After learning my husband’s family reunion would be a five-day cruise this summer, I searched for a brown paper bag to calm my panic attack.

Nothing spells relaxation like being in a small room on a ship in the middle of the ocean with two small dictators disguised as children, right?

Traveling with children on planes, trains and automobiles is always an adventure. A ship, however, is an entirely different ordeal and one I’d never experienced before this July.  Suffice it to say, I not only survived the experience but enjoyed it thanks to these helpful practices and tips.

Invest in a set of packing cubes (or two)

This might be one of the greatest modern-day creations for travelers, second to the rolling suitcase. With packing cubes, I was able to compress almost all of my clothes, accessories, shoes and girly hair bows for those dress-up nights into one large suitcase. Conserving space in your cruise cabin is of the utmost importance, because unless you’re splurging on a suite, chances are you will be living in tight quarters for several days. Generally speaking, there will be very little room to store multiple pieces of luggage and strollers so try not to pack more than two large suitcases. Amazon sells a variety of packing cubes that range from $20 to $30.

Travel-sized bottle racks are a must

If you have a baby, then you probably have a grassy drying rack in your kitchen where you house bottles and their accessories. But did you know they make a travel-sized version complete with brushes? The Boon TRIP Travel Drying Rack runs around $15 and can be purchased at any baby store and Target. The rack is small so it’s probably best not to pack more than four bottles.

*Helpful tip for formula feeders — try carrying around the formula in sandwich bags that you’ve pre-portioned out instead of making bottles for the day. Making each bottle on demand is much easier because you won’t have much time or access to bottle-heating on the ship. If you bring a portable bottle warmer, then it’s important to know there’s generally one, maybe, two plug outlets in your cabin. Also, bottled water is usually supplied to your room so you don’t need to bring baby water with you on the ship.

If you are pumping, then ask the ship’s guest relations manager about their storage options to keep your milk cool.

Pack medicine and first-aid items

Yes, this is obvious but also easily forgotten in the laundry list of items parents are juggling heading into cruise preparations. Don’t forget to pack your amoxicillin, Tylenol, Motrin, thermometer, bulb suction, sunscreen, steroid cream for kids with eczema (the sun and chlorine water will definitely irritate their skin) and whatever else is necessary. Also, it’s a good idea to pack Neosporin and band-aids for those minor cuts or accidents that can happen while kids are running around being kids. But if you do forget any of this, don’t fret. You also can go to the ship’s first-aid center for whatever you need.

Room service is your friend

Congratulations. You. Don’t. Have. To. Cook. There isn’t enough confetti on the North American continent to celebrate this situation. Many cruise lines offer free room-service menu items with certain premium items at a small cost. Instead of waking up in the morning, fighting with the stroller, roaming the ship to get to the breakfast buffet line and then scavenging for a table big enough to house all of your things, why not order room service? You can even write your breakfast order on a slip of paper and hang it on your door the night before and breakfast magically comes to your room. Room service is available 24 hours a day on most ships. Bless it.

Enroll your child(ren) in day camp

If your kids are at least 2 years old, then you can enroll them for camp on the ship. These camps can be a wonderful respite for parents in need of a small break. Always do your research, however, on the ship’s policies concerning the camp, and don’t be afraid to ask questions about the instructors and their credentials, just as you would if you were enrolling your child in school or daycare.

Communicate your concerns to management early

When I got to my cabin, there was so much dust in the room that my 4-year-old thought she saw snowflakes as we coughed and sneezed. We spoke with the guest relations desk and raised our concerns early on about the cleanliness of the room, and the cruise line went above and beyond to correct the situation. A short while after our complaint, the room was given a deep cleaning, and the housekeeping manager, Mayshel, even brought stuffed animals for our kids.

Book a spa day

You’re facing a long week on a boat with kids so a little self-pampering is necessary. Oftentimes, you can get a discount on spa services if you book an appointment for the first day.

By Shannon Green, Orlando Sentinel
Re-posted on CruiseCrazies.com - Cruise News, Articles, Forums, Packing List, Ship Tracker, and more
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Like all-inclusive resorts, Caribbean cruises offer many components of a vacation for a single nightly rate. Once you settle on an itinerary and choose your cabin type, you'll get your lodging, daily and nightly entertainment, and three meals a day plus snacks (and drinks like water, coffee, and tea) for one price. If you choose a budget cruise line or a cruise line with lower rates for kids, your cruise itself may even be downright cheap.

Of course, that doesn't mean cruises are devoid of extras and upcharges. Far from it. In addition to your cruise fare, you'll have to pay government-mandated taxes and fees, for example. And if you want an upgraded trip, you can choose from a selection of add-ons including alcoholic drink packages, internet packages, onboard laundry services, dining at specialty restaurants, and more. (See also: How to Get a Cruise Cabin Upgrade for Free)

In addition to luxuries you can pay for on the ship, cruises also come with the option of booking excursions for your days at port. For a per-person rate, you can partake in any number of pastimes, from snorkeling and diving to historic city or nature tours. While shore excursions can make your cruise activities more diverse, they tend to be expensive. A single snorkeling tour can easily add upward of $100 per person, and remember, that's on top of what you've already paid for your cruise. (See also: Best Credit Cards for Cruises)

If your goal is keeping costs down, it helps to choose a cruise itinerary where you'll find ample affordable or free things to do. Here are five Caribbean ports of call to consider as you map out your affordable vacation plans. (See also: Are All-Inclusive Vacations and Cruises Worth the Money?)

1. Curacao

If your cruise takes you to Curacao, you won't have to look hard for ways to spend an affordable day in the island's capital of Willemstad. Within walking distance of the cruise port, you'll find the famous city center with its brightly-colored Dutch Caribbean architecture; the Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge, which swings open with much fanfare when ships come into port; and Willemstad's floating market, which features fresh fish and local produce along with locally made wares.

Just a 15-minute taxi ride away, you'll also find the Curacao Sea Aquarium, an affordable place to take the kids for an up-close look at local sea life. Ticket prices for adults are $21, kids ages five-12 are $11, and kids four and under are free. For the price of entry, you'll see local tropical fish and coral, sea lions, rays, turtles, and even sharks.

Mambo Beach Boulevard is another affordable and fun place to spend your cruise day in Curacao. Here, you can shop local stores or visit a gorgeous protected beach for an entry fee of $3. Beach chair rentals also cost only $3, and you can order food from many local vendors in the area or bring your own. (See also: 10 Secrets to Saving Money on Your Next Cruise)

2. Nassau, Bahamas

While Nassau in the Bahamas is known for its famous hotel and water park, Atlantis Paradise Island Resort, you don't have to pay the $161 per adult (or $99 per kid) they charge to spend a day in their water park.

The port of Nassau offers several inexpensive ways to spend the day. It all starts with a free beach you can walk to directly from the cruise port. If you disembark your ship and walk to the right for 20 minutes, you'll wind up on Junkanoo Beach, a local favorite with gorgeous, clear water, powder white sand, chairs for rent, and food and drink stands.

If you don't mind traveling, you can also catch a taxi or Nassau's #10 bus to nearby Cable Beach for a day of fun in the sun. Again, chairs are here for rent and you can bring a picnic or buy street food from local vendors.

Nassau also offers its share of affordable excursions, including a city scavenger hunt that starts at $22, a land and sea tour that starts at $56 per adult, and an island highlights tour starting at $30. (See also: Are Cruise Line Rewards Programs Worth It?)
 
3. Aruba

While Aruba is not typically considered a cheap travel destination, it can be an affordable option for cruise passengers who have only a day to spend. This is partially because all beaches in Aruba are public and within a short taxi ride of the cruise terminal. And beyond cheap beach days, Aruba does offer some cruise excursions that are more affordable than those on many other islands.

To save money on a relaxing beach day in Aruba, pack a picnic lunch from the ship and head to gorgeous Palm Beach or Arashi Beach, both of which are less than 20 minutes away. You can rent a chair or bring your own umbrella, plus pick up food and drinks from vendors if you don't bring your own.

