Hi everyone.. I am brand new to these boards. I have been reading them for a while, but this is my first time posting. We are thinking about taking our first cruise next year and I was just wondering if some ports are better than others for kids (our girls will be 9 & 6). I was thinking about the Western Caribbean, but any opionions & advice are appreciated!
I've always felt the best port has to be Portuguese Port; you know, the kind with at least 6 different varietals aged in oak for several years. (Thanks for the education on wines GC).
Just kidding Cougwife (NO WSU's allowed, by the way). Cozumel would be a great port for kids because of the snorkeling, the beaches, and ease with which you can see the island.
I would also consider the ship I was sailing on and the kids programs offered. If the ship has a good kids program then they will have shoreline excursions geared for kids.
Also, is there a visit to the cruise line's private island/beach? I think some have better play areas. I don't have first hand knowledge on this but I think that Princess has a good private island with a large water front play area for kids.
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Finally getting back on a Dam ship, Nieuw Amsterdam Nov'11 (My Mom's 80'th B'day cruise)
Navigator of the Seas 2010
Serenade of the Seas 2009, 2011
Eurodam 2008
Maasdam 2007
Amsterdam 2006
Zuiderdam 2004
Hi cougwife, welcome to Cruise-chat. Have you looked into a Disney cruise? They are awesome for children. Most of the cruise lines have great programs for kids, but Disney is created for children. There are many wonderful ports that children of all ages can enjoy, especially if they like snorkeling, swimming with the dolphins, and water sports. Cozumel is a good port, but so is St. Thomas, Grenada, Grand Cayman, Grand Turk, Barbados, Princess Cays, Half Moon Cay, Coco Cay, etc. The only ports I wouldn't advise for children would be Jamaican ports, even though Dunns River Falls is a blast to climb (Ocho Rios) and as long as you stay with an organized group through reputible firms you would be fine. The best advice I could give you is to find a travel agent that is a cruise specialist. Best wishes and have a wonderful time!
We went to Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Jamaica with our two girls last year. I would highly reccommend Grand Cayman. It was very clean, safe and our kids loved the turtle farm and seven mile beach. We also did the Stingray City tour. They loved the stingrays, but the water was over their heads (much higher than normal from what we hear). Cozumel was fine I think we did the wrong excursion, but we are going back there in a few feeks and are going to try Chanaukaab park, after several reccommendations.
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