My extended family is planning our next reunion (10 adults, 18 kids: 2 to 16 years old), and several family members have suggested trying a week-long Caribbean cruise together. Those who have been on cruises before swear they're great and would be fun for the whole family, even the extended family. My wife and I have never been on a cruise, so we don't know what to expect in terms of appealing to everyone of all ages and finding time to be together as an extended family. For those who have been on a cruise with kids...

1) Did you feel like you - as adults - had to skip the better excursion trips (e.g., SCUBA, snorkeling, zip-lines) because of young children?

2) Did you feel comfortable/safe leaving children of different ages in the "kids' club" areas on the ships? How much time on the ship would you be together each day?

3) Are there specific cruise lines/ships you'd recommend (or avoid)?

4) Would you recommend a cruise as an individual family vacation? What about for a family reunion?

TIA for any insights or advice.