Best Cruise Line for Adults and Children (a Family)

[slawless]

We are thinking of taking a cruise this year out of New York on either the Carnival Pride or Celebrity Horizon ships.

Which ship in your opinion would be the better ship for two children ages 13 and 6, as well as the parents?

Also, which ship has the better service and food and the better activities for children ages 13 and 6.

I know the above questions are quite subjective, however, opinions are appreciated.

In the end, we want this to be an enjoyable and memorable vacation for all involved, not just the parents or the children.

 

[BSeabob]

Subjective?? OK here goes. I have never sailed CCL. I have sailed the Horizon and the Zenith. From what I have read and learned about CCL I would say this would be the better ship program for the kids and Celebrity would be better for the adults. The Horizon does have a smaller room on the stern for their kids program and I have seen the their staff with kids and they have been great... But you wanted me to be subjective. right??

 

[ROSS]

HI STEVE,
IF YOU ARE CRUISING THIS SUMMER THEN YOU WILL BE SWAMPED WITH KIDS NO MATTER WHICH SHIP YOU PICK. THE HORIZON IS A GENTEEL CLASSIC FOR AN OLDER CROWD WHO APPRECIATE A MORE REFINED ATMOSPHERE.
THE PRIDE WILL GIVE YOUR KIDS MORE TO DO PROVIDED THAT THE SHIP ISN'T OVERBOOKED WITH KIDS.
IF YOU ARE GOING TO FLY TO FLORIDA YOU SHOULD ALSO CHECK OUT PRINCESS AND CELEBRITY CENTURY. THE PRICES ARE BETTER AND PRINCESS REGULATES THE NUMBER OF KIDS SO THAT THEIR KID PROGRAMS WON'T BE OVER BOOKED.
MY ADVICE; GO EARLY IN THE SEASON OR GO LATE. YOU'LL FIND SOFTER BOOKINGS, HOPEFULLY, AND MAYBE GET A BREAK FROM THE MADDENING CROWD.

 

[stargazerm31]

Always subjective, but I think RCI and Princess would be better than Celebrity or HAL. Carnival is fun but you have to understand the demographics of Carnival. Depends on your children's taste and what you and they consider a good time.

We have a 13 year old and he loves Celebrity but as long as there is a pool, he is happy.

 

[Nanatravel]

I have sailed both ships and also recently on the Pride's sister the Legend. Without a doubt, go Carnival Pride. She is elegant and offers many of the same opportunites as the Celebrity larger ships now offer; great Camp Carnival program, variety of food and availability is great, water slide, 3 pools, fabulous arcade (think allowance), many quiet areas and great food and entertainment variety for all. Your children will thank you. The cabins are also much larger than Horizons on a regular and balcony cabin basis (none on Horizon). I am comparing Celebrity Millennium and Carnival Glory for a 2004 Family cruise with kids.
Bon Voyage