A life on the ocean wave
If you looked up the definition of 'cruising' in the dictionary, you would probably expect to read: A past time enjoyed by older generations, travelling by sea, formal evening wear, seating plans and dinner served at set times every night after a formal introduction to the captain.
You would not expect to read: Family friendly, dress down style, rock climbing and surf boarding on board, spas, gyms, children's clubs, free games consoles, interactive play groups, movie nights, on board sports, off shore excursions and not to mention live shows and entertainment.
Welcome to the new family holiday experiences that is cruising.
A cruise vacation gives families the chance to spend time together to create memories, while exploring exciting new destinations every day. Plus with a wide selection of on board children's clubs, catering from 6 months to 17 years there really is something for everyone and for those families that have enjoyed Disneyland Paris and Orlando - there is even a Disney Cruise Ship, complete with live shows and character experiences.
So, when your friends ask where you are going on holiday this year? Why not say, Jamaica, St Maarten, Madeira, Gibraltar and Crete? You can enjoy all these destinations from only £999* per person or a summer cruise visiting, Majorca, Tunisia, Naples, Florence, St Raphael, and Corsica, from £809 per person*.
So go on, still not booked your summer holiday yet? Take advantage or our early booking discounts and exclusive offers and make the right choice for you and your family. Combine the holiday with friends, family and grandparents, there really is something for everyone.
Do we have to eat together every night at set meal times?
No, not at all, companies like Ocean Village, offer family cruises. There's no rushing to get the kids dressed up in time for meals. You can wear what you choose on board and eat when you fancy it; 24/7 if you like and there's a daily kids tea at 5.15pm. Whether you prefer to dine as a family or eat at different times, you can do whatever suits your family. Cruises include all buffet dining as part of your fare, you don't need to worry about running up a huge bill either. Other ships have a choice of restaurants from family friendly to
adults only, it really does offer something for everyone.
Do we have to dress for dinner?
Not really, with so many restaurants and snack bars on board, you can eat what you want when you want. You can choose formal dining if you wish, even enjoy a night off from the children while they enjoy dinner with their youth hosts in their own restaurants.
What is there to do onboard for the children?
You name it Surfing, talent shows, ice skating, youth clubs, treasure hunts, paddling pools, the choice is endless. Most ships offer childcare facilities and clubs in age ranges starting from 6 months to 17 years. RoyalCaribbean offer a 6 to 36 month old in the fun of Fisher-Price Aqua Babies and Aqua Tots, interactive playgroup sessions developed by early childhood experts at Fisher-Price. Each 45-minute session offers age-appropriate activities that expose children to new experiences while seamlessly combining playtime with learning time.They also offer a complimentary program of fun and educational activities open to all guests ages 3 to 17.
Children are separated by age: 3 to 5; 6 to 8; 9 to 11; 12 to 14; and 15 to 17. Your child will get to learn about local customs, do cool science experiments, and make great new friends. The 12-14 and 15-17 groups allow teens the freedom to come and go as they please for sports, themed parties, movie nights and more. Teens can also meet and relax in the laid-back Living Room lounge, or dance late into the night at Fuel, the teen-only nightclub.
What about for mums and dads, can we get away from the children?
With supervised night nurseries, and private or group babysitting, available, payable locally on most ships. Mums and Dads get to enjoy time alone – but not too far away. For older children, group sitting is also available. Minimum ages may apply on some cruise lines.
Can the children stay onboard when the ships docks in each new destination?
Ocean Village offer a range of options that allow Mum and Dad time to explore onshore and leave the kids behind. Some even offer family friendly trips including water parks, beach breaks and aquarium visits.
Won't it be full of old people, so how do I know it's right for me and my family?
Making the right choice of cruise line and destination will make this the right choice for you and your family. Cruises truly do offer something for everyone. Whether is a combination of cruise and stay, the Caribbean or the Mediterranean, with private beaches to enjoy and multi centre destinations to explore each day, everyone will be happy. Make sure you speak to one of our cruise experts to book your perfect trip for you and your family.
Do we have to fly to get to our starting destination?
There are a number of departure points from the UK, the Mediterranean and even the US, depending on the time of year and destination; you may not always have to fly to get there. You could even extend your holiday and stay a little longer in your arrival or departure port.
Thinking of going? email family@passport-travel.co.uk for more information or visit www.passport-travel.co.uk
*Prices may vary depending on time of booking. Prices shown offer an early booking discount.