If you're up for some snorkeling or boating, you may find that water excursions in Aruba cost less than one would think. You can book a catamaran snorkeling adventure for around $42 per adult, for example. You can also book a snorkeling cruise to the SS Antilla (a sunken ship) and several reefs, including lunch, for $63 per adult and $31 for kids 12 and under. (See also: Caribbean Island Vacations Anyone Can Afford)

4. San Juan, Puerto Rico

While San Juan and greater Puerto Rico saw plenty of destruction during hurricanes Irma and Maria, the island nation is already on the mend. Fortunately, most cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, continue to include San Juan on their itineraries as the city rebuilds and opens more amenities back up for cruisers.

San Juan is a great stop for budget-minded cruise passengers, mostly because of the beauty and history you'll find freely on display. You can tour historic Old San Juan, which was founded in 1521 by Ponce de Leon. Marvel at the brightly-colored 16th and 17th century houses, as well as local sites like Christopher Columbus Square and the Governor's Mansion. You can also visit the city's two famous forts, Fort El Morro and Fort San Cristobal, for a small entry fee of $5. Kids 15 and under are free.

5. Grand Cayman

Since all beaches in Grand Cayman are public, this cruise port can be an affordable place to stop, despite the island's pricey reputation. Within just 15 minutes by taxi, you can arrive at either the world famous Seven Mile Beach or Smith's Cove, a public enclave known for its amazing snorkeling.

On Seven Mile Beach, the Governor's Beach section offers ample parking and access to some of the clearest waters in the world. The area called Public Beach (though, as we said, they are all public) on Seven Mile Beach offers more amenities than Governor's Beach, with a child's play area, restrooms, showers, and even floating trampolines and other water toys during high season.

Grand Cayman's most popular shore excursion, a trip to swim with stingrays at Stingray City, is also more affordable than you might expect. For around $40 per person ages five and up (kids four and under are free), you'll be picked up from the cruise port and whisked away to Stingray City to wade in waist-high waters with stingrays. Once in the water, you can pet the majestic creatures and get your picture taken holding one. 

By Holly Johnson, WiseBread.com
Re-posted on CruiseCrazies.com - Cruise News, Articles, Forums, Packing List, Ship Tracker, and more
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Who needs a translator?

Kids certainly don't aboard a cruise ship, even far from home. "We use a lot of sign language," explained Elizabeth Williams, who is 13 and from London, cruising in Japan aboard the Diamond Princess with her family. Forty percent of the guests were Japanese.

Elizabeth made fast friends on board with two Canadian teens and Yuka Iwasa, who speaks very little English. "You meet a lot of different people from different parts of the world and you spend a crazy time with all of them," she explained, her friends all giggling at her side.

Listen up parents and grandparents. If you think great sites are the reason you are treating your children and grandchildren to a cruise, think again. A lot of what they learn about the world takes place right on board in the kids' and teen clubs, especially when they are meeting so many youngsters from different cultures and countries. "We'd much rather be on the ship than touring," said Vivian Trinh, 14 and from Toronto.

Dilini Desilva from Sydney, Australia, was pleasantly surprised when her two young daughters preferred time on board with their new multilingual friends to touring with their parents. "This is our first cruise and it's marvelous," she said.

Families like the Desilvas like cruising because it offers the opportunity for family time, as well as guilt-free adult time because the kids are so happily ensconced in organized activities where they are also expanding their horizons.

There are opportunities for learning together too. Princess Cruises has teamed up with Discovery Communications to offer families new science-focused activities based on hit TV shows -- think stargazing at sea or Animal Planet-recommended shore excursions.

It's so easy too, parents and grandparents said on the Diamond Princess. They can tour a foreign country (or countries) without packing or unpacking or worrying about finicky eaters, as they can always find something to eat -- a burger, pizza, noodles. Families also like the all-inclusive nature of paying for transportation, lodging, entertainment and food. I just wish there were fewer upcharges -- everything from specialty coffee to specialty restaurants.

Still, families don't tend to appreciate the opportunities their kids will have to mix and mingle with kids from around the world until they get on board. On the Diamond Princess, which underwent a $30 million renovation last year, for example, there were people from 39 countries, including more than 1,000 from Japan. The crew came from 44 countries. Princess Cruises adapted with Japanese-speaking staff, Asian food (think rice and miso soup among the breakfast offerings, a ramen bar in the afternoon and a sushi specialty restaurant, as well as Asian offerings in the dining room) entertainment (more magic and Japanese-style comedy), the chance to try on traditional Japanese dress and a Japanese Izumi bath experience -- think sitting in a big hot tub sans bathing suit (there is one for men and one for women) looking out at sea. More than 50 westerners turned up for a Japanese language lesson.

"I've learned so much on board," said Josh Berkowitz, 13, cruising with his grandmother, Myrna Dukart from suburban Philadelphia. The trip was his bar mitzvah gift, he explained, and he didn't mind a bit that there were just 134 kids and teens as compared to 1,000 on some Caribbean and Mediterranean itineraries. "You get to know people better," he explained adding that he was even taking some etiquette lessons back to school. "The Japanese are so polite," he added. "I'm going to try to be more polite when I get home."

What else did the kids learn about Japan?

"The sushi is different, much fresher," offered Vivien Tranh. But once was enough for unfamiliar ice cream flavors like squid ink ice cream.

Japan is that rare combination of a commitment to tradition and cutting edge of technology in entertainment. "Kids and adults see in Japan that there is more than one way to do things and that one way isn't good or bad, just different, and that's what makes life interesting," said Heather Clement, a Japan expert who serves as the ship's ports expert and is working on innovative products for cruise passengers in Japan who want to tour independently.

This particular itinerary started in Yokohama and traveled north stopping in towns like Kushiro, Otaru (time to try a traditional Japanese bath) and Hakodate where we sampled the most amazing sushi. At another port, we opted for an excursion in Japanese so we could tour a national park. It seems the Japanese go in for more active shore excursions. In Hakodate, Japanese teens in their school uniforms were waiting, hoping English-speaking passengers would allow them to practice their English. We did, of course, and they handed out rice cookies.

What do you like to do for fun? We asked the Japanese teens.

"Lucky Pierrot!" they declared. We figured out that was a local burger and ice cream place that certainly would appeal to the teens on board.

"It's amazing how the kids communicate," observed Caroline Andrews, the mom of Jessica Maresca, 8. Andrews has had a lot of time to observe. Her husband, Fabrizio Maresca, is a veteran Princess captain commanding the crew of 1,050 when we were aboard recently. His wife and daughter sail with him whenever Jessica isn't in school. That the kids on board are from all over the world and might not speak English or Italian, Jessica's two languages, is never an issue, her mom said.

"The older kids teach each other language," agreed Justine Pastor, the youth programs manager and a 10-year Princess veteran herself. "At the end of the day, they all play together. The kids help us translate." Of course, the crew, including kids' club staff, come from around the world as well and speak many languages.

Josh Berkowitz, for one, says he plans to keep in touch with his new friends, just as he has with other kids he's met from around the world on past cruises. "You learn more being in a country for a week on a cruise than in school for half a year," he said. "I'm going to miss the friends I made and the crew and Japan. I'm going to come back for sure."

Article Courtesy of Eileen Ogintz (10.23.16), Fox News/Seven Sea Journeys

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Featured photo credit: Fox News

[While I don't advocate pulling your child out of school for a family vacation, a cruise can be a great way for kids to learn new skills and expose them to new experiences. Read more from USA Today!]

A cruise can be an educational experience for children, both in terms of exploring new destinations and learning stuff on the ship.

On shore, parents can immerse youngsters in local culture, wildlife and geographical wonders. Shipboard, kids may pick up a few nautical words (such port and starboard), try new kinds of food and socialize with people from other countries in addition to participating in organized activities in age-specific children's programs.

There's a reason some two million kids come aboard cruise ships each year, and it's not all about fun and games and waterslides.

Wildlife: Depending on your itinerary, you may spot dolphins, whales, fish, seals, sea lions and other marine species. Sea life can be fascinating to kids. Take older kids under the water on snorkeling treks to view all kinds of colorful fish and coral (an excursion from the beach is easy for beginners). Carnival Cruise Line recently re-named its kids program Camp Ocean to emphasize a marine learning aspect. In one activity, two- to five-year-olds might be encouraged to join together in a penguin colony, while nine- to 11-year-olds create a giant ocean mural.

