What destination would be better for a family cruise or trip ..... the Bahamas .... Jamaica ...or?

Question

would some other island even be better ???

Answer 1

The fact that you said family cruse I think I would look into the Disney Cruse that is offered

Answer 2

First, here are a few of my opinions I have picked up over the years of cruising alone and on ocassion with children.

1). Some people prefer more days at sea when they are traveling with young children, or any children really. The kids groups onboard are almost always a blast (depending on which line you choose, some are a lot better than others) If you go with a good line, like Disney, the kids often don't want to leave the clubs and a lot of times are more entertained in the clubs than they are on the islands. So, if you will be on a line with great kids clubs, look for a cruise that offers more days at seas, this will also help to keep your family safe. If you are looking at a ship that doesn't offer the best kids program, try to find a cruise that offers more days at port and at a port that will offer a lot for the kids.

2). If you can find a line that offers a private island, this is also great. The lines that accomodate families try especially hard to make their islands enjoyable by all, the family, the adults only, the teens only and the younger ones. Because of this, the whole family can enjoy themselves together, or go their seperate waves. Because they are private islands, you don't have to worry about the safety of your family or what kind of things your children will witness while on the island.

3). When picking the ports that you want to see, try to make sure that you are looking into ports that won't require you to tender. This is just one extra step that can make a little more of a hassle, especially for families. It is so much nicer just walking off the ship and going right to what you are wanting to do. Tendering takes extra time, and is also not as easy when children are involved, especially younger children, and or strollers and the like.

Now, as far as the best island... you are going to see a lot of the same things at many of the islands, such as trying to get you to buy the products they are selling, or haggling you. Safety wise, I think they are all pretty equal. Just like any other place, they can only be as safe as you take the precautions for. Just use any safety rules that you would use anywhere else, if you do this, I think that you will find just about any port will work for you. In my opinion, I think some of the most popular family ports are going to be the Bahamas, St. Maarten, St. Thomas, etc. so these may be a good idea to look into.

If it were me, I think I would look into the cruise more than the ports. Most ports will offer something for everyone, and this can be something you look more into once you have narrowed down your line or ship. But the onboard activities are going to be what is most important, especially when traveling with a family. At the port, you can stay off the ship all day, or you can get off and get right back on if you don't like it, but you aren't able to off of the ship as easily and will be spending a lot more time on it. So, I would look into the cruise line and ship that is going to meet your families needs, from there, I would find the ports that offer the most for your family and you feel will be the best.

Of your two choices, I think that the Bahamas would be better for families, but I think it is kind of a toss-up.

I've included a few links that you may enjoy and that may help you with your planning.

Good luck and I hope that you have a great time wherever you choose to go.

Answer 3

Definitely BAHAMAS. We went on a cruise for Christmas to the Bahama's and it was great.  You have to try snorkeling with the stingrays! (which is great for the kids!). The people in the Bahamas are 200% nicer than the people in Jamaica, no offense. I suggest a Carnival cruise for the Bahamas, because that's their specialty! Even in their commercials, they feature the Bahamas.

            Have fun on your cruise!!!

Answer 4

I loved Grand Cayman, went there twice on cruises and my wife and I have talked about going there on a vacation.

I had a bad time in Jamaica -- we weren't off the boat 20 minutes before we got hit up by the locals to buy weed, and got offered a prostitute in front of my wife and kids.

Answer 5

For a family I would suggest Bahamas or maybe the Bahamas within a Eastern Caribben cruise (like out of Miami). The only draw back to the Eastern Caribben cruises is that most go to islands that have topless and clothing optional beaches. But the cruises tell you which beaches those are and they are mainly south of the Virgin Islands (St. Maarten/St. Martin, etc.). There are plenty of really nice, safe beaches on all the islands and they also have lots of beaches with shallow waters quit a ways into the ocean for consideration if you have children.

The Cayman Islands are great in a Western Caribben cruise but Jamaica within most Western Caribbean cruises isn't exactly family friendly but not exactly unfriendly either. There are a lot of beggers and people practicailly dragging you to their cabs for a ride somewhere and offering you "good" smokes (ie. pot). And the trick in Jamacia is that some of the cabs aren't state approved cabs and so you don't know what your cab ride will be if you don't get the right cab.

As far as family, if it includes children, you might want to also consider the cruise line as far as what they offer kids. Disney of course is kid friendly, but also expensive. Carnival is considered a party boat but also has Camp Carnival for kids, an all day supervised daycare/activities program for kids. I've been on several cruises and on Carnival and have seen tons of kids having a blast in Camp Carnival while the parents get a little break for "grownup" time.

Answer 6

bahamas

Answer 7

They are actually about the same, as far as people hassling you.  Jamaica gets a bad reputation, but it is one of my favourite islands, and Nassau had the same ammount if not more haggling and poverty.  There ARE more restuarants and shops and stuff in the Bahamas.  Jamaica basically just has the shops set up at the terminal, but they also have the best fish I've EVER seen, if you snorkel.   I've been on the Conquest, back when it was in new orleans and going to cozumel, grand caymen, and Montego Bay Jamaica; the Sensation, to Playa del Carmen and Cozumel, and the Celebration, to Nassau (in the Bahamas) and Key West, which is awesome!  Anything you book with carnival or royal caribbean will be great.  It's not the island, it's what you do there!  Hope this helps, have a blast

Answer 8

well  lets see my favorite is Jamaica sooo pretty and just great people all was friendly and helpful . its all good for family's i think rccl or Disney maybe depending on kids age i think. good luck to you and have a wonderful cruise.

Answer 9

I went on a 7 day cruise to 4 islands and my family enjoyed themselves.  We travelled to Ocho Rios, Jamaica, Labadee, Haiti(beautiful private island), Cayman Islands, and Cozumel, Mexico.  Try the Royal Carribean, their services are great!