Sea Tales 2023/2024 Family Cruise Travel Planner
by Heidi Allison
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Easily Compare Multiple O ers from Cruise Experts
This book is dedicated to my sons and their families, especially their young children who already love to travel. To my readers: May your travels bring you picturesque memories, enhance your children’s developmental milestones, help your children become more adaptable and flexible, offer lessons about various cultures and ultimately instill a love of adventure in your souls.
2023 Sea Tales Family Cruise Travel Planner
2023 Family-Friendly Cruise Travel Planner by Heidi Allison, CruiseCompete, LLC
Dear Readers and Cruise Enthusiasts,
We are thrilled you are reading my 8 th edition of the Sea Tales Family Cruise Travel Planner ebook. Thank you, I am truly honored. As I am in the midst of writing this ebook, I have been invited to attend the inaugural voyage of the SH Vega, a Swan Hellenic expedition ship. I’ll tell you about that later. Many families think of warm weather and beaches for vacation. There are many to choose from departing from North America ports, the Caribbean & Northern Europe offer warm weather cruises that will delight most of the members of your family. A trend we are seeing is that families are anxious to dream about travel and enjoy cruise travel vacations together. Plus, trending now, is travel to remote and isolated locations on our planet where few people have ventured. Now, a little about Swan Hellenic and their beautiful ship the SH Vega . She is the second of the new expedition’s ships launched by Swan Hellenic. The ship is named after the first ship to cross the Arctic Northeast Passage. The ship incorporates a PC5 ice- strengthened hull combined with extra-large stabilizers to make your journey as smooth as possible. 70 years after its first pioneering cruise, Swan Hellenic is proud to return to the world’s waters with two brand new expedition ships. The ships are built in the Helsinki shipyard in Finland and combine the latest polar ice-class technology with stylish sophisticated interiors. Think boutique high end hotel with contemporary sophistication! They call it ‘Scandi-luxe’ Chic, spacious and well-planned cabins feature generously sized bathrooms, comfortable in-room dining facilities and unobstructed views from staterooms and public spaces. The intention is to provide an unobtrusive relaxing background that allows guests to be fully immersed in breathtaking sceneries. A remote location to be discovered - Antarctica - If you wish to take a trip to the Tahitian Islands, Europe, New Zealand, the Bahamas or the North Pole, all you need to do is get in your car and drive, hop aboard a train or a plane. Make your plan and off you go. Not so easy with Antarctica. There are not any commercial planes going to Antarctica . Antarctica air cruise itineraries utilize one-way or round-trip flights from Punta Arenas, Chile, to the Antarctica Peninsula where guests board a ship . Flights to Antarctica utilize the airstrip at the King George Island Antarctica airport. A cruise ship, and not just any cruise ships, (they are expedition vessels built for this reason) is your ticket to see Antarctica, otherwise this destination is inaccessible.
My dreaming of visiting the largest ice store on the planet began with a ship called the Marco Polo an, Orient Lines passenger cruise ship. The MS Marco Polo was a cruise ship originally built as ocean liner called the Aleksandr Pushkin for the Baltic Shipping Company. It was deemed an ice-breaker. After a major renovation, the ship sailed as Marco Polo for Orient Lines from 1993 to 2008. During my tenure with Orient Lines, a cruise line specializing in destination immersions, I had the luxury of sailing on this fascinating ship. Lars-Eric Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic (a pioneer in the travel to remote areas of the world) was friends with the owner of Orient Lines, Gerry Herrod, and I was asked to travel and lecture about Antarctica with Lars. We traveled extensively through Canada visiting many universities and lecturing about this cold continent. The Polar Regions are continually calling me - I have been invited several times to sail to Antarctica. Via The Marco Polo which at the time my children were babies and I could not take them. A few years ago, PONANT offered me a cruise to Antarctica during the December holiday for which I again, could not go. Sadly, I have yet to visit a place that I am imagining will be a feast for all of my senses. The Arctic - My closest encounter with the Arctic Region was via the most majestic and gorgeous MS Sajafjord. She was awarded a 5 stars plus ranking by Berlitz Cruise Guide and consistently voted one of the 10 best cruise ships in the world. a 6-star cruise ship operated by Norwegian America Line. The Sagafjord was built by Société Nouvelle des Forges et Chantiers de la Méditerranée, France. Deep inside the Arctic Circle and only 500 miles from the North Pole at its most northerly point, the Svalbard archipelago offers a truly Arctic experience at the edge of the inhabitable world. Nordvest-Spitsbergen National Park is located on the Norwegian Arctic Archipelago of Svalbard and includes parts of north-west Spitsbergen and nearby islands such as Danes Island and Moffen. It contains, among other things, warm springs and remains of volcanoes in Bockfjorden. If the Arctic is not calling you (yet) , there are many warm weather destinations to choose from and here is a link to specials which some of the most knowledgeable and well-traveled travel advisors keep up to date. https://www.cruisecompete.com/specials/ I n summary - If you are dreaming of a way to enrich and thrill your senses, contemplating a cruise and ultimately sailing on a voyage will thrill you and your family. Bon Voyage! Warm wishes, Heidi
Policies subject to change without notice, always check with your travel agent regarding pregnancy policies and children age policies prior to booking your cruise.
Your Vacation is the Most Important Two Weeks of Your Year. Don’t Trust It to Just Anyone!