Geography: Your family cruise vacation brings opportunity for kids to learn about the world's oceans. On Royal Caribbean's Adventure Ocean program, fun and games include sessions on how waves are formed. There is also time to learn about the land, both shipboard and at the various ports of call. Depending on the itinerary, there are glaciers, mountains, fjords, rainforest, waterfalls, beaches and more to explore. In Alaska, Princess Cruises has a National Park Service Junior Ranger Program that teaches kids about glaciers and wildlife. Youngsters can earn a Jr. Ranger badge. To enhance the learning process, involve your kids in the cruise planning process encouraging them pre-cruise to plot your course on a map and letting them have a say in what places you'll visit.

Languages: A cruise ship is a multicultural environment. Depending on your itinerary, your kids may make friends with youngsters from South America, Central America, Asia, Europe and elsewhere. Crew will also come from all over the world, and may be willing to teach your kids a few words in their native tongue. Announcements over the public address system may be in several languages. MSC Cruises and Costa Cruises enhance the cross-cultural learning aspect by teaching kids a few words of Italian in kids' programs.

Culture: Travel at its best takes you out of your comfort zone and gives you an enhanced world-view. As part of your cruise planning, find children's books about the region you'll be visiting to give your kids an introduction. Onshore, look for cultural activities such as visiting a museum, watching a dance performance, shopping at a market or trying new foods. While your kids may go gaga about the prospect of zipping down a waterslide, what they are likely to remember just as much about the cruise experience is that they visited a new place. Shipboard, encourage your kids to do any cultural activities offered by the youth program, such as cooking classes and craft projects. Kids on Disney Cruise Line's Disney Magic this summer, for instance, will have opportunities for Scandinavian immersion in addition to mingling with characters from the mega hit "Frozen."

Etiquette: Beyond the fact you are taking your kids to sea and to new places is the fact they will be eating in a dining room, ordering their meals from waiters (children's menus available), talking with adults and generally expected to behave. Cruise ships are a great place for such lessons as where your napkin goes, the proper use of tableware, saying "please" and "thank you," and being courteous in a social setting.

Courtesy of USA Today (Fran Golden, "5 Reasons a Cruise is Educational for Kids")

Re-posted on CruiseCrazies.com - Cruise News, Articles, Forums, Packing List, Ship Tracker, and more.

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Featured photo credit: Princess Cruises

In the summer of 1951, a passenger aboard the RMS Queen Elizabeth had plenty of things to do. There was shuffleboard, deck tennis, books to borrow from the library. The Berlin Philharmonic performed Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 in the ballroom; waiters served poached turbot with sauce Dugléré; and a fella could set down his highball just long enough for a spin around the dance floor with his wife. Cunard’s marketing office had just launched a new tagline: “Getting there is half the fun.”

And it was—for adults.

Yet as the ads here illustrate, if there’s one thing more startling than the growth of the $38 billion cruise industry, it’s the comparatively recent takeover of the seas by kids. Cruise lines carried 1.6 million passengers under 18 last year, and while it’s probably no surprise that the likes of Carnival boarded over 700,000 children on its ships in 2012, even grown-up carriers like Norwegian report that “intergenerational travel groups” now make up to one-fifth of their rosters. How did passenger ships go from floating adult playgrounds like the one in this 1951 ad to the literal playgrounds they are now?

“Historically, family travel meant loading everyone in the car and driving an hour to the beach,” said Michael Stone, president of travel consultancy Gestation. As a kid in the postwar years, Stone was lucky to travel on the old Cunard liners—but only because his father was a travel agent. “There might be one or two other kids on the ship,” he said. “There was little to do but run around. There weren’t playrooms. We never went to dinner.”

And so it went for many years—until everything changed. Fast. Disney World opened in Orlando in 1971, drawing millions of families to central Florida. One year later, retired cargo shipper Ted Arison bought a mothballed Canadian ship and started Carnival Cruise Lines, which trumpeted informal, budget-friendly cruising out of Miami. By 1983, Disney had taken notice. Inking a deal with Premier Cruises to drop costumed characters aboard ships leaving Port Canaveral, Disney launched the Big Red Boat, which Stone helped to market in its early days. Somewhere amid these new business ventures—and the falling away of old social formalities—“the idea of families started to come into the travel psyche,” Stone said.

There’s no better proof of that than Disney Cruise Lines, which in 1993 nixed the Big Red Boat deal to set sail on its own. The House of Mouse was the first carrier to design ships with kids in mind, including extra large suites for families, “Youth Clubs” and teen-only spas. It’s essentially the junior equivalent of the adult distractions that Cunard hawked in this ad 63 years ago. And while today’s dad still has his arm around mom’s waist, it’s not to do “the stroll” but to take one instead—with the children.

By Robert Klara, AdWeek

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Cruise lines cater to more than 1.5 million kid vacationers a year. It's no wonder cruise ships are such a draw for families — there's lots of stuff for the younger set to do. While the kids are occupied in organized activities programs, adults get to enjoy some downtime. When the whole family is ready for some togetherness, waterslides and other fun play areas provide places for creating memories.

But some ships have more kid-focused goings-on than others. These 10 cruise ships have the most kid appeal.

Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy: Disney nostalgia starts even before you board these 4,000-passenger ships – you'll spot familiar characters from shore. Once onboard, high tech wizardry causes squeals of delight – including on the ships' 765-foot AquaDuck watercoaster. Kids' playrooms are extraordinary themed spaces with fun programming. From the Mickey ear ice cream pops at dinner to kid-friendly shore excursions, the younger set gets pampered along with the adults. (While the larger Disney ships have more stuff, the 2,700-passenger Disney Magic gains props for its new AquaDunk waterslide and Marvel's Avengers Academy, as does Disney Wonder for its kids-focused Alaska sailings.)

Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas: The world's largest ships thrill kids, and some adults too, with appearances by DreamWorks characters such as Shrek and Kung Fu Panda (also appearing on some of the other Royal Caribbean ships) in parades and other events. For older kids, get-active options on these 5,400-passenger floating cities include rock climbing, simulated surfing, inline skating and ziplining. Each ship even has an ice-skating rink and merry-go-round. A Barbie program keeps doll lovers tickled pink. The ships also have an award-winning kids' activities program. (The upcoming Quantum of the Seas, debuting next fall, brings new activities including the first at-sea bumper cars.)

Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway: These 4,000-passenger ships have the largest kids' facilities in the fleet, including a two-story Splash Academy for younger kids, the Entourage lounge for teens and a Kids Aqua Park. That's in addition to the largest water park at sea (with five waterslides), the largest ropes course at sea, a deal with Nintendo that means Wii video games onboard and a tie-in with Nickelodeon TV, which means character appearances and family activities involving SpongeBob SquarePants and his pals. You may even get "slimed."

MSC Divina: Smurfs can be spotted on this Italian-style ship, sailing year-round from Miami. The 3,500-passenger ship hosts Smurf-themed family disco parties featuring songs from "The Smurfs 2" soundtrack, a Smurfs parade and Smurf-themed cooking classes, among other activities. The blue characters are even part of the Mini and Junior club decor. The ship also has a kids' waterslide and 4-D theater older kids will enjoy. Parents will like the kids (11 and under) sail free promotions.

Carnival Breeze, Carnival Sunshine: On the 3,690-passenger Carnival Breeze and 3,006-passenger Carnival Sunshine, the massive waterpark and Skycourse ropes course keep families happily active – including opportunity to get drenched under a giant dump bucket. Family fun also includes a game show with larger than life versions of Hasbro games. Activities in the kids' programming abound. Soon The Cat in the Hat and other characters will be part of the fun as part of a fleetwide deal with Dr. Seuss.

Royal Princess: Expansive indoor/outdoor play areas on the Royal Princess (and soon to debut sister ship Regal Princess) include a teen club, with its own sunning loungers and wading pool, and a separate outdoor living room-like lounge for the age 8 to 12 set. Tots get to ride around a designated space on a fleet of tricycles. Outdoor areas also include an open-air playground complete with spinners and a slide. The creative activities program includes Junior Chef classes, science experiments and a youth-focused yoga program.

