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
Royal Caribbean, for instance. They’ve partnered up
with
DreamWorks – the people who brought Shrek, Kung Fu Panda 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 grownups – think lavish spas, fine restaurants
and sophisticated bars - just some of the other ingredients that make a great
all-round ‘family’ cruise.
Royal
Caribbean
Little
ones
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.
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 (6-17 months or
18-36 months) in the professionally run nursery, 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.
Thomson
Little ones
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 kiddies (aged three to
12) 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.
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.
Disney Cruise Line
Little ones
It’s certainly a magical
experience on board any of the Disney ships. 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.
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!
