Although we want our kids to have plenty to do whilst on board a cruise – it’s not all just about the kids – so what is there on today’s family friendly ships to make adults have a holiday too – by Joanne Hindle-Taylor.
Cruise lines have been pulling out all the stops recently to draw in the lucrative family cruise market – including teaming up with famous entertainment brands. Take Norwegian Cruise Line for instance, they’ve partnered up with Nickelodeon. Royal Caribbean, on the other hand, has come together with DreamWorks – the people who brought Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar and other animated favourites into our lives.
Family friendly cruises really do have so many highlights in store. There are kids’ and teens’ clubs, video arcades, waterslides, outdoor movies, basketball, mini-golf and much, much more.
And, not forgetting us grown-ups – think lavish spas, fine restaurants and sophisticated bars – just some of the other ingredients that make a great all-round ‘family’ cruise.
A fun filled adventure – specifically designed to facilitate every single person – I’ve looked into what I think are the best family cruises around at the moment. And, one thing’s for sure, both little ones –and adults – are in for a real treat on board…
Norwegian Cruise Line
For the youngsters…
With an exclusive Nickelodeon at Sea program, kids’ pools, water slides, bowling alleys and sports courts, Norwegian Cruise Line is certainly up there when it comes to having fun.
The kids’ and teens’ clubs are a firm favourite with youngsters on board – they offer the perfect way to have a great time whilst meeting a whole host of new friends. Staffed with youth coordinators, activities are scheduled when the ship is at sea and in port. Fun activities include dancing, arts and crafts, treasure hunts, costume-making and games.
Group-sitting services are available too. Supervised by qualified staff, they include Port Play and Late Night Fun Zone. With all this in place, having time to yourself really is possible.
For the Parents…
Norwegian Cruise Line is all about fun – and freedom – for both children and adults. This means you can do your own thing knowing that your kids are safe and sound – and having the time of their lives, of course! Go on enjoy yourself by doing exactly what you want to do. You could get pampered in the spa, head to the adults-only pool or have a game of bingo or attend an art auction. On NCL’s Gem-Class of ships (Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Jewel and Norwegian Pearl) there’s the opportunity to participate in gripping poker tournaments. Norwegian Jade has a themed Monte Carlo Night party – held in the ship’s casino – a must if you like glamour and glitz. There are a number of bars on board too, including the sophisticated Piano Bar.
One for all the family…
A world-class entertainment show on-board Norwegian Epic, the Blue Man Group is a fun theatrical performance of music, comedy and multimedia – it’s a huge hit with both children and adults.
The Norwegian Gem and Norwegian Pearl are home to the first bowling alleys at sea – a firm favourite when it comes to family activities. There are also rock-climbing walls and Wii tournaments on board some ships.
Thomson Cruises
For the youngsters…
On Thomson’s family-friendly ships – Thomson Destiny, Thomson Spirit and Thomson Celebration – the focus is on ensuring both youngsters and adults have a whale of a time on board. A firm favourite with kids is the Thomson Kidzone club. Offering the perfect place for children aged three to 12 to make new friends, your child can look forward to creative play and parties with everything from storytelling, role-playing to team challenges and mini discos.
For the Parents…
Whilst your children are being kept happily entertained, why not have a drink in one of the wide selection of bars or have a nice quiet meal?
On board the Thomson Dream there’s not only a family-friendly pool but an adults only pool too – perfect if you want to swim some leisurely laps without having to dodge playful kiddies along the way.
On the Thomson Celebration there’s a two-storey health and beauty spa – check in here for a spot of well-deserved pampering… Go on, you deserve it.
One for all the family…
The Sports Deck is the place where you can all have fun playing badminton, basketball and table tennis. Or have a good splash about in the family friendly pool.
Carnival Cruise Lines
For the youngsters…
Carnival has a variety of fun, family-friendly amenities courtesy of Camp Carnival. Split into three groups: 2-5 years, 6-8 years and 9-11 years, Camp Carnival offers games, finger painting, parties, movies and more.
When it comes to older children, Circle C is for pre-teens – aged 12-14 – and Club O2 is for teens aged 15-17. Both offer a cool place to hang out and make new friends – as well as access to parties, special teens-only shore excursions and PlayStation 2 and Microsoft Xbox consoles.
For the Parents…
Head to the Serenity Adult Retreat. A tranquil place, this kid free haven is where you can take advantage of a complete bar service provided by attentive waiters as you effortlessly relax in one of the whirlpools.
One for all the family…
Go and watch movies outside at the Seaside Theatre. A massive 22-foot LED screen, it’s the perfect place to catch a family flick.
Royal Caribbean International
For the youngsters…
Royal Caribbean has an award winning Adventure Ocean program on board each of their ships. Catering for children of all ages from babies and toddlers through to teens, children can look forward to tons of fun stuff. There’s even a professionally run nursery for children 6-17 months or 18-36 months.
For the Parents…
As your children will never be stuck for something to do, you have more time to kick back and relax – doing ‘adult things’. And, if you fancy a bit of time to yourself in the evening – like going for a romantic meal – then simply drop your child off at the Nursery Babies and Tots. The nursery is available during the day, too.
One for all the family…
Thanks to a partnership with DreamWorks Animation, kids – and big kids – get to rub shoulders with characters from Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and more! Oasis Class, Freedom Class and Voyager Class ships even have an ice rink on board!
Here you can all have lessons – or simply have fun on the ice.
Disney Cruise Line
For the youngsters…
It’s certainly a magical experience on board any Disney ship. And, it goes without saying; kids always have the time of their lives on board. The imaginative kids clubs are jam packed with fun activities for youngsters aged just 3 months, right the way up to teenagers.
For the Parents…
If you’re after having a spot of ‘me time’, then the Quiet Cove Pool offers just the ticket. A relaxing, adult only pool, it is here you can enjoy the most tranquil setting – it’s the perfect place to unwind. On the odd evening or two, why not relax in one of the romantic adult only restaurants?
One for all the family…
Go along to one of the deck parties – and celebrate your fabulous holiday alongside some of your favourite Disney characters – and you’ll get to enjoy the only fireworks at sea, too!
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