Originally Posted by DJ_Iceman
I would advise you to get the biggest cabin you can comfortable afford, definitely with a balcony at least. After this cruise, you can stay in tiny inside cabins if you decide that's your thing, but if you go that route now and hate it, you'll have a miserable vacation.
- By the same token, I would recommend a premium cruise line like Holland America, Celebrity, or Disney. Stay away from Carnival, and probably avoid Norweigian and Princess. If your budget and tastes allow it, Radisson and Crystal are excellent upscale lines (but with less in the way of children's activities, so beware).
Don't automatically spring for a veranda/balcony - if you go on a cold weather cruise or one with lots of ocean time (wind) you will spend practically no time on the veranda/balcony - and you can see the world just fine from one of the open decks if you really have to have the wind in your hair for a while. On the other hand, in warm weather - they are great!
Disney is great for kids, I'm told - and your kids are ideal ages for a Disney thing. Also, Royal Caribbean (the less expensive owner of Celebrity) does advertise a lot of kid's things. Yes, Carnival is a "party" ship - especially Mexico.
Enjoy!