Carnival Cruise with DC's aged 12 and 14 - HELP!!

[minesawine]

Hi - I am thinking of flying to Orlando and picking up a Carnival cruise next summer. There is one that takes in the Eastern Caribbean for 7 days, which seems nice. I have never cruised before and am really confused. I have a few questions:

• Has anyone been on a Carnival cruise, what are your views?
• Is Carnival good for teens? I still have this fear that cruises are for oldies, am I right?
• On their website they say the video games room is free, but I was then told you had to pay.
• I am presuming the cruise will be mostly Americans, is that right? Will be be the only Brits?
• Is Carnival value for money. I know they add 15% tips, but do you have to pay for anything else?

I need to make a decision as I am sick of thinking about it and going round and round. I dont know why am am scared of cruises, I think it is because I dont want my kids to be bored.

HELP!

Carnival is aimed at kids and families and the ships can be pretty lively. There will be sound but mainly Americans and if it is their holiday period there could be a lot of kids/teens on there.
Have a look at what they are offering for when you want to sail. Often you can prepay your tips but that won't include drinks if you have to pay for those. Often they will do deals that include free drinks or you can buy drinks packages.
Have a look at the cruise critic website. There is a forum on there for Carnival and you can read reviews for the ship, the cruise itinerary etc and ask any questions you have to people who regularly sail with them.