By Fran Golden, USA Today

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http://www.cruisecrazies10 cruise ships sure to please kids.com

There is a reason cruising is so popular with families – high quality, supervised children's programming, fun activities parents and kids can do together and, increasingly, sports such as ice skating, zip lining and bowling that even a decade ago would have seemed unthinkable. But one area that has historically been challenging is the lack of facilities for parents of infants and toddlers – arguably the group that could most use a break from parenting duties.

The good news is that cruise lines are getting the message and increasingly welcoming families with very young children, even those who aren't potty trained. Be aware that swim diapers are usually frowned upon, and don't expect supervised, drop-off programs on most ships for children under age three. Dedicated play spaces offering organized activities that tiny cruisers can enjoy with their families are becoming more available, however, and group babysitting at night – usually for a fee – is almost standard. That said, each line has its own personality and features; the trick is to find the right one for you and your family.

Carnival Cruise Lines

Small frys ages 2 to 5 get the red carpet treatment at Camp Carnival, even if they aren't potty trained. Staff will change diapers on toddlers 3 and younger if parents supply the provisions, but tots in swim diapers can't use any of the water play areas onboard. Nonstop fun at Camp Carnival includes games as well as arts and crafts. Parents who want a late night out can take advantage of the supervised Night Owls program for ages 2-11, which operates from 10 p.m.-3 a.m. for a fee. There are games, activities and parties, although keep in mind that the children will be grouped together.

Fleetwide, kids returning to their staterooms are greeted with towel animals fashioned by cabin stewards at turn-down. On the new Carnival Breeze, families can opt for ocean view, family staterooms big enough to sleep five, and bath time is a snap with two bathrooms, one with a junior tub. Cribs, which are available for free, should be requested at the time of booking, and chairs and booster seats are available for use on a complimentary basis in the dining room. Strollers are available for rent. Infants/toddlers under 3 are not only welcome on some shore excursions, but can participate for free if they sit in their parent's lap during transport.

Who can sail: Overall, children 6-months and older are welcome on most itineraries; 12- months on longer voyages, such as transatlantic, Hawaii and South American sailings.

Cunard Cruises

Yes, this is a premium cruise line and maybe not the first company you would think of for infants and toddlers, but surprisingly the Queen Mary 2, the Queen Victoria and the Queen Elizabeth welcome children as young as 6-months on many sailings. Even better, onboard nurseries are staffed by nannies who will change diapers if parents sign a consent form, or parents can request a pager to be on call if they are needed.

Supervised activities for kids 2 to 7 take place at the Play Zone, which features all manner of fun, including arts and crafts, reading, songs, scavenger hunts and outdoor play, with themes that range from the Wild Wild West to Under the Sea. Activities change every 30 to 60 minutes, and children younger than 2 can also participate, as long as Mom or Dad is present. The play area turns into a night nursery from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., although there are soft toys and games for youngsters who are not sleepy.

All children's programs are complimentary, including in the evenings. Children's Afternoon Tea is offered on all ships, serving child-friendly hot and cold meals, and baby food is available on request. Cots are available on request, as are high chairs in all restaurants. Keep in mind that the line limits the number of children onboard specific sailings.

Who can sail: Most Cunard sailings welcome infants as young as 6-months old, but on longer itineraries, such as transatlantic crossings and world voyages, passengers must be at least one-year-old.

Disney Cruise Line

As you might expect, Disney has been the innovator for the under-3 market from the outset by offering nursery services, their trademark bath and a half – what parent likes trying to bathe infants in the sink or, worse, the shower? – and larger-than-average, family-friendly staterooms. Tots ages 3-months to 3 years are cared for and entertained with age-appropriate games and toys in the Small World Nursery on the Magic, Dream and Fantasy and in Flounder's Reef Nursery on the Wonder. In addition, the nurseries operate on port days, as well as at sea, so that parents can opt to go ashore on their own.

Because of the number of children onboard a typical Disney sailing, the number of hours parents can prebook the nursery is limited, but once onboard, parents can extend their nursery reservation depending on availability. Parents can preorder baby products online, such as diapers and formula, to be delivered to their staterooms, and cribs and strollers are available upon request. There is no charge for these, but guests are asked to place a security deposit when checking them out. Swim diapers are not permitted in the pools, but the ships do offer water play for little ones featuring soft play surfaces and spray zones.

Who can sail: Infants 12-weeks old and up are welcome onboard.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian has widened its net to include younger children with the recent roll out of a new Guppies program, designed for children 6 months to 3 years. Guppies have a dedicated play space where they, in the company of at least one parent, can get busy with Wee Can Too art projects using organic, vegetable-based products; baby Rhyme Time, featuring storytellers and puppets; and Motion in the Ocean mini-workouts for parents and babies.

Diapers are not allowed in any of the pools onboard, and Norwegian Youth Counselors are not able to change diapers or pull-ups. Parents are given a beeper or handy phone to alert them when their child needs a diaper change. Be aware that one parent must stay onboard when the ship is ashore for diaper duty if the child is enrolled in the children's program during that time. Diapers are not available onboard, so parents should plan to bring their own. On the plus side, pack and plays and strollers are available, but need to be requested prior to the sailing. As with most cruise lines, in-room babysitting is not offered, but group sitting services are available in the evenings for a fee. The newer ships, including the Epic and the Breakaway, offer family-friendly staterooms adjacent to the children's club area.

Who can sail: Infants must be at least 6-months old to sail.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean has been ahead of the curve with regard to its children's programs for years, so we are not surprised to see the wealth of offerings for its youngest cruisers. The Royal Babies Nursery, for infants ages 6 to 18 months, and the Royal Tots Nursery, for ages 18 to 36 months, on select ships is a case in point. Unlike on some lines, parents can drop their infants and toddlers off at the nursery for some activities, knowing that the staff-to-child ratio is carefully monitored, or parents can stay and play with their youngsters in a fun, creative environment with Fisher Price developmental toys created especially for Royal Caribbean. The line also offers Crayola Beginnings workshops with art supplies and activities for families to enjoy together for a fee. Families can preorder organic baby food and diapers for onboard delivery via a Babies 2 Go program.

Royal Caribbean is one of the few lines to offer in-stateroom babysitting for a fee for kids at least 12-months old, or parents can opt for group sitting services. In addition, the newer ships, including the Quantum of the Seas, to begin sailing in 2014, will offer family connecting staterooms, which can combine various categories, such as mixing a balcony or junior suite with a studio, to accommodate various extended family configurations.

Who can sail: Infants must be at least 6-months-old in order to sail.

By Felicity Long - USA Today ("Best Lines for Children Under 3)

For more cruise news & articles go to http://www.cruisecra....com/index.html

Re-posted on CruiseCrazies.com - Cruise News, Articles, Forums, Packing List, Ship Tracker, and more

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Photo credit: Royal Caribbean International

Cruise ships are not just playgrounds for adults, they are designed with just as many attractions for the younger ones. Traveling with the kids can be a stressful experience, however it doesn't have to be. There are plenty of ways to help keep them safe, helpful methods for 'keeping tabs' on them, ways to manage expectations for cruise ship behavior.

This article, Top Tips for Cruising With Kids, offers valuable tips including how to pack smart for the kids, booking a safe cabin, and guidance on selecting the most family friendly cruises.

CruiseCrazies member crazy4disney (Gina) created a list "cruise rules" which has been updated over the years. Here's how she described it:

My son and I have been sailing since he was just turning 6, and he's 17 now. From the very beginning, I made a "cruise rules" list, and made him read it and sign it (which I think helps kids feel and become more accountable). Over the years the list has been tweaked to reflect new privileges with age and maturity, but the gist of it is the same.

Gina has been kind enough to share a copy of her "cruise rules" which has been formalized into a printable Microsoft Word document which can also be edited with new or modified rules as desired.

Download it here: Cruise Rules for Teens and Kids

No longer the bastion of grownups trying to get away from it all, cruises are now welcoming the littlest passengers aboard in a big way. Here's how to keep them safe, entertained--and maybe even save some money, too!

