What's the best "starter" cruise from the New York area?

Question

We're thinking of taking our first cruise this summer (couple with kids ages 4 and 7). We definitely want to cruise that departs from either NYC or New Jersey. We want a family-friendly cruise line, and one where the kids would be in the same "kids club" (based on their ages). Do you have any suggestions for cruise lines and/or excursions? There's so much info online, that any opinions would be helpful -- Thanks!

Answer 1

NCL might be a good choice for your family.....excellent programs for kids.

http://www.ncl.com/nclweb/home.html

Answer 2

Test the waters with Carnival. Great for families and a good

way to see if cruising is for you...

Carnival Victory

5 Day Canada/New England from  New York, NY

New York, NY    

Fun Day At Sea          

Saint John, NB, Canada  

Halifax, NS, Canada  

Fun Day At Sea          

New York, NY

Answer 3

I would recommend the Explorer of the Seas leaving from Bayonne, New Jersey.  However, your kids ages will not put them in the same program on any cruise line.  The typical age groups are 2/3 to 5, 6 to 8, 9 to 11, and either:

12 to 14 and 15 to 17

or 13 to 17 (with the 12 years olds in with the younger group).

So why the Explorer?  Because it has a lot to offer.  Royal Caribbean has an excellent children's program.  The ship also offers, in addition to the pools, a water slide that young children can use (but not older children or adults) ice skating, inline skating, miniature golf and rock climbing (minimum age is six).

Other good cruise lines for young families in the New York area are Norwegian (year round) and Carnival (late spring, summer and early fall).

Answer 4

First thing to consider is how long you want to cruise, and where.  Leaving out of NY for 4 or 5 days on Carnival, ports are in Canada and New England.  8 days from NY ports to San Juan, St. Thomas and Tortola, with 2 days at sea going and 2 days at sea returning.  This eliminates the hassles and additional expense of flying but adds more days at sea.  Your choice.  As for the kids clubs, due to the difference in the ages of your children, they will not be in the same group.

As for family-friendliness, most cruise lines offer activities for children of all ages with plenty for the adults to do.  The kids will be kept busy while the parents enjoy romantic alone time, or, you can force the kids to spend time with you, and I do mean force!

Carnival is the only ship I've cruised and I'm trying out Disney with my daughter in June 2008, as well as Royal Caribbean in August with my boyfriend.  This is the only way to tell which cruise lines tickles your fancy best, try them all!!  Enjoy!

Answer 5

Bermuda or Canada in the Fall