Cruising for Families

Did you know that more than 1 million children under the age of 18 took to the high seas with their families last year?

It’s true and there’s a reason why: Cruises offer an ever-increasing variety of amenities and activities to make them the ideal family friendly vacation

Many cruise lines have developed onboard programs that not only feature family “together” time, but also “alone” time for parents. Together, parents and kids can participate in mock game shows, story hours, treasure hunts, family water play and make-your-own sundae sessions. Some cruise lines even provide personal beepers so children’s counselors can contact parents at any time during the cruise.

Kids sailing aboard many ships can enjoy an array of supervised, age-appropriate activities while adults take in the sun on deck, enjoy a massage for two in the spa or take an enrichment class. In the evenings, many lines offer babysitting services so that couples can enjoy a “night on the town,” including dining and dancing.

Family cruises also offer great value. Several lines feature accommodations that are tailor-made for families, including large staterooms with cordoned off sleeping quarters for parents and inter-connecting cabins for families with older kids.

Cruises: Set Sail with the Kids

It’s easier and better than ever before to cruise with the whole family. In the last few years cruise lines have made plenty of changes to meet the needs of families. From expanded activity programs spanning all age groups and shore excursions for teens to awesome waterslides, ice rinks and rock climbing walls, the combinations create dream vacations at sea. Add to the list plenty of nearby port options and the idea of cruising with the kids makes perfect sense.

What’s Included

Decide to cruise and let Anchors Away Cruises & Tours take care of the details. An obvious benefit to cruising, according to Cruise Lines of America, is the all inclusive price tag. The price of your ticket includes all of your meals and in-between snacks on-board; your stateroom, activities, parties and entertainment; plus, an exciting adventure organized and conducted by Vacation planning experts who want to create the perfect family vacation available.

The idea of a cruise is to use the ship as a floating resort, with the advantage of new locations and ports as a bonus. See more with less effort. There is no need to worry about keeping everybody organized, packing and unpacking or trying to make flight connections as you travel from one destination to another.

Cruising has changed!

The most obvious change within the industry is a focus on passenger needs. While schedules may exist for the sake of order almost nothing is mandatory anymore. Choices make family cruising almost ideal. For example: Norwegian Cruise Line offers “Freestyle Cruising”, a program that allows passengers to do everything or nothing and at their own pace. Dine and indulge or diet and stay on the health track using spa and fitness amenities, it is all about personal choice.

For the kids

On board amenities are comparable to land based resorts. The obvious benefit of cruising with kids is the variety of ship based programs allowing kids to meet and mingle if they wish. Programs offered are age-specific, with some ships having activities for as many as five different age groups.

Some of the most innovative programs have a learning component that adds value to the cruise vacation experience. While the organized programs are created to satisfy age categories the activities are often themed to the cruise itinerary providing cultural lessons with arts and crafts, parties, and games. On all of Norwegian Cruise Lines Hawaii itineraries they offer family activities. Crystal Harmony will feature its highly successful Cotillion program for juniors, which teaches children social and dining etiquette and ballroom dancing in a fun, hassle-free setting. Some programs offer shell jewelry making or coconut painting for tiny tykes while older children may try ukulele lessons, puppeteering or “port-speak” foreign language lessons. Expanded programs include theatre productions performed and directed by kids, Junior Olympics competitions, costume making and a masquerade parade, magic lessons, Karaoke nights and treasure hunts.

Cruising with teenagers

Teenagers need their own space. They want their freedom, & parents want not-to-worry. Cruise programs for teens have evolved in recent years. From pool games and beach volleyball to MTV trivia contests and high energy Karaoke, there is action onboard. Teen space varies by ship but often includes cyber cafes, New York-style coffeehouses, diners, video arcades. Many lines now segment the teen’s groups allowing nocturnal older teens late night club time. For example: Carnival Cruise Lines offers “Club O2,” (more information below) targeted at teens in the 15-17 age group. Teen directors staff each ship and oversee teen clubs which provide settings for activities or just hanging out. The 1,000- to 1,800-square-foot teen clubs include a dance floor with a DJ, a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system and large-screen plasma TVs displaying the latest movies and music videos. Select teen clubs also feature a library with popular teen-oriented books and magazines, video game units, 16-monitor “video walls,” and “listening stations” where teens can plug in and hear the latest tunes.

Dining

On many ships the new flexibility allows families to dine unofficially on days when activities yield to exhaustion. It is true there is no need to pack “fancy” clothes for each dinner, unless you want to do so. The creation of satellite dinning spots, bistros and cafes allow teens and their friend’s freedom. For example: on the Pride of America the Aloha Café has a companion Kids Café with a buffet-styled Hawaii theme. It features "food action stations" including prepared-to-order omelets, waffles, fruit, soups, ethnic specialties, and pasta; includes a buffet for kids with small chairs and tables.