Not long ago, cruising was synonymous with partying, romance, or exploring farflung destinations, often post-retirement. These days, there's a completely different way of looking at cruise ships--just just as playgrounds for overgrown children but for, well, your children. But traveling with kids is never as simple as tossing some clothes and a smartphone into a backpack, is it? Here, we share expert advice on everything from how to pack smart, keep the little ones safe, find reliable onboard child care, and which cruise lines are rolling out the red carpet for families.

PACK SMART

If you're traveling with a baby or toddler, get used to the idea of schlepping your own formula, jars of baby food, and diapers, which are not among the myriad products a typical cruise ship can sell you. And don't squirrel away all those must-haves in your suitcase--on embarkation days you may be separated from your luggage for hours and you'll be able to keep your little one happier if you have a tote bag stocked with food, wipes, change of clothes, etc. The good news is you may be able to leave your baby's portable crib at home-ask your cruise line (early!) if you can reserve one in advance. "To lighten your packing load, consider planning a laundry day at sea," advises David Molyneaux, editor of TheTravelMavens.com. "Most family-friendly ships will have washers and driers in the cabin areas-check the line's website."

BOOK A SAFE CABIN

Yeah, we all had a collective gasp when a toddler fell of a cruise ship balcony over the holidays in Florida. Of course you should brief all kids, from toddlers to teens, about keeping off railings, but Molyneaux suggests, "Even if it's only for your peace of mind, avoid balconies until your kids are old enough to know better." You can book an interior room for the whole family, or give older older kids an interior room and take an exterior balcony room across the hall for yourselves. Many cruise lines will offer family cabins, which can sleep up to four, and deeply discount the cost of the kids' berths--but Molyneaux notes that sometimes booking two adjoining cabins on a lower deck instead of a suite can save you money and get you more elbow room. (Disney even throws in an extra "half bathroom," with a toilet and sink, in most cabins. The ship will also have its own rules about how and when kids are allowed to participate in organized activities. Some lines allow elementary school-age kids to sign themselves up for activities and walk the ship's corridors unsupervised--but that kind of choice is really only yours to make.

GET A SITTER

Although some lines offer so many organized activities for kids during the day that some parents actually complain that they didn't see enough of their kids on their cruise, most couples will value some alone time, especially when the sun goes down. Some cruise lines offer private in-cabin babysitting at a premium--it can run you nearly $20 per hour. But if your kid wrinkles his nose at the idea of being "left with a sitter," you're in luck: Many cruise lines disguise evening babysitting as "late night parties," allowing parents to drop off their kids for $5 to $10 per hour per child. (On Disney cruises, the party goes till midnight and it's free of charge.

BOOK A FAMILY-FRIENDLY CRUISE

When it comes to going the extra mile to put smiles on your kids' faces, these cruise lines are tops:

Carnival

If your kids can imagine summer camp at sea, that's Camp Carnival--complete with counselors to supervise daily activities and meals. The line divides children into three age groups from two- to 12-years old and employs counselors who have education or childcare experience; play spaces resemble nothing less than the playroom of your dreams.

Disney

No surprises here--Disney knows how to keep kids happy. The line is famous for its roaming characters like Mickey and Minnie, of course, but it also offers Broadway-style musicals, first-run films in 3D, and port-of-call activities tailored for kids like glass-bottom boats and up-close-and-personal dolphin encounters.

Norwegian

Splash Academy sets the bar high--to entertain and educate children from six months to 12 years old (divided, of course, into age-appropriate groups, with parents required for the littlest ones). Whether your kid is into low-key arts and crafts projects or adrenaline-charged circus activities (including juggling and tumbling) taught by real circus performers, Norwegian's foray into family fun goes big.

Royal Caribbean

When you're reaching out to families, it helps to have some trusted names in your Rolodex, and Royal Caribbean has partnered with Crayola, Fisher Price, and DreamWorks to offer a blend of educational and entertainment options to its littlest passengers. From quiet play groups to full-on surf simulators, climbing walls, and the first carousel-at sea, there's something for every taste. Oh, and you may want to warn your little ones that they may bump into Shrek or Kung Fu Panda onboard.

By FOX News

For more cruise news & articles go to http://www.cruisecrazies.com/index.html

Re-posted on CruiseCrazies.com - Cruise News, Articles, Forums, Packing List, Ship Tracker, and more

Families across the world are constantly looking for the best family vacation options, and cruising has always been the best option. Whether you’re enticed by the myriad of fun features, grand sports complexes, dining/entertainment for all ages, or discount cruise deals, cruising is a phenomenal option for families with children. What you may not know is that many cruise lines offer special programs, unique features, and themed cruises for kids. Let’s take a look at some of the options and aspects that stand out from the rest.

Ambassadors of the Environment Youth Program

Cruise Line: Paul Gauguin Cruises

Nerdel Program

Cruise Line: Celebrity Cruises

DreamWorks Experience

Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean International

Nickelodeon at Sea

Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line

Source: CruiseWeb.com

My husband and I recently became first-time grandparents, and we are eagerly looking forward to the joy, fun and laughter associated with the pitter-patter of little feet – a sound we haven’t heard in a very long time. I now find myself beginning to view life from a grandparent’s perspective – and, of course, that includes planning vacation time. I envision taking my grandchild - when he’s of a reasonable age, of course – on a cruise adventure with Grammy and Gramps. Oh, the fun we’ll have!

I immediately became curious as to what sort of steps were necessary in preparing for such a grand undertaking as a “cruising with granny” vacation. I fired up the iMac and began my research in case I should some day find myself planning a cruise or two with my own grandson. I thought I would share what I found.

Decide if the parents will come. Obviously, parental preference is key. No doubt, they will – and should – have some say in the vacation plans involving their kids. One big advantage to ditching the parents is the bonding factor. Kids will ordinarily turn to their parents when in need, and in their absence will be looking for another trusted face – yours! You have a wealth of experiences to share, and that makes for great bonding moments. On the other hand, bringing the parents along means that you can share the childcare responsibilities, making it easier to schedule “me” time for everyone. Also, take a look at the number of the little darlings you’ll be bringing. If you are planning to be surrounded by all seven of your grandchildren, suffice it to say you’ll need some help.

You’ll need written permission. If they do decide to entrust you with their treasured offspring, you will need a permission letter from the parents, the kids’ health insurance cards and medical history.

Involve the kids in the planning. Start by looking over cruise brochures together and ask them what they would like to do and see in the places you’ll be visiting. The web is a great resource, and most grannies and gramps are web savvy these days. If not, the kids will be more than happy to show you around.

Try a test run. I once had a miserably homesick child sleep over for a night and then had to call the poor girl’s mother in the middle of the night to fetch her. Not a good scenario if you’re at sea. Are your grandchildren ready to spend a week with you in distant places? If in doubt, do a trial run. Invite the kids for an overnight at a beach resort or theme park and see how the interaction goes. This will give you some idea if they’re ready for a cruise.

Bring a buddy. Owning a pair of cats is better than owning just one. The same can be said for kids on a cruise. Invite a same age friend or cousin to keep your grandchild company. Double the fun!

If possible, book adjoining rooms or a family suite. The more room you have to spread out, the better. A balcony is a plus, too – you can escape to fresh air without leaving the cabin.

Explore the onboard kids’ programs. Your grandkids may prefer to hang with you the entire trip – yeah, in your dreams, Granny! Still, it’s worth checking out the kids’ clubs. The kids will make friends, and you’ll each get some much-needed space.

Bring along a few quiet-time activities. Even though there may be 24 hours of fun on the ship, you’ll want the kids to retreat to the cabin for rest or bedtime, and having a few games, cards or puzzles will keep them occupied – along with a favorite stuffed animal or blanket.

Use the ship’s newspaper to plan the next day’s activities. If you have a schedule, the day is apt to go much more smoothly.

Set firm limits and enforce them. Yes, you are their loving grandparents first and foremost, but on vacation you are also their caretakers, and ground rules must be set and followed. A small whiteboard or yellow Post-Its for jotting down notes to each other will help keep the lines of communication open.

