During spring break we are taking the kids on a cruise. My husband and I typically prefer more upscale, smaller and personalized hotels but this time we are going to try a cruise. We are trying to find some middleground to keep us both happy since we want them to have activities, games, other kids, etc. to keep them happy but we still want attentive service and good quality. We are torn between the RCCL's Explorer (more stuff for kids) vs. Celebrity's Constellation. I have this image of the Explorer being a madhouse, lines of people everywhere, crowds everywhere, etc. On the other hand, I have this image of the Constellation being more upscale, serene and relaxing, yet still stuff for the kids to do. Has anyone been on any of these two that could either sway us one way or another or give us a clearer picture of what ship would work for us?

I haven't been on RCCL or Celebrity, but I think Princess meets your needs perfectly. Have you checked them out, or do you have any questions about them?

I recently was on the Celebrity Mercury. They appeared to have a well organzied program for children as I saw them in escorted groups and games about the ship. Celebrity will also provide you that adult up scale treatment.

Look at Princess.

Celebrity wins out with the food and large cabins. Upgrade to a suite...it is worth the extra money.

Thanks for the helpful replies. I did find out that I could book a Grand Suite on the Explorer w/verandah and concierge service for about the same price as a Family Cabin on Celebrity's Constellation. This is tempting since having the huge Suite on the Explorer would be a nice place to 'hide away' and relax while the kids do their 101 activities on the ship...Concierge service should minimize the lines as well, I would think. Has anyone been in one of these Suites?

Maggy-<BR><BR>You may want to post this same question on www.cruise-addicts.com or<BR>www.cruiseenvy.com<BR>or www.cruisecritic.com<BR><BR>they are much more active cruise boards

Andy, thank you for the suggestion. I posted my message on one of the sights you suggested.

Maggy-

We just returned from the Explorer and I think you would absolutely love it. We were there the week before Easter and I was sure that it would be jammed packed. Honestly, you would never know that there were 3000+ people on this ship. I can't remember one time where we had to stand in any line, never had to wait to participate in any of the activities and there were plenty of &quot;quiet&quot; areas. The only time the pools were really busy was late-morning on sea days.

You don't say how old your kids are, but ours are 13, 11 and 9. They weren't interested in participating in any of the kids clubs, so they just hung out with each other or all of us as a family. We had a fantastic time and are already looking at booking the Mariner for next Easter break.

Meaghan,

What a nice recommendation for this ship! I'm curious what kind of cabin or cabins you stayed in. I am debating whether to go for the Grand Suite Category B, vs. getting a Superior Verandah plus an inside for the kids (across the hall from us). The Suite includes the Concierge service which could be a plus...let me know what worked (or didn't work) for you.

We finally decided to book our cruise on RCCL's Explorer of the Seas. As tempted as I was to go with Celebrity's Constellation, what swayed me were my kids eyes when they found out there was an ice skating rink, inline skating, rock climbing wall, etc. on the Explorer. If the kids are happy, I'll be happy, I figure. Also, we booked the Category B Grand Ocean View Suite so if all the activities and people get to us...we have our nice cabin to escape to. And I realized that having finer food on this cruise was just not as important as having fun...we can always go to fantastic restaurants anytime in our hometown city...can't wait for the cruise!

Maggy:

Sorry that I didn't reply before you made your reservation. I know that you won't be disappointed!

As far at the quality of the food, I'm not sure what you've heard but we had absolutely no complaints. We had lobster tail, filet mignon, etc., and our middle son just wanted steak and Caeser salad every night, which he devoured.

One day we decided to go up to the Windjammer for a &quot;snack&quot;. I'm not sure what I was expecting (the word snack makes me think popcorn!) but they had soup, salad, tacos, burgers, hotdogs, etc. My picky guy gained 8 pounds, so it couldn't have been too bad.

Anyhow, I know you'll have a great time. E-mail me if you have any questions. Bon Voyage!

I sailed on the Explorer in 2001. The ship is HUGE but I never felt like I was being &quot;herded&quot; into the dining room. There are plenty of activities for kids and adults. I think the Explorer/Navigator/Adventure/Voyager are all great ships for families. What ages are the kids?