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Throughout this book, we will provide links to helpful sites, including CruiseCompete.com. CruiseCompete.com does not sell travel; it is a free and anonymous service that helps cruisers find the best values for their cruise vacation. Consumers simply submit a ship name and sail date with a few other pieces of relevant information. Top travel agencies then craft custom responses to meet the specific needs of the consumer. Cruisers are notified by e-mail when new quotes are available, so they can view these quotes and contact the agencies directly to book their trips. (For people who need help choosing a cruise, a CruiseCompete member-agency offers Live Agent Help.) CruiseCompete, LLC is an independent organization. It is not a travel agency nor owned by a travel agency. It provides member travel agents with a steady stream of easy-to-manage, highly qualified leads. CruiseCompete: Since Our Inception in 2003, We’ve Received Compliments and Mentions from Many of the World’s Most Influential Publications and Writers: From the AARP and Fodor’s to The Wall Street Journal to Kiplinger, MSNBC, The Street , Newsday , Travel + Leisure , USA Today , The Washington Post , The New York Times , Zagat, The Miami Herald , The Chicago Tribune , Gayot, The Detroit News, and more. The compliments and mentions here can give you insight into our website and why we are so highly acclaimed with travelers and the media alike!
Zagat “5 Great Websites to Search for Amazing Cruise Offers” CNN.COM “…Specify which cruise ship you want…agencies then get back to you with best deals they have…”
Fodor’s “How to Choose the Right Cruise…”
AARP “Great Ways to Save – 16 Ways to Travel Cheap – Number 6” The Wall Street Journal
“The Best in…” See Full Stories http://www.cruisecompete.com/press_quotes.php
2023 Sea Tales Family Cruise Travel Planner
T able of C ontents
Introduction – Dispelling Some Myths and Finding the Right Cruise for Your Family Chapter I – Top 10 Family–Friendly Cruise Lines Chapter II – Thinking of Taking a Cruise While You’re Expecting? It’s a Great Idea!
Chapter III – Baby–Friendly Cruising: Should You Take a Nanny or Use Onboard Babysitters and Kids’ Programs? Chapter IV – Wonder How You’ll All Make It for Seven Days Together? Ten Great Ideas for Things to Do with Your Children on a Cruise Chapter V – Tips for Parents Cruising with Teens and Tweens Chapter VI – Private Islands Make Fabulous Memories for Families Chapter VII – “Wow” Activities That Will Thrill Your Children and Transform Your Idea of the Family Cruise Experience Chapter VIII – Family Dining Options Chapter IX – Family Staterooms Chapter X – Games and TV Shows Brought to Life Chapter XI – Setting Vacation Expectations Chapter XII – Inside Information on Shore Excursions, the Most Sought-After Cruise Experience Chapter XIII – Family Reunions With a Splash: Is a Cruise Right for Your Family? Chapter XIV – Celebrating Milestones: Holidays, Graduations and Family Reunions on a Cruise Chapter XV – What’s Your Ideal Cruise Ship Size? Chapter XVI – Contemporary Cruises Chapter XVII – Upscale Contemporary Cruises Chapter XVIII – Premium Cruises Chapter XIX – Ultra–Premium / Luxury
Chapter XX – Ultra–Luxury Cruises Chapter XXI – Luxury Hotel Barges Chapter XXII – River Cruises Chapter XXIII – Expedition Cruises Chapter XXIV – Small Ship Cruises and Lines with Sailing Vessels and Yachts Chapter XXV – Polar regions Chapter XXVI – The Expedition Lines & Their Ships Chapter XXVII – Summary Chapter XXVIII – About CruiseCompete About the Author: Heidi Allison P lease N ote , A ll content in this ebook is subject to change without notice .
Policies subject to change without notice, always check with your travel agent regarding pregnancy policies and children age policies prior to booking your cruise.
2023 Sea Tales Family Cruise Travel Planner
I ntroduction D ispelling S ome M yths and F inding the R ight C ruise for Y our F amily Thinking of cruising with your family? Cruises make for an excellent family vacation, but it’s important to plan carefully if you want to find the cruise that’s right for everyone in your clan. The experts at CruiseCompete have done the research for you, covering the entire spectrum of options with information on mainstream lines like Disney, Royal Caribbean, Carnival and NCL, as well as unique alternatives like luxury, river and small ship excursion companies. It’s important to remember that not all cruise lines have children’s programs. Some lines have minimum age requirements for children (and pregnancy policies for expectant parents!), and others don’t permit children to sail at all. If you’re planning a family vacation, pick a cruise line that meets your specific needs, where the kids will be entertained and you can actually enjoy your time on board. It will feel much more like money well spent that way. This guide is designed to kick-start your planning. You’ll find all the information in an easy-to-read format, with brief summaries so you can see at a glance if the cruise line fits your basic requirements, followed by more detailed information about the atmosphere on board, the destinations you can travel to, and the specific children’s programs available for your kids. Let’s begin by dispelling some commonly held misconceptions about cruising.
Myth No. 1: Cruises are too expensive for a family vacation.
Reality: A cruise is actually one of the best travel values out there. Most cruises include your selected shipboard accommodations, 24-hour cabin service, standard meals in the dining room and/or various buffets, ports of call, and most entertainment aboard the ship. Children’s programs are also included. On some lines, even airfare and transfers may be included. In addition, many lines are now moving toward a completely all-inclusive format, which makes your cruise experience even more streamlined and simple. Even with all these included amenities, a seven-night cruise generally costs less than seven nights at a comparable resort. The food alone, breakfast, lunch, snacks poolside, dinner and cookies and milk at a resort add significant costs to a land vacation.
Myth No. 2: People only take cruises when the weather turns cold.
