I say option 1 is best given 1) bias in favor of non-stop flight (even without kids), 2) desire to avoid winter Friday afternoon travel, 3) earlier arrival home and 4) to the extent you're troubled about missing out on dinner in EZE, Asian in EZE closed, so you won't be missing out on that restaurant (and don't you have prepacked meals from the cruise?). If you're concerned about not being able to sleep on the flight, the earlier arrival time gives time to take a nap + you're arriving into Shabbos, which hopefully gives you an opportunity to catch up on sleep.
OTOH, if you take 2 or 3, I think my parents will be on the same flight to IAH.