company.
Depending on weather and where you get ashore, (if you get off at the regular mian pier) you can just get off the ship and walk around town a bit. If the weather is bad and you ended up tender ashore to the alternate pier, it will be a $5 cab ride. If the weather is real bad, you don't get ashore at all and they will refund your port charges.
You should contact the cruise lines and see what shore excursions are available. They can range from $29 to $199 per person per excursion so it adds up real quick.
You can book independent tours outside of the cruise line, which is cheaper. I will advise against it for the Tulum trip but shoudl be okay for the others. Just use precautions.
We have also taken trips on the cheap, especially for ports that we have visisted several times. We just stroll off the ship, walk around town, go visit the locals, sit at a beach for a bit, and then stroll back to the air conditioned ship.
You don't have to spend money to have fun but if you want to see places, then the excursions are unavoidable. You don't go all the way to Egypt and then didn't go and see the Pyramid.
Sep 21st, 2010, 06:47 PM
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I guess we were thinking of snorkel in Cozumel; we've always heard it was good but ... Belize City, huh? There's suppose to be a river tube trip in Belize that sounded interesting. Know anything about that? I would like to do some ruins, I shopped an itinerary that included Costa Maya for that reason, but it sounds too ambitious to do from Cozumel. Thanks for the info.
Sep 22nd, 2010, 09:55 AM
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Chacchoben and Kohunlich are both close to Costa Maya. They are less visited as they are lesser known compare to Tulum etc. I think it is still an hour bus ride away though.
Now, if you are going to do the ruins in Costa Maya, that would take out your river tube trip in Belize as I think Belize and Costa Maya is the same stop for your cruise. Unless it is 2 separate stops, or you think you will have time to do both.
There are several "minor" ruins on the Corzumel island itself that you can easily add to your snokeling. So that may be an option.
If you really wanted to do a Mayan Ruin as a stop, Tulum would be the one. The bus do stop and pick up lunch (bring your food and snack anyway) and they will also give you a p stop at a roadside souvenir shop.
Look through what the ship offers and then go from there.
Now, if you are going to do the ruins in Costa Maya, that would take out your river tube trip in Belize as I think Belize and Costa Maya is the same stop for your cruise. Unless it is 2 separate stops, or you think you will have time to do both.
There are several "minor" ruins on the Corzumel island itself that you can easily add to your snokeling. So that may be an option.
If you really wanted to do a Mayan Ruin as a stop, Tulum would be the one. The bus do stop and pick up lunch (bring your food and snack anyway) and they will also give you a p stop at a roadside souvenir shop.
Look through what the ship offers and then go from there.
