Explorer or Mariner?

[ufmurphys]

We are a family of 4 (2 adults 2 children 10 and 8 yrs). We are booked in May on the EOS Cozumel, GC, Costa Maya, and Belize. We are considering switching to Mariner with stops on GC, Jamaica, Cozumel and Labadee. We have sailed only once on Disney and really enjoyed the private island day. Any opinions or advice would really be appreciated. Thank you.

[ufmurphys]

We are a family of 4 (2 adults 2 children 10 and 8 yrs). We are booked in May on the EOS Cozumel, GC, Costa Maya, and Belize. We are considering switching to Mariner with stops on GC, Jamaica, Cozumel and Labadee. We have sailed only once on Disney and really enjoyed the private island day. Any opinions or advice would really be appreciated. Thank you.

[Oggy Boy]

Ummm, without even considering the option that sailing from the Orlando area would present a family, I think I would go ahead and switch to the Mariner. The itinerary on the Mariner seems a little more kid friendly, in my opinion.

Both ships are beautiful and you would enjoy them both equally as well, so it would boil down to the itinerary and pre and/or post cruise opportunities.

Just my opinion, you will have a great time either way.

Tom

[ufmurphys]

Thanks for your input. Because we are in florida we do Disney a lot so pre and post cruise activities will only include sending and retrieving our dog from the puppy motel. Would you mind elaborating on the ports and why you think they may be more kid friendly on the mariner itinery? Is there enough for kids to do on Labadee and would Dunn River falls be too hard a hike for a 8 and 10 yr old? Any info is greatly appreciated. Thanks again.

[NancyN]

Based on the fact that you have an 8 and 10 yr old accompanying you, I would vote for the Mariner itinerary also. There are limited activities in Belize. Cave tubing is one of the most popular, but most tour companies will not allow children under 10 to participate (some even impose a minimum age of 12). Costa Maya is also somewhat limited, with the Mayan Ruins being the main reason to visit.

Dunn's River Falls can be fun and does not have the same age restrictions as cave tubing. Finally, I always find the private islands to be one of my favorite stops. I have included a link to information on Labadee that is found on our sister site (PortReviews.com). You can also find information on all of these ports in question at that site.

http://www.caribbeanportreviews.com/Labadee.htm

Hope this helps-
Nancy

[kennyk]

To chim in with another vote for Mariner - I think you'd be pleased with Labadee. There is nice beach areas for the kids but for a fee (I think), you can take them to an area with lots of water activities for them like climbing on simulated icebergs.

Dunn's river falls is great. I think 8 and 10 year old is borderline but you do see kids at that age.