DESTINATIONS — CRUISE
The kids are alright
Jane Archer takes a look at developments in the family cruise market, with a particular focus on the Med
I
n less than a decade, cruise
CRUISEL
ships have changed from being family- friendly floating hotels to fun palaces at sea for children of all ages. Worldwide, some 1.5 million
youngsters aged 17 and under cruise each year, and the number is growing. But that leaves millions of families yet to discover the benefits of a holiday at sea. There are the activities, of course, but a cruise has plenty of other benefits for parents. As well as being a very safe holiday, cruises offer great value because so much is included in the price – from kids’ clubs and entertainment to unlimited food in the buffet and dining room. That’s a big bonus for mum and dad, as they don’t have to shell out every time junior needs attention.
Soft drinks are extra on most ships but
soda cards help to keep the cost down – Princess
Cruises charges $5.18 per person per day (including gratuity) for unlimited fizzy drinks. Families are also looked after when it’s time for bed. Most ships have cabins with up to four berths (using sofa beds or berths that fold away into the ceiling or wall to create the extra sleeping space) and low prices for the third and fourth person sharing. Holland America Line, for
instance, charges an average of £350 each on a seven or 10-night cruise. On a seven-night cruise in a balcony cabin on Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis of the Seas on February 1, two people pay £1,269 each, while a third and fourth person pay £489 each.
16 January 2014 —
travelweekly.co.uk • 59
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