Best of Both Worlds

[Jenhere]

Hi.
I am new to the site and I have never taken a cruise. My husband and I plan to go this summer with our 5 year old daughter.

Here is my delimma about choosing a line:
It seems that the lines are either "kid friendly" or "not." We would like an upscale line that she would enjoy as well. Being an only child, she is used to hanging out with "Mom and Dad" and could behave and relax with us.

Any suggestions about an upscale line that could accomodate us?

Thanks!

[swimmersonboard]

I think you would like Royal Carribean with a child. If you decide you want children's programs they have Great ones but then there are also lots of things to do with her on board. Look into their new ship(Freedom of the Seas) coming hot off the press in June I think, it will have a water park onboard and lots of fun things for kids. We are looking forward to taking our kids on it.

[LisaP]

Jenhere, your daughter sounds a lot like our son. He is also an only child and enjoys hanging out with Mom and Dad.

You mentioned you wanted an upscale line. Might I suggest Princess? While it is technically a mainstream line, we felt it a notch (or more) above most of the other lines we've tried. They also have a great kids' program, should she want to hang out with people her own age, even for a little while.

What itineraries are you considering? This can help us narrow down your options.

[fruby]

hello,

Do not rule out Celebrity because they have childrens programs and for the most part they are an upscale cruise line. I suggest though that you get your daughter involved as much as you can. Tell her that a first cruise is like a great adventure. And most certainly attend formal night because there is something magical about a child all dressed up and going to their first dress up dinner party.

Fred

[Kate Ashlock]

I think it depends on how 'upscale' you mean. The true luxury lines are Oceania, Radisson, Windstar etc etc. I don't believe there are *any* accomodations made for children on any of those lines. I personally love Princess but wouldn't necessarily consider it upscale.

[Jenhere]

Thanks so much everyone!

Wow. I really have some choices to make... I think in terms of "upscale" I would have to mean as much as possible while allowing her to have a great time too.
I see that no one mentioned Disney. Is it too chaotic for adults to have a good time? How's the food?
Thanks again!

Jen

[Carlalena1]

I have heard that Disney is excellent. I truly have heard/read nothing bad about that line. It is pricier than the other big lines and maybe that is a telling indicator.

I have a close friend sailing on the Wonder on 2/2. I'll let you know how it goes for her.

[Cruise Fanatic]

Jenhere
I have sailed on Disney three times. While I really like Disney, it is a total different cruise from all others. To begin with everything is Disney. The whole ship is decorated with Disney. You will see Mickey's hands above the elevator for the floor indicator. Little Mickey heads decorating your cabin all over. Mickey heads in the wall paper of the main show lounge. etc. The main production shows are Disney themes. Ie. one year when I went they had a production show "Hercules" and another "Dreams". They were great shows that entertained the kids but yet have adult humor. There are no casinos on the ship. There are adult areas on the ship and on their private island they have a family beach, and the adults beach. Dining was good. There are three restaurants that you rotate every night. Your service crew rotates with you. One restaurant is the fancy formal, the other a Caribbean theme (think Tiki), the other is Animators Palate, where the walls are black and white drawings of different Disney movies. As the meal progresses the walls color in. The movies shown onboard are all Disney movies. I travel during nonpeak times and yet there were about 600 kids on each of my cruises. I feel Disney does a really good job on keeping the kids occupied. I loved my Disney cruises, but for your first cruise you might want to stick with one of the major lines. Yes, Disney is more expensive. They have a unique product and they know people will pay. Look what they charge for a one day park pass now!