Reality: Cruise travel is a year-round pastime. Sure, it is a great way to beat the cold, but families also take cruises during the summer months when children are out of school. Regardless of the time of year, you can find the perfect cruise for your family. Cruises to the Caribbean and Bahamas run year-round, the Alaska cruising season runs May through September, Europe runs from April through November, Bermuda runs from April through October, and the Panama Canal runs between September and April.
Policies subject to change without notice, always check with your travel agent regarding pregnancy policies and children age policies prior to booking your cruise.
Myth No. 3: You have to have a lot of time for a cruise vacation.
Reality: Cruise lengths actually vary significantly to meet personal tastes. They can vary from a quick three-day jaunt to a world cruise that lasts 100 days or more. It all depends on what you want; there’s no shortage of cruise itineraries to meet your needs.
Myth No. 4: We’ll get bored: there’s nothing to do on a cruise.
Reality: Cruise ships are floating resorts, with plenty of fun for everyone. The flurry of activities on board a cruise ship is amazing; typical activities include shore excursions, water sports, pool activities, fitness centers, live entertainment, casinos, bingo, dance lessons, talent contests, karaoke, wine tasting, rock wall climbing, spas, movies and much more. Most days are spent in exotic ports with plenty to see and do. If you have a special interest, the lines cater to these as well: golfers can play challenging, top-ranked island courses (extra fees may apply), gourmets love the dining, and explorers can find a different adventure in every port. In addition, all of the major cruise lines offer organized programs and camps for children. They can participate all day, or only in specific activities. This provides for both fun family time and a chance for parents to relax on their own. Daycare and babysitting services are also available. Myth No. 6: What if there’s a medical emergency? We’ll be in the middle of the ocean with no medical services. Reality: Virtually every cruise ship has a fully equipped medical facility and staff on board to handle almost any emergency. The cruise lines also have precautions in place if a person has to be evacuated to a hospital on land. If you have concerns, be sure to speak with your travel agent to get specifics on the line’s policies. Some tips: Be sure to purchase trip insurance. Most lines cover these types of medical emergencies Prescription medication should be kept close at hand in a purse or carry-on, rather than in checked luggage. Carry a written list of medications with dosages, in case your medications get lost.
Myth No. 7: Cruise ships spend all their time at sea; we won’t see anything!
Reality: Cruise vacationers actually have the opportunity to spend quite a bit of time on land. Virtually every cruise features multiple ports of call, giving travelers a chance to visit beautiful, secluded beaches, vibrant cities, and popular tourist sites, as well as to enjoy breathtaking scenery. Every port offers a unique experience. Ships usually arrive in port early in the morning, allowing plenty of time for shopping, dining, visiting historical sites and exploring the area. Planned excursions , arranged by the ship’s staff or local sightseeing companies, also are available at an extra cost.
Myth No. 8 There aren’t any healthy options on board for my family.
Reality: While cruises are known for having plenty of food available, cruise lines are very aware of the healthy-eating
2023 Sea Tales Family Cruise Travel Planner
lifestyles of many cruisers. Every meal offers healthy choices as part of their already extensive food selections, which are prepared under the direction of some of the greatest chefs in the world. Plus, there are plenty of activities on board and off to help people burn away any extra calories during their vacation.
Myth No. 9: A cruise ship cabin is claustrophobic; my family will be climbing the walls!
Reality: An inside economy cabin does tend to be small and usually lacks a window. An outside cabin (ocean view) has a window or porthole, while a balcony (verandah) cabin has a glass door leading to a balcony that is usually equipped with a small table and chairs. Most ships feature larger suites for those who truly need more space, but realistically, with all the goings-on on board, most passengers spend a limited amount of time in their cabins, and it’s a non-issue.
Myth No. 10: We’ll probably all get seasick on a cruise.
Reality: Even if you suffer from motion sickness during car rides or on airplanes, it is unlikely you will become seasick on a cruise ship. Due to their immense size and the stabilizers that all ships are equipped with, you probably won’t notice any motion at all. Some parts of the ocean, however, are rougher than others. If you do get seasick, medications are available on board to get you back on your feet quickly.
Myth No. 11: We’ll be completely out of touch and unreachable at sea.
Reality: While some people relish the thought of getting away from it all, the cruise industry realizes many folks want (or need) to stay in touch. Cell phone connectivity is standard across the industry, and wireless Internet has progressed in leaps and bounds in recent years. As an example, Royal Caribbean’s 4,180-passenger ship Quantum of the Seas has enough bandwidth that friends and family can follow along on your cruise, watching what’s happening via tweets, Facebook, and other social media posts—even your personal blog, if you have one. These developments are of course a response to passengers’ need to be fully connected while on vacation. It’s a huge leap forward in technology, as historically Internet connections aboard ships have been much slower than on land, and data restrictions are in place. Fees currently range from $15 to $30 a day for unlimited usage. Armed with the facts, you’re ready to start preparing for your family cruise vacation. In these pages, you’ll read about the different types and sizes of ships, what to expect from the lines, what’s included in your cruise, and more. Learn more about the programs, activities, and entertainment on board, as well as what the cruise lines offer for onshore activities. We hope you’ll find all the answers you’re looking for (and learn much, much more!) to get your family cruise vacation kick-started. Happy planning!
Policies subject to change without notice, always check with your travel agent regarding pregnancy policies and children age policies prior to booking your cruise.
