What's to Do!

Let's face it. When it comes to taking a vacation, parents do not usually get to go alone. Once in awhile we get a break from the kids, but most of the time if we want to go on vacation, the whole family goes. So how can parents plan a trip that will be enjoyable for everyone involved? What about a cruise?

Cruise ships are really reaching out to families. Many of the cruise lines have babysitting services, kids programs, and kids' camps. According to CLIA (Cruise Line International Association), 37 percent of passengers on cruises over the past 5 years vacationed with their children. This is why cruise lines are trying to appeal to families. Carnival Cruise Line has added a number of activities to its "Camp Carnival" program. Carnival's newest ship that is smoke free offers "Children World," a 2,500 square foot playroom overlooking the main pool area and featuring a 16 monitor video wall, computer lab and an arts and crafts center. Carnival is also offering a package called "Destination Universal" which combines a cruise with a land stay which includes lodging and tickets to theme parks such as Sea World, Universal Studios Florida, Busch Gardens, and Wet and Wild Orlando.

Royal Caribbean has a kids' program called "Adventure Ocean" which features daily activities for children in four different age groups. They offer children's playrooms, teen discos, and special menus just for kids. They also have suites that accommodate up to six people. Again, Royal Caribbean offers cruises with land packages, which cruise to the Bahamas. Land packages are in Orlando with the various theme parks included. Princess Cruise Line has a private island called Princess Cay which just added a second beach area. This second beach area features a supervised play area with sand box and pirate ship playground. Teenagers can play volleyball, kayak, swim, snorkel, or take a banana boat ride. Princess also has introduced a children's menu available 24 hours a day.

Then there is the Disney Cruise Line which has nearly a whole entire deck dedicated to children. Facilities range from an interactive recording studio to a teen's only coffee bar. Disney also has it's own private island which children really enjoy. Again there are cruises plus land packages available. You can choose from a 3-night cruise with 4 nights at Disney World or 4-night cruise with 3 nights at Disney World. Kids nine to twelve years get to go to Oceaneer Lab that is filled with interactive lab stations. Children ages three to eight years old have Oceaneer Club with playgrounds and costume dress up areas. Teens can attend classes on photography or hang out with other teens in teen only clubs. You can join your children in activities or relax while they are busy.

Norwegian Cruise Line offers "Kids Crew" which offers four separate activity groups for kids three to seventeen years old. There are classes where children can learn to cook. Norwegian offers a "Mom and Dad's Night Out." The Norwegian Dream, Norwegian's newest ship that debuts in August, Norwegian Star, and Norwegian Sky will also feature a customized teen activity center. Holland America Cruise Line offers kids and teens- only shore excursions on its private island, Half Moon Bay. Holland America has expanded its kids program to include "families only" vacation combining a 7 day cruise with a land adventure designed specifically for children. The highlight of the package on Alaska sailings is a two-night stay at Denali National Park with a series of educational tours. It also includes tours of the Alaska SeaLife Center, a family river-rafting trip and live dinner show. Holland America feels the way to great vacation is to give the kids something fun and educational to do, have family activities for family time, and precious time away from the kids.

Premier Cruise Line was one of the first cruise lines to notice the importance of providing activities for children. They were the first to do the cruise with a land package to Orlando. This idea caught on and Disney Cruise line was born. Now all of the big cruise lines are trying to do something to get families to cruise with them. There are many advantages to cruising. All meals are paid for. Non alcoholic beverages are paid for also. There are great shore excursions and many activities to choose from. You really get a great vacation by taking a cruise. There are some cruise lines, however, who still do not recommend children. Make sure if you decide to take a cruise that you find one of the cruise lines that offers as much for the children as they do for the adults. If everyone is happy, your trip will be a vacation to remember.

About the Author: About the Author Jennifer Dugan, Jennifer Dugan is the owner of Dugan's Travels. Dugan's Travels is a full service travel agency that takes on independent agents. They have over 400 agents currently. barb@duganstravels.com

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