Showing posts with label family cruises. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family cruises. Show all posts

Sunday, October 20, 2019

Top 5 Reasons to Choose Royal Caribbean for a Family Cruise





Top 5 Reasons to Choose Royal Caribbean for a Family Cruise


Once upon a time cruises were considered a refined, maybe even stuffy, vacation where the average passenger was well past retirement age. Not anymore!

Today's cruise ships are stacked with fun for the entire family. Water parks? A bar with a robot bartender? Ice skating rink? World-class Broadway-style entertainment? YES, PLEASE!

I'm often asked what cruise line I recommend for family vacations. While there isn't one answer that is right for every family (I pride myself on getting to know my clients and making a custom recommendation tailored to their family's vacation style), Royal Caribbean is almost always high on my list of recommendations.

Here are my top 5 reasons for recommending Royal Caribbean for family cruises.


Family Suites

You will very rarely hear the word "spacious" and "stateroom" in the same sentence. In the past, finding a stateroom that would accommodate a family of 4 could be a challenge, and finding something for a family of 5 was darn near impossible. Even finding connecting staterooms was difficult as most cruise ships had a minimal number available and they booked up quickly. 

The newer Royal Caribbean ships were designed with families in mind. There are considerably more connecting staterooms in all category levels as well as family staterooms that can sleep up to six in one room. 

Planning a multigenerational trip with a larger group? You may want to consider one of the Royal Family Suites that comfortably accommodate up to 8 people and give you family space to hang out and relax. While a regular stateroom may not be considered spacious, you'll be impressed with the amount of space and amenities you'll enjoy when you book a suite!

If you really want to go all out and blow your kids minds, book one of the Ultimate Family Suites onboard the Symphony of the Seas! These two-bedroom suites will sleep up to 8 and have the most kid-tastic features such as a floor-to-ceiling LEGO wall, a slide from the secondary bedroom down into the living room, a dining room table that magically transforms into an air-hockey table (or is it the other way around!), and a movie room with a popcorn machine and a 3D television. And it doesn't stop there! Open the doors and head out to your 212 sq ft wrap-around balcony with a climbing playscape, a ping-pong table, a full-size hot tub, and unparalleled ocean views. It's truly the ultimate in family accommodations!
Ultimate Family Suite on board the Symphony of the Seasphoto ©SBW-Photo


Kids Clubs for Ages 6 months to 17 Years

No matter what age your kids are, there is a kids club with dedicated space and age-appropriate activities just for them. 

Traveling with a baby? You'll find planned 45-minute interactive playgroups, interactive classes with enriching activities, and an expertly staffed nursery where your little one can stay with the childcare staff while you enjoy dinner, the spa, or just some adult time. (Check with your travel advisor… nursery drop off is not available on some ships).

The kids' clubs are divided by age group. The Aquanauts for ages 3-5, Explorers for ages 6-8 and Voyagers for ages 9-11. Teens are split into younger teens (ages 12-14) and older teens (ages 15-17). Each age group has its own dedicated spaces and supervised activities. There is never a dull moment and plenty of opportunities for your kids to make new friends and enjoy time on their own.

They even have a "Late Night Party Zone" for kids from 10 pm to 2 am for parents who want to enjoy a date night on their vacation. The kids' clubs are included in the cost of your cruise, however additional fees may apply for some activities, nursery drop off, and the late-night party zone.

Adventure Ocean on Allure of the Seasphoto ©Royal Caribbean International

Nightly Family Entertainment

After a day of fun in the kids' clubs, you may want to get the family together to enjoy some evening entertainment! There is no shortage of entertainment options for the whole family.

Royal Caribbean is known for their award-winning Broadway-style shows. The shows will vary based on the ship, but you'll find shows such as Mamma Mia, Hairspray, and the Queen Tribute, We Will Rock You. It's a great way to introduce your kids to this type of show in a more relaxed environment (and a slightly abbreviated show).

But it's not just musical theater! There are plenty of other entertainment options available as well. On Oasis Class Ships, head to the open-air-theater to be wowed by the professional acrobats, divers, and synchronized swimmers. The aqua-theater has two 30-foot diving platforms, tightropes, and the deepest pool at sea. The show is like nothing else you've experienced before!

On many ships, you can also enjoy Royal Caribbean's original productions in their ice-skating rink. These dramatic shows feature professional skaters, dazzling costumes, and engaging choreography.

