My children and I (kids 18 and 16) are going on our first cruise over the Christmas holiday. I have reservations held for three ships - Carnival Triumph, Carnival Fasination and Celebrity Horizon. <BR> <BR>We are undecided which is the best option. Accomodations are similar, however, Carnival lines Triumph at sea more whereas Fasination in port more. Celebrity Horizon different destination. All three sound great. <BR> <BR>Which is best - at sea or in port? I've heard 18 years olds can drink alcoholic beverages and play in the casinos. Is this true? What about 16 year olds. Don't get me wrong as I'm not condoning this, I just know I won't be with them 24 hours a day (at least on the ship). <BR> <BR>Personnally, I'm leaning towards the Triumph as I understand it's a newer ship taken it's inaugural voyage in October. <BR> <BR>Any feedback will be appreciated. <BR> <BR>Bev

Hi Beverly, I have sailed Carnival 4 times, though not those ships. As far as I know, you have to be 21 to be served alcohol on board. I would pick the carnival ships because there is more to do for teens. My daughter does not want to sail anyother line. She always seems to meet nice kids. As far as the port question, it depends, if you like to lounge around in the sun and be served fruity drinks, sea days are for you. If you like adventure, a lot of ports is for you. I like a little of both! Try looking up cruisecritic.com message boards for more information. There is a ton of stuff on the Carnival site.

I would also recommend going with <BR>Carnival. Your teens will find more to <BR>do and meet many more kids their age <BR>on that cruiseline. Celebrity is a <BR>great cruiseline but is more popular <BR>with older passengers. Even on sea days, <BR>there will be plenty to do, lots of <BR>activities so you and your kids won't <BR>be bored! <BR>JanGail

Thank you for your replies. I'll definitely check into the cruisecritics.com area. Bev

Beverly, While I have not cruised either line, I have been planning a cruise for my family over Christmas, and after reading about both lines, I would definitely choose Celebrity over Carnival. Celebrity is just a much more classier cruise line, and everything I have read about them says that their food is the tops. We are currently booked on RCI Grandeur of the Seas, and I would recommend looking into them as well. They have activities for teens on most of their ships. Actually, they have enought going on for everyone, especially on their Large (and I do mean LARGE) ships like Voyager, that you wouldn't have enough time to do everything. E-mail me personally if you'd like to ask me any questions. Bruce

Though I can't offer info on those particular Carnival ships, I can tell you that several years ago we did a Carnival cruise to the Western Carib w/ 16 families whose kids were mostly high school seniors. All of those who were 18 or over were served drinks and could also gamble in the casino.

I would vote for the Triumph since you have teens....(if it were you and your honey looking for romance, I'd vote for Celebrity). The Triumph holds almost 3000 passengers and there is so much to keep your teens entertained and Canival does offer a good value for a family cruise.

We took one of the large Carnival ships last fall and while there were no teenagers involved with our group, I would still recommend them. The whole atmosphere is lively-music playing everywhere-video game rooms ( bring quarters) a disco-energetic shows-etc. They're called the Fun Ships for good reason!

Beverly, <BR> <BR>Your children will enjoy the Triumph far more than on the sedate Horizon. On the Triumph, they will never be bored. <BR> <BR>It is good for both parents and children to have at sea days to balance out the port days. On the Fascination and the Horizon, it is too port intensive and too exhausting. <BR> <BR>Go with your feelings, Triumph. <BR> <BR>

<BR>A word of caution. Although the drinking age is 21, the underage find ways to consume liquer same as you and I did when we were teens. <BR> <BR>You can not count on the security force to watch your children. It is your job. Make sure a curfew is in place for your children. <BR> <BR>One good deterrent is to warn them..... disobeying means spending a day with parents.....ugh. <BR> <BR>Paul

Thanks to all for replying. Please don't think I am condoning my children drinking on this ship, however, I know my kids and teenagers in general. If it's available, they will be right there. I don't mind the gambling as you can control that somewhat. Actually, we are booked on the Carnival Fascination. By the time I got around to booking this was all that was left. I'm not concerned as I think they will enjoy it alot. We hit four ports during the week of Christmas. I believe we are in Martinque on Christmas Day. <BR> <BR>My husband passed away recently and this is our way of getting away for the holidays. <BR> <BR>Thanks again to all that replied. Bev

Beverly: <BR> <BR>Have a Great cruise on the Fascination