Family Cruising is Growing

Family cruising is the largest growth segment in the cruise industry, and when it comes to that long awaited vacation, cruising is the top choice for parents craving the chance to unwind.

Family-friendly cruise lines offer on-board children's programs staffed by certified Youth Counsellors. Participation in these fun and educational opportunities is optional, but most parents find that it is sometimes hard to get the kids to leave them! Activities are offered on both days at sea and while the ship is in port. Though this dependent on the chosen cruise line.

Typically, you will find the children organized by age into three or four different groups, each offering appropriate activities in separate playrooms. Some cruise ships even have a dedicated teen clubhouse. The minimum age to join the program on many ships is 2 or 3 years and potty trained. Children not potty trained can still use the facilities, though they do need a parent or guardian to be present while their child enjoys the facilities.

Cruise lines often give their various clubs, names. This is also the case for the "Kids Clubs". Carnivals, is called Camp Carnival and Celebrity have their X-Club youth programme, which offers a full compliment of age-specific activities and entertainment for 3-17 year old. Other cruise lines with recognized kids clubs are Costa Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Island Cruises, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Ocean Village, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises & Royal Caribbean International.

With a cruise line such as Royal Caribbean, the child is well and truly catered for, with on-board facilities such as ice skating, inline skating, mini Golf and rock climbing to name a few of the numerous activities on-board. Their newer Freedom class ships, even has a flow rider machine on one of the upper decks for practising surfing skills.

The cost of cruising has fallen in real terms recently, so much so that a family can get onto a cruise at a reasonable cost. The choice of cabins can be limiting, most ship cabins only hold a maximum of 4 passengers. However with interconnecting cabins or some of the larger suites a family of more than four can easily be accommodated.

It all adds up to a safe, enjoyable, hassle free vacation for all the family. Unlike one location vacations in land based resorts, cruising with the family takes you to a variety of different destinations with new worlds to discover virtually every day.