With all of these different options, you can enjoy a different type of family entertainment each night…. All included in the cost of your cruise!
Hairspray on Symphony of the Seasphoto ©SBW-Photo



Tons of Dining Options… and you won't have to dress up for dinner!

Dining has always been a very important feature of cruises… but things have certainly changed as more cruise lines moved to focus on families. On Royal Caribbean ships, dinner is still an event each evening but it is no longer as structured as it used to be. And (much appreciated by the kids!) you no longer have to dress up for dinner unless you want to. You'll find passengers wearing everything from casual cruise wear to cocktail attire… the choice is yours. It is your vacation after all! 

In addition to the traditional main dining rooms and casual buffet options, you'll find an assortment of specialty dining options. Enjoy burgers and shakes at Johnny Rockets, take in the table-side show at Teppanyaki, savor the mouthwatering steaks at Chops, or indulge in the delicious pasta dishes at Jamie's Italian… once again, the choice is yours!

 Want a date night for Mom and Dad? Send the kids to the late night kids club and make a reservation for one of the fine dining establishments. Enjoy a specialty cocktail and a quiet dinner for two… you deserve it!

While dinner in the main dining room, buffets, and select casual restaurants is included in your cruise fare, many of the specialty restaurants require an additional fee. Talk to your travel advisor about the restaurants that your family may be interested in. They may recommend a specialty dining package that will save you money on your dining experiences.

Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine onboard Symphony of the Seasphoto ©SBW-Photo


You'll never hear them complain about being bored!

If you've never cruised before… or even if you've never sailed with Royal Caribbean… you may have a hard time wrapping your head around just how much there is to do and see on the ship. 

 Wondering what types of activities you'll find waiting for you? How about…
a rock-climbing wall, surf simulator, sky diving simulator, zip line, mini-golf, water slides, ice skating, trivia contests, dance lessons, wine tastings, escape rooms, culinary classes, bingo, casino games, live music, karaoke, comedians, movies, dance parties, history and port lectures, art auctions, behind-the-scenes-tours… and so much more. (Note that not all activities are available on all ships. If there are specific activities that you are interested in, your travel advisor can direct you to the ships you should consider).

Many of the newer ships are like floating cities. They are made up of up to seven different "neighborhoods" and are taller than the Eiffel Tower, and every square inch is packed with fun for your family!
Ultimate Abyss onboard the Symphony of the Seasphoto ©SBW-Photo


The perfect family cruise starts with a vacation consultation. Just click here to contact me. We'll talk about what kind of cruise you are looking for and how I can help. After that, I'll put together a no-obligation quote for you to review and we can get started planning!

Sunday, September 15, 2019

18 Family Vacations- US Edition


Eighteen summers… at first it seems like you’ve got all the time in the world. You spend years chasing toddlers, driving carpool, building dioramas for the science fair. Countless hours of dance lessons, music recitals, and ball games. What feels like endless arguments over homework, cleaning their room, screen time, and more. The business of raising a family is work… and it never ends.

Then one day, sooner than you thought it would happen, you’re teaching them to drive, ordering a letterman jacket, shopping for a prom dress… and then it happens. One day the college brochures start filling your mailbox and you realize you’ve only got a few summers left.

Sure, they’ll be back from college on breaks, and you’ll still see them after they start their new, more independent life… but it won’t be the same.

Traveling with kids can be a challenge… but it’s worth it! Those experiences on family vacations are the type of memories that are deeply rooted and will be cherished for a lifetime.

Those 18 years go by quickly. It’s a bit cliché to say the years go by in a blink, but like all clichés that’s because it’s true. The countdown starts the day they were born, and no matter how much we may want to… we can’t slow it down.

In that spirit, we’ll be sharing 18 of our favorite family vacation suggestions over the next few weeks. Some are better suited for younger kids, some for teens… but most are fun for all ages. We’d love to help you pick out the perfect vacation for your family makeup for this year and beyond.
Here are a few of our favorite closer-to-home family vacation options…

No family vacation list is complete without Disney! A Walt Disney World vacation is almost a right of passage. Disney does a great job of immersing families in a carefree environment where everyone is a kid again. Whether you bring them when they are little and the “Disney magic” is very real, or you visit when they are older with more stamina for the parks and can enjoy seeing childhood favorites, a Disney vacation is a family vacation fairy tale dream come true. Disney holds a special place in our hearts, as our many trips to WDW helped our eldest become a confident traveler. And a hidden unknown gem, Disney's Vero Beach Resort. 