Introduce the Kids to Journaling. It’s never too early – or too late - to teach them the lost art of recording their experiences in a diary. While the trip may fade away once they return home, they will be grateful for those memories when they get older.

By Janice Neves, CruiseCrazies Contributor

For more cruise news & articles go to http://www.cruisecra....com/index.html

Cruising is a great choice for family vacations, especially on ships packed with lots of kid-pleasing features. Carnival Cruise Lines' newest ship, the Carnival Breeze, is one of the best ships for families afloat. This truly is a "Fun Ship" unlike any other. The 3,690-passenger Carnival Breeze is loaded with family-focused programs and amenities, earning rave reviews from parents and kids alike.

Carnival estimates that it will carry 710,000 kids and teens on its fleet of 24 ships this year, making it the leader in family cruising. With the launch of the Carnival Breeze, Carnival Cruise Lines has created a high-energy vacation venue that offers more for families than ever before. In fact, there's over 19,000 total square feet of space dedicated to kids and teens programs and activities on this ship.

Parents and grandparents shouldn't fret, though. Adults aren't left out on the Carnival Breeze. There are many innovative areas geared just for adults, including the ship's relaxing Serenity area and the tranquil new Library Bar. In addition, both kids and parents will appreciate the spacious family accommodations, fun shows, entertainment and wide array of dining venues aboard the Breeze. This ship is an excellent choice for families with young adults and multigenerational family vacations as well.

Here are twelve things that families love about cruising on the Carnival Breeze:

1. Great Family-Friendly Accommodations. The Breeze's contemporary Caribbean-themed décor makes it feel like an upscale resort hotel conveniently floating on the high seas. The Carnival Breeze has 20 deluxe ocean-view staterooms that can accommodate up to five with two twins that convert to a king, two bunk-style beds and a sofa that turns into a twin bed. The ship's ocean-view family cabins also have two bathrooms - a huge plus. Regular triple and quad staterooms on the Carnival Breeze are some of the roomiest afloat and many of the ship's cabins can accommodate five guests. Families can also book suites or two of the numerous connecting cabins for added space and privacy. A 24-inch flat-screen television (larger in the suites) makes TV-watching fun. And, of course, a Carnival cruise wouldn't be complete without the ever-popular towel animals waiting to delight families upon return to their staterooms each evening.

2. WaterWorks Aqua Park. The Carnival Breeze's huge WaterWorks area is one of the largest waterparks afloat with two huge curving waterslides: the rippin' fast 312-foot-long Twister and the huge funnel-type DrainPipe. There's also a water play area, two small slides for little ones, and a 300-gallon soaker bucket that fills and then tips, dumping loads of water on the squealing kids below. Groups of children can often be found congregating and giggling under the bucket, just waiting to be splashed. WaterWorks is a huge hit with families, particularly after long shore excursions and on steamy weather days.

3. SportsSquare. Sports lovers and adventure-seekers will want to head for SportSquare, the Carnival Breeze's recreation complex. This top deck area features a miniature golf course, an open-air workout area, and a cool suspended ropes course called SkyCourse. The SkyCourse is incredibly popular with families. Participants are strapped into a safety harness while traversing the course's rope bridges, swinging steps and balance beams. There's also an 1/8th mile jogging track, a lighted basketball/volleyball court, ping-pong and foosball tables, and much more.

4. Interactive Thrill Theater. This newest kid-pleasing Carnival attraction generates multi-dimensional excitement with a variety of movies – as many as 10 different features in one cruise. The 24-seat Thrill Theater combines a high-definition projection system, 3-D movies and glasses, moving and vibrating seats, and special effects (squirting water, bubbles, seat poking and more) to generate a totally immersive experience. Movies include such short duration titles as Happy Feet, Sponge Bob & Mumble's Wild Ride, Bamboo Express, Speed Racer, and the thrill favorite – Extreme Log Ride. The price for the Thrill Theater is $7.95 for one ticket and $14.95 per person for unlimited movie viewings throughout the cruise. Kids tend to get hooked, so it's wise to choose the unlimited viewings option.

5. Camp Carnival for Kids. Children get special attention on the Carnival Breeze – which is important since there were more than 800 kids and teens on my sailing. The cruise line's free Camp Carnival program is focused on children ages 2 to 11 and is divided into three groups: 2-5; 6-8; and 9-11. The Breeze's Camp Carnival space is a massive 5,000-square-foot play area divided into three sections and well equipped with toys, games, arts and crafts supplies, and Wii and PlayStation2 terminals. Activities vary by age group and a detailed daily calendar of activities by age group is delivered to each child's stateroom. All counselors are trained in child development and CPR. Camp hours are long and vary somewhat by day, but typically last from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. On port days when shore excursions leave early, Camp Carnival opens in advance to accommodate parents who want to let their children stay onboard and play with their friends while they go exploring. Kids can also have dinner with the youth staff in the evening, giving parents the opportunity for a romantic night out. When Camp Carnival programs end at about 10 p.m., Carnival's late night children's programs and events get underway. The Camp Carnival Night Owls parties are divided into three different age groups: Owl Jams for ages 2-11; Fun 'Til One for ages 6-8; and Fun at Sea for ages 9-11. The Night Owls program also features nightly group babysitting services. Designed to be a fun-filled slumber party at sea complete with activities, Carnival's babysitting program is available from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. nightly during the cruise. While the daily Camp Carnival programs are free, the late-night Night Owls and babysitting programs are available for a small fee per child.

6. Chill Tween and Teen Spaces. Tweens and teens have their own expansive, well-designed areas on the Carnival Breeze. Club O2 caters to older teens ages 15-17 and has a hip nightclub feel. In this 2,740-square-foot club, older teens will find a huge dance floor, a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system, a wide array of video gaming and music-listening stations, a soda bar, and areas perfectly arranged for chatting while watching videos on TV monitors. Tweens ages 12-14 congregate at Circle C, a dedicated club-type space devoted to this age group. This club also has a large dance floor, video jukebox, video gaming and Internet stations, and a bar area for sodas. As part of their club activities, teens can hang out with friends and listen to music, play video games, watch a movie, enjoy dance and pool parties, participate in special events, and so much more. All events are free of charge and are supervised by dedicated directors and trained counselors who know how to make things fun, safe and cool.

7. Rockin' Nightlife for Young Adults. Traveling families come in all shapes and sizes, and many include young adults. The Carnival Breeze is a great venue for this age group because of all the nightlife, fun bars, cool entertainment options, and high-energy onboard excitement. The fun doesn't stop at 10 p.m. on the Carnival Breeze - after all, it's a Fun Ship! Trained by the award-winning DJ IRIE, the Carnival Breeze's DJs can be found keeping the late night action going in the Liquid Nightclub, at fiestas and deck parties, and throughout the ship. The ship's new Playlist Productions, shorter high-tech shows that combine music with fashion and dance, feature some of today's most popular artists including Beyonce, Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, Enrique Iglesias and Shakira. The late night Punchliner Comedy Club Presented by George Lopez is another favorite with college kids and young adults. For those over 21, the Carnival Breeze features bars with lots of personality including the RedFrog Rum Bar, the BlueIguana Tequila Bar and the ever-popular RedFrog Pub.

8. Fun Family Entertainment. If your family loves family game night, competitions and winning prizes, Hasbro, The Game Show is the place to be. Debuting on the Carnival Breeze to enthusiastic audiences, Hasbro, The Game Show is a series of TV-quality, larger-than-life shows held in the ship's Ovation Theater. Families can participate in games including SORRY! SLIDERS, SIMON FLASH, YAHTZEE BOWLING, OPERATION SLAM DUNK, and CONNECT 4 BASKETBALL. For guests who enjoy outdoor entertainment, the Carnival Breeze features a huge 270-square-foot LED flat screen that overlooks the Beach Pool, offering "Dive In Movies," sporting events, concerts, and shows. Located near the teen clubs, The Warehouse Video Arcade contains a wide array of arcade and video games. Keep an eye on this one, though, as each game played will be charged to your card. It might be best to stick to all the fun games available for free at SportsSquare.

