Looking for cruise deals and advice

[Purdee]

I don't know where to post my question. Hoping anyone with experience in cruises as a family with young kids would give me some advice. I have a voucher for free cruise fares for me and 1 other person. I would be responsible for flight to the port, non refundable cruise credits etc. I'd like to take my husband and our 2 kids under the age of 11. I have to book by Feb 10, 2026 and sail by Nov 8, 2026. The voucher is for carnival, Holland American and princess. The first two cruise lines are good for ocean view room and the princess is good for balcony room. I would have to upgrade room to accommodate 2 adults and 2 kids. I used AI to search for best options and it looks like princess is the winner. Last but not least, is it even worth it trying to plan a cruise JUST to use the voucher? Would i be able to find better cruise deals without the voucher saving? Thanks!!!

[lizzie bargain]

Purdee-I am currently on a cruise. You would have to research fares to see if you could find a better deal-on some routes the kids might be included for free. Try Vacations to go to get an idea of prices. I have not been on Princess but on Holland America several times-my kids enjoyed the kids club aboard. I think HAL and Princess are quite similar in quality. Enjoy.

[Purdee]

@lizzie bargain oh if my kids (7 and 11) can cruise for free - that would be awesome. Thank you for the tips

[lizzie bargain]

My friends just got back from a Princess cruise where kids cruised free. 2 boys in their cabin and 2 with the grandparents-can't beat that.