Let's face it. When it comes to taking
a vacation, parents do not usually get to go alone. Once in awhile we get
a break from the kids, but most of the time if we want to go on vacation,
the whole family goes. So how can parents plan a trip that will be enjoyable
for everyone involved? What about a cruise?
Many of the cruise lines have babysitting services, kids programs, and kids'
camps. According to CLIA (Cruise Line International Association), 37 percent
of passengers on cruises over the past 5 years vacationed with their children.
This is why cruise lines are trying to appeal to families. Carnival Cruise
Line has added a number of activities to its "Camp Carnival" program. Carnival's
newest ship that is smoke free offers "Children World," a 2,500 square foot
playroom overlooking the main pool area and featuring a 16 monitor video
wall, computer lab and an arts and crafts center. Carnival is also offering
a package called "Destination Universal" which combines a cruise with a land
stay which includes lodging and tickets to theme parks such as Sea World,
Universal Studios Florida, Busch Gardens, and Wet and Wild Orlando.
Royal Caribbean has a kids' program called "Adventure Ocean" which features
daily activities for children in four different age groups. They offer children's
playrooms, teen discos, and special menus just for kids. They also have suites
that accommodate up to six people. Again, Royal Caribbean offers cruises
with land packages, which cruise to the Bahamas. Land packages are in Orlando
with the various theme parks included. Princess Cruise Line has a private
island called Princess Cay which just added a second beach area. This second
beach area features a supervised play area with sand box and pirate ship
playground. Teenagers can play volleyball, kayak, swim, snorkel, or take
a banana boat ride. Princess also has introduced a children's menu available
24 hours a day.
Then there is the Disney Cruise Line which has nearly a whole entire deck
dedicated to children. Facilities range from an interactive recording studio
to a teen's only coffee bar. Disney also has it's own private island which
children really enjoy. Again there are cruises plus land packages available.
You can choose from a 3-night cruise with 4 nights at DisneyWorld or 4-night
cruise with 3 nights at DisneyWorld. Kids nine to twelve years get to go
to Oceaneer Lab that is filled with interactive lab stations. Children ages
three to eight years old have Oceanner Club with playgrounds and costume
dress up areas. Teens can attend classes on photography or hang out with
other teens in teen only clubs. You can join your children in activities
or relax while they are busy.
Norwegian Cruise Line offers "Kids Crew" which offers four separate activity
groups for kids three to seventeen years old. There are classes where children
can learn to cook. Norwegian offers a "Mom and Dad's Night Out." The Norwegian
Dream, Norwegian's newest ship that debuts in August, Norwegian Star, and
Norwegian Sky will also feature a customized teen activity center. Holland
America Cruise Line offers kids and teens- only shore excursions on its private
island, Half Moon Bay. Holland America has expanded its kids program to include
"families only" vacation combining a 7 day cruise with a land adventure designed
specifically for children. The highlight of the package on Alaska sailings
is a two-night stay at Denali National Park with a series of educational
tours. It also includes tours of the Alaska SeaLife Center, a family
river-rafting trip and live dinner show. Holland America feels the way to
great vacation is to give the kids something fun and educational to do, have
family activities for family time, and precious time away from the kids.
Premier Cruise Line was one of the first cruise lines to notice the importance
of providing activities for children. They were the first to do the cruise
with a land package to Orlando. This idea caught on and Disney Cruise line
was born. Now all of the big cruise lines are trying to do something to get
families to cruise with them. There are many advantages to cruising. All
meals are paid for. Non alcoholic beverages are paid for also. There are
great shore excursions and many activities to choose from. You really get
a great vacation by taking a cruise. There are some cruise lines, however,
who still do not recommend children.
Make sure if you decide to take a cruise that you find one of the cruise
lines that offers as much for the children as they do for the adults. If
everyone is happy, your trip will be a vacation to remember.
About the Author: Jennifer Dugan is a homebased travel
agent Mom. She specializes in family travel along with others. You can visit
her online travel agency at
Dugan's
Travels.
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Let's face it. When it comes to taking
a vacation, parents do not usually get to go alone. Once in awhile we get
a break from the kids, but most of the time if we want to go on vacation,
the whole family goes. So how can parents plan a trip that will be enjoyable
for everyone involved? What about a cruise?
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