Family Cruises 2011

Posted on Tuesday, December 07, 2010

You have a choice of worldwide destinations to discover by cruise ship with your family. Don your back packs and set off on your own or enjoy a tour led by an informative guide right from your ship. Discovering the world's finest sights together is a priceless experience you'll savor for a lifetime.

• Family Cruisetours in Alaska – Back by popular demand, Princess Cruises will offer 12-night family cruisetours again in 2011. A seven-night Voyage of the Glaciers cruise plus a five-night land tour comprise these cruisetours designed for families. Included in the price are daily breakfasts, a visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, an Alaskan themed dinner theatre performance, a campfire evening near Mt. McKinley and a dog sled ride at the Iditarod headquarters.
• Family Adventure Cruising – Educational, small ship adventure cruising to the Galapagos and Greek Isles is offered by tour companies like Gap Adventures. With professional photographers and scientists on board, your family will experience the best these destinations have to offer in a fun and informative way.
• Private Islands in the Caribbean – Spend a day during your Caribbean cruise at one of these idyllic spots. They offer the security of a private beach paradise complete with on site dining and exciting activities for the entire family.
• Shore Excursions Worldwide – Informative tours depart right from your ship.  Go whale watching or pan for gold in Alaska; swim with sting rays and watch the colorful fish as you snorkel in the Caribbean; ride a historic steam train in various places around the globe or visit the famous sights of Europe. It's all possible by cruise ship. Kids and teens under 18 are welcome to take excursions with their family and special pricing is usually offered for those under 12.

Booking Tips for Your Family Cruise

• Be sure to book with a cruise line that welcomes families on board. Good choices are Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line and during summer and Christmas holidays, Regent Seven Seas.
• The third and fourth berths in a stateroom are sold at a lower price than the first two and other family specials are available from time to time.
• Special perks and amenities are frequently offered to large family groups booking eight or more staterooms.
• Once on board your ship, be sure to sign up for the kids and teens programs.  Supervised entertainment for various age groups is offered at the kids and teens centers. Most junior cruisers really enjoy making new friends while participating in the various activities while at sea.
• Cruise lines often limit the number of children and teens allowed on board during Holiday sailings so they can comfortably accommodate them in the kids and teens programs.  Book early so you won’t be disappointed.
• Not all staterooms have a berth for third and fourth passengers so again, plan ahead and book early to get the best choice of triple and quad cabins.
• Connecting cabins have the advantage of giving you two bathrooms so this option may work better than a family stateroom. It is generally more affordable than a family suite.
• Take advantage of the beverage packages available through the gift section of the cruise line website or once you're on board. They offer considerable savings over purchasing individual drinks throughout the cruise. Water, soft drinks, juice, wine and spirits packages are available.

Whether you just want a quick getaway, or you're celebrating a special anniversary or birthday together, cruising is certainly one of your best options. You're sure to create some lasting memories as you share many special moments together at sea and ashore.