cruises with teenagers

[Kirsten]

My husband and I are planning on taking a cruise with our two teenage boys in the winter months of 2008. Anyone have any opinions on which cruise line offers the most for teenagers? Any help is greatly appreciated!!

[Kirsten]

oops, sry, we are planning on taking the trip in the winter months of 2009!

[TrvlPro]

The three lines most noted for being family and kiddo friendly are Disney, RCCL and Carnival. However all the lines have childrens facilities and programs. NCL is making a major push in this direction with their two newest ships, Pearl and Gem as well. Since they're teens, I'd scratch Disney and look at newer ships by Carnival and RCCL and the two NCL ships above to see which has the most attractive itinerary for you and best rates. Carnival will usually have the lowest rates for similar cruise days and destinations. The newer RCCL and NCL ships have really amazing things onboard your kids will love.

RCCL - Voyager and Freedom Class:
Rock climbing walls
Roller blade tracks
Ice rink
Mini golf
Basketball court
Ping pong tables
Surfing venue (Freedom Class only)
For the adults, a four story mall down the center called the Promenade.

NCL - Pearl and Gem:
Rock climbing wall
Bowling alleys
Water slide
Ping pong tables
Basketball court

They also all three have teen centers and supervised activities. Have a great vacation. Your kids will never forget the experience.

Cheers, Neil

[drlivingston]

It would seem to make a difference if they are early teens or late teens.

[gpeters]

We have taken our teenagers (now 14 and 19) on Carnival, RCCL, HAL and Celebrity. Their favorite was RCCL by a wide margin. The least favorite was HAL which attracts a much older demographic.

[Kirsten]

Thank you for the replies, and I'm sorry I didn't mention their ages. At the time of the cruise, the boys will be 15 and 17.