A family affair: Why a cruise is perfect for all ages....
Cruising provides a safe, hassle-free environment for families and, with food, accommodation and non-stop entertainment included in the price, it’s excellent value too. A recently published annual Cruise Review industry report revealed the average age of passengers is now 57, due to the growth in multigenerational cruises.
Cruises are becoming an increasingly popular holiday choice for families as ocean ships are built and renovated with families in mind, adding more interconnecting staterooms, building waterparks and game areas, and ensuring there are enriching activities on board and ashore for the whole family to enjoy.
Most families take their first cruise in the Mediterranean and sailings from Southampton and Dover are a good choice for those with small children and for those who prefer not to fly. For older kids and teens, the Caribbean and Alaska are among the great destinations on offer. Many ships offer family cabins and Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Vista and Carnival Horizon have Family Harbor areas, with cabins for up to five and a dedicated lounge.
The family cruise market is the fastest growing at sea and Carnival is the global leader carrying more than 800,000 children each year. We take ‘fun’ very seriously and our ships feature numerous kid-friendly amenities. There’s more family fun to come, with a trampoline park on Carnival Panorama at the end of this year and an incredible rollercoaster on Mardi Gras next August.”
Family Cabins
Royal Caribbean offers the Ultimate Family Suite on Symphony of the Seas, a two-storey suite including a slide between floors, 85in TV, video games and a floor-to-ceiling Lego wall. MSC Cruises, meanwhile, has Super Family Plus cabins – two or three interconnecting staterooms sleeping up to 10. On all 16 ships there are free-of-charge kids’ clubs, and families can enjoy entertainment together, from West End-style shows to exclusive Cirque du Soleil at Sea performances. Ashore, the Family Explorer Club offers families the chance to explore destinations through thrilling and educational activities.”
Holland America Line’s ship newest ship, Nieuw Statendam, features purpose-built staterooms for families. The 32 specially designed ocean-view cabins have two bathrooms and accommodation for up to five. All ships offer Club HAL, where youngsters can let off steam while parents and grandparents relax in the spa, watch a cookery demonstration, enjoy a fine dining experience, dance, visit the casino or go to the theatre.
Most ships also feature The Oasis, a teens-only sun deck connected by a passageway to the club area called The Loft. If you would like to push the boat out, consider lines such as Crystal Cruises and Cunard. Grandparents will appreciate the refined atmosphere and evening dances; mums and dads can chill out in chic surroundings while youngsters hang out with new friends.
Amazing Value
Crystal Cruises has a ‘Kids Sail Free’ offer in the Mediterranean this summer with junior cruisers aged 17 and under travelling free when sharing a stateroom with two adults on selected itineraries. These include an 11-night sailing from Lisbon to Monte Carlo departing 12 August 2019, the eight-night Monte Carlo to Rome cruise departing 23 August, and a seven-night round-trip Rome itinerary departing 31 August. These cruises offer not only great value, but also invaluable experiences in terms of family bonding, world education and memories.
You should also consider looking at lines that traditionally cater for mature clients. Many grandparents will be familiar with Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, making it a good choice for a multigenerational school holiday trip. Itineraries with family appeal include Balmoral’s seven-night round-trip Newcastle cruise to the Norwegian Fjords, departing 16 August 2019, which blends spectacular scenic cruising with adventurous activities including cycling, hiking and kayaking. Last year Fred Olsen began installing rigid inflatable boats across our fleet, allowing guests to experience destinations in an entirely different way. The boats can travel at high speeds, for those looking for an extra thrill, or travel more slowly for those looking for a more leisurely ride. There is certainly something to cater for all interests for multigenerational families looking to travel together.”
Safe environment for children Wide choice of family staterooms, as well as interconnecting cabin accommodation Entertainment for all age groups Meals to suit all tastes included in the fare Transparent pricing makes it easy for families to budget