Family cruises are exciting and offer something special for everyone. Bring the kids along for a special vacation experience you will all remember and talk about for years to come. Take the parents too for a multi-generations vacation or reunion holiday. There’s room for everyone.
1. Incredible Value
Family cruise vacations are very cost-effective compared to a holiday at a land-based resort. Several dining choices, daytime and nighttime entertainment, children and teen activities, plus much more is included in the fare. Instead of paying for separate meals, various entertainment, such as production shows and movies, which can quickly add up, everything is included!
2. Something for All Age Groups
Cruising on these family-friendly ships provide a myriad of activities geared toward different age groups. Everyone from tots to grandparents can enjoy something special and be as adventurous or inactive as they like. Kids can head to the waterslides at the water park, teens can spend time at the video arcade and adults can lounge in the sun or get a rejuvenating massage at the spa. Take an educational lecture, do yoga, go to a wine-tasting, watch a more or a production show. There are endless possibilities to explore. Try the ropes course, go bowling and take a ride in the bumper cars. Some ships have ice-skating and a merry-go-round.
3. Visit Multiple Destinations
Another advantage of a family cruise is that you can wake up each day or so (depending on the itinerary) in a new place adding more excitement to you and the kids’ vacation. They can have a daily surprise as they peek out the window or balcony doors and guess where they are for a fun experience.
4. Adults Get to Relax
Family cruises do not have to mean parents don’t get time to themselves. With the many activities and babysitting services offered on many ships, adults can actually have quality time for themselves. Depending on the ship, there are adults-only restaurants for romantic candlelit dinners under the stars and dancing. Melt your cares away at the pools, whirlpools and have a couples side-by-side massage at the spa.
5. Family Reunion
A cruise vacation provides the perfect venue for the extended family to get together in a fun and relaxing setting. They can spend as much time together as they want but also have the freedom to enjoy whatever interests them. Catch-up with the family in lovely surroundings as you enjoy each other’s company without having to worry about cooking, cleaning or fixing up the spare bedroom. It is an ideal setting. Travel in the utmost of comfort on a beautiful ship to exciting destinations and really enjoy seeing the family.
6. Accommodations
Many cruise ships now boast “family staterooms” that can accommodate five or six guests. Some are also interconnecting, so there will be more bathrooms and storage space. In addition, there is a large variety of cabin types from inside staterooms to luxurious suites. Different family members can select the perfect stateroom according to their preference and budget.
7. Kids, Teens & Tweens
Family-friendly offering include age-specific kids’ program. Depending on the cruise line, they can enjoy a variety of ever expanding kids programs sure to keep them happy. They can try surfing on the Flowrider with Royal Caribbean and go on mega-waterslides with Carnival and Disney. Norwegian Cruise Line has Kids Aqua Park and Wii video games. Many people are concerned about what Tweens (ages 12 to 14) and Teens (up to age 17) can do on a cruise, knowing they get bored so easily. The good news is many ships have areas just for them. There are pizza parties, video and high-tech games, dances and much more fun activities.
8. Dining to Please Everyone
Dining is easier than ever on cruise ships, with a host of eateries that are family-friendly. There are buffets, casual choices and many restaurants have a “kid-friendly” menu with such popular favorites as mac ’n cheese, pizza, hot dogs, burgers and ice cream. There are adults-only restaurants and a host of culinary choices on the ships with delicious cuisine from around the world, including regional dishes. There are formal options, alfresco and much more. Elegant restaurants serving exquisite cuisine and fine wines are also available.
9. Packing and Unpacking Just Once
A big advantage to taking a family cruise is that you just have to pack and unpack once as your floating resort take you from one exciting destination to another. Especially when traveling with kids, life is much easier when you can simply sit-back and enjoy your vacation and not have to worry about clothes and suitcases.
10. Shared Memories
Last but not least, a family cruise provides many happy occasions that the family gets to share. Experiencing fun and unique times create memories that last forever. Whether it is snorkeling in the Caribbean, panning for gold in Alaska or seeing the historic sites of Europe for the first time, family cruises are priceless.
Choose from several family-friendly cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, Holland America Line, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean International.
For more information on Family cruises, visit us at Cruise.com or call one of our cruise experts at 1-888-776-0659.
There is only 1 thing that is preventing us from planning a family vacation (2 = seniors, 4 = 4 younger adults (Mom’s & Dads), 4 Grandsons = Ages 15, 12, 7, and 4. That ONE THING – IS SMOKING ALLOWED IN YOUR ROOM(S), BALCONIES, ON DECKS, ETC.? We totally understanding about No Smoking Restaurants, and Shows. But if there are no SMOKING areas (in close proximity of each of the above) that would be a bummer, and we’d have to try to figure out some other type of trip for our group. Our preference is the RCL line, 5-7 day, and eastern or western Caribbean. 8 would prefer tio fly out of Michigan for a Florida departure, while 2 may prefer (optional) leaving out of Galveston, TX
Hi Patricia! Thank you for thinking of Cruise.com! If you would kindly provide me with your contact details, I will happily have an expert cruise consultant contact you directly to answer all of your questions and assist you with finding the perfect opportunity for your group. The great news is we also offer land vacations! So we will find what is exactly what you seek! Warm regards, Alex