Tricia B

...stuffy 35-50 age but we have one 5 year old? Carribean is planned destination

fishermanswife

Disney Cruise Lines.

owen

I strongly recommend Princess. My personal favorites are Celebrity and Princess, but Celebrity tends to attract an older demographic and can, at times, feel a bit stuffy. Princess is a happy medium between luxury and casual family fare. On their newer ships there are ample-sized children's play rooms, children's activities leaders, and most of all, other children to play with! Plus, you'll have the company of other parents around your age. Princess treats their guests pretty royally (no pun intended...), while still maintaining a mostly casual atmosphere around the ship.

If you want a more family-geared vacation, aim for Disney Cruise Line, who magically has managed to separate the adult and child cruising experience. While there may not be a casino, and you will encounter mickey mouse EVERYWHERE, if you like that stuff it's still a great experience and they know how to pamper adults. Their specialty restaurant, Palo, is particularly worth trying (it's adults only and has a surcharge).

Good luck, and have fun!

M N

We've been on 2 Disney cruises. We had a blast. They know how to make cruising fun for the whole family now matter how old you are. When you want alone, adult time the children's can have fun in their club.

Price has definitely gone up though in the past few years.

iheskiel

Well which is it 35 or 50? those are considered two seperate target markets.

princess and celebrity target the boomers and royal caribbean and norwegian target the 25-40

On either they have programs for the 5 yr old, who will be fine.

I have been on all of the above with my oldest girl who has been on 7 cruises and she is 7 years old. She has always had a good time since she was 3.

none of them are really considered "Luxury" if you really want Luxury then the Radisson seven seas may do...

Prakash

I recently had a criuse to Cancun with my wife late dec/2006.It's a fun,entertaining.The best we got the best deal for $669 per person inclusive all.Try this site:
www.sptravel4u.biz
We booked from this site.
Good luck.

auntienaw

Princess Cruise lines is my choice for all of your qualifications.
The ships are elegant without being formal yet their children's programs are top rate. Depending on the length of your cruise you will find the activities varied due to the fact that the longer the cruise, the older the crowd (older passengers are generally retired and have more time to cruise). The Western Caribbean would probably be more exciting for your child. They usually stop at Cozumel which would let you go to see the dolphins or in Grand Cayman where you could go to Sting Ray City.

Almost all ships generally have 2 formal nights on a 7 night cruise but it is optional as to whether you want to dress up or not (most people do so if you don't you might feel out of place).

Royal Caribbean is a good second choice followed by Norwegian Cruise Lines. Celebrity is Royal Caribbean's upscale brand and generally attracts an older or more moneyed crowd.

In any event, have a wonderful time and Bon Voyage!

rick d

If you desire all 3 from 1 cruise line then the only choice is Norwegian. They offer Free Style Cruising which is as casual as you can get, offer state of the art ships which have something for everyone, and 9 out of 10 times offer the best fares. Have been on 10 cruises with them and 8 on others and they can not compare. Check out their web site NCL.com and compare to others. Also incase you belong to AAA they can get you a great deal on cruise & airfare.
Enjoy.

Steve P

Royal Caribbean has the best programs on board for children. They treat each guest very well. We feel spoiled when we are on board. We just took a trip on the Freedom of the Seas in the Caribbean. If you can book on this ship I would say do it. There is so much to do on board that we could not get it all in on one cruise.
You are pampered but in a casual style.

tbugs

Disney is your best bet. Not stuffy at all, kid programs, adult areas - no casino, though.

4 day cruise to Bahamas and a day at Castaway Cay is perfect for you.

Remember, whichever cruise you take, there is the possibility of Norovirus. For a 5 year old, that could be dangerous and definitely unpleasant for everyone.