What's the best cruise line for kids, besides Disney?

Question

We'd like to go on a quick (probably 7 day or so) cruise that'll be enjoyable for our 8- and 4-year olds as well as for us. BUT, one of our kids has a medical condition that makes me not want to leave US waters, so Mexico/Caribbean is not necessarily what we want. We live in Southern California. Any suggestions?? Thanks!

Answer 1

All foreign flagged cruise ships are required by law to stop in a foreign port before returning to the United States.  All of Disney's, Carnival's and Royal Caribbean's ships are foreign flagged.  Thus your best bet is a cruise out of Hawaii on Norwegian Cruise Line's US flagged ships.  These ships are all called Pride of _____ (America, Hawaii and Aloha).  These ships never leave Hawaiian waters.  

Another possible option for you involves shorter cruises, three and four night cruises.  Though these do stop in foreign ports, they don't go very far.  For example the short cruises out of Florida only go as far Nassau.  The short cruises out of Los Angeles only go as far as Ensenada.  

If a three or four night cruise is not long enough for you, you could try doing what is called a back to back (B2B) cruise.  Book two consecutive cruises together.  Thus you would combine a three night cruise and a four night cruise to make a seven night cruise.  However, on a short cruise you are likely to repeat some of the ports.

Another choice is an Alaskan cruise.  While at least one port will not be a US port (most likely Vancouver, Canada - which is minutes from Seattle, Washington) all the rest of the ports will be.  However, Alaska is not as child friendly as a cruise that goes south of the US, as the Alaskan waters are too cold for swimming (even in the summer).

Answer 2

NOT NORWEGIAN

I have been on 6 cruises in my life, two were Norwegian, I would never take any child on a Norwegian cruise. Compared to the others Norwegian otherwise known as NCL is like a time out. For a 8 or 9 year old I would definitely go with either Royal Caribbean  or Carnival. Out of every cruise line I have ever been on I would choose Royal Caribbean as having the most stuff to do. Your kids OR YOU will never get board if you go on one of their new ships. Carnival is also very child oriented and a bit cheaper than Royal Caribbean but you will find that Royal Caribbean ships are much nicer and the service is much better. Royal Caribbean also incorporates a good mix of child and adult friendly activities.

Overall I would say my vote is for Royal Caribbean

and dont be fooled by the name not all of their ships attend foreign ports. I see that you said US waters, that ends just a few miles from shore. If it eases your worry, The new Royal Caribbean ships have a helicopter pad, On a trip I was on our Capitan suffered appendicitis and was airlifted to a hospital. Because he was American and had an insurance policy that covered international travel he had the best care availible.

Answer 3

Both Royal Caribbean and and Carnival offer good childrens programs from what I have heard.  

I am not exactly sure what type of medical condition your child has, but are you worried about getting him/her to a hospital if needed?  When my father and I took a cruise, I was a little worried that something might happen to him.  I have heard that it can cost over $50,000 to airlift someone in a helicopter from a cruise ship.  Not that I thought anything would happen, but I didn't want him to lose his house on the slight chance that something did go wrong.  (He's 66).  Anyway, I took out insurance to cover the cost of any medical situation which may arise.  It cost about $40 for him, and less than $20 for me, for the entire trip.  (10 days).  Even if you do not leave american waters, you may want to consider this type of insurance.  Just be sure to pick it up at the same time you book your cruise, or else pre-existing conditions may not be qualified.  (Booking at or before the time of your cruise booking eliminates any pre-existing condition clauses.)  I am not sure if this covers being seen by the on-board doctor.

As a side note, these prices for insurance DID NOT INCLUDE trip cancellation fees, or reimbursement if we canceled our trip.  It was strictly for any medical expenses we may incur, including the use of Life Flight if necessary.

Answer 4

Take it from a 12 yr. old. Ive been on two cruises, Norwegian and Carnival. Both cruiselines have a kids program. So, if one day you want to go to one of the bars or to a dance club, or on port,put your child in the kids program and they are takin' care of.Inform the program that one of your children has a medical condition and see what they say. Hope you have fun!!

Answer 5

Royal Caribbean has great kids programs, and they are geared towards families.

Answer 6

Carnival