Normal
When traditional school is in session, there will be less kids on the cruise. However, your choice of cruise lines and cruise length will also have an effect on the number of children. The shorter the cruise, the more kids. More kids on Disney or Carnival or RCI then on Crystal, HAL or Celebrity. As to any other comparisons, it would be easier if you said what area you cruised in last time (Alaska, Mexican Riviera, Caribbean ...) and what area you are looking at this time.