first timer - help narrow down cruise line choices

[f-mattox]

mooneydriver, after reading Hooked-on HAL's post, I would have to agree--a longer cruise on one of the smaller HAL ships could be your best choice. Length of cruise and size of ship are probably the two biggest factors in the number of children onboard. I've only had one HAL cruise, on Veendam, and really loved it.

Just a note to H-O-H; Veendam had Karaoke (you spelled it right) just about every other night in the Crow's Nest. We had a group of opera buffs onboard who were going to a performance in St. Petersburg, and it was a real kick to here people with operatic voices trying to sing pop songs.

[gdjoslin]

I agree a longer cruise, smaller ship. I think the Alaskan cruises tend to have less kids as well, would not do that a Christmas tho.
And BTW the Zandaam had Karaoke at least every other night in the Crows Nest.

[penny3333]

I'll start by saying, I don't work for Princess. We've sailed Royal Caribbean, NCL, RCL, Carnival, HAL, Costa, and Princess. Princess is my favorite, so far. We've done a Christmas cruise with Princess and with Costa. Costa was packed with kids, but we still had a wonderful time. Princess definitely had less children, we did a 7 day Caribbean out of San Juan on the Sea Princess. HAL typically has less children, but Christmas is a definite family orientation. I haven't cruised on Celebrity, but have had friends that took their wedding/honeymoon cruise and thoroughly enjoyed it. I think if you stick with Princess, HAL, or Celebrity you will find less children and as all have stated, the longer itineraries tend to have less children as well. I'm sure you'll enjoy any cruise you select. A good cruise specialist is always the safest way to go. Best wishes and let us know what your decision is.