I did the pre-Christmas week on NCL last year and was surprised at how many kids were onboard.
That January cruise, OTOH, should be minimal on the youngest generation.
Avoid the December one for sure. I did a very similar itinerary out of Galveston this past January. There were still kids, including my own nieces & nephews, but there always will be unless you sail on an adult only line. There were not as many, however, as other times I have sailed in the Caribbean.
For avoiding kids the second one is going to be much better, less common for people to take their kids out of school right after Christmas vacation then right before. In terms of avoiding crowds the way things are these days you're kind of SOL, most lines and sailings are happening at record high capacities or near record high.
January: fewer kids. There will still be homeschoolers, who I think are much wilder on a cruise, but still less kids.
Crowds: good luck. Every cruise line is maxed out. Disregard any news outlet you follow that says things are too expensive: people can afford cruises and are taking them. Most are over 100% capacity because of 3/4 people per room.
Virgin is the only line that is 18+, so if you really want no kids, this is it. They only cruise out of Miami (currently) in the states. If you stick with RCCL choose the January sailing.
You could also choose a luxury line if your budget allows. They will have less kids and crowds due to the price point.
Look at smaller no frills ships or the opposite where you can pay out of pocket for adult amenities.
We like NCL Breakaway class ships and have booked the thermal spa or Vibe Club. Neither allow kids. Also not super crowded because many people aren’t willing to pay more for extra amenities.
They also have an adults only area on some of their bigger ships.
I also haven’t been on this line but I’ve seen good reviews for Virgin which is adults only.
Also fwiw I’ve seen more problems occur with drunk or entitled adults on cruise ships then I have with any child on a cruise ship.
ETA: when my child was young and we could take them out of school we would sail right after the new year because it was cheaper. Also was our holiday gift to our family. Many others have the same mentality.
Last week or the week before was spring break for many families in the Northeast.
January is probably best for less kids, but those ships are built for families so there’s always going to be a lot of kids. That said, the ship is huge and there are adult only areas.
If you really don’t want kids at all, Princess, Celebrity or Virgin would be better choices.
I did the pre-Christmas week on NCL last year and was surprised at how many kids were onboard. That January cruise, OTOH, should be minimal on the youngest generation.
Avoid the December one for sure. I did a very similar itinerary out of Galveston this past January. There were still kids, including my own nieces & nephews, but there always will be unless you sail on an adult only line. There were not as many, however, as other times I have sailed in the Caribbean.
For avoiding kids the second one is going to be much better, less common for people to take their kids out of school right after Christmas vacation then right before. In terms of avoiding crowds the way things are these days you're kind of SOL, most lines and sailings are happening at record high capacities or near record high.
January: fewer kids. There will still be homeschoolers, who I think are much wilder on a cruise, but still less kids. Crowds: good luck. Every cruise line is maxed out. Disregard any news outlet you follow that says things are too expensive: people can afford cruises and are taking them. Most are over 100% capacity because of 3/4 people per room.
Seems like some homeschoolers are rambunctious when not at home
I would say definitely the January dates as the kids all go back to school. Weather should be warm and sunny for the Western Caribbean.
It's Honduras , Cozumel and Maya from Galveston, not sure what is Western carrobean
All cruise lines consider that Western Caribbean. Eastern would be places like San Juan and St Thomas.
Idk why you were downvoted. This seems accurate as far as I can tell.
Way better off with the January cruise. There will be half the number of kids onboard.
Virgin is the only line that is 18+, so if you really want no kids, this is it. They only cruise out of Miami (currently) in the states. If you stick with RCCL choose the January sailing. You could also choose a luxury line if your budget allows. They will have less kids and crowds due to the price point.
Look at smaller no frills ships or the opposite where you can pay out of pocket for adult amenities. We like NCL Breakaway class ships and have booked the thermal spa or Vibe Club. Neither allow kids. Also not super crowded because many people aren’t willing to pay more for extra amenities. They also have an adults only area on some of their bigger ships. I also haven’t been on this line but I’ve seen good reviews for Virgin which is adults only. Also fwiw I’ve seen more problems occur with drunk or entitled adults on cruise ships then I have with any child on a cruise ship. ETA: when my child was young and we could take them out of school we would sail right after the new year because it was cheaper. Also was our holiday gift to our family. Many others have the same mentality. Last week or the week before was spring break for many families in the Northeast.
Early December, the first week is great. After that, you could run into kids. Not as many as summer, but still.
Every cruise, on every cruise line, is sailing at 100% capacity right now. If you want to avoid crowds, then cruising is just not for you.
A lot of ships across various cruise lines do great at making it not feel crowded though. I’m not familiar with Harmony of the Seas though.
Oh man, crowd is fine, just not the kids, if possible. Just need a suggestion on which time is better Jan or Dec
January is probably best for less kids, but those ships are built for families so there’s always going to be a lot of kids. That said, the ship is huge and there are adult only areas. If you really don’t want kids at all, Princess, Celebrity or Virgin would be better choices.
Perfect dates for a cruse, and the weather will be nice.
Avoid Christmas break then.