We are hoping to take our kids and their families on a cruise, maybe 2025 or 2026, but it would have to be in the summer school vacation time. We would prefer the Caribbean, but not Mexico. The kids would range in age from 2, 5, 7, 13 &16. We would like a mid range ship, cost wise, with plenty to keep the kids occupied as well as the adults. Not Europe, as the costs of flying everyone there would end up getting far too expensive. We have been on two cruises ourselves, outwith school vacation time, which suited us, but want to treat the family before we get too old.

The problem with the Caribbean in summer -- its hurricane season. The earlier in the summer the less likelihood of major storms.

Have you thought of maybe doing a cruise during the kids' Spring break instead?

Not knowing your budget is a limiting factor. Can you give us some idea about budget?

Generally if you want a ship with a lot for kids to do it will be a newer ship and will cost more.

https://www.responsiblevacation.com/...-the-caribbean

Hurricane season starts in June though there are more likely to be hurricanes after mid August.

We have been in the Caribbean in June and July tons of times and have cruised three times embarking from San Juan twice and Florida once and never had a problem with weather. of course it can happen. I think it would be off to go in say May or early June or even July (look at the trend) but do consider buying travel insurance. That will normally cost about 10% of your trips total cost.

I presume you want to start from the US and probably Florida would be your embarkation point.

Spring break cruises will be more expensive so consider that as well.

Good luck!

Larry

Cruise lines will change their routings to avoid hurricane tracks if there's one threatened.

Otherwise, what jacketwatch said is spot on.

We are considering the NCL Hawaii cruise, but it is getting mixed reviews. The Caribbean is still a possibility. The summer school vacation would have to be, as one set of grands only get about 3 days in spring. One family would have to fly over to the US first, so it is juggling timing, pricing, and activities for a wide age group.

Instead of a cruise have you considered an AI in the Caribbean?

Just a thought.

I do not think the Hawaii cruises on NCL are a great value, I would look at the Caribbean as soon as school gets out. Many more options and you don't have to fly to Hawaii.

If you want to go to Hawaii I would just look for a standard vacation.

I agree. Hawaii is better toured by land vacations,

Cruise Critic has a Family Cruises section. Carnival covers all ages in their Youth Programs.

I would probably start there.

We have 90% decided on Icon of the Seas, but for August 2026, as the cabins we need are not available for when we needed them. How far in advance do RC open up their cabins?

I did not see it on the Royal Caribbean website, but I did see it available on Expedia. There’s a number of dates for Icon of the Seas.

I suggest calling Royal Caribbean or a travel agent.

I meant those dates are not open on the Royal Caribbean website, but are open on Expedia.

Please forgive me if this response seems out of line ... but have you confirmed that your next generations are interested in a cruise? My understanding is that many people of their generations are averse to cruises because they (the people, not the cruises) place a high value on ecologically responsible ("green") travel.

It may be that a particular type of cabin is sold out, but the cruises are not sold out.

I personally think Icon of the Seas is overpriced and oversubscribed just because it is a new mega ship, and August is MUCH worse for hurricanes.

I would not use Expedia for cruise bookings. Just based on my one and only (and last) experience.

Have look at Vacations To Go (enroll to look).

You can sort by month (eg June) and location (eg Caribbean) and Cruise Line (eg Royal Caribbean or Carnival) and ship (eg Icon of the Seas). I see they have Icon of the Seas on four dates in June.

You will then have to call to book or ask questions. You can speak to an experienced cruise agent. If you want to use the one I prefer, his extension is 7105. He has 15 years experience in cruise bookings, so feel free to ask for his advice about that particular ship or if a different one would work better or about cabin availability.

We did ask the kids and grands, and they are all for it, as our kids haven't seen each other for about 6 years, and DD hasn't met the two youngest ones. None of us travel much, so don't worry about the ecological impact. It's more about getting everyone together before we get too old to enjoy new experiences.

We did ask the kids and grands, and they are all for it, as our kids haven't seen each other for about 6 years, and DD hasn't met the two youngest ones. None of us travel much, so don't worry about the ecological impact. It's more about getting everyone together before we get too old to enjoy new experiences.

Enjoy!

Hi, reading this thread somewhat surprised about the amount of concerns regarding hurricanes. Chances are very small your cruise will be redirected - and "hurricane season" does not mean anything will happen. It means "if a hurricane would occur, it is prone to be in this season". I am well versed in this sector and even if, chances in july being very small, your ship would be deviated, they mostly anchor at another attractive port of call.
Your kids are going to have a great time, regardless what ship they are on. In the end, apart from some days at sea and evenings, the question will be more what things you select to do on land in the various destinations. July is perfect - less busy, more island to yourself.