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.

Get Your Hula On!

Hawaii, for those of us east of the Mississippi is one of those once in a lifetime or once every few years type of trips, well 4 year ago we made our first trip to Hawaii. We were there for around 2 weeks and spent 2 days in Honolulu and time on Kauai and the Big Island. 2 week+ vacations are hard to plan for; work, family constraints and kids' activities make that hard. I love to find the "best bang for the time & money".

If you only have a short time and want to see all the islands I would suggest Norwegian Cruise's Pride of America, sailing weekly out of Honolulu. You will get to see all the islands, with overnight stays in Maui and Kauai, plus on the Big Island you will stop in Kona and Hilo. Add a few days pre-cruise in Honolulu and you can see all the islands in 9 days!

For those who would never consider a cruise, here are my top reasons to consider sailing on the Pride of America

1. You can't see all the islands in 9-10 days. Well you could but mostly you would see the inside of airports and not seeing the unique beauty of each island.
2. Hawaii is expensive Since they are islands, most food supplies must be shipped in, so food is expensive in the islands. With cruising your food is included in your fare, making it easier to stay within your budget.
3. Golfers rejoice Golf on every island and there are plenty of excursions to keep your non-golfing partner or spouse happy!
4. Unpack once, hitting more than 2 islands, packing and repacking becomes a real chore, especially if you are travelling with the kids.
5. Two stops on the Big Island, Kona is great for hitting Hapuna Beach and snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay, while Hilo is much closer to Volcano National Park.

Cruising on the Pride of America, offers you a great way to control your budget, get a taste of all the Hawaiian Island and saves you the headache of repacking and multiple airports.

Preview Norwegian's New Private Port

he big trend over the the last decade for the cruise line has been to develop private islands and ports for there ships and passengers to enjoy.  After several length delays, Norwegian Cruise Line has revealed the details of its newest private port, Harvest Caye, which is scheduled to open in Belize this November.

The port will have a pier where Norwegian ships can tie up, a seven-acre sand beach, a marina that will serve as a departure point for excursions, and a 130-foot-tall lighthouse structure that will anchor a pair of ziplines, a freefall jump attraction and several observation platforms.  In addition to the beach, there will be a 15,000-square-foot pool with swim up bar, cascading waterfall and canopy style cabanas available to rent.  In addition, 11 deluxe air-conditioned beachfront cabanas that will have hammocks, private bathrooms, indoor and outdoor showers and other premium features.  

A ropes course, popular on the latest Norwegian ships, will be built on a platform in a lagoon.  There will also be a two-story Landshark Bar and Grill as part of Norwegian's partnership with Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville.

There will be water sports equipment rentals but no water scooters, in keeping with efforts to polish the port's ecological credentials.  An aviary will feature six pairs of toucans, the Belize national bird.  There also will be a butterfly garden and boa constrictor viewing and education center.

$400 million devoted to the Norwegian Edge initiative.

A Brand New "Escape" is Awaiting You This Winter

Fast-growing Norwegian Cruise Line is creating another major mega-resort at sea -- its third in three years.  An expanded version of the company's recently unveiled Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Breakaway, the brand new Norwegian Escape will be the line's largest ship to date and feature a sprawling, deck-top fun zone with four major water slides; a restaurant-lined boardwalk; large production shows; and a giant, two-deck spa with a flurries-filled Snow Room.

Able to entertain over 4200 passengers on each cruise; the Norwegian Escape is set to become the largest cruise ship ever based year-round in Miami when she starts her 7 night Eastern Caribbean sailings this November.  Escape also will offer Norwegian's first dedicated nursery for young cruisers two and under; the first Margaritaville at sea; the largest ropes course at sea, a miniature golf course, a full-sized basketball court and a bocce ball court -- another first for the line.

As with past Norwegian ships, Escape also will feature the line's signature "ship-within-a-ship" luxury suite area, The Haven, which has its own private pool, restaurant, butler service and concierge.

For even more information Norwegian Escape

Want the Ultimate Golf Vacation? Take a Cruise!

        

       My husband has really developed a passion for the the game of golf.    He is always telling me about some golf course we should play when we are planning a vacation.  Lately we have been discussing a return visit to the state of Hawaii, and of course his criteria for what island to visit depends on what course he has been reading about or seen on the Golf Channel.  If you or your significant other are as golf crazy as my husband;  imagine yourself in Hawaii  teeing off on a course that winds through mango forests, lagoons and along ocean cliffs.  Sipping drinks at the 19th hole as you watch a Maui sunset.  Walking in the footsteps of Tiger Woods at Poipu Bay surrounded by acres of oceanfront beauty.  Or lining up a putt with with the peak of Kaua's legendary Bali Hai in the distance.  If the idea of playing some the playing some of the greatest golf courses on the different islands of Hawaii sounds like a dream vacation to you, ( or even if you just want to visit the different islands), then I have the perfect trip for you.  In addition, the entire trip will take a week of your valuable time.

       Norwegian Cruise Line offers offers golfers a fantasy vacation with their Golf Hawai'i program, aboard their ship Pride of America. The ship sails year round from Honolulu on 7 night cruises to the Big Island of Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai.  While the cruise itself is great and economic way to experience the islands of Hawaii, the Golf Hawai'i program allows your golfer to indulge their golf fantasies on some of the world's most fabulous courses.  Norwegian's Golf Hawai'i lines up the perfect the perfect golf and their world famous Freestyle Cruising vacation - and you don