| If you think family cruises are all about shuffleboard - | | | | board staff are trained to supervise specific age |
| think again! | | | | groups of children. You can even find a nursery on |
| Family cruises today are becoming a popular trend. | | | | the ship with toddler toys and trained staff to ensure a |
| There are many reasons for this. There is so much | | | | fun and safe environment. |
| to do beyond the shuffleboard stereotype. The cruise | | | | The teens on board will love the activities aimed |
| industry recognizes this trend and is adapting their | | | | specifically for them. Many ships have a teen "disco" |
| activities and itineraries to attract families. Some | | | | or club, and even an arcade. Most have an "Internet |
| cruise lines even have entire ships dedicated to | | | | Café" and library or other quite room as well. |
| children and families. | | | | Are your kids picky eaters? That's not a problem |
| Families have more choices now more than ever | | | | with a family friendly cruise. Mom and Dad can have |
| before when it comes to choosing a cruise line. | | | | a gourmet meal while the kids dine on pizza, burgers & |
| What first comes to mind is the Disney Cruise Line, but | | | | fries, or other kid friendly foods. There are many |
| even traditional cruise lines have become much more | | | | different spots all over the ship to eat different styles |
| family friendly. By modifying on board activities to | | | | of food from snacks to full sit-down meals. |
| include kids and teens, the major ships can appeal to a | | | | Of course, one of the benefits of this style of cruising |
| wider group of people looking to spend their vacation | | | | is meeting so many wonderful people. The kids can |
| dollar wisely. | | | | meet new friends and be able to socialize and play |
| So what makes a cruise "family friendly?" Of course, | | | | together. |
| the all inclusive vacation aspect is attractive, but | | | | Once you get to your destination you will want to do |
| beyond the budget aspect of the vacation, there are | | | | activities that include the entire family. There are |
| other reasons why. In fact, there are too many | | | | plenty of kid friendly excursions available to choose |
| reasons to list why someone would choose this type | | | | from. Of course, if you just want to spend the day |
| of vacation over a traditional one. However, some of | | | | at the beach that is a choice as well. |
| the main reasons are: | | | | My own personal favorite shore excursion is the swim |
| The Entertainment | | | | with dolphins - Cozumel. I mention the destination |
| The Food | | | | because they are not all the same! Some dolphin |
| The Activities | | | | encounters only let you touch the dolphin. Other |
| The Social Factor | | | | encounters allow you to swim in an enclosed area |
| By adapting these to appeal to younger passengers, | | | | with these beautiful sea mammals, but you don't get to |
| parents can consider this type of vacation for the | | | | be involved with the behaviors. |
| whole family. What is great about most of the family | | | | The swim adventure in Cozumel is very educational |
| cruises is that the adults have not been left out. | | | | and allows you to be involved with the behaviors. |
| There is entertainment for kids as well as adults. On | | | | |