At one of the Beach Cottages at Disney's Vero Beach




U.S. National Parks
There are 412 National Parks in the US and among them you’ll find some absolute “must-dos” for family vacations. Yellowstone has geysers, hot springs, mountains lakes, and buffalo-filled valleys. Yosemite is filled with waterfalls, and unique granite rock formations, In Volcanoes National Park you can hike through a 500-year old lava tube or stand in awe of the “Glow Show” after dark at the Jaggar Museum and Overlook. The oddly shaped sandstone monuments that fill Arches National Park are the perfect backdrop for a family photo. And that’s just 4 of the parks… there are 408 more to choose from!  
Chain of Craters Volcano National Park Hawaii




The most challenging thing about a trip to D.C. with the kids is finding time to fit in all of the amazing attractions! The Smithsonian Institute museums have something for every interest and enough activities to keep the little ones engaged. The best piece of advice we can offer when planning to visit the Washington D.C. is definitely to plan ahead! Especially if touring the White House, visiting the National Archives to see the original Declaration of Independence, or check out where our money comes from at the Bureau of Engraving or Printing are on your wish list.

White House Tour


Family Cruise
Sailing the high seas is one of the best options for a stress-free vacation for families with kids of all ages. With almost all of your activities and dining included in your stateroom price, cruising can be a great value as well. 
Pre Christmas cruise on Princess Cruises's Caribbean Princess 

Cruises offer the perfect balance of high energy fun and relaxation. Crusing is an excellent way to see the world. While you may think of the Bahamas or Caribbean, there are also options for more adventurous families. Consider itineraries like Alaska, the Mediterranean, or the Baltics.

New York City
NYC is like a giant playground for kids of all ages. There is something for every interest under the sun. Explore world-class museums, zoos, iconic attractions, take in a Broadway show, take a food tour through Chinatown, Little Italy, and a host of celebrity restaurants, have ice cream at Serendipity and spend the afternoon wandering through Central Park.  One thing is for sure, there will be no time for boredom on this vacation.
New York City is the perfect place to take teenagers. Even the most jaded teen won’t be able to resist posting selfies from iconic NYC locations on Instagram and Snapchat.

Aloha! There’s no place quite like Hawaii. It’s the perfect relaxing beach vacation. No matter which island, or islands you pick, you can’t go wrong.

The Big Island of Hawaii is home to active volcanos, Kona coffee plantations, and lush gardens. Maui is a popular choice for many families with its abundance of gorgeous beaches, the scenic road to Hana, and quaint fishing villages like Lahaina.

On Oahu you can take in the solemn history of Pearl Harbor, the world-famous Waikiki, and try your hand at surfing the iconic waves of the North Shore. Then there is the unspoiled beauty of the island of Kauai with the dramatic Waimea Canyon, the towering cliffs of the Napali coast, and the beauty of Poipu Beach.



We’ve got 2 more weeks of suggestions to fill out your 18 summers of travel with your family. Be sure to check back next week to find out our top recommendations for European vacations with the family.

The perfect family vacation begins with scheduling your complimentary consultation. Click here to request a time for us to chat. We’ll discuss the details and what your vacation priorities. I’ll give you my suggestions and explain how we can best work together to plan the vacation of your dreams.

Sunday, September 8, 2019

Tips For Smooth Sailing When Cruising With Kids



Cruising is one of the most popular choices for a family vacation, and for good reason. It offers variety and adventure in one convenient package. You can sample multiple locations and cultures in one trip without the inconvenience of having to pack up and change hotels every few nights!

Cruising is an ideal way to travel for families with children. And staying in a floating resort with little ones doesn't have to be an exhausting experience either!

Preparation and planning is the key to a perfect family vacation with the kids to will avoid any bumps on the way.

Here are some tips to ensure smooth sailing with the young ones:

Pick a Cruise with Clubs for Kids
Whether you go for a mega-ship on a well-known, popular cruise line or a small luxury ship, the cruise experience will be much better if you make sure you select a ship with a kids' club that meets your needs.

