Norwegian vs. Carnival
 

My family of 11 has booked a Christmas 2004 Western Caribbean with NCL - Norwegian Sun. We will have 4 teenagers and the rest of us are 40-65. We've read some bad reviews of the Norwegian Sun - should we switch to a Carnival cruise? Concerned Carnival may be too much of a "party" boat for teenagers.

I think you will find a difference of opinion on this board. I can only offer my own experience. We have never cruised NCL. We have found Carnival to be fun, not over the top (they do not allow hard liquor to be kept in ones cabin because of experience with underage people using it) and to have excellent food. Carnival seems to have an image among some as being a "blue collar paradise" which I disagree with based on our times with them. Far from it. We enjoyed it and would go again. Last summer our son and his girlfriend joined us (21 and 20) and they had a good time as well. As far as we could see things stayed under control. We would not go again if things were too wild. They weren't. Hope this helps. Bon voyage, Larry

Carnival is more of a family cruise, with things to do for all ages
The Norwegian line s more of a leisure cruise
on the other hand, I would say go carnival because you can party or relax when you like to

We went on the Carnival Paradise, which was non-smoking and maybe the passengers were somewhat toned down.
In any case, my 14-year old son and I loved it! I wouldn't hesitate to use Carnival again.

I've been on both Carnival and NCL. If I had my "druthers" I would probably go with Carnival again before I would do NCL, if I had the choice. The food on Carnival is better, there seems to be more activity and a more festive atmosphere also. NCL is also nice. I would take a Norwegian ship again in a heartbeat... if I didn't have other options! That's my opinion...
Carol