Family Cruise Vacations: Fun-Filled, Stress-Free All-Inclusive Family Cruises For All Ages

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As the family cruise vacation has evolved with so many more choices, so have the variety of family cruise deals. On stress-free family cruise vacations there’s something for everyone to enjoy. It’s not unusual for up to a third of cruise ship passengers to be part of a family cruise vacation group.

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Recognizing the growing trend in family cruise vacations, cruise lines have created opportunities for more family reunion cruises. This includes staterooms that better cater to families, introducing spa treatments for younger travelers, sports activities, game rooms, ice-skating rinks and more. Ashore, a growing number of family-oriented options are also available. TravelStore's family-oriented cruise agents can guide you on the best family cruise deals.

Top Reasons For a Family Cruise Vacation

There are many reasons families are choosing a cruise vacation:

On a family cruise vacation, everyone can choose what they wish to eat. (Parents don't have to worry about a restaurant tab -- it's all included).
A cruise ship is one of the safest environments for families (even safer than a land-based resort), and parents can let their kids off on their own with utmost confidence.
On family cruise vacations there are age-appropriate activities -- from toddlers to teens (from 2 to 17) -- at no additional cost: from finger painting and play dough for the youngest, to discos, computer games, pool parties and karaoke for teens. Most lines provide baby sitting services for a fee.
On a family vacation cruise, adults can find a balance between spending time with their kids onboard or ashore, and make their own private time to enjoy fine dining, the spa or private time together. A family cruise vacation lends itself to this even more so than a land-based vacation.

Are All Ships Appropriate For Family Cruise Vacations?

No. Some cruise lines do not cater to children nor offer age-appropriate activities. Some smaller ships do not have the public space for children, or the cabin comforts families may require. It's important to choose wisely. Most ships do not allow infants under 2 years of age onboard.

The best family cruises offer a variety of programs geared to children of different ages. However, not all ships, even in the same fleet, are the same. Larger and newer ships generally have the latest gadgets, and offer the most activities. Before booking your family cruise vacation, contact our cruise experts who can best advise you and make the arrangements you'll need.

Is There Much For Kids To Do On a Cruise?

Plenty! Most larger ships offer comprehensive children's and teen's programs. Here are just some examples. On luxury Regent Seven Seas cruises to Alaska, kids enjoy the Club Mariner Youth Program, and in the optional Ocean Future's Society's Ambassador of the Environment Youth Program, created by Jean-Michel Cousteau, introducing youth to the natural wonders of Alaska. The program is also available on summer Paul Gauguin Tahiti cruises. Holland America offers shore excursions just for kids.

On mainstream Carnival Cruises, the latest WaterWorks offers a four-story high 303-foot long corkscrew waterslide and a 104-foot long spiral waterslide in addition to a game room featuring PlayStation2, karaoke, air hockey and foosball. The new Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas' features a Youth Zone with over 28,000 square feet, not to mention the FlowRider surf simulators, miniature golf course, and basketball court.

Family Cruise Vacation Accommodations

Many staterooms either have sleeper sofas or reclinable upper bunks to accommodate three or four persons. When sharing the stateroom, the 3rd or 4th person cost is less than for the first two passengers, making it a great family cruise deal. Disney Cruises even provides a second bathroom, a luxury available on luxury cruise ships in suite categories.

Alternatively, for space and privacy, many families prefer to book two staterooms, perhaps one oceanview balcony cabin for the parents, and an interior stateroom across the hall for the kids.

Cruise lines have also created family vacation suites that accommodate four to eight passengers in comfortable multi-bedroom accommodations. For example, on Celebrity Cruise Line a 575-square foot family veranda suite offers floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, sitting area with sofa that's convertible to a trundle bed, a privacy partition, and two bedrooms.

However, because family cruise vacations have become so popular, and staterooms that can accommodate more than two persons limited, it's important to plan ahead and book early for best selection!

Family Reunion Cruises

With the growing options on today's cruise ships, family reunion cruises have grown exponentially. The all-inclusive room, board and entertainment a cruise provides makes a cruise ideal for multi-generational family groups. Family reunion cruises also work well because many ships handle a wide range of ages, activities and interests. As a result, all-inclusive family reunion cases are quite popular.

Both premium cruise lines like Holland America and luxury cruise lines like Crystal Cruises offer excellent family reunion cruise packages that include extra value. These include group rates and bonus amenities. If you are planning a family reunion cruise, ask our consultants about special Family Reunion Group rates. Learn more about planning a cruise group.

All Inclusive Family Cruises As A Vacation Choice

One of the advantages of a family cruise vacation is it's easy to budget for it. Because all meals onboard are included in the cruise price, parents don't have to worry what the food will cost during their family vacation. Likewise, they don't have to worry about wh at anyone is ordering. Lobster or Prime Steak? No problem -- it's included. Another pizza or pasta dish -- go for it!

However, not all expenses are included on family cruise vacations, though they may be on some luxury cruise lines. Additional expenses typically will include shore excursions, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, spa services, and gratuities for shipboard staff. Some cruise lines offer beverage packages that can be pre-purchased as a convenience. Our cruise agents will help you compare options. If you have not yet enjoyed a cruise vacation, you may find our Cruise FAQs helpful.

River Cruises As A Family Cruise Vacation Choice?

While historically river cruises were less family-friendly, that's changed quite a bit in recent years. More families are enjoying river cruise vacations, and lines have started to accommodate families, often on select departures. As river cruises are destination-focused and river ships don't usually offer children's facilities, these are best suited to older children. Uniworld has offered multi-generational family cruises, setting up a game room for kids, special activities and entertainment tailored to children, and a kid's menu.

European river cruises in winter to enjoy the holiday festivities of Europe's Christmas markets are popular itineraries. Likewise, river cruises still offers many of the benefits an ocean-going cruise vacation.

Are You Ready To Book Your Family Cruise Vacation?

For the best family cruise deals, contact a cruise expert today, or call 1-888-779-7447.

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