Having a dedicated program to keep your kids busy makes the experience exciting for them and gives you the time to relax and enjoy a little bit of "adult time" on your own, something parents don't always get enough of at home! Kids' clubs provide you with a great way to balance fun family time and quality couple time on your vacation.
Oceaneer Club onboard the Disney Magic photo ©Disney. All rights reserved

While deciding on a cruise ship, take the time to look at the age requirements, kids programming schedules, and how the different age groups are organized. These details vary from one cruise line to another, so be sure you are selecting one that will work best for your family. Many kid programs require children to be entirely potty trained so check out the restrictions on the ship you choose.


Think of Sleeping Arrangements in Advance
If you're taking a family room, chances are you'll have a bunk bed in the cabin.  While top bunks always have safety rails in place, if you don't want to put your little one up top, a good solution might be an inflatable airbed for kids. Keep in mind you won't have a lot of floor space in your stateroom so the smaller, the better, and don't plan for anything larger than a twin!


Research the Ports of Call and Pre-Plan Activities for the Family
When it comes to cruising with kids, not all ports of call are created equal! While most will have a variety of excursions available for all ages, a few have very limited options for young children.

Your family can always choose to skip organized excursions all together and either stay on the ship or opt for a relaxed "beach day" instead.

 For clients who want to spend the day kicked back with their toes in the sand, I often suggest hotels in the area that allow you to book a day pass to use their private beach, pool, and facilities. Some even offer an all-inclusive option with food, beverages, and water sports included. I can also arrange for private tours and family-friendly activities other than those available from your cruise ship.



Use a Baby Carrier When You Get Off on Ports of Call
An umbrella stroller is great for when you're on board, but you need to prep for when you stop at ports of call. The basket under the umbrella stroller is not going to hold everything that you'll need. Gone are the days where you could head out with your sunhat, towel, and book. But no need to become pack mules yet!

If your little tot is tiny enough, take a baby carrier, and then carry your bags.



If You have a Toddler, Plan for Pool Restrictions
Cruise ships have pool restrictions for children that aren't potty-trained. The pools on board are salt-water. Without chlorine in the water, they are very sensitive to kids who are not yet potty-trained. If you are traveling with toddlers, look for a ship with water play areas they can enjoy even if they cannot go in the pools.


H2O zone on board the Freedom of the Seas photo ©Royal Caribbean International


Try Your Best to Keep Your Packing (and Unpacking) Compact
Space is limited, and within a few days, your living space can get chaotic pretty fast. Don't over pack and keep things organized while unpacking. Clean up every night before going to bed, no matter how tired you are from the day's activities, so you can rise to a new day of adventures without worrying about where the sunscreen is.

Also, plan on bringing a good umbrella stroller, a shoe organizer for the back of the cabin door to organize gear, and consider packing some snacks just in case indigestion or opposing food preferences.

Have a Contingency Plan to Deal with Motion Sickness
Keep salty snacks at hand and sea bands that use acupressure to alleviate nausea on hand for when seasickness strikes. Check the bar for ginger ale, which is excellent for stabilizing the digestive system. All ships will have a medical clinic on board for minor illnesses or injuries. They will usually have seasickness meds readily available to hand out (complimentary!) as needed.

If you love traveling with your family, or haven't taken a trip in a long time, a cruise is a great way to bring everyone together and have a blast while you're at it. It's great value for money and can be a new, exciting experience for you as well as the kids. I'd love to help you plan one!
go-kart track on the Norwegian Bliss photo ©NCL Holdings

The perfect family cruise starts with a vacation consultation. Just click here to visit my online calendar and find a time for us to chat. We'll talk about what kind of cruise you are looking for and how I can help. After that, I'll put together a no-obligation quote for you to review and we can get started planning!

Wednesday, May 29, 2019

Choose the Right Cruise for Your Family




When clients come to me looking for a “fun for the whole family” vacation with lots of activities for the kids but still gives Mom and Dad time for relaxation, a family cruise is almost always among my list of recommendations.


Cruises are an excellent way for families to see the world and have a ton of fun along the way. Cruise ships have become almost like a destination unto themselves… and they take you to some pretty exciting and scenic locations as well.

There are so many fantastic ships and itineraries out there that it can be hard to pick the one that is right for you.


Here are my top tips for things to consider for your first family cruise…


Get the kids involved in planning.

Find out what your kids feel is the most important part of a cruise vacation. Are they excited by the activities on the ship or by the adventures they can have in port? Are there specific things they want to experience or are looking forward to? There is something for everyone but knowing where everyone’s priorities lie will help you sort through the options.


