FTN's users rate Royal Caribbean International as the number one family cruise line. RCI wins praise for its well-thought-out children and teen programs and friendly youth staff.
The Viking Serenade has a 3 day itinerary to the Mexican Baja. It sails out of Los Angeles to Ensenada and back to Los Angeles. The Nordic Empress has a 3 and 4 night itinerary sailing out of San Juan. Ports include St. Thomas and St. Maarten. The Sovereign of the Seas has both 3 and 4 day cruises out of Miami. Ports include Nassau and Coco-Cay.
Youth and teen programs are offered on all ships year-round. Most of the time kids are divided into four age groups: 3 to 5; 6 to 8; 9 to 12; and 13 to 17. All ships have dedicated children's rooms and most have separate teen discos.
The "Adventure Ocean" Youth Program is divided into four groups: ages three to five (Aquanauts), six to eight (Explorers), nine to 12 (Voyagers), and 13 to 17 (Navigators). An exclusive feature is "Adventure Science," a hands-on science activities program.
Teen program hours are sensible, reflecting the hours teens are likely to be awake and looking for companions--noon to 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. on sea days and 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. on port days.
Rates for a standard inside cabin for a 3 night cruise start at $200 for the 1st and 2nd passenger and kids ages 10-17 are $199, kids 9 and under are $99. Port charges are $99 per passenger.
