Cruising with Children: An Unforgettable Family Adventure

Cruising with Children: An Unforgettable Family Adventure

Delve into an enchanting journey at sea with your loved ones - children in tow! An abundance of families embarking on cruises signifies a thriving market that caters to all ages. Cruise lines understand that a family adventure means engaging activities and entertainment for the young ones too. Discover everything that awaits in this comprehensive guide, complete with cruise tips and insightful reviews to help you make an informed decision.

A Bounty of Fun Awaits

Cruises extend a warm welcome to families with children of all ages. In fact, some cruise lines have crafted their offerings specifically to enthrall the younger generation with popular cartoon characters and age-appropriate activities like supervised programs, special menus, face painting, scavenger hunts, video game contests, film festivals, dance lessons, shore excursions, and much more.

Children adapt seamlessly to life aboard a cruise ship, making parents feel secure knowing their little ones have found a world of thrilling discovery. Cruise vacations bring families together, allowing them to spend invaluable time in each other's company, all while pursuing individual interests. Everybody wins!

An Abundance of Options

Cruise lines with extensive youth programs ensure that kids remain entertained and well cared for throughout the voyage. This allows parents to unwind, knowing their children are in good hands and making new friends. Below is an overview of the diverse offerings available for families aboard some of the world's most reputable cruise lines:

• Carnival Cruise Lines: Step aboard the Fun Ships for an unforgettable experience featuring play areas, sand-art machines, video walls, multiple swimming pools, water slides, children's menus, and round-the-clock pizza and ice cream. Babysitting services are also available for those well-deserved date nights.
• Celebrity Cruises: The Family Cruising Program divides children into four age groups, tailoring activities to fit each group's interests. Celebrity Science Journeys is a hands-on program that lets kids explore science and nature in an engaging manner.
• Costa Cruises: Costa Kids Club hosts scavenger hunts, Italian language lessons, "coketail" parties, and karaoke. Costa Teens Club engages 15-17-year-olds in age-appropriate activities. Parents on Caribbean cruises can take advantage of "Parents Night Out" and enjoy a well-deserved break while children participate in supervised evening events.
• Crystal Cruises: On the Crystal Harmony's 12-day Alaska cruises, children under 12 sail for free when sharing a stateroom with two adults. Summer cruise activities include a playroom, teen video arcade, games, and the Cotillion program, which teaches children social skills like dancing and etiquette.
• Cunard Line: The Queen Mary 2 offers age-specific children's facilities. Children can enjoy tea at the Kings Court, the Minnows Splash Pool, a children-only disco, ball pool, and Xbox consoles in the Zone and Play Zone.
• Disney Cruise Line: Tailored programs for five age groups, including a kids-only pool, teen club, and activities on Disney's private island, ensure a magical experience. Meanwhile, adults can savor an adults-only pool, a nighttime entertainment district, a secluded beach with massage cabanas, and a delicious Italian restaurant.
• Holland America Line: This premium line’s Club HAL facilities are expanding fleet-wide to match those on Vista ships, with a completion date set for 2023. Half Moon Cay, Holland America's private island, now offers a waterpark area for kids and adults alike.
• Norwegian Cruise Line: The Kid's Crew program accommodates ages 2-5 with expanded hours and year-round activities. Furthermore, children aged 2-17 can participate in supervised parties, scavenger hunts, cooking classes, tee-shirt painting, and onshore excursions.
• Princess Cruises: The exclusive kids' program, designed in partnership with California Science Center and National Wildlife Federation, offers interactive games and information about the ship and its destinations. Placemats also highlight children's menu options.
• Radisson Seven Seas Cruises: Club Mariner (ages 6-17) includes a variety of activities during summer cruises on Seven Seas Voyager in the Baltic, Seven Seas Mariner in Alaska, and Seven Seas Navigator in Bermuda.
• Royal Caribbean International: The Mariner of the Seas impresses with a wide array of children's activities: the Challenger's Arcade, scavenger hunts, sports tournaments, art, and science workshops. Teenagers can also explore designated areas like The Fuel nightclub, The Living Room, or The Back Deck private teen deck.

Questions to Guide Your Decision

To find the perfect cruise for your family, consult your travel agent and cruise line about the following:

1. Basics: Age restrictions, age-based discounts, availability of special activities and child care centers, suitability of ports of call, cabin discounts for additional occupants, and dedicated spaces for children and teens.
2. Cabins: Availability of cribs, day beds, or cots (including rental fees), adjoining cabins, cabin size, and bunk bed guardrails.
3. Dining: Children's menu preferences, pizza/burgers/hot dogs availability, early and open seating options near children's usual dining times.
4. Activities: Planned children's activities, exclusive children's pools, kid-friendly movies/live entertainment, child-oriented shore excursions, babysitting services (hours and fees).
5. Child Care Center or Teen Center: Requirements for enrollment (age, vaccinations, potty training), supervision, hours, costs, and restrictions, security measures, and child-to-adult staff ratio.

Answer these questions and embark on a journey to find the ideal cruise line and unforgettable family vacation. Happy Cruising!