Cruising with kids

Cruising with Kids
Families are the fastest growing segment of the cruise market. Many cruise lines are now catering to families and their unique needs. While most now offer children’s programs and kid friendly food options, choosing the best cruise for your client can take some research. Below are some tips to assist in determining the best cruise line for your client along with links for more information on each cruise line’s children’s program.
Time of year – not all of the cruise lines offer year-round children’s programs. Some operate only with a minimum number of children. If your client is not traveling during a school break, be sure to recommend one of the larger, well-known ‘family friendly’ cruise lines that offer a year-round program. The longer cruises (10 days or more) tend to have an older clientele, while 3 or 4 night cruises tend to have a younger, ‘partying’ clientele. The 7-night cruise is the most popular among families. The Caribbean and Alaska are the most popular destinations.

Family accommodations – many of the new ships have been built with families in mind offering family suites or a variety of connecting cabins.

Cruise line’s newer ships – the newer ships tend to not only have more family accommodations, but larger and more elaborate children’s centers, pools and public areas.

Soda Card – some cruise lines offer a pre-paid soda card good for a set number of non-alcoholic beverages.

Below are Cruise Lines offering Kids programs

Carnival Cruise Line – Camp Carnival
Celebrity X-Club Youth Program
Costa Cruise Line Kid’s Club
Crystal Cruises Junior’s Activities
Disney Cruise Line
Holland America Cruise Line – Club Hal for Kids
NCL Kid’s Crew
P&O Cruises
Princess Cruises
Royal Caribbean Cruises
Windjammer Cruises