Can anyone recommend which ship would be best for family with 12 & 13 yr. old travelling w/family with 10 & 15 yr. old. Must be Carnival. Also, do any of the Carnival ships offer rock climbing? Thanks for you help. Regards, Debbie

RCL Explorer of the Seas has rock climbing for sure-

I also think the new RCL Serenade of the Seas has rock climbing, but not 100% sure...

Do not think any Carnival ships have rock climbing...

Why must you sail on Carnival?

Must be Carnival because I can get a free upgrade with them.

A free upgrade would still not ever get me on a Carnival ship. Sorry...I am a bit of a cruise snob and only want the best. And that obviously is not Carnival.

A first time cruiser would love Carnival. And I would go back on them again. My first cruise was on the now defunct Premier Sea Breeze. We didn't know what to expect, and we loved it!
Then we saw Carnival and it looked so much newer and better. Carnival is a good ship for kids and a good value. Other lines may be more "classy", but they're also more expensive. and "uppity".

We have been taking cruises with our kids since they were 5 and 9. We have been on One Carnival cruise, our first one becos we were told it was good value for money. Never Again. We stick to Royal Carribbean , Celebrity or Princess. The kids programmes, food, entertainment ,calibre of cabins and service is excellent on any of these. My kids are now 13 and 9 and I would definitely not sail Carnival, free upgrade or not.Having said that Carnival does get good reviews from many people so you have to decide what is suitable and acceptable to you. It's like deciding to stay at a 3 star or 5 star hotel.Good luck with your cruise and whichever ship you choose if your company is fun to be with, you will have a great time.