Does size matter?

When it comes to choosing the right cruise ship for your family, size does matter. Smaller cruise ships feel more intimate, and your family may have an easier time finding your way around on board. You’ll have more interaction with the crew as well, but you may be one of the few families onboard. On the other hand, the larger “mega ships” have more activities and more options for dining. There may be more extensive kids programming available on the larger ships if that is something that is important to you.

Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class Ship
photo ©Royal Caribbean International




Short trip or longer escape?

Whether you are looking for a long weekend or a two-week holiday, there are cruise options available. Consider the amount of time you have for your vacation. Longer cruises allow for more sea days in addition to your days in port. Don’t underestimate the importance of having some time to explore and enjoy your cruise ship. Sea days often provide the relaxation that you are hoping to get from your vacation.
Relaxing on a Sea Day



How important are the dining options?

For many of my clients, dining is a huge part of their cruise vacation! Cruise lines can vary widely in their approach to dining. From the atmosphere to type of cuisine, the options are just about endless. Do you want traditional cruise dining with an assigned dining time, dining room and table where you get to know your wait staff and table mates? Or would you prefer a system with multiple dining options where things operate more like a restaurant where you can either make a reservation or show up when you are ready to eat and wait for the first available table? Do you want a ship where all of the dining options are included in the cost of your cruise, or do you want the opportunity to pay a nominal fee for specialty or premium restaurants on board (though free dining options are always available as well!)?



What type of accommodations do you want?

A cruise ship may feel like a floating hotel, but the type of rooms available are much less flexible. Many staterooms are only set up to accommodate 2 or 3 people with a limited number of rooms designed for 4. Families of 5 are even more limited in their choices. While some ships have a handful of larger rooms for groups of 5, others do not have options for more than 4 people. Are you looking for rooms that connect with a door between them? Those can be limited as well. You may need to book early to make sure you can get connecting rooms.


Stateroom considerations go far beyond just occupancy. How important is the view outside your room… or are you okay with sacrificing a view at all to save money? For some families, the ability to relax on your balcony while you have breakfast is non-negotiable. For others, an inside stateroom with no window at all is perfectly fine, but that saves hundreds is absolutely fine. And where do you want to be on the ship? Is proximity to the “action” like the dining rooms, kids’ clubs, and other activities important to you? Is anyone in your party susceptible to sickness? If so, your cabin location becomes very important.



Top Tip… Get Help from an Expert

An expert travel planner knows the right questions to ask to match your family to the perfect cruise ship and itinerary. They will also guide you through the process of selecting a stateroom that meets all of your needs and expectations and will assist you with planning activities and shore excursions that will be fun for all members of your travel party.


Travel professionals often have access to special pricing or amenities that are not available to the general public. Whether or not your selected sailing has special pricing available, a travel professional such as those here at Cruise Planners-Unique Family Adventures are well versed at ensuring that you get the best possible pricing for your cruise. They can advise you on your best options for everything from pre or post cruise hotel options to travel insurance and shore excursions. We have agents who have cruised as children and now are cruising with their children.

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Great Kid-Friendly Cruise Itineraries

When planning a family vacation, parents come back to a cruise vacation idea again and again.  That's because cruises continue to be one of the all-time best values for families - and they provide a low-stress way to unpack once but travel to several different ports of call.

Cruise lines are generally family friendly, and offer amenities that earn the respect of children everywhere - but not all cruises are created equal.  From rock-climbing walls to cupcake bakeries to off-boat adventures, here are some of the best itineraries for cruising with kids.



1. Alaska's Inside Passage

What Kids Love: Your reluctant students may complain about school from time to time, but the fact remains that kids are inquisitive; they enjoy learning from someone who's passionate about the topic.  Most cruise lines sailing Alaska hire naturalists to give lectures and lead hikes on land and skiff exploration on the water.  Special kid-focused itineraries customize the experience for the younger set.  Kids come away from their Alaska adventure having seen whales, sea lions, walrus, seals, otters, eagles and other native birds, bears, ans so much more.

What Parents Appreciate: Alaska is ideal for the first-time cruisers.  Ships travel along the calm, narrow waters of the Inside Passage and visit places like Juneau, Wrangell, Ketchikan, Tongass National Forest, Tracy  Arm, Glacier Bay, and Endicott Arm.  You would be hard-pressed to get seasick on one of these voyages.


