There’s a cruise to suit any family – you just need to identify the most important factor for your holiday choice. Here’s a quick guide to get you started in the right direction.
- “I want the cheapest deal.”
You need: To cruise from your doorstep on a big family-friendly ship.
Who: P&O’s Pacific Dawn, Pacific Pearl, Pacific Jewel, Pacific Eden, Pacific Aria; Carnival Cruise Lines’ Carnival Spirit (pictured below) & Carnival Legend; Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas & Legend of the Seas.
Where: Australia, South Pacific
- “I want lots of onboard activities to entertain kids and teens.”
You need: In Australia, the same ships listed above. Overseas, try the latest fun-filled megaliners.
Who: Disney Cruises’Disney Dream, Disney Magic & Disney Fantasy; Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas (pictured below), Allure of the Seas & Oasis of the Seas; NCL’s Norwegian Epic, Breakaway & Getaway (NCL); Princess Cruises’ Royal Princess & Regal Princess; Carnival Freedom.
- “I want to travel overseas in style but not pay a fortune.”
You need: Kids sail free deals – offered at different times of year
Who: MSC, NCL, Crystal Cruises, Disney, Captain Cook Cruises Fiji
Where: Europe, Caribbean, US, Fiji
- “I want to do something special with my children, not without them.”
You need: Inspiring destinations with good shore excursions.
Who: Lindblad Expeditions, Celebrity Cruises
Where: Galapagos Islands, Alaska
- “I want my kids to learn something.”
You need: Educational, hands-on classes.
Who: P&O’s Broad Shorts Stop Motion Pro Filmmaking; Paul Gauguin Cruises’ Ambassadors of the Environment Youth Program; Disney Cruises’ Oceaneer Lab; Princess Cruises’ “edutainment” activities; Carnival’s Camp Ocean.
Where: Worldwide
- “My kids are under 3 and I want to relax.”
You need: Children’s clubs, day care or nurseries that take toddlers.
Who: Royal Caribbean; Cunard; Disney; Carnival Cruise Lines; NCL
Where: Worldwide