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Finding the right holiday for the whole family can be a challenge. Family cruises are thoughtfully designed to include world-class entertainment, interactive activities, and engaging programmes for all age groups, making them an ideal choice for families wanting to spend quality time together without compromising on relaxation or fun. From toddlers to teens and adults, these cruises provide entertainment options and facilities tailored to everyone’s needs. Whether you are cruising through the Mediterranean, island hopping in the Caribbean or taking in the sites on an Europe cruise, there’s something for every member of your family . In this beginner-friendly guide, you will get an in-depth look at the kinds of entertainment and experiences that make family cruises so special..
What makes family cruises appealing is the availability of dedicated day care for babies, kids clubs and teens lounges on board. These clubs and lounges are carefully curated spaces supervised by trained professionals that keeps them entertained with age appropriate activities where they can play, learn and socialise with other young cruisers, giving parents and guardians much needed downtime. Children can enjoy sensory play, science experiments, crafts, games, themed parties, story telling, interactive learning experiences, meet their favourite cartoon characters and many more. Teenagers have access to their own exclusive lounges with gaming areas, movie nights, karaoke, mocktail bars and social events tailored to their experiences. Carnival cruise line, MSC cruises and Royal Caribbean cruises offer day care facilities where you can drop off children under 2 while Norwegian cruise line and P&O cruises need parents present for children under 2 with experienced child minders that care for your toddlers into the night. These clubs are not only a great way for children to make new friends, but they also give parents the freedom to enjoy a quiet dinner or unwind at the spa, knowing their kids are in safe hands.
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Pools are the highlight of any holiday and cruise lines take it to another level by transforming ships to floating water parks. Family friendly cruise ships are equipped with thrilling water slides, surf simulators, splash zones for smaller children and designated pool areas complete with lounge chairs on the open deck where you can catch a tan and relax. Onboard water parks and pools can vary by cruise line but you can expect brightly coloured flumes, tipping buckets, spray features, interactive play areas, lounge areas and adult pools. Carnival Cruise line’s waterworks, Royal Caribbean’s Splashway bay and Norwegian Cruise lines water parks all feature large outdoor spaces designed for fun in the sun suited for all ages while still offering enough loungers and quiet areas for parents. Whether you are a thrill seeker looking to have fun on a slide, floating in the pool with a refreshing drink or wave riding on the surf simulator, water parks make every day at sea more exciting.
Family friendly cruises offer entertainment and live performances designed to entertain audiences of all ages. These productions combine jaw dropping choreographed shows, broad way musicals, stunning visuals and talented stage performers that are rivals top theatres on land. Some cruise lines even offer large-scale performances in purpose-built theatres or open-air aqua stages, adding that wow factor you simply don’t get with a standard package holiday. MSC cruises offer a European twist to circus style live performances with captivating story telling and dazzling LED effects. Royal Caribbean is famous for innovative aqua theatre performances, themed large scale musicals and acrobatic shows in open air arenas. Norwegian Cruise Line offers a mix of live music bands, comedy shows and family friendly theatres that keeps everyone on board entertained. Most cruise line ships are fitted with large theatres, amphitheaters and cinemas with their own form of entertainment tailored to guests of all ages. These shows offer a perfect way for families to end their evening together after a day of adventures.
Cruising offers a variety of activities that encourage families to spend quality time together onboard. From rock climbing walls, zip lines, mini golf courses, bowling, teaming up in an escape room challenge or joining other families for a friendly quiz night, many ships offer fun challenges for multiple generations of cruisers. Most cruise lines offer educational and creative experiences at sea with arts and crafts, baking sessions and stem workshops that include coding classes and astronomy. Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line offer more adventurous activities like laser tag arenas, rope courses and escape rooms. MSC Cruises offer LEGO building sessions and interactive games and workshops. Treasure hunts, creative workshops, cooking classes, basketball competitions give families a chance to bond over new challenges without leaving the ship.
One of the biggest advantages of cruising is the opportunity to explore multiple destinations across different countries in one holiday. Many cruise lines offer family focused shore excursions at popular ports of call that cater to a wide range of age groups.
Nature and wildlife tours - Explore turtle sanctuaries, go whale watching or for more adventurous families, you can go mountain climbing, zipline through the rain forest or go hiking on popular trails. See the beauty of the Aurora borealis on a Norwegian Fjords cruise or go on the perfect safari tour excursion where you can catch a glimpse of wildlife on an African cruise.
Cultural experiences - Enjoy guided sight seeing as you visit ancient ruins, museums, local cooking classes historical sites, caves or pop into one of the many restaurants for a taste of authentic local cuisine.
Beach days or water activities for the whole family - Go snorkelling or scuba diving in crystal clear waters, swim with turtles or have a fun the on the beach with the family on your shore excursion
Dining in one of the many restaurants on board can be a totally different experience as dining on land. You can walk up to the buffet for a taste of everything or enjoy a more intimate dining experience at one of the many fine dining restaurants on board. Want to stay in for a meal? you can get pizzas and snacks delivered to your cabin. Many cruise ships offer interactive dining experiences for the entire family with famous character themed dining, dress up nights for the family and ice cream stations at every corner. Casual eaters can eat on their own schedule with on food delivery to your cabin available throughout the day. Parents and other adults can enjoy gourmet meals in specialty dining restaurants, perfect for date night. Whatever you are looking for, dining on board and on shore a family cruise holiday offers a unique experience for every member of the family.
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Family friendly cruises can feel geared to child focused activities but they also offer a wide range of entertainment and relaxation tailored to adults. Many ships have areas parents and other adults can enjoy quiet sun decks, spas and serene pool zones perfect for relaxing with a book or a cocktail. Many ships offer luxurious spa treatments that include deep tissue massages, facials, hydrotherapy pools and many more. For active cruisers, adults only fitness classes are available in state of the art gyms on board. Adults can enjoy gourmet dining, comedy nights, wine tastings, stylish bars, on board casinos and clubs while the kids are being entertained. Whether you’re enjoying a romantic dinner, treating yourself to a spa day, or simply sipping a cocktail at sunset by the pool, family friendly cruises ensure that adults enjoy on board facilities just as much as the kids.
Cruising from the UK is a perfect option for families and offers no baggage allowance which means you can pack as much as you want to with no extra charges and avoid the hassle of airports. Fly cruises allows you to explore more destinations and iconic port cities for a more immersive land and cruise holiday. Whether you are looking to enjoy your cruise as a group or you want to spend time apart, you can find a holiday experience tailored to every family. Want to know what family cruises during the holidays look like? We have expert guides on what Christmas cruises are like.
Family Friendly Cruises
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