Sleeping arrangements

Sleeping arrangements vary by ship but the word is options. Not the same old closet sized rooms, suites are now available for families. Many have a curtain separating the pull-out sleep sofa from the parents' sleeping area while others actually have a small sleeping alcove for tiny tykes. On Norwegian Cruise Line for example, families can book two connecting balcony staterooms, offering a roomy amount of space for families of four or five and penthouses feature separate rooms for parents and children.

Everyone in the family can cruise

For those traveling with three or more generations, the most senior members may need assistance and cruise lines have adapted to meet their needs by designating staterooms with wider doorways and bathrooms that will accommodate wheelchairs. Cruising while pregnant is an option on most ships and itineraries until the third trimester. And once the baby arrives a pediatrician can clear an infant to cruise with parents on many itineraries.

Even before you leave your home base you can arrange and pay for additional excursions created to meet the needs of families. Expect to find plenty of onboard complimentary options including sports activities, cultural lectures, educational movies, and social competitions. Nightly entertainment spans the gamut from dance extravaganzas and musical revues to gaming spots and stargazing topside.

Many ships offer shore excursions geared to families with discounts for the youngest participants and some Alaska cruises even have teen’s only adventures.

Now it is easy to simply get onboard and get off seven days later. The size of the ships and dynamics of the programs offered onboard make it easy to relax, unwind and recharge.

Planning

The number of cruise vacation choices is growing and the variety of experiences can’t be beat. Cruise lines have distinctive personalities and they provide the atmosphere, amenities and choices for families to create perfect vacation memories. Whether it’s seeing the world, dancing the night away, dinning on fabulous cuisine, learning new skills or gathering with friends and family, a cruise makes it easy to unwind and enjoy life while someone else takes care of the details.

Call today 800-527-8666 and direct your planning needs and questions to an Anchors Away Family vacation planning specialist.

Anchors Away Cruises & Tours knows where to find the vacation deals for families and how to make a family vacation happen.



Following is a sample listing of programs, amenities and facilities for children and families cruising aboard some Anchors Away Cruises & Tour preferred cruise lines:



Carnival Cruise Lines. At Carnival, the concept of ‘fun’ is taken very seriously when it comes to kids. Camp Carnival offers activities that divide children into age groups of 2-5, 6-8, 9-11, 12-14 and 15-17. For the younger set, Carnival ships feature kid-friendly amenities and programs supervised by highly trained youth counselors in state-of-art facilities – some of which measure 4,200 square feet. On several vessels children can also enjoy arts and crafts centers, with spin- and sand-art machines; cascading poolside slides; “activity walls;” indoor climbing mazes, and computer labs. The line also offers expanded children’s menus in the dining rooms and poolside restaurants.
Carnival Cruise Lines, the world’s largest cruise operator, and The Coca-Cola Company, the world’s largest soft drink manufacturer, have teamed up to create “Club O2,” a new teen program aboard the line’s 21 “Fun Ships” featuring spacious, high-tech teen centers as well as expanded activities.

“Club O2,” which is targeted at teens in the 15-17 age group, encompasses a variety of new and expanded programming fleet wide, as well as new teen directors aboard each ship and spacious teen clubs offering a memorable setting for activities or just hanging out. The teen centers are currently featured on 12 of 21 Carnival ships with the majority of the other ships scheduled to be retrofitted by the end of the year.

The 1,000- to 1,800-square-foot teen clubs include a dance floor with a DJ, a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system and large-screen plasma TVs displaying the latest movies and music videos.

There’s also a “Coke-tail” lounge where guests can enjoy Coca-Cola products and various non-alcoholic specialty drinks. The rooms are enhanced by a distinctive décor along with plush sofas and comfortable seating.

Celebrity Cruises. Celebrity’s Family Cruising Program is designed with specific activities tailored to the interests and needs of four age groups. Each ship has a dedicated staff of eight to 12 youth counselors, including one supervisor and one lifeguard, who direct the youth activities. Counselors are trained in child psychology, child development, education and/or recreation. Age groups are 3 to 6; 7-9; 10-12; 13-15 and 16-17. Celebrity Science Journeys, offered on every ship, encourage children to learn about science and nature in an engaging environment. Other program highlights include youth Summer Stock Theater junior Olympics, magic lessons, treasure hunts and clown parties.

Crystal Cruise Line Many facilities aboard Crystal’s ships Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity were designed with young guests in mind. Fantasia has supervised activities, tables and chairs for board games, arts and crafts, giant padded cubes, Sony PlayStation® kiosks, and large-screen televisions. Waves are a venue where teenagers can enjoy a video arcade. The line also offers Etiquette Training for juniors, developed in conjunction with Gollatz Cotillion, whereby young cruisers learn how to handle themselves in a variety of social situations. During holidays and selected sailings, Crystal offers additional children’s activities under the supervision of experienced Junior Activities Directors in age-appropriate groups.

