Family Fun Activities on a Cruise Ship

You won’t be hard pressed these days to find a cruise line that caters to kids. In the last 10 years or so, a growing number of cruise companies have included the little ones on their activity agendas. Some cruise companies have even integrated the concept of babysitting services so that mom and dad can enjoy a moment to themselves while onboard.

Taking a cruise with the whole family is an excellent idea, and lest you think cruise vacations are expensive and are not for kids, think again. In fact, families can benefit from substantial discounts and yes, kids are most welcome. Your ship captain will be delighted to have them onboard.

A cruise vacation for the kids can be considered an “off-the-beaten path” activity, an exciting alternative to riding in the car for long hours while the children’s patience is tested. On a ship, the distractions and activities are endless. You’ll never hear them ask, “when are we going to see land, dad?”

Wonderful Whales

Kids — no matter what age — love animals. And they don’t get to see whales everyday. So Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, is a big treat for the kids, and mom and dad too. Castaway Cay is in the Bahamas, and all Disney cruises make a stop here. It’s called the “giant whale-dig site.” While kids stand in awe of the whales, mom and dad can relax with a massage in one of the cabanas.

Biking

While in Castaway Cay, Disney offers bike rentals so the whole family can explore the island. This is a great way to tame the kids’ soaring energy levels.  By exercising, they can release some of that pent up cabin fever and get to bed early.

Rock Climbing

Royal Caribbean International offers onboard rock climbing activities for the whole family. Ask about their Freedom of the Seas cruise vacation and their rock climbing activity in particular. This is another great way for the kids to release their energy and let loose.

A Bit of Classroom Education

Known for their Alaska cruise destinations, Prince Cruises have different ways of entertaining families. On their Grand, Diamond and Coral class ships, the crew offers  a fun, supervised program for kids. If you want to give your kids the opportunity to learn some exciting facts about oceans and marine life, Princess Cruise offers captivating educational programs that the kids will love. While in Alaska, they can also listen to nature experts and rangers talk about the history of Alaska, the development of glaciers, native culture and dog sled races.

Treasure Hunts

On your way to Hawaii? You may want to catch a flight to Honolulu and then take the Norwegian Cruise Line. Book the whole family on their Pride of Hawaii cruise vacation. This particular cruise is known for being family oriented.

On the agenda: sports competitions, magicians and treasure hunts. There are also playrooms and teen hangouts. On this cruise, your children will also have the option to work out in the gym, sign up for dance lessons, or play basketball. Here’s a bonus: if your children are under two years old, they travel free.

Spa Treatments

Many believe that the only way mom and daughter can bond is to have a manicure together. Carnival Cruise Lines offers manicures and several other programs that bring families together. The cruise ship offers spa and beauty treatments for kids aged 12-14  called the youth spa program.

Talent Shows

For parents who have artistically inclined children or kids who love to dance and sing, Carnival Cruise Lines offers karaoke and talent shows. What better way to encourage your budding star? Imagine his or her thrill of competing live with other kids onboard?

Cruising with Kids on the Mediterranean

Take advantage of Carnival’s family fun tours, which have just been recently included in some of their Mediterranean destinations. A few examples of these fun tours include a cultural expedition on a private yacht headed for Turkey’s Bosphorus, where children and parents can enjoy magnificent views of palatial buildings and ancient temples. Another tour goes to Ephesus in Izmir (supposedly one of the seven wonders of the world).

If your kids are into steam engines, one tour has a museum stop for those who want to have a look at one of Europe’s largest collection of steam engines.

Snorkeling

If you or your kids admire the work of Jacques Cousteau, you must take the Paul Gauguin, Ambassadors of the Environment cruise, hosted by Regent Seven Seas Cruise Line. The company has joined hands with Ocean Futures Society of Jean-Michel Cousteau (son of Jacques Cousteau) to offer ecological tours that include day and night snorkelling and a journey to Moorea with an anthropologist. Your budding little oceanographers are sure to get a thrill out of this underwater exploration.

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If you’re planning your honeymoon, you may want to consider a romantic cruise destination. Cruises are ideal for newlyweds because they can be low budget and easy to plan, meaning that you don’t have to stress about the vacation in the weeks leading up to your big day. Where can you go on your honeymoon cruise? The options are nearly limitless, but here are some of the top honeymoon cruise destinations to consider.

Disney Honeymoon Cruises

You might think of a Disney Cruise as more of a family vacation, but this can also be a great option if you’re celebrating your new life together. You’ll spend a number of days sailing through the Caribbean, and enjoy at least a day at Disney World at the beginning or end of the cruise. Disney cruises are a great option because they’re even more hassle-free than a standard cruise, since Disney provides transportation and other special accommodations. Mention that it is your honeymoon, and you’ll have even more fun, romantic options.

