As family cruises have evolved, so have family cruise deals. On
stress-free family cruise vacations there’s
something for everyone to enjoy. It’s not unusual that up to a third of cruise ship passengers are part of a family cruise vacation group.
Recognizing this trend for family cruises, cruise lines have created more family reunion cruise experiences, introducing spa treatments for younger travelers, sports activities, game rooms, ice-skating rinks and more. Ashore, a growing number of family-oriented options are also available. A TravelStore family cruise expert can guide you on the best family cruise deals.
Top Reasons For a Family Cruise Vacation
There are many reasons families are choosing a cruise vacation:
On a family cruise vacation,
everyone can choose what they wish to eat. (Parents don't have to worry about a restaurant tab -- it's all included).
A cruise ship is
one of the safest environments for families even safer than a land-based resort, and parents can let their kids off on their own with utmost confidence.
All family cruise lines offer
age-appropriate activities from toddlers to teens from 3 to 17 at no additional cost: from finger painting and play dough for the youngest, to discos, computer games, pool parties and karaoke for teens.
On a cruise,
adults can find a balance between spending time with their kids onboard or ashore, and make their own private time to enjoy fine dining, the spa or private time together.
Are All Ships Appropriate For Family Vacations?
No. Some cruise lines do not cater to children nor offer age-appropriate activities. Some smaller ships do not have the public space for children, or the cabin comforts families may require. It's important to choose wisely. Most ships do not allow infants under 2 years of age onboard.
Family cruise lines offer a variety of programs geared to children of different ages. However, not all ships, even in the same fleet, are the same. Larger and newer ships generally have the latest gadgets, and offer the most activites. Before booking your family cruise vacation, contact our cruise experts who can best advise you and make your necessary arrangements.
Is There Much For Kids To Do On a Cruise
Plenty! Most larger ships offer comprehensive children's and teen's programs. Here are just some examples. On luxury
Regent Seven Seas cruises to Alaska, kids enjoy the Club Mariner Youth Program, and in the optional Ocean Future's Society's Ambassador of the Environment Youth Program, created by Jean-Michel Cousteau, introducing youth to the natural wonders of Alaska. The program is also available on summer
Paul Gauguin Tahiti cruises.
Holland America offers shore excursions just for kids.
On mainstream
Carnival Cruises, the latest WaterWorks offers a four-story high 303-foot long corkscrew waterslide and a 104-foot long spiral waterslide in addition to a game room featuring PlayStation2, karaoke, air hockey and foosball. The new
Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas' features a Youth Zone with over 28,000 square feet, not to mention the FlowRider surf simulators, miniature golf course, and basketball court.
Family Cruise Accommodations
Many staterooms either have sleeper sofas or reclinable upper bunks to accommodate three or four persons. When sharing the stateroom, the 3rd or 4th person cost is less than for the first two passengers, making it a great family cruise deal.
Disney Cruises offers a second bathroom.
Alternatively, for space and privacy, many families prefer to book two staterooms, perhaps one oceanview balcony cabin for the parents, and an interior stateroom across the hall for the kids.
Cruise lines have also created
family vacation suites that accommodate four to eight passengers in comfortable multi-bedroom accommodations. On
Celebrity Cruise Line, a 575-square foot family veranda suite offers floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, sitting area with sofa that's convertible to a trundle bed, a privacy partition, and two bedrooms.
However, because family cruise vacations have become so popular, and staterooms that can accommodate more than two persons limited, it's important to plan ahead and book early!
Family Reunion Cruises
With the growing options on today's cruise ships, family reunion cruise vacations have grown exponentially. The all-inclusive room, board and entertainment a cruise provides makes a cruise ideal for multi-generational family groups. A family reunion cruise also works well because many ships handle a wide range of ages, activities and interests.
Both premium line Holland America and luxury line Crystal Cruises offer excellent family reunion cruise packages that include extra value such as group rates and bonus amenities. If you are planning a family reunion cruise, ask our consultants about special Family Reunion Group rates.
Cruises As All Inclusive Family Vacations
One of the advantages of a family cruise vacation is it's easy to budget for it. As mentioned, all meals onboard are included in the cruise price. Parents don't have to worry what food costs will be during their family vacation, or what to order. Lobster or Prime Steak? No problem -- it's included. Another pizza or pasta dish -- go for it!
However, not all expenses are included in the cruise price on most cruises, though they are on some. Additional expenses typically will include shore excursions, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, spa services, and gratuities for shipboard staff. Our cruise experts will help you compare options and advise you on such details. If you have not yet cruised, Get with us and we will help you plan it
