cruise for families ?

[jackal]

Cruising isn't everyones cup of tea but i went once as a 7 year old and then once on my honeymoon and had an incredible time on both trips. Both times were with P&O and whilst the age group was generally a bit too old for my liking, the people were well mannered and reserved enough that you never felt couped up with them.

I'd like to take the kids next year and was wondering if anyone has been with a line that is more geared towards familes ? I guess its finding a balance between retaining the traditional values of a very high standard of food and service and a lack of sub-human yobs on board but also a cruise where you'll find a few more young kids and families. I gather Carribean cruises are best for this but does anyone have any experience with any specific cruise lines ?

[juice]

Disney or Carnival - Disney has an adults only section if you want to escape the mayhem for a bit of solitude...

[LD1Racing]

Princess and Royal Caribbean are best for families, or Disney if they are a bit younger.

[Carl_Spackler]

Went on the P&O's Ventura last summer round the Med, Ventura is their "Family" ship, my kids were 3 and 4 at the time and had a ball...not my cup of tea mind, but maybe that was because I was stuck on a ship with my mother in law.

[Simon Brooks]

got to be Royal Caribbean, great for kids and fantastic ships, food, entertainment etc etc

[Loose_Cannon]

Don't touch MSC, arrogant Italian tts.

[sawman]

we did a transatlantic on QM2 last year the kids (9&4) loved every minute. There is a great kids club, with its own area of deck, although they didnt use it as we happily spent the 6 days just chilling ans swimming in the pools - it was bit rough and the outside decks were closed alot of the trip. The staff were really good with the kids (very tolerant in the formal dining rooms too!)

[Four Cofffee]

I would go P&O or RCL.

Cunard tend to pack the kids up and kep them quiet which is oK 5 days transatlantic, so so much 14 days in the med. I was on Cunard last week and there were about 10 kids amongst 1300 passengers.

[Barry Ashcroft]

We've been 4 times with Royal Caribbean I would fully recommend them.
Independence x2
Explorer
Mariner

The Independence is a fantastic ship but is now based out of southampton for the Med which is a pity as we love the Caribbean.

[mrsshpub]

Depending on how old your kids are, a trip down the Caledonian canal with Fingal Cruising might be worth looking at.

[Jasper Gilder]

P&O Ventura or Aurora (the best ship)

[Dave_ITR]

Loose_Cannon said:

Don't touch MSC, arrogant Italian tts.

Although they do look after tour operators with decent rates, you can often book with an operator cheaper than booking direct.

In any case, MSC are not the choice for families - Royal Carribean are best suited for this.

[jackal]

thanks guys... some useful info