Cruising offers a unique travel experience for the entire family and ships are a giant playground. But don’t worry mum and dad – if you want a timeout, there are plenty of programs on our choice of ships to best accommodate the kids. Have a look at what’s on offer.
Princess Cruises
Diamond Princess, Coral Princess and Island Princess
While Princess are known for being more suited for adults, these ships boast programs for kids from 3 all the way to 17. Activities include DJ workshops, spa parties, hip hop dance classes, pizza and mocktail events, make-up and skincare classes, yoga classes, and chef –led cooking classes. There is also an opportunity for the more adventurous kids to dissect a squid courtesy of a partnership with the Californian Science Centre!
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Royal Caribbean International
Allure of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s partnership with DreamWorks Animation means fun parades and lots of cool activites. It would not be out of the ordinary to find Shrek wandering past the buffet, or Po from Kung Fu Panda practising his moves at one of the themed dance parties offered on these ships. There are plenty of activities for the more active kids as well including carousels and zip lines which are the first of their kind, 13 metre rock climbing walls, surfing simulators, scavenger hunts and a spa made just for the little ones to relax in after a long day of fun. From the age of 6 months children can also be looked after in the nursery, or play with toys and read books borrowed through the Fisher-Price Toy lending Program while mum and dad put their feet up. There’s no shortage of things to do!
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Disney Cruise Line
Disney Dream
It’s the stuff that dreams are made of. The ship contains an amazing 1340 seat theatre across three decks allowing for a spectacular viewing of the nightly Disney musicals. Kids will be amazed by the spectacular fireworks show on Pirate night, and thrilled by the appearance of one Captain Jack Sparrow. There are also plenty of ways for kids to get involved through activities like interactive floors. Even meal times are brought to life, with the Animator’s Palate containing upwards of 100 wall-mounted LCD screens to allow kids to experience dining under the sea, without the danger of course!
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Carnival Cruise Lines
Carnival Dream
While we all know and love the Carnival Legend and Carnival Spirit, the brand has some amazing ships sailing in the Caribbean. These ships are not well known to Aussie cruisers, but they are well catered to young families. The ship contains a water park with sections designed for toddlers, and others for the older children and adults. There are also plenty of activities to get involved in at the mini golf course, the dance room equipped with DJ and “Coke-tail” lounge for 9 to 11 year olds, or the trivia sessions and scavenger hunts. There is also a babysitting service available for a small fee, which will keep the kids entertained and give the parents some time to relax.
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Though not an exhaustive list, these fun filled liners may provide some food for thought the next time you book a cruising holiday for your family. When the kids are having the time of their lives you will too!