C hapter I
T op 10 F amily -F riendly C ruise L ines CruiseCompete believes that every family can have a world-class cruise experience, whatever the size of their family and whatever their interests, budget, and needs. We have researched thousands of reviews from travelers on every ship and cruise line. These reviews gave us deep insight into every cruise line, ship, and destination in this book. After tabulating all the reviews, we discovered which family-friendly cruise lines really stood out. This chapter looks in detail at the top ten—the best of the best. Royal Caribbean International – Upscale Contemporary Disney Cruise Line – Premium Norwegian Cruise Line – Upscale Contemporary Princess Cruises – Premium MSC Cruises – Upscale Contemporary Carnival Cruises – Contemporary Celebrity Cruises – Premium Holland America Line – Premium Crystal Cruises – Ultra-Luxury A&K Travel acquired Crystal Cruises brand and ships Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony; more information soon. Cunard Line – Ultra-Premium
#1: Royal Caribbean International Minimum Age: Six months (twelve months for transatlantic, transpacific, Hawaiian, select South American, and other selected cruises.) Children’s Programs: Extensive Babysitting: Yes Tickets: www.cruisecompete.com/lines/royal_caribbean_cruises.html O verview
Royal Caribbean ships are resort cities at sea, offering the most varied and best-quality entertainment for the entire family of any cruise line around. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush or uninterrupted tranquility, these ships have it all. Try rock climbing, ice skating, or surfing 200 feet above the waves. Melt away land-based stress with a massage, build a scrapbook, or simply relax poolside. Royal Caribbean offers the ultimate in dining experience ambience, and variety, from casual to sophisticated, cupcakes to canapés. World-class entertainment is available around the clock, from Broadway musicals, to ice skating spectaculars, to casinos and live comedy, as well as music, bars, clubs, and more. Children will never be bored thanks to the complimentary Adventure Ocean® Youth Program. The programs are packed with totally awesome stuff for babies, teens, and kids in between: everything from pajama nights and science experiments to scavenger hunts and theme parties.
Royal Caribbean International cruises are best for families both with and without children, active couples, and singles of all ages who love the fun of large ships and diverse onboard activities. Even if you never left the ship, you would feel you had an amazing vacation.
Policies subject to change without notice, always check with your travel agent regarding pregnancy policies and children age policies prior to booking your cruise.
D estinations Alaska Arabian Gulf & North Africa Asia Australia / New Zealand Bahamas Bermuda Canada / New England Caribbean
Europe Hawaii Pacific Northwest Panama Canal Private Island - Perfect Day at Cococay
Repositioning South Pacific Transatlantic Transpacific M inimum A ge
Infants sailing on a cruise must be at least 6 months old as of the first day of the cruise and/or CruiseTour. However, for transatlantic, transpacific, Hawaii, select South American and other selected cruises and/or CruiseTours, the infant must be at least 12 months old as of the first day of the cruise/CruiseTour. For the purposes of this policy, any cruise that has 3 or more days consecutive at sea will require infants to be 12 months old on the first day of the cruise/cruisetour. B abysitting The Babies and Tots Nursery offers parents a drop-off option in the daytime and evening, where their children can be left in the trusting care of trained professionals for an hourly fee. Kids and teens can enjoy activities late into the evening in the Adventure Ocean and teen-only spaces. An hourly rate applies after 10 pm . P regnancy P olicy Royal Caribbean International cannot accept guests who will be more than 23 weeks pregnant at any time during the cruise or CruiseTour. The Guest and treating physician should consider before any cruise that there is no Obstetrician/Gynecologist available on the ship, and that pregnancies, when unstable and poorly controlled, are potentially life-threatening, especially without back up. A Guest may be at sea for several days without any immediate hospital and/or specialist back up, and that since the proposed itinerary is not within the U.S., and the availability of specialized shore side facilities can be problematic. All guests are required to fill out a Public Health Questionnaire prior to arrival or at the pier attesting that they are not more than 23 weeks pregnant. If you have already booked a cruise or cruise tour and do not meet this requirement, please contact your Travel Advisor.
2023 Sea Tales Family Cruise Travel Planner
Policies subject to change without notice, always check with your travel agent regarding pregnancy policies and children age policies prior to booking your cruise. Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau-Alaska
C hildren ’ s P rograms Infants and Toddlers (0–3 years)
Royal Caribbean International offers Royal Babies® and Royal Tots® interactive playgroup sessions developed by early childhood experts at Fisher-Price®. Each 45-minute session, held on one of the onboard lounges, offers activities that make playtime learning time as well. Children (3–11 years) Royal Caribbean offers a complimentary, award-winning Adventure Ocean® Youth Program for children. Divided by age group, it offers everything from pirate parties and a Jurassic Jr. exploration of dinosaurs, to science experiments and dance parties, to scavenger hunts, sports tournaments, talent shows, and video game tournaments. Every member of the youth team has extensive education and experience working with children. Children must be 100% toilet trained and diaper and pull-up free. Tweens and Teens (12–17 years) Royal Caribbean recognizes that teens are also getting a vacation, not just being looked after. They provide both pre-planned events and a teen-only lounge and nightclub where the older kids can just hang out with people their own age. Pre-planned events include sports competitions, movie nights, talent shows, pool parties, karaoke, Sample Activities by Age Group for Teen Programming Teens (12 - 14 years): Sports Tournaments * Pool Parties * Scavenger Hunts * Karaoke * Themed Dance Parties * Video Games * Nintendo© Wii * Teens (15 - 17 years): Pool Parties * DJ Training * Battle of the Sexes * Karaoke * Casino Night * Themed Dance Parties * Nintendo© Wii-Guitar Hero * Movies Island Activities: Beach Parties * Beach Volleyball * Hermit Crab Hunt * Sand Castle Building * Sea Shell Collecting * Rocket Launch * Water Balloon Toss
#2: Disney Cruise Line Minimum Age: Six months for most sailings; 12 months for certain destinations Children’s Programs: Extensive Babysitting: Yes Tickets: www.cruisecompete.com/lines/disney_cruises.html O verview
For a line that’s focused on kids and their families, and which offers comfortably casual cruise experiences, Disney has created elegant, modern ships with features that can be appreciated by young and old alike. The oversize staterooms can accommodate a family of four (some family cabins hold six); all have bathtubs (a must for little kids), TV, hair dryers, and safes; and about 40% have verandas. Some cabins have the luxury of an added half-bath. As might be expected from Disney, the children’s programs are exceptional at every level, from the nurseries to the teen options. There are hands-on science programs, high-tech interactive programs, treasure hunts, and just about everything to amuse, entertain, and enrich young passengers. Depending on the ship, older kids might get video games, listening stations, smoothie bars, and even outdoor hot tubs. The technology throughout the newer ships—high-speed computers, motion
2023 Sea Tales Family Cruise Travel Planner
Policies subject to change without notice, always check with your travel agent regarding pregnancy policies and children age policies prior to booking your cruise.