9. Specialty Dining Options. The Carnival Breeze is loaded with memorable dining choices. Families should plan to enjoy at least one dinner at Cucina del Capitano, the Carnival Breeze's family-style Italian specialty restaurant. The restaurant's menu items – several made from favorite recipes contributed by the cruise line's Italian captains – range from exquisite pasta dishes to hearty short ribs of beef. Fahrenheit 555, a classic American steakhouse, is another exceptional specialty restaurant and an excellent choice for a Parents' Night Out. Carnival's first full-service sushi restaurant, Bonsai Sushi, serves sushi, sashimi, rolls and other items in the evenings 'till midnight. There are additional fees associated with these specialty dining options, but they're well worth the cost. Other great specialty dining venues on the Breeze are completely free, however. Check out Guy's Burger Joint for juicy burgers and hand-cut fries created with Food Network star Guy Fieri, authentic tacos and burritos at BlueIguana Cantina, delicious nightly samplings from The Taste Bar, awesome offerings from the Lido Marketplace including Indian Tandoori and the Mongolian Wok, and yummy brunch treats at The Punchliner Comedy Brunch Presented by George Lopez. Don't miss Fat Jimmy's C-Side BBQ available on sea days only, but plan to wait in line a bit for this free fare.

10. Cherry On Top. Kids (and kids at heart) will love Cherry on Top, a retail boutique featuring huge bins of colorful candies, specialty sweets, cards, gifts and more. Here guests can find massive balloon-sized lollipops, candied apples, and every sort of candy and sweet you could imagine. Bulk candies in bins are sold by the pound - make sure to try a few.

11. Adults-Only Serenity. Carnival knows that parents need some adults-only time on vacation. For parents looking for a place to relax while the kids are at Camp Carnival, Serenity offers just the place. Located at the front of the ship, Serenity is an adults-only escape complete with double hammocks, comfy cushion-topped loungers, and huge whirlpools. Admission to this area is free, unlike on some other cruise lines. Those who don't want to leave can enjoy light fare in Serenity's dining area or a drink from its tucked-away bar. Savor the sea views up here - they're fantastic.

12. Cloud 9 Spa. Those seeking some "me" time and pampering on their cruise vacation should float on over to the Cloud 9 Spa. The spa provides dozens of treatments including massages, facials, acupuncture programs, body scrubs, medi-spa services, and a whole lot more. Specials may be available on port days. The Thermal Suite and the Thalassotherapy Pool on the Breeze are relaxing options as well. The Cloud 9 Spa also offers Generation Z teen spa treatments for younger guests ages 13-17. Teen spa treatments include the Fabulous Fruity Facial, Surfer's Scrub, and the Hot Chocolate Wrap. In addition, there's a well-equipped salon and a full fitness center here that offers instructor-led classes daily.

By Nancy Schretter, Family Travel Network

CELEBRATION, Fla. – Disney Cruise Line, the leader in family cruising, has once again reinvented onboard children’s experiences. Through an entirely new approach to youth activities, kids can let their imaginations set sail by customizing their cruise vacation. Dedicated children’s spaces and more youth activities than ever before are available and children choose experiences based on individual interests.

“Disney Cruise Line youth activities allow children the freedom to create a customized experience onboard our ships,” said Disney Cruise Line Vice President of Entertainment Jim Urry. “Children can select their own adventures and immersive experiences for a truly personalized, memorable cruise vacation.”

Customized Experiences

On Disney Cruise Line, children can personalize their cruise vacation by selecting activities and events, regardless of age. Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab are open to children ages three to 12.

While Disney Cruise Line continues to recommend activities that appeal to specific maturity levels and ages, the entire menu of offerings is open to every child. With this evolutionary approach to shipboard youth activities, children choose programs based on their specific interests to create a customized and very personalized experience. Best of all, children ages 3 to 12 – siblings, extended family and friends – can participate in youth activities together throughout their cruise.

The majority of children’s events and free-time activities occur within dedicated youth spaces on the ship and on Castaway Cay. As always, Disney Cruise Line youth activities are supervised by specially trained, experienced counselors.

Specific program information is available to guests on the day of check-in at the Youth Activities registration desk located in the Disney cruise ship terminal building prior to boarding, or onboard in the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab.

A World of Youth Activities

With more than 100 activities, events and programs, and with all youth activities open to ages 3 to 12, children have more choices than ever before on Disney Cruise Line.

Clubhouse Series – focus on movement and appeals to younger children.

• Tots take part in training exercises to make them a Mouseketeer, and then prove to a very special guest that they’ve earned their ears during Mouseketeers In Training.
  
• Little Einsteins activities are inspired by the talents of favorite Little Einstein characters. Kids play instruments like Quincy, sing like Annie, dance like June and conduct like Leo.
  
• During Nemo’s Coral Reef Adventure puppet show, children help Dory find Nemo and encounter whimsical sea life along the way as they “swim” along through the ocean.
  
• Puzzle Playtime with Mickey and Friends (Disney Fantasy, Disney Dream) – Mickey Mouse and his pals stop by the Club to play some of their favorite games with the youngest cruisers.
  

Storybook Series – draw inspiration from classic Disney stories and popular Disney characters.

• During Cinderella’s Royal Ball, young guests can feel like royalty as Cinderella shows them how to be a prince or princess.
  
• So You Want to be a Pirate offers adventurous tales of the high seas, pirate training for young buccaneers, swashbuckling fun and a special appearance by Captain Hook.
  
• A special moment with a Disney princess comes to life when children share a story and a dance with Snow White at Do Si Do With Snow White.
  
• Disney’s Once Upon a Time (Disney Fantasy, Disney Dream) – Bartleby the Bookmaker surprises children with his very special talent – when he reads the books that he creates, the characters magically come to life!
  

Jump Up! Series – include group games and movement-orientated activities.

• Children are immersed in the world of Disney Pixar’s “Toy Story” during Toy Story Boot Camp. Led by Corporal Green, toy recruits participate in a series of interactive activities.
  
• It’s party time, Hawaiian style at the Aloha Luau where children learn how to dance the hula and surf the waves like Lilo and Stitch.
  
• Magic PlayFloor (Disney Fantasy, Disney Dream) – A variety of games to get kids moving, including leaping over lasers with Stitch, scrambling around the perimeter of the floor to control the tilt of a virtual maze and using movement to control race cars that speed around a track.
  

• In Flubber, one of the most popular youth activities on Disney Cruise Line, children join Professor Goo in creating magical green goo and other interesting concoctions.
  
• The next great celebrity chef could be discovered at Ratatouille Cooking School, where children work together to bake tasty chocolate chip cookies.
  
• A race car made of soap is the good clean fun of the Piston Cup Challenge, where kids make mini race cars out of soap and other materials, then race them to find the fastest in the fleet.
  
• Super Sloppy Science (Disney Fantasy, Disney Dream) – Professor Make-O-Mess guides kids as they conduct some of the most extreme and sloppiest science experiments around.
  

In the Spotlight Series – focus on stage presence with activities and enthusiasm.

• In All For One: A High School Musical Mad Cap Caper, kids search the ship to find “props,” then star in a “High School Musical”-themed karaoke and talent show.
  
• Monsters, Inc. Open “Mike” Night (Disney Fantasy, Disney Dream) – Kids help Mike Wazowski save Monstropolis from doom by putting on a comedy show for parents to collect loads of laughter.
  
• Tinker Bell’s Talent Show (Disney Fantasy, Disney Dream) – Tinker Bell helps youngsters discover their Fairy Talents, as they shine in a show for their families.
  

Solve It Series – challenge children with problem- and solution-based activities.

• During Detective School, Detective Goofy guides children as they seek out clues to solve an onboard mystery.
  
• In Stitch’s Great Adventure, kids helpStitch capture several lost experiments before they cause havoc on the ship. Together, they locate and contain the experiments in Oceaneer Lab.
  
• In Animation Antics and Animation Cels, kids learn how to draw and paint popular Disney characters.
  
• Get the Hook! (Disney Fantasy, Disney Dream) – Kids search ship-wide for clues to solve the mystery of Captain Hook’s missing hook. The adventure culminates with a reward from the Captain himself!
  

Castaway Cay – youth activities on Disney’s private island.