Cunard Line Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth 2 have nurseries staffed by accredited British nannies. Aboard these British icons kids can even participate in a dedicated Children’s Tea, served each afternoon. Queen Mary 2, the world’s largest liner, features age-appropriate programs for children in three groups: The Nursery provides cribs and cots for children ages 1-2 years; The Play Zone offers myriad activities for kids 3-6 years old, including pizza parties, movie nights, and face painting; and for older children - ages 7-10 years - The Zone offers scavenger hunts, ship tours, quizzes, DJ booth, and Xboxes, among many other activities.

Disney Cruise Line Disney’s ships Disney Magic and Disney Wonder have nearly an entire deck dedicated to children ages 3 months to 17 years. Oceaneer’s Club, for kids 3 to 7, includes dances with Snow White, a Sebastian’s Musical Sea Search for instruments and splashy games on the line’s private island. Kids 8 to 12 can venture to “infinity and beyond” at the space and science themed Oceaneer Lab. The Stack (Disney Magic) and Aloft (Disney Wonder) are reserved for kids 13 to 17 and are packed with comfy couches, a soda bar, Internet access, plasma TVs, MP3 players and board games.

Holland America Line Holland America Line’s Club HAL youth program features age-specific activities designed to provide kids and teens with entertaining choices – and parents with peace of mind knowing their children are having fun while being well supervised at the same time. Activities planned for children ages 5 through 8 might include arts and crafts, face-painting, camp-out night and candy bar Bingo. “Tweens”, the in-betweens, ages 9 through 12, might learn golf putting, have dance parties, compete in on-deck sports events, play arcade games and tie-dye t-shirts. Teens will enjoy the teen disco, dance lessons, arcade games, sports tournaments, play stations and movies. Holland America Line has created its Family Reunion Program to reward families who cruise together with extra amenities. Available to families booking five staterooms or more on any cruise, the program features such benefits as special group pricing; a Fountain Soda Package for every member of the family (unlimited soft drinks throughout the voyage); a family photo per stateroom; and a choice of either dinner for the entire family in the line's alternative Pinnacle Grill Restaurant or, on Caribbean cruises, free rentals of snorkel gear and swim mats or banana boat rides for all on Half Moon Cay, HAL's award-winning private island.


MSC Cruises. Each of MSC Cruises’ ships features a designated children’s area. Children are under the supervision of trained youth counselors who coordinate organized games, sports, arts and crafts, and special age-appropriate parties. Activities are organized by age group, with more activities planned during the holiday and summer vacation seasons when more children are sailing. The line’s ships offer suites (double, queen- or king-sized bed plus sofa bed) are able to accommodate as many as four people. MSC Lirica, MSC Opera, MSC Sinfonia and MSC Armonia also offer family-size suites consisting of two rooms.

Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Cruise Line ships offers supervised programs (ages 2-5, 6-8, 9-12, and 13-17) with a host of Kid’s Krew venues, including dining areas exclusively for kids, video arcade rooms and teen clubs. NCL America’s new vessel, Pride of America, features extensive recreational opportunities for kids, including 250 interconnecting cabins. The ship also has eight 360-square-foot suites with private balcony, living room with double sofa bed and entertainment center, separate den with a single sofa bed, and private bedroom with two twin beds. Four additional family suites feature two interconnecting cabins that sleep up to eight and include two separate bathrooms.
Princess Cruises. Princess Kids offers a wide range of activities for children in three age-specific programs, with age-appropriate activities and often separate facilities, for kids 3 to 7, 8 to 12 and 13 to 17. Most ships feature youth and teen centers that keep young sailors entertained with art corners, game tables, ping pong tables, juke boxes and the latest video games. Newer ships feature such diversions as a toddler’s play area and theater, doll’s house, crawl-through castle and splash pool. Larger vessels also offer expansive children’s and teen centers with indoor and outdoor areas or separate areas for each age group.

Radisson Seven Seas Cruises. Radisson Seven Seas’ Club Mariner children’s program caters to children age 6 to 17 and is offered on select voyages. To better accommodate families, Paul Gauguin now boasts 28 triples in categories C, D and E. There are 25 staterooms on Seven Seas Navigator that can accommodate children. Another option for families are Master Suites aboard Seven Seas Mariner and Seven Seas Voyager. Through August, kids 9 to 15 sailing aboard Paul Gauguin in French Polynesia can participate in “Ambassadors of the Environment,” a partnership with Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society, which provides an interactive experience that encourages ocean responsibility.

Royal Caribbean International. Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean Youth Program offers five age-appropriate groups for kids that include a host of programs. Adventure Science blends science experiments with wacky entertainment. Adventure Art by Crayola offers kids the chance to create such crafts as cultural masks and pottery. Sail into Story Time combines a story hour with activities and projects. Adventure Family offers kids and their parents the chance to spend quality time together with a host of activities. The line’s new Freedom of the Seas, scheduled to debut in May 2006, will offer six different family-focused cabin categories specially designed to accommodate larger families.