What's a good cruise for single dad and 12 yr old son?

Question

I'm a single military dad currently stationed overseas away from my son. I get 2 weeks of leave in the summer to go home and visit my little boy and I'm thinking of taking him on a 4 or 5 day cruise to get away from it all. He's too old for the Disney cruises (little kiddy things don't interest him anymore) and I've only been on Princess cruises which were more for the adult crowd. I'm leaning towards a Carnival cruise to Cozumel and Costa Maya. My time frame is in July 2007 because I do not want to wait until my tour of duty is over in Feb 2008. Thanks to all who may answer! :)

Answer 1

I would suggest Carnival.  I have been on two Carnival (Inspiration 5 day out of Tampa, and Fantasy 3 day out of Port Canaveral) cruises with my children (10 and 13, boys), and they loved it.  There were enough activities to keep thm occupied at their level.  They loved Cozumel.  We have not been to Costa Maya yet.  That is coming this Sept.  A big plus is Carnival is cheaper than most of the others, and more laid back.  They are not a party oriented as they once were.  But, people to go on cruises to have fun.

Answer 2

Maybe he would like to spend a few days in Disneyland? It is good for all ages. If you want to go on a cruise, go on one with lots of things for him to do. I'm sure that anytime he is spending with you he will love though.

Answer 3

Carnival or Royal Caribbean would be your best bet. Royal Caribbean is having some military discounts on some cruises right now. IF you want I will check to see if there are any on 4-5 night cruises to Cozumel during July 07.

I would like to say thank you for serving our county and Happy Memorial Day.

Answer 4

Take him on a fun one where he'll be able to participate in a lot of fun activities with you (like swimming w/ dolphins and going on boat tours around small islands) and the entertainment isn't so "couples" oriented.  He'll probably appreciate mostly just being able to spend time w/ you, doing some one-on-one stuff.

Answer 5

Just call Carnival and tell them what you are looking for. I have been on Carnival cruises and  most all of them are cool for a 12 year old. You need to also book any excursions  that you might want to do when you book your cruise. If you wait until you are on the ship chances are slim they will  have any left.

Answer 6

Carnival cruises are pretty fun. So are Royal Carribean. I went on a Royal Carribean cruise with my mom for my 13th birthday and it was a bunch of funn. I dont know how social your son is but if he is a social person then i know that he could be a "navigator" on a royal carribean cruise and meet and hang out with people his age as well as you! As for carnival cruises when i went i was really little and dont really remember it. They have a lot of lights though.

Answer 7

Alaska,  great fishing. Cool nature like sights such as the Northern Lights.. Here is the link for one of the Alaskan cruise companies

http://www.cruisealaska.com/

Answer 8

We cruise often with our pre-teen and teen daughters as well as with many teens from our extended family.

The teens love the 24 hour pizzeria and all you can eat ice cream on Carnrival.

Also, Carnival will give you a Military discount.  You can book with Carnival or with a travel agent.  Check out www.vacationstogo.com for details.

Don't worry if your son finds some vacation friends and does not want to spend the entire cruise with you.

Get a set of the 2-way radios to keep in touch when he wants some freedom to hang with his new friends.  You can get the radios at Wal-Mart, Target, Radio Shack, etc.

I recommend the Cavern by Jeep tour in Cozumel.  You drive a Jeep through Playa del Carmen and visit a cave with an underground river.  You get to swim in the underground river and then back to the jeeps and drive to a private beach for a real Mexican dinner.  It was a great experience and something you could never do in the States since they won't even let you touch the water in caverns in the US.

I also recommend the Dolphin expereinces in Cozumel.  I loved the submarine ride but the teens were bored.

Book soon.  Even though July is hurricane season, cruise fill up because of the summer vacation.

Take plenty of $1, 5 and 10 US dollars to shop in the markets, taxis and tip shore excursion personnel.

Answer 9

I would go with Carnival. I have been on five Carnival cruises and there are always a good group of kids on board. They have a lot of activities for them. Make sure you tell them you are active military, because I have heard that they give a good military discount.