• During Tracking Sense, children discover that conservation can be fun as they learn about endangered animals and locate (plush) cotton-top tamarin monkeys using telemetry tracking – just like real scientists.
  
• The Dig at Monstro Point leads kids to discover the skeleton of a giant whale, shark teeth and other fun artifacts.
  
• Search for Atlantis is a quest around Castaway Cay in search of special crystals that are the life source of the mystical city – the only catch is that the directions on the ancient map are written in a lost language that must be decoded.
  

The Most Family-Friendly Cruise

Along with this evolution in youth activities, Disney Cruise Line continues to provide the most family-friendly cruise experience available.

While children are enjoying the most extensive youth activity areas at sea, parents can enjoy the ship “worry-free,” thanks to an onboard mobile phone service that allows kids and counselors to contact parents anytime and anywhere on the ship. Plus, Disney Cruise Line has the industry’s longest operating hours for children’s activities, providing greater flexibility for parents and even more fun for kids.

Dine and Play allows families to enjoy dinner together, then gives kids more time to enjoy youth activities while parents relax at the end of the meal. With Dine and Play, parents may check their children into evening youth activities during second seating in all of the main dining rooms. Families enjoy dinner together, then youth counselors whisk children away to play so the grown-ups can savor some time together in the adult-exclusive areas of the ship.

Disney stage productions, family activities, special events, first-run films in digital 3-D, poolside movies, deck parties, a family club and the Castaway Cay Family Beach provide even more opportunities for families to experience a memorable cruise vacation together.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500 or contact their travel agent.

Source: Disney Cruise Line

So you love your kids, and you love to cruise. Now you’re thinking of taking the kids with you instead of leaving them with the grandparents, but you’re nervous about it. Here are a few ideas that can help to make this upcoming cruise one of your best family vacations, ever!

Include the kids: Let’s face it, kids are creatures of habit. They thrive on routines. Could you imagine showing up at an unfamiliar port city and seeing a massive ship staring you in the face, but you had no idea where it was going to take you? Include your kids in the planning! The pre-cruise planning is always a big part of the fun, so include your kids in your searches for shore excursions and your planning for port cities. If the kids are old enough to surf the ‘net, delegate research subjects to them. If they’re too small, start showing them photos of the ship and the port cities, so that they are somewhat familiar with the sights. Not only will this help build their excitement, it will help to reassure them during this break from their routine.

Be realistic: No, this will not go 100% according to plan. Things never do! But instead of getting caught up in the “why,” focus instead on the solution. When kids see mom and dad staying calm, they almost always follow suit. If you are late to your dinner seating, don’t let it ruin your evening! Instead let the kids pick their own food at the yummy buffet. Be prepared for all scenarios ahead of time and always travel ashore with your passports, because cruise ships will leave behind a late family. Know the important phone numbers to have in each port and be prepared. A prepared parent is a calm parent. Calm parents equal calm kids.

Mommy and Daddy need time, too: Decide on a ship with a great kids club. Disney, Royal Caribbean, Princess, and Carnival are all known for their stellar kids clubs and planned activities for children and teens, while Celebrity and Holland America are known for a more mature clientele. Going to the club is something your kids will love to do, while you and your spouse get that time for a quiet dinner or a few hours of peace at the pool. And PS - time apart is just as precious as time together. Your kids will love hanging out with their new friends as much as you will enjoy your quiet time with your spouse.

Be a kid, yourself: Play with your kids! Take them to the pool, go down the waterslide with your daughter, challenge your son to a rock climbing contest. Forget the parent mode for a while and be a kid with your kids. Chances are you’ll have more fun than you’ve had in a long while, and you just may get even closer as a family than you were before.

Remember bedtime: Your kids will be tired after all of the fun they’ve experienced during the day. Remember to break for naps and try to keep a regular bedtime routine. Even though they will strongly disagree, kids need more sleep than adults do. Sleepy kids always equal cranky kids, and cranky kids equal melt-downs. Remembering to keep everyone well rested - and hydrated! - will cut the melt-down probability to almost nothing while ensuring your cruise photos will be full of smiling and happy faces from everyone!

Vacations are exciting, adventurous, and frankly a little scary! Preparing yourself and your kids ahead of time, and remembering to expect the unexpected, will pave the way for smooth sailing and great memories to last a lifetime!

Written by Stacey Redish (aka StaRed), Member of CruiseCrazies.com

Are you and your family interested in taking a vacation this year? If so, you are not alone. Each year a large percentage of American families make the decision to have a summer vacation. Popular vacation destinations include amusement parks, beaches, and campgrounds. But, did you know that you can also have your next family vacation aboard a cruise ship?

Cruise ships have been successfully operating for a number of years now. Many families enjoy summer vacations aboard a cruise ship, but even more don’t consider it as a possibility. If you are looking for a different way to spend quality time with your family, you are urged to at least considering taking a family cruise.

When it comes to vacations aboard a cruise ship, there are many individuals who automatically assume that cruise ships are not “family friendly.” If you believe this popular misconception, you could be missing out on one of the greatest opportunities of your life. There are a large number of cruise lines, each offering different cruises. With all of the cruise ships available, you are sure to find at least one that can offer your family fun on the water.

Just a few of the many family activities found aboard a cruise ship include dinners, movies, and plays. Additional activities may be available. The family activities found upon a cruise ship often depends on the cruise ship line. In addition to activities for the whole family, a large number of cruise ships have activities that are designed specifically for children. While your children are participating at these fun, but supervised activities, you could be enjoying a private moment with your spouse.

If you are interested in learning more about the family fun activities found aboard a cruise ship, compare the offerings which will vary between each cruise line. In your search, you will likely see that there are a number of cruise ships designed specifically for those with children. You do not have to limit yourself just to family cruises, but you may find them most appropriate.

To find a family fun cruise without doing all of the legwork yourself, you may want to speak with a travel agent.

Whether you book your own family cruise vacation or you use the professional assistance of a travel agent, you're be embarking upon a memorable family vacation. In fact, so many families enjoy the family vacation they took aboard a cruise ship that it often turns into an annual (or even more frequent) pattern.

Parents want a vacation that doesn’t leave them stressed out and exhausted. They don’t want to worry that Junior is going to whine, be bored, throw a tantrum, bother the other passengers or not find anything he wants to eat on the menu. Cruises geared towards families with children are a great solution to this dilemma. The staff deals with fussy babies, sullen teens and everything in between, week in and week out. Nothing a pint-sized guest does will surprise them. Another bonus is that most of the other passengers have the same worries and won’t notice the ruckus, let alone be bothered by it. So, what else should you consider before cruising with children?

Think Big: Parents and cruise directors alike know that kids get bored easily and need lots of stuff to do. A small ship may not be the best choice for children because there are naturally fewer options, but a mega ship, with a full time cruise director, will offer a wealth of options.

Teen Scene: Parents of teens should make sure there are plenty of “older” activities such as an Internet café, video games, and even a teen-friendly disco or night club. Find out what your kids are interested in, and check to make sure your cruise can meet the grade.

Childcare: Check with the cruise before you book. Some offer childcare programs during the day and babysitting services at night; some don’t. If a break, without kids, is part of your vacation agenda, you need to pick the right ship.

Disney: It goes without saying that a cruise with Disney is a sure-fire hit with smaller children. The Disney team are experts at keeping kids smiling. Be sure to pack your Disney princess outfits from last Halloween. Your child now has an excuse to wear them one last time.

Cabins: Be realistic. If you are trying to save money, don’t think that you can cram your family of five into a tiny, windowless cabin. If there is one bathroom and a teenage girl or two, your family may not survive the trip. Two adjoining rooms will keep you sane, net you an extra bathroom and is much cheaper than a king-sized suite.

Destinations: Have a family planning session. It can be a great opportunity to get together as a family and compromise. Once a general destination is agreed upon, have each child be in charge of picking one excursion. You can also let each child research an area or activity and contribute their findings to the meeting. Memories can be made just from the shared experience of planning a family vacation.

You know your family the best. If you select a trip that appeals to their interests, the cruise line’s staff will take care of the rest and provide the entire family with a wonderful cruise vacation with many memorable moments.