Family-Friendly Cruising

Shipboard for Families

Cruise lines are going out of their way to welcome families on board. There's plenty to keep the whole family occupied while on board and ashore and you'll be well cared for by the attentive staff.

On board you'll find supervised kids and teens centres, babysitting, special events for families and dedicated wading and swimming pools for kids, some with a water slide!

As cruise ships have grown in size, the number of on board activities has increased. There are more opportunities for sports and recreation which suits today's active lifestyle and makes for a fun time at sea. You'll find all these aboard various ships afloat today with more to come on newbuilds preparing to set sail: Climbing walls, ice rinks, bowling alleys, jogging tracks, surfing waves, golf simulators, mini golf, tennis, basketball, squash, kiddies pools, water slides, teen discos, arcade games.

In addition to the adventure of being at sea and discovering new places, taking the family on a cruise can be an enriching experience in other ways.

• Many lines own private Caribbean islands with lots of family activities. Learn new beach sports or take a snorkelling lesson. Families can also explore the area as they hike the marked trails together.
• Princess Cruises - a "National Park Service Junior Ranger Program" is offered in Alaska; the "Pete's Pals Program" teaches about threatened and endangered species in the areas in which Princess sails; on select seasonal sailings, the California Science Center delivers interactive science activities for children including whale watching, coral reef studies, building and racing sailboats, marine biology studies, chemistry experiments, and squid dissection.
• MSC Cruises - Children attend evening shows together with their supervisors letting them enjoy and become inspired by world class magicians, acrobats, gymnasts and dancers. Sailing in Europe they'll meet other children from many countries and hear a variety of languages spoken in addition to English; an outstanding cultural experience.
• Radisson Seven Seas - Jean-Michel Cousteau's "Ambassadors of the Environment" Youth Program introduces young travellers (ages 9-17) and their families to natural wonders and demonstrates ways to build environmental sustainability back home. The program gives young participants hands-on experiences and knowledge of marine eco-systems and conservation. Available in Alaska and Tahiti.

Dining

In the dining room there are special children's menus with items they'll enjoy. RCI has started Expedited Dining and Adventure Ocean Pickup Service, so kids can receive their meals within 40 minutes then join in on some onboard activities, while parents dine at their leisure.

Junior cruisers also dine together with their supervisors a few times during the cruise. Teens have special evenings of their own with dinner and a night out.

At other times, the 24-hour room service comes in handy as well as the casual dining venue with assorted food stations, buffet style.

Ice cream bars where you can choose your own toppings are always a big hit with adults as well as kids.

Beverage packages which include unlimited water, soft drinks or juice offer good value. Mum and Dad might want to take advantage of the wine packages which offer savings over purchasing individual bottles. These can be purchased prior to departure from many cruise lines or buy them once you're onboard.

Family Reunions at Sea

Multi-generational cruising has increased in recent years. Cruise lines noticed many loyal, repeat passengers had started bringing their children and grand children along. They have responded by increasing the number of connecting cabins, family staterooms and family suites and increasing entertainment options for all ages.

Cruising is an excellent way for several generations to spend quality time together as everything is taken care of. You don't have to worry about meals or entertainment, just relax and enjoy the time together.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to have a professional, family portrait taken on one of the gala evenings.

Special Deals

There are incentives for family travel as well.

• Cruise lines offer added amenities for groups booking several staterooms.
• Aboard the ships of MSC Cruises, kids sail free throughout the year giving your family an excellent deal on true European-style cruising.
• Third and fourth berths in a stateroom are sold for considerably less than the first two which reduces the per-person rate for the cruise considerably.

Check with us for the latest specials that may help your family reunion become a reality.

Booking Tips for Your Family Cruise

• Be sure to book with a cruise line that welcomes families onboard. Good choices are Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line. MSC Cruises and, during summer and Christmas holidays, Regent Seven Seas.
• Once on board your ship, be sure to sign up for the kids and teens programs. Supervised entertainment for various age groups is offered at the kids and teens centres. Most junior cruisers really enjoy making new friends while participating in the various activities while at sea.
• Cruise lines often limit the number of children and teens allowed on board during Holiday sailings so they can comfortably accommodate them in the kids and teens programs. Book early so you won't be disappointed.
• Not all staterooms have a berth for third and fourth passengers so again, plan ahead and book early to get the best choice of triple and quad cabins.
• Connecting cabins have the advantage of giving you two bathrooms so this option may work better than a family stateroom. It is generally more affordable than a family suite.
• If the cruise line has dinner seatings and you have young children, request first seating so the young ones are dining before their bed time.

Cruising is an excellent choice for families. As well as taking you to new and exciting places, it lets you enjoy time together while creating happy memories you'll share for a lifetime.

By Susan Milne