European Honeymoon Cruises

While most people associate cruises with the Caribbean, another wonderful alternative is a European cruise through the Greek Islands or other Mediterranean locations. These cruises are very romantic, stopping at some of the most beautiful locations in the world and offering tons of privacy to couples who want to celebrate together. Some cruises in the Mediterranean are exclusively for couples, so you can avoid crowds of families with children and singles looking for their next partner. Instead, you can focus on celebrating together.

Hawaiian Honeymoon Cruises

Many couples travel to Hawaii for their honeymoon every year. This might be a great option for you too, since you won’t need a passport to book this trip. You’ll visit islands such as Kauai, Maui, and the big island of Hawaii, check out black sand beaches, beautiful reefs and more. Many Hawaii cruise ships also have traditionally Hawaiian food and celebrations, like luaus. Because you’ll be staying in the United States, the costs associated with a Hawaiian cruise are often much lower than the costs of cruises to other areas of the world. You can also book a hotel and spend some times on land before or after your cruise.

Caribbean Honeymoon Cruises

Of course, the Caribbean is a popular honeymoon cruise destination for couples who want to spend some times in the sun. Most ships travel exclusively to eastern locations or to western locations, though some longer cruises may have you traveling all over the islands. The great thing about a cruise to the Caribbean is that you can see a number of islands without having to book separate vacation to each of them. Along the way, you can also enjoy island activities, food and much more.

Alaskan Honeymoon Cruises

If you and your new spouse enjoy cooler weather, a tropical cruise might not be the best option. Instead, check out Alaskan options. You can go whale watching, see the Northern lights, and participate in other romantic activities while on your Alaska cruise. Along the way, you’ll also be able to participate in cruise activities that you’ll find on other ships as well, such as trying unique foods, taking classes, and even checking out the pool if the weather is warm enough. Alaskan cruises often allow you to see majestic wildlife as well, which is something you won’t get with most other cruises.

French Polynesian Honeymoon Cruises

For a tropical vacation that leaves from Hawaii but doesn’t take place in the Caribbean, check out French Polynesian cruises. Typical port destinations include Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea and Papeete. This is a unique and romantic culture, and cruises in this area of the world are usually smaller and less crowded, giving you a more intimate setting to enjoy with your new spouse. Many of these cruises also offer special activities like diving, fishing, and snorkeling, since the reefs in this area are unlike any others.

Confused about where to go on your honeymoon? Your honeymoon is an important time to connect with your new spouse and recover from the stress and frenzy associated with planning your wedding. It’s important to take the time to carefully plan this trip together, and consider what will provide the most relaxing and romantic setting.  Start by setting your budget, and then explore these romantic honeymoon cruise options. You might be surprised at how affordable they can be.

Talk to a travel agent about booking your trip, and be sure to mention that it is your honeymoon. Many cruise lines offer special discounts, rates and romantic amenities to make your trip a memorable occasion.

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Hawaii remains one of those destinations that American Tourist dream about. If this has been a dream destination for you, you should know that cruises to Hawaii have become very affordable. If you have never been to the Hawaiian Islands then a cruise is a great way to see the Islands for the first time. It is always best to allow yourself three weeks to tour the islands so that you can see everything.

Learn how to find a: Discount Cruise

The Internet is a great way to search for Hawaiian Cruises and especially if you are looking for packages. You can choose from over 100 different packages that leave from many ports. There are many cruises that leave from Vancouver, Los Angeles and San Diego.

Get some Advice about: Cheap Cruises

A cruise will open up the world of the Hawaiian Islands to you. You will sail to Oahu, Hawaii, Kauai and Maui, the splendor of the islands can be visited while your hotel floats along with you and the great thing about it is you do not have to unpack over and over again. Hawaiian cruises offer a lot more to do than simply floating around and sitting on the deck sipping your favorite drink with an umbrella and sun bathing. If you enjoy water sports then a Hawaiian Cruise is for you because many cruises offer water packages that include snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing by coral reefs in glass bottom boats.

There are even small submarines that explore undersea wonders. Many enjoy taking small boats to search for hump back whales off the coast of Lanai were they make there winter homes. Many motorized sports vehicles are available to rent.

If water activities are not your pleasure there are also many land excursions that are at your finger tips such as hiking, mountain climbing, biking along beautiful cliffs, viewing erupting volcanoes from safe destinations and tours of pineapple plantations can also be fun. There is also incredible shopping available to you on each of the islands specializing in tropical native treasures. If after all of your site seeing you feel tired, then you can find some of the most amazing beaches that you can soak up sun and surf.

It is for all of these reasons that a cruise to Hawaii for you and your family can be a most memorable vacation.