Family Friendly Cruises: 10 of the Best
The stereotypical holidaymakers aboard a cruise are traditionally a well-to-do couple in their 50s or 60s, dressed immaculately in smart/casual attire leaning more towards the former. However, cruise holiday companies have gone to great lengths to increase their appeal to a wider audience over the past 15 years and now many of their ships play host to a fantastic range of activities for the entire family to enjoy. Here are 10 of the best family-friendly cruises.
Mediterranean Adventure
With 9 days of excursions in the space of 14 nights, there is never a dull moment whilst experience the Mediterranean Adventure aboard the P&O Ventura. Taking in holidaymaker hotspots such as Rome, Naples, Venice and Corfu; the Mediterranean Adventure offers excitement for people of all tastes. For the younger charges amongst your family, the Ventura plays hosts to children’s clubs and a Mr Men Show.
Norwegian Epic
The feature that separates the Norwegian Epic from all other cruises is the Epic Plunge waterslide. Built high above the body of the ship, the Epic Plunge speeds riders down a slide before they plateau in a large bowl, however, this is only momentary respite before the rider is plunged down another thrilling tube slide. The ship also contains great entertainment for the whole family including performances from the world famous Blue Man group.
Allure of the Seas
Despite the adult film sounding name, the Allure of the Seas has a trump card up its sleeve in entertaining children in the form of the DreamWorks Experience. Family favorites, Shrek and Kung Fu Panda, habitually do the rounds on these ships, meeting and greeting guests. The liner hosts a number of shows on board that will keep the littlest members of the family entertained without boring the more ‘mature’ minded.
Norwegian Getaway
Even the name sounds spacious; the Norwegian Getaway is doing as much as any liner to eschew the ‘cramped’ feeling that some people attach to cruise holidays. With more room on board for children to run about and just be children without interrupting the holidays of other passengers. The Norwegian Getaway also hosts Nickelodeon themed cruises allowing children to meet their favourite characters.
Carnival Cruise O2 Club
Many cruises offer clubs and activities for children, but Carnival go the extra mile by offering age-specific clubs, meaning that your 13 year old won’t have to be condescended to during a coloring competition and can engage in activities they will actually enjoy. This helps them meet more children of the same age and with similar interests.
Quantum of the Seas
The upcoming Quantum of the Seas from Royal Caribbean is due to set sail for the first time this November and will be akin to a floating fun fair. With bumper cars and a roller skating rink, there are endless activities for children of all ages and big kids alike to partake in. If you want your young charges to learn a new skill on their holiday, you could do worse than taking them for trapeze lessons at the on-board circus school.
Royal Caribbean Suites
As part of their endeavour to open up cruise holidays to the family audience; Royal Caribbean have widely implemented family suites throughout all classes of their ships. This allows members of the family their own privacy whilst keeping them close together. Often contained over two floors, these suites are great for ensuring family members don’t get under one another’s feet and irritate one another.
Disney Cruises
Unsurprisingly, Disney Cruises are designed with children in mind. Children aged 4-11 will undoubtedly have a fantastic time with the themed play areas, shows and activities all given a Disney twist. Some of the Disney magic may be slightly lost on teenagers and young adults who would rather participate in slightly more mature activities.
Princess Pelicans Clubs
Princess Cruises put a lot of emphasis on ensuring that the youngest members of the family are entertained throughout the entirety of their holiday. Understanding that 7 or 14 nights is a long time to hold the attention of a toddler or young child, their operations staff have planned a significant amount of activities for 3-7 year olds. The Pelicans Club invites the young to partake in arts and crafts, dance parties and almost endless games.
Royal Clipper
If your teen has a thirst for knowledge, then the Royal Clipper may be the most enjoyable cruise liner for them. With a strong emphasis on educating their guests about the destinations they are traveling to and the excursions they are partaking in, you will be given the opportunity to relax whilst the kids expand their mind. Royal Clipper kids will be taught extensively about history and sailing on this five-masted ship as it tours the Western Mediterranean.