Help! Thomson / P&O with 4 yr old

[BoyMeetsWorld]

Trying to decide between these 2 lines. Have heard P&O better, but our budget only really stretches comfortably to Thomson for the kind of destination we want (as exotic as poss without flying).

Anybody have any experience of Thomson (particularly Dream, Celebration or Island Explorer) with kids? Or P&O Ventura to Norway with kids?

One other question...are basic drinks (coffee, tea, juice, water) included in price for both P&O and Thomson?

Thanks

We have done 8 cruises with our kids and two OAPs, Thomson use a fleet of smaller older ships, sometimes a bit dated, but food and service was excellent, basic drinks are included, we went on the Topaz that has now been scrapped and the value was excellent.
The best place to ask is the Cruise critic forum, loads of info, plan all your owne trips ashore and you will save a good few quid, I have only sailed the med and canaries so any questions on those just ask.
I have also done royal carribean and clelebrity.