FAMILY CRUISING
JO RZYMOWSKA, Associate Vice President and General Manager, UK & Ireland, Royal Caribbean International
MY FAMILY CRUISE SARA MACEFIELD “I shrieked as we were engulfed by a monsoon-like spray of water. We were bobbing below the Niagara Falls, a dramatic finale to a cruise-and-stay with my family. Our Holland America Line cruise along the Eastern Seaboard saw us discover rebellion and revolution along Boston’s Freedom Trail and a rich maritime past in Halifax, where we paid our respects at the final resting place of 121 of the 1,513 victims of the Titanic disaster and soaked up the European atmosphere of Québec City. Our cruise ended in Montréal and continued with a five-hour train ride to Toronto and on to Niagara Falls. We had only been away for 12 days, but we’d packed so much in it felt more like 20.”
After two hectic days of sightseeing and shopping (and not having to worry about luggage limits), embarking on one of the world’s last great journeys across 3,000 miles of ocean was very appealing. Sailing out of New York made a fabulous start that left us all spellbound. QM2’s elegant surroundings made this ocean liner feel a cut above your average cruise ship, but while its refi ned lounges and lively pub were clearly aimed at adults, there was plenty of kids’ appeal too. Children had their own dedicated deck area and The Zone children’s club offered a varied array of activities that captured the imagination of my two salty sea-dogs. There were fascinating galactic-themed shows in the Planetarium along with a gripping lecture on the Titanic and a mix of family and adult fi lm screenings. When the sun shone, we lazed by
one of the four deck pools, and when it didn’t the girls disappeared to kids’ club while we chose between dance classes, RADA acting workshops, art sessions and pub quizzes.
All the restaurants we tried catered
for youngsters with dedicated menus and tasty fare.
It was a sailing with a difference that worked well on all fronts. And while there were no ports of call, to be honest, we didn’t miss them.
Where to book it NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE –
0845 201 8900 A nine-night Eastern Caribbean fl y-cruise from/to Miami, departing on February 28, 2014, costs from £1,534 per adult and £974 per child aged between two and 11. Port calls include St Maarten, and Nassau.
ncl.co.uk HOLLAND AMERICA LINE/
TRAVELBAG – 0871 703 4712 A 10-night cruise-and-stay comprising two nights’ room-only at the Hilton Back Bay Boston hotel and a seven-night Holland America Line Canada and New England Discovery cruise, departing on July 17 2014, costs from £2,099 per adult and £1,189 per child. Port calls include Halifax and Quebec City.
travelbagcruise.co.uk
www.sellinglonghaul.com
What are the key cruise messages for families? For many families a long haul trip to exotic shores is not a decision to be taken lightly. Considerations such as time, logistics and packing for younger travellers all add to the equation. A cruise with Royal Caribbean International is something that ticks all the boxes for big and little kids alike. Onboard activities rival any all- inclusive land resort and include rock-climbing, ice skating, surfi ng, age-specifi c kids’ clubs and more. Plus, as with any cruise, there’s no packing and unpacking despite the chance to see a huge range of destinations all in one holiday. In short, its all very hassle free!
Which ship do you suggest? With one of our most anticipated seasons in recent years fast approaching, families should consider our newest ship, Quantum of the Seas, when it debuts in autumn 2014. With more innovative ‘fi rsts at sea’ than ever before, it features skydiving, bumper cars, roller skating, virtual balconies and more, and delivers unprecedented ‘wows’.
Tell us more
This ground-breaking new ship will set sail to the Caribbean from Cape Liberty cruise port in New Jersey. Itineraries are now on sale, backed by a full range of tools to help agents, including dedicated brochures, trade guides with deck plans and a comprehensive toolkit of web banners, fl yers and ad templates to encourage families to book early with confi dence. We’ve also produced some great videos of life onboard – and those wows! 0844 417 0201;
cruisingpower.co.uk
December 2013 63
Jo says...
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