First cruise

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coguish

Deck Crew
Hi

We are a family of five who are looking to go on our first ever cruise next year. Looking at May, June or July. Really want to find the right cruise as it will be our first big holiday in years.

Can anyone advise what cruise or ship would be suited to keeps our kids aged 9, 12 and 13 occupied and happy. What ships have best facilities like water slides, pools cinema's and things like that. We would preferably like to sail from UK but flying to port isn't out of the question either. Would like to do 10 or 12 days maybe. Any advice would be great please.

Thanks
 
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seamom

Staff Captain
I hope you all enjoy your first cruise! My family has never sailed on a ship with water slides, go karts, skating rinks, mini golf and all the razzmatazz but I wanted to share that my very active, athletic son enjoyed every cruise he went on at 7, 10 and 16! He’s sailed on Princess and even Holland America which has been reputed as attracting an older crowd. On almost all mainstream ships there are pools, cinemas, shows, kids clubs and even the chance to choose whatever they want for meals will delight them. I mention this because on your first cruise, you have a wider opportunity to choose a cruise to fit your budget and choice of ports that might interest them and can add even more excitement the next time round! (Just like we started with an inside cabin and worked up to afford a balcony…it’s tough to go back once you’ve had the bells and whistles). If you want to have all the bells first go and/or at least family-sized cabins, have a look at Disney (possibly most expensive), NCL, Royal Caribbean and Carnival (more budget friendly) plus I’d advise that a travel agent might be very helpful this first time to find you one that suits your family.
 
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Woody14

Woody14

Pool Attendant
Since it sounds like you are in the UK and don't mind a short flight you might look at MSC as they have some great family ships in Europe and some great pricing
 
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BSeabob

BSeabob

Forum Manager
Staff member
My experience with Oasis class includes grandkids 12 and 14 girl and boy in that order. It was really difficult to get the kids into activities due to the folks with a bigger budget than ours taking advantage of the benefits they had purchased. Head of lines etc. The Oasis only has one flow rider their other larger ships ships have two if that is something that your 16 yr old may be interested in.
 
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