FAMILY CRUISING
FAMILY CRUISING
together now
All
More families are waking up to the appeal of cruising thanks to its
value for money, abundance of children’s facilities, and sheer variety of destinations, says Sara Macefi eld
L
ong gone are the days when cruises were the preserve of an older, wealthier clientele.
A new generation of modern ships brimming with facilities catering for a younger audience has ushered in an era of family-friendly cruising. Whether it involves scaling a climbing wall up the side of the funnel; splashing down a waterslide; or partying with Mickey Mouse, Shrek or SpongeBob Square Pants; there is something to appeal to children of all ages. Youngsters can fi nd fun and games in kids clubs for different age groups or chill out in dedicated deck areas. “Cruising represents great value for money when compared head-on with a traditional land-based family holiday resort as sports, activities, kids clubs and entertainment are included in the price,” said Royal Caribbean UK and Ireland Associate Vice-President Jo Rzymowska.
“The nature of the huge range of facilities also means different ages can
fi nd perfect holiday experiences
onboard without other family
members having to compromise on their own enjoyment.” Such ships often
come with family-friendly staterooms sleeping two adults
and up to three children, or suites with two or three bedrooms in addition to a living area – enabling families to spread out or bring grandparents too.
The greater choice of restaurants, including extra buffet facilities, and anytime dining has also helped to make families feel more at home. Disney Cruise Line is probably the ultimate family-orientated line and needs little introduction thanks to its cast of famous characters who appear around the ship.
But Royal Caribbean International has established a strong following in the market thanks to innovative facilities, such as FlowRider surf simulators and ice rinks. Norwegian Cruise Line pioneered bowling alleys at sea and its more
modern ships boast waterslides, as do those of Carnival Cruise Lines, which
debuted the fi rst ropes course at sea.
“The family market has always been very important to Norwegian
Cruise Line and it is because of the continued demand that we keep investing in this area,” explained Norwegian’s Vice-President and General Manager Francis Riley. “Much onboard is tailored
to be family-friendly, from the accommodation with inter- connecting and family staterooms and suites to dining choices with up to 28 options on any one ship.” P&O Cruises is another to tailor its product to families with plans to expand its programme with additional school holiday cruises. Meanwhile, Thomson Cruises reports that its growing range of cruise-and-stay options is helping to attract more fi rst-time families to cruising, while Mediterranean
sailings from Palma, Spain, aboard Thomson Dream
have proved popular with this market thanks
to the short fl ight to the
departure ports, convenient Saturday departures and strong range of family-friendly cabins and facilities.
“Cruising represents great value for money when compared head-on with traditional land-based family holiday resorts”
selling tip
Avoid the extras…ice- creams, drinks, snacks and activities can add-up, but on luxury lines these are all included
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