sensors, and LCD screens—is so dazzling that adults, too, are drawn to the interactive “art” and the “magic” floors. Disney has wisely created adults-only areas (restaurants, lounges, clubs, and spas) on all ships, as well as on the line’s private island, Castaway Cay. The Disney Dream, for example, has a section called The District, which encompasses several lounges and nightclubs and caters to adults in the evening. As the passenger list is composed mostly of families, the adults-only areas are generally pleasantly uncrowded. Disney cruises are best for anyone who loves the magic of Disney and wants a big-ship cruise experience rich with activities for the whole family. They’re perfect for family reunions and multigenerational families who understand and appreciate the Disney product.
D estinations Alaska
Bahamas Bermuda Canada Caribbean Disney’s Castaway Cay
Europe Hawaii Mexico
Pacific Coast Panama Canal Transatlantic Specialty Cruises
Embark on unforgettable, themed voyages that are immersive, festive and fun for the entire family—an epic Star Wars Day at Sea, Marvel Day at Sea, Halloween on the High Seas and Very Merrytime Cruises.
M inimum A ge Your child needs to be at least 6 months of age on the day of sailing for most itineraries. The minimum age for transatlantic and Panama Canal itineraries is 1 year of age on the day of sailing. B abysitting Care for children from six months to three years of age is available at the It’s a Small World Nursery. We highly recommended that you make reservations prior to your cruise for the It’s a Small World Nursery due to limited availability. And additional fee does apply. P regnancy P olicy Women who have entered their 24th week of pregnancy as of their embarkation date or who will enter their 24th week of pregnancy during the cruise will be refused passage due to safety concerns. Neither a doctor’s medical statement nor a waiver of liability will be accepted. In addition, Disney Cruise Line cannot be held responsible or liable for any complications relating to pregnancy at any stage.
2023 Sea Tales Family Cruise Travel Planner
C hildren ’ s P rograms Infants and Toddlers (0–3 years)
It’s A Small World Nursery Ship Locations: Disney Magic
Disney Wonder Disney Dream Disney Fantasy
Experience Type: Youth Clubs Good For: Kids Exclusive, Preschoolers, Kids Kids can romp, rest and do everything in between at this internationally themed childcare center. Quality Care, Unmatched Convenience Parents: Enjoy grownup time knowing your little ones are being looked after and entertained by expert Disney counselors. At It’s A Small World” Nursery, youngsters from 6 months to 3 years old (or from 1 to 3 years old on Transatlantic and Panama Canal itineraries) can play games, make crafts, watch movies or even take a nap while you embark on adventures of your own. Reservations and Rates Because space at It’s A Small World Nursery is extremely limited, plan to book your child’s stay as early as possible. Know Before You Go Get important information on what to bring, policies regarding special needs children and other relevant details. Children (3–11 years)
Disney’s Oceaneer Club Ship Locations: Disney Magic
Disney Wonder Disney Dream Disney Fantasy
Experience Type: Character Experiences, Youth Clubs Good for: Kids Exclusive, Preschoolers, Kids
Children 3 to 12 years old can interact with Disney characters—and each other—as they explore multi-themed magical lands. Immerse Yourself in Imagination Step into worlds inhabited by some of your favorite characters at this kids’ activity center filled with surprises.
Policies subject to change without notice, always check with your travel agent regarding pregnancy policies and children age policies prior to booking your cruise.
2023 Sea Tales Family Cruise Travel Planner
On the Disney Dream Explore themed lands filled with fabulous fun and enchanting character experiences you’ll never forget! On the Disney Fantasy Journey to interactive play spaces packed with magical activities, games and experiences from your favorite Disney films! On the Disney Magic Travel to these delightfully fun destinations—including MARVEL Super Hero Academy, where superheroes rule! On the Disney Wonder Set sail for interactive play spaces packed with magical activities, games and experiences from your favorite Disney films! Registration, Check-In and More Pre-register your child for Disney’s Oceaneer Lab or you can register once onboard your ship.
