We've been on a number of cruises, and Carnival is just the best deal going by far, value-wise. No question.

My 7 yo (at the time) stepson decided not to do the Camps as he thought they were "punishment" until the last days of the cruise then he realized they were for fun, lololol.

A couple that are friends of mine were supposed to be on the renovated Disney Magic a couple weeks ago. They are retired teachers and she now works for Disney, and they are Disney fanatics. They flew to Miami only to learn the cruise was cancelled because the ship wasn't ready. Disney is going to give them a future cruise, but Disney wants to give them on-ship credit instead of cash for the unexpected flight home. They have loved Disney cruises in the past though.

As an aside, I taught high school with this couple before my banking career. It pains me to know that if I had stayed in that career, I too might be retired, with a nice State pension.

We did a Disney Cruise last summer. We had never been on a cruise, but love Disney. Wanted to try something different.

LOVED IT!!

My kids (14, 10, and 7 at the time) were not big on going to their clubs, but did go some. Teen club was filming some zomibe type movie--he loved going for that, but not so much to just hang out. 10yr old was able to go to the kid club or the tween club---he really liked having that choice. Overall the kids wanted to spend time doing things with us. We did do one dinner without the kids--sent them to the movies (Brave came out while we were on the cruise) and then to dinner. No issues at all. Hubby and I enjoyed a quiet dinner to ourselves.

I wonder which kids I would leave behind. Hmmmmm

Thomas?

LOL!!

I took a cruise once. Hated every minute of it. I couldn't wait until we got where we were cruising to, rushed off the boat only to spend the time sitting in some drunken Mexican bar (where else would my ex want to go?) and after a couple of hours, rushed back on the dang boat again.

Next time I'll just fly there and get on with my vacation.

We've done some cruising - my Brother-in-Law and Sister-in-law love to cruise, so we usually go with them. Royal Caribbean undoubtedly has the best food, but if you do have children, Carnival is the best. My kids LOVED the kids camp to the point of us having to beg to spend time with them! (They even have some late nights, so the grown-ups could go for dinner or drinks together.) We're planning another big family cruise for my nephew's graduation next summer already...

But...but...your name is bOatn! I will happily take your place on a cruise ship.

hahah THIS.

A boat I can pilot where and when I want. A ship is like a giant enclosed box on the ocean and on which you cannot disembark (without a long swim).

You can gladly take my place!!!

We took a disney cruise when our daughter was 6. Had a great time. The shows were fantastic. Great special effects. Food was good. They have an adult only pool. I did not get to use. If your kids like pictures with princesses expect to wait in many long lines. Nice thing is you can use your own camera and not have to buy their pictures. We splurged on a cabin with a balcony. My wife, who isn't crazy about cruises, said she would go again but only if we have our own balcony. Their "daycare" is great. You can drop your kid off early and pick them up late if you want.

Only been on one cruise - Disney - and thought it was terrific. Kids were 5 and 7, they loved being in the kids camp on the boat and some days begged to stay there all day. Spent a day in Bermuda with the kids and a day on Disney's island, half with the kids in camp and us on the adults only section and half on the beach with the kids. Thought it was a good mix of family time and adult time. Food was great. Thankfully the kids didn't care much about photos with the characters, as those did involve long lines. Everything else was quite relaxed.

Thanks for the feedback.