2. Costa Rica

What Kids Love: Costa Rica offers a plethora of activities that kids love, from swimming and snorkeling (while parents relax on the shores of gorgeous palm-fringed beaches) to exploring the rain forest, to getting close to a real volcano (Masaya).  Sailing from port to port also offers amazing whale-watching opportunities, and its not uncommon for kids to see humpback whales breach.

What Parents Appreciate: Costa Rica is ideal for families that want a mix of active adventures(think ziplining or swimming with sea turtles) as well as more sedate activities (like onboard spa treatments and a restful day at sea).


3. Hawaii

What Kids Love: Hawaii enchants kids with its active volcanos, white sandy beaches mixed with gold and black grains, exotic luau-style foods like kaua pig (cooked in an underground pit) and haupia (coconut pudding).  Kids who love animals will be on the lookout for the endangered monk seals as well as dolphins and a variety of whales.

What Parents Appreciate: Hawaii is an incredibly romantic place to visit - even when you're got kids in tow. Topical drinks, walks on the beach, and sunset sails will be the highlights of this Hawaiian Islands sampler.

The cruise line of choice in Hawaii is Norwegian Cruise Line.  The 2138-passenger Pride of America offers 7-night roundtrip voyages  out of Honolulu (Oahu) with call on Kahului in Maui, Kauai, and both Kona and Hilo on the Big Island.  Norwegian recently invested $30 million to renovate and refresh Pride of America, so now's a good time to plan a trip to America's paradise.


4. The Ship As The Destination: Disney Cruise Line

What Kids Love: You can't exclude Disney Cruise Line when talking kid-approved cruises.  The important thing to know about DCL is that your child will enjoy any voyage.  The ports of call will be secondary, in their opinion.  What they will love are the encounters with Mickey, Minnie, and all the characters; fun onboard activities like the Sail-Away Celebration on embarkation day and Pirate Night; and amazing pools and "water coasters" (on Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy).

What Parents Appreciate: Parents are fond of Disney's supervised kids clubs so they can be sure their kids will enjoy their time spent meeting new friends in a safe environment.  Mom and Dad can make appointments at the spa, dine out at the adults-only Palo restaurant, or enjoy the nightclub while the kids play at the youth club.





Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Yes, Your Teens will Really Love that Disney Cruise!

       So, you have a family with older children and you are planning on taking a cruise with them.  As you research different cruise lines or ask your travel agent for suggestions your find out that one of the highest recommended cruise lines for families are the ships of Disney.  You know the name Disney and families are synonymous with the word fun; but only for families with younger kids.  Your kids are past the Mickey or Princess stage, and you envision a cruise with bored teens surrounded by screaming 4 year old kids and Disney characters.  That was my thought, as I was planning a cruise last winter to get away from the brutal weather we had in the Midwest.  My family, including my 17 and 13 year old sons, have taken plenty of cruises, and I will admit to being somewhat of a Disney geek.  Even after taking my kids to Disney World 13 times over the last 8 years, and the idea of a Disney cruise with my teens was never even considered.

       But after my wife convinced me to try a 3 night cruise on the Disney Magic to their private island Castaway Cay with the boys, all I can say is all my preconceived notions were wrong and WOW!  Everything we love about staying at Disney World; including the service, the professionalism, the magic, and and the variety of age appropriate activities for everyone was also surprisingly found on the Disney Magic.  The layout of the ship never made it feel crowded, and allowed for both the adults and the teens to have their own areas and activities.  Disney has great kids clubs that are organized by age. Both my 17 and 13 year old sons where in different clubs with other kids their age.  From the activities and age appropriate parties organized by the counselors, to just hanging out and  getting free ice cream, they both admitted they had a blast.

       What my wife and I loved was the great adult only areas and activities; including a great pool, coffee bar and and great adult only restaurant, Palo, we never felt that we where surrounded by hundreds of children.  Then add the great shows, and the great food, and the water slides, and the movies, and the activities on Castaway Cay, and... well all I can say is everyone admitted to having a great time and wished the cruise had lasted longer, and my kids keep asking when we are doing our next Disney cruise.  So take it from a man who was hesitant, and find out what thousands of other families already know: Disney Cruises are a great time for the entire family, no matter what their ages.  And to answer my boys question; ASAP!!