Disney’s Oceaneer Lab Ship Locations: Disney Magic
Disney Wonder Disney Dream Disney Fantasy
Experience Type: Youth Clubs, Character Experiences Good For: Kids Exclusive, Preschoolers, Kids
Children 3 to 12 years old can play and learn at sea through imaginative themed activities and games, offered daily. Designed for Kids, Dedicated to Exploration At this highly interactive space, play games, perform crazy experiments and discover all kinds of activities! On the Disney Dream Discover a treasure trove of entertaining activities that catapult kids to new creative heights! Read More In the ocean themed Wheelhouse room at Disney’s Oceaneer Lab, kids play high tech interactive video games On the Disney Fantasy Encourage your kids to explore their creativity—from games and guided activities to science labs, workshops and more! On the Disney Magic Escape to Never Land aboard Captain Hook’s pirate ship… spirited adventures await, me hearties! On the Disney Wonder Weigh anchor, hoist the mizzen and heave ho for spirited adventures in Never Land aboard Captain Hook’s ship!
Policies subject to change without notice, always check with your travel agent regarding pregnancy policies and children age policies prior to booking your cruise.
Registration, Check-In and More You may register your child for Disney’s Oceaneer Lab either at the terminal or once onboard your ship. Tweens and Teens (11–17 years)
Edge Ship Locations: Disney Magic Disney Wonder Disney Dream Disney Fantasy
Experience Type: Youth Clubs, Sports & Recreation Good For: Tween-Exclusive, Tweens
At this activity center just for tweens, watch movies, play games, enjoy arts and crafts and more with other cruisers your age. Why Should Teens Have All the Fun? Now tweens have their very own place to play, make new friends and participate in a variety of awesome activities! Let the Games Begin! Edge hosts a range of engaging daily activities led by cool Disney counselors. From ship-wide scavenger hunts to imaginative role-playing, these high-energy interactive games are designed to inspire creativity, bonding and teamwork. On the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy Located inside the Forward Funnel on Deck 13, this ultra-cool retreat is laden with high-tech amenities tweens will love. On the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder Calling all tweens: Kick back and hang out in an inviting lounge—designed to look like an old boiler room— with flat-screen TVs, multiple gaming systems and a dance floor. Or enjoy music, arts and crafts, karaoke, scavenger hunts, selfie walls, themed nights of fun and much more. At this activity center located on Deck 9, Midship, feel right at home and delight in things to do designed just for you.
Vibe Ship Locations: Disney Magic Disney Wonder Disney Dream Disney Fantasy
Experience Type: Youth Clubs Good For: Teen-Exclusive, Teens
At this teens-exclusive space, chill out, listen to music, watch TV, play group games and more with cruisers your age.
2023 Sea Tales Family Cruise Travel Planner
A Happening Haven Just for Teens From teens-only dance parties to karaoke to just kickin’ it, there’s tons of fun stuff to get psyched about! On the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy Part nightclub, part sundeck, totally awesome: Hang out, kick back and make new friends at this super-cool teen retreat. On the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder Housed in the iconic red Forward Funnel of your ship, this open-plan lounge is the spot to socialize with other teens. This highest point of the ship is sure to also be the high point of your teen’s cruise! We’ve Got It Goin’ On Vibe hosts a range of fun-filled daily activities that teens choose themselves at the beginning of their cruise. Designed to encourage active participation, peer bonding and teamwork, these interactive games are a great way for teens to break the ice and get to know one another. For specific activity dates and times, check the Personal Navigator newsletter or Disney Cruise Line Navigator mobile app while onboard the ship. #3: Norwegian Cruise Line Minimum Age: Six months (12 months for voyages with three days or longer at sea) Children’s Programs: Extensive Babysitting: Yes Tickets: www.cruisecompete.com/lines/norwegian_cruises.html O verview Norwegian Cruise Line revolutionized the industry in 2000 when it introduced “Freestyle Cruising,” which allowed passengers greater freedom to dine when they like (with extended restaurant hours), where they like (with a number of alternative venues), with whom they like (with open seating), with freedom to dress as they please (with a “resort casual” dress code at night), and other relaxations of the usual cruise ship procedures. One of the most appealing freestyle elements is Norwegian’s disembarkation procedure, which is far more relaxed and pleasant than is usual on other large vessels. Moving to create one of the industry’s youngest and most modern fleets, Norwegian eliminated some of its older ships and added four Jewel-class ships between 2005 and 2008. But the biggest step forward was made with the new F3-class design of the Norwegian Epic and the Norwegian Breakaway, which have more than twenty dining venues (with electronic reservation systems), luxury villas, interconnecting cabins, family-suitable suites, multi-purpose indoor and outdoor spaces, huge waterparks, bowling alleys, champagne bars, ice bars, solo cabins (the first in the industry), and superior live entertainment. At a time when air travel is becoming increasingly unpleasant, especially for families, Norwegian offers departures from a number of US homeports, including New York, Seattle, New Orleans, Boston, and Tampa. Also appealing: the line often advertises excellent discount deals, such as $99 children’s fares and complimentary onboard credits. NCL is the only cruise line that offers year-round Hawaii cruises. There is so much to see and do aboard Norwegian’s newer ships: dance productions, world-class magicians, great comedy shows, fireworks at sea, a “hot” ice bar, and a wealth of dining options to satisfy any foodie , not to mention families. There’s generally a surcharge for specialty dining and reservations are required (savvy passengers, hit the electronic reservations ASAP to avoid disappointment!). Regardless of the event or dining venue, no one is ever required to put on formal dress; resort casual is fine for restaurant dining and the usual shorts and flip-flops are okay for almost everything else.
Policies subject to change without notice, always check with your travel agent regarding pregnancy policies and children age policies prior to booking your cruise.
Norwegian ships feature full-service Mandara spas, which also offer popular specialties like teeth whitening. Typical clientele includes a mix of age groups, such as the usual mature travelers, but also young families and couples, both straight and gay. Most travelers are American, but also include other English speakers from the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. Norwegian cruises are best for adults and families who want a fun and lively cruise experience where there are few rules or fixed schedules. They’re also good for solo travelers who don’t want to pay a single supplement.
D estinations Africa Alaska Antarctica Asia Australia and New Zealand Bahamas Baltic Bermuda Canada and New England Caribbean Europe Greek Isles Hawaii Mediterranean Mexican Riviera
Pacific Coastal Panama Canal Private Island - Great Stirrup Cay South America Transatlantic M inimum A ge
Infants sailing on board a Norwegian vessel must be at least six months of age at time of sailing. However, for voyages that have three or more consecutive days at sea, infants must be at least twelve months old at time of sailing.
B abysitting Norwegian doesn’t offer babysitting but instead Group Sitting Services for children aged 3-12 every night from 10:30 pm to 1:30 am , and on port days while the ship is docked. Parents are encouraged to sign up in advance for both services. If no children are signed up or dropped off by 11:30 pm for the nightly service, the youth center will close for the evening. The fees are charged to your onboard account. Guppies Nursery is onboard the Norwegian Escape only. This is for children aged 6 months to under 3 years old. This is a fee-based group sitting program. Hours for this service vary per day and registration is required. Late night sitting is available some nights.
2023 Sea Tales Family Cruise Travel Planner
Policies subject to change without notice, always check with your travel agent regarding pregnancy policies and children age policies prior to booking your cruise.
P regnancy P olicy NCL will not accept guests who will have entered their twenty-fourth week of pregnancy by the time their travel with NCL concludes. A statement from the expectant mother’s doctor (letterhead form required) stating her due date and fitness to travel must be sent to NCL’s Access Desk .
C hildren ’ s P rograms Infants, Toddlers, and Children (6 months–12 years)
Splash Academy for Kids When your little ones are having a great time, you’re having a great time. Sign them up for our complimentary youth program where they can enjoy creative play, sports and more. From theme night activities to cool parties, our youth staff has a knack for this stuff. Activities & Age Groups Guppies Programs (6 months – under 3 years) Guppies (Parents required. Fleetwide) Sensory Play
Music and Movement Colors of the Rainbow Guppies Nursery (Drop off, fee based. Norwegian Escape only)
Self-Exploration Crafty Creations Messy Play
Turtles (3 - 5 Years) Arts & Crafts and Painting Circus School (Tiger Act) Developmental Activities Sensory Play Storytelling Parades/Treasure Hunt
Seals (6 - 9 Years) Circus Skills and Show (Scarf Juggling, Plate Spinning, Devil Sticks, and Rope Spinning) Theme Nights Painting Sports/Games Team-Building Challenges Parades/Treasure Hunts Video Games
2023 Sea Tales Family Cruise Travel Planner
Policies subject to change without notice, always check with your travel agent regarding pregnancy policies and children age policies prior to booking your cruise.
Dolphins (10 - 12 Years) Entourage Take-Over Circus Skills and Show (Stilts, Ball Juggling, Chinese Yo-Yo, Plate Spinner, Devil Sticks) Scavenger Hunts Themed Nights (Survivor/Spy) Sports/Team Building Video Games and Challenges Hours of Operations: Port Day: Port Arrival Time – 10:30 p.m. Sea Days: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m./2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m./7:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. Port Play / Late Night Fun Zone Drop off the kids to enjoy a shore excursion or a romantic night out. Available on days in port and every evening for children ages 3-12. Fees apply. Port Play Want some alone time? Then drop off the little ones at Port Play for free. Only a small fee applies for the supervision of your child(ren) during breakfast, lunch, and dinner hours.
Late Night Fun Zone
Planning a romantic dinner for two? Leave the kiddies in safe hands any day of the week at Late Night Fun Zone. Small fee applies.
Hours of Operations: Late Night Fun Zone: 10:30 p.m. - 1:30 a.m. It is recommended that children be signed up by 8:00 p.m. the day prior. Teens (13–17 years) Entourage for Teens
Run off and play whilst your teenagers hang out in a place filled with video games, movies, arts, music, sports and people their own age. From the coolest lounge at sea to the hippest dance club at night, there’s always something going on at our teen centers. Best of all, it’s all complimentary and supervised. Get Creative Express yourself! Teens can show off their creativity and personality with our crazy music jams through dancing, singing, or by just being artsy through creating balloon sculptures or graffiti masterpieces. Circus Skills Learn and showcase your circus skills from walking on stilts to juggling all to come together in the end of sailing circus performance! The skills will last a lifetime. Lights, Camera, Action Hunt it down and wear it well, we want to see your fashion style. Or pick up a few cues from our improv classes and let your character shine in the spotlight.
2023 Sea Tales Family Cruise Travel Planner
Movies & WiiU Game on! Experience the latest in gaming or kick back and relax with a movie.
Sports Hit the court. It is time for dodgeball, soccer, basketball….you name it we play it. Test your skills against the Teen Counsellor! Themed Events Every night is a party! Dress to the nines and come in style. Check out College Night, White Hot Party, and Glow. Entourage is the place to be. The themes vary from ship to ship. #4: Princess Cruises Minimum Age: Six months or twelve months, depending on destination. The minimum age for escorted cruise tours is 5 years. Children’s Programs: Extensive Babysitting: In-cabin babysitting is not available on any ship. Tickets: www.cruisecompete.com/lines/princess_cruises.html O verview A good slogan for Princess might be: “Have It Your Way,” for the line has a fleet of different ship styles, sails itineraries all over the world, and successfully blends traditional cruise elements with more modern amenities. For example, the line has set seating, and also offers “Anytime Dining.” The entertainment mix includes traditional Vegas- style revues, talent shows, and comedians, not to mention “Movies Under the Stars.” The dining mix (which varies by ship) might include a New Orleans–style café or an Italian restaurant. The three-deck Piazza, a relatively new feature that’s being expanded to older ships, includes a 24-hour café, a wine bar, and Alfredo’s pizza, as well as shops and a performance venue. Princess ships have casinos, nightclubs, discos, and kids’ clubs. All have Lotus spas and fitness centers that offer yoga and other classes. Some spas feature alternative therapies like acupuncture; the newer ones have such medi-spa options as Botox and other fillers. Depending on the ship, activities might include art auctions and all kinds of classes, some of which carry a fee: computer technology, photography, ceramics, or cooking. The newest (Royal Class) ships have expanded piazzas, SeaWalks (glass-enclosed walkways), and Princess Live! (an interactive TV studio). Princess cruises include both formal nights (one for 7-to-13-night trips) and smart casual nights. Formal means a tuxedo or dark suit for men and gowns, cocktail dresses, or fancy-pants suits for women. “Smart casual” means pants and open- neck shirts for men and dresses, skirts, or slacks and sweaters or blouses for women. T-shirts, shorts, and halter tops are not allowed in the dining room, and shoes are required. Depending on the ship, fellow passengers can include family groups, couples, singles, or mature travelers. On the big or mid-size ships, you’ll find the broadest mix. Princess Cruises’ smaller ship, Pacific Princess—has fewer features that appeal to families and sail longer itineraries to more exotic ports, so it attracts older travelers. The mid-size and big ships are best for couples, families, multi-generational groups, and singles who enjoy an active environment and want many itinerary choices. For mature travelers who want a small-ship experience with few children, longer itineraries and off-the-beaten-path ports, the Pacific Princess is a good choice.
Policies subject to change without notice, always check with your travel agent regarding pregnancy policies and children age policies prior to booking your cruise.
D estinations Alaska Asia Australia and New Zealand California Coastal Canada and New England Caribbean
Europe Hawaii Japan Mexico Panama Canal
Private Island - Princess Cays South America and Antarctica South Pacific and Tahiti
Transatlantic World Cruise M inimum A ge Infants must be at least 6 months of age at the time of embarkation in order to sail.
Children must be at least 12 months of age at the time of embarkation to sail on trans-ocean crossings and remote itineraries, where there are more than 2 consecutive sea days. The minimum age for escorted cruise tours is five. B abysitting There is no in-cabin sitting available. But Princess does offer Late Night Group Kidsitting for children ages 3 to 12 years. It is offered in the Youth Centers from 10:00 pm to 1:00 am for a charge per hour per child. Kids can relax or play games with their friends while mom and dad have a relaxing night out. P regnancy P olicy Pregnant women are not allowed to sail if they are entering the twenty-fourth week of their pregnancy by the last day of the cruise. All pregnant women are required to produce a physician’s letter stating that mother and baby are in good health and fit to travel and asserting that the pregnancy is not high-risk. The letter must also include the estimated date of delivery calculated from both last menstrual period and ultrasound (if performed). Please ensure you have your doctor’s letter with you when you embark. C hildren ’ s P rograms Explorers Come in All Ages. And Princess Inspires Their Imaginations CAMP Discovery
Uniquely themed centers host engaging activities specially designed to help them play, huddle, create and discover.
Exciting Youth & Teen Clubs
2023 Sea Tales Family Cruise Travel Planner
Policies subject to change without notice, always check with your travel agent regarding pregnancy policies and children age policies prior to booking your cruise.
In partnership with Discovery™, Princess has developed engaging new youth programming and wonder-filled centers designed for our youngest guests.
Places for young explorers to learn about the world and discover new interests. Invitations to meet new friends and enjoy memorable experiences while sailing.
Infants and Toddlers (0–3 years)
Making Our Youngest Voyagers Feel Right at Home
Princess welcomes babies, toddlers and preschoolers to the world of cruising with services and amenities that make life easier for their families as well. These young guests are welcome in Camp Discovery when accompanied by a parent. Children (3–12 years) The Treehouse (3–7 years) This bright, whimsical, forest-themed center for children features hands-on activities and programs surrounded by captivating creatures. The Lodge (8–12 years) Inspired by the great outdoors, this cozy center is filled with sports activities and comfortable places for kids to explore, hang out and lounge. Our diverse kids cruise activities and programs offer every child what they need to spark curiosity, fuel creativity and inspire an active life. Here are just some of the highlights. Sports, Games, Physical Activities • Scavenger hunts, group games, basketball tournaments, ping pong competitions, dodgeball, skeeball, dance parties and more! • Try your skills on PlayStation®, Nintendo Wii™, and XBOX Kinect consoles, board games, air hockeyand ping-pong.
• Join dance classes and engage in friendly competitions.
• Enjoy sports including basketball, mini golf, yoga and miniature Olympics.
Places, Animals, Science
• Mythbusters Jawsome Sharks program: Try hands-on challenges, featuring Tori Belleci from the show. • Animal Planet™ uncovers ferocious secrets in Shark Attack , and learn squid anatomy in Just Squiddin’ Around . • Learn the science of magic or become an engineer for a day with programs from the California Science Center, home of the Endeavour space shuttle.
2023 Sea Tales Family Cruise Travel Planner
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