Caribbean or Mexican cruise for family of 4?

Question

I've been researching cruises lately, and I can't seem to narrow it down to destination. We are looking to go in June 2008 and are open to Caribbean or Mexican cruises. We have two teenagers, so it must be family friendly. Any recommendations on cruise lines or specific boats? Personal experiences would be amazing. Thanks!

Answer 1

It may be too late, but you can try the usual travel websites [if you feel confident enough to book a first [?] cruise on your own].  Or talk with your travel agent.  You just may be able to get a really good deal.  Hope you already have your passports, because you wouldn't get them processed before a June cruise.

You may not have much choice as to line or ship at this point, because availability is going to be low.  But you can go to CruiseCritic.com, click on "Boards" or, even better, "Cruise Styles" at the top of the page and look for "family-friendly" cruises.  I'd recommend Carnival or Royal Caribbean [though I've never sailed on RC], or perhaps Princess - not Norwegian.  Read some of the "member Reviews" in the "Reviews" section of CC to get some great feedback.

I'd choose Caribbean, especially Western and especially if this IS your first cruise.  However, June is the start of hurricane season, so there's that to consider.

It's nice to hear that someone is doing some research ahead of time - there are so many variables!!  I hope you find something just right for you and your family.

Answer 2

I have been on * cruises and done both coasts.If you are water people you might want to go to the Caribbean, the water is much warmer, the pacific is freezing. I have taken my daughter on both and she loves them all so thats not alot of help. We just took the Carnival Pride our of LA and did the Mexican Riveria which really has been my favorite ship and locations. We felt very safe in port and did not see any of the armed guards we have noticed on the east coast of Mexico. I have been on RCL, which I personally do not care for but if your family is interested onte the activites then it might be worth checking out( i have no interest in rock climbing, learning to surf or ice skating while on a cruise ship anyway). If you are all going to be in the same room I would suggest CArnivall becasue thier staterooms are much larger. Have fun whatever you choose

Answer 3

I've done both but you must be very flexible considering most cruises are sold out by now. I love the Caribbean, but since it will be summer I would recommend against it because it will be extremely hot there. Depending on which part of Mexico would also be a factor. I've been to both sides and found the Cozumel area to be quite pleasing. I've also found Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, and Mazatlan to be nice as well. All get very hot depending on the time of year. I think that more kids would be on the caribbean cruises since it is summer so if you want a lot of kids on the cruise for your kids to hang out with then I would recommend the Caribbean especially the Eastern Part.

Answer 4

Cruise lines always give their best discounts for early bookings and that means a year or so in advance.  At this point if you are thinking of going in June of 2008 you will not likely find great price discounts but you may find some "deals" or specials.  But one thing is for sure.  Your options for a cruise go way up if you consider the Caribbean over Mexico.  There are many more cruise ships going from many ports to the Caribbean.  Mexico cruises leave from LA, San Diego, and Ensenada, Mexico going to 4 or 5 destinations.

I have done the Mexico cruise and also cruised all over the Caribbean and in my book the Caribbean is much much better.  Better beaches and better attractions.

My recommendation is doing a Royal Caribbean cruise (or Carnival) from a Florida port (because you have 4 options there (Miami, Ft Lauderdale, Tampa, and Port Canaveral).  Your options for cruises goes way up.  With teenagers I suggest Royal Caribbean because they have the most on-board activities than any other cruise line, especially on their newer Freedom Class and Voyager Class ships.  In addition to the teen club, called "Fuel", they have things like the rock climbing wall, mini-golf, ice skating, roller skating, basketball/volleybally, and some other things like the Flowrider.

MY suggestion, go on the RC's Freedom or Liberty cruise ships:  http://www.royalcaribbean.com/findacruis...

I have been on many RC ships and also on the Freedom and they will have a great time on that ship or either of its twin sisters, the Liberty and Independence.

Answer 5

Your like my mom =) She did months and months of research to figure out which cruise was best for us, we're also a family of 4, Im 19, my brother is 22. She ended up going with Carnival. We picked  a ship that sailed right from NYC, where we live. It was an Eastern Caribbean cruise going to islands like Puerto Rico, St.Thomas and Tortola, it was ALOT of fun, we actually just came back like a few days ago and it was our first cruise ever...really worth it, But the next time, I would LOVE to go to Mexico...cruise or not. So really you have to ask your family and find whats best for you based on where you live, and your preferences....for ex. My brother wanted Caribbean...I wanted Mexico...But to go to the mexican cruise, we would have had to fly out to florida or california or something, with the eastern carribean, we were able to save on airline because the port was right here in ny...see what i mean?? see if your willing to do some extra traveling too...Carnival is not as big or grand as some of those other ships, but it has just about everything you could want...And its generally much less expensive. Carnival is known as the party ship of cruises, and i think thats not a bad reputation..cuz who doesnt like a party? you will find activities for all age groups too..Everyone gets involved...good luck, but trust me, you'll have alot of fun no matter what you pick =)