Hi,

My family (2A & 2C aged 12 & 10) are travelling from Australia to the US for 6 weeks (late Nov - mid Jan), and were thinking of a cruise to Bahamas/Caribean would be a good way of enjoying Xmas or NYE. We have looked at a few sites, and Royal Carribean looks like it has lots to offer all of us, but we would like some feedback from others if the cruise is a good thing at this time of the year, as well as feedback on cruise lines.

Thanks.

Should be fun, if you don't have any sentimental attachments that require your presence on those days. We have been on RC once and enjoyed it. Lately we have preferred Holland America, but we are elderly now. I think that the children would like RC. The cabins are generally smaller, so be sure you get enough space. Some other lines are really party oriented and I would avoid them with children. Probably RC is a good choice.

I agree about RCI. Its great for kids, esp. their newer ships. Anything form the explorer, freedom or if you can get it the Oasis would be very nice. The explorer and freedom class ships have Johnny Rockets restaurants which would be great for the kids. It is a 1950's themed diner style restaurant with burgers, fries, etc. Nice and casual for the children. They also have rock climbing walls, ice shops, BB courts and some have simulated waves for surfing or boarding.
Princess and HAL are more geared for older crowds. Another line to consider is RCI's partner, Celebrity. Carnival, which actually owns HAL, Princess, Cunard and several others has some newer ships too and those are fun as well. I would not go on an older CCL ship but I doubt they would have them in that area for a holiday cruise. BTW one of my fav routes is the southern Caribbean. we've been on this route twice actually. I think you will like it. Cheers, Larry .
Any other questions please ask.

We love to go on a Caribbean cruise during Christmas holidays. My children always had a great time. The Caribbean beaches are gorgeous, but Bahamas may be a bit on the cold side at that time.

We went on the Carnival Liberty for the Western Caribbean route and loved it. The Carnival Liberty is new and there are lots of activities for everybody.

http://bramptontravellers.blogspot.c...-carnival.html

Last year we went on the Carnival Victory for the Southern Caribbean route from Puerto Rico. I highly recommend this route as there are 7 ports for 7 days and there will be non stop activities for the whole family.

http://bramptontravellers.blogspot.c...caribbean.html

You will definetely have a great family time.

Have you considered Disney Cruise?

Thank you everyone for your advice/suggestions. We have decided on a 5 day Carnival cruise to the Bahamas early Dec. Hopefully the temperature will be kind to us. We are on Carnival Fascination, which has got the kids really excited.

Thanks again.

Best of luck. I also saw that in Dec. and for about the same price the Destiny is available though it leaves from Miami and not Jacksonville. Personally this is a much nicer ship and has been recently refurbished. We were on her in 2003. If port of embarkation and time are not factors I think you will like this ship more. However if you are locked into Jacksonville and that time frame then I suppose thats it. In any case have a great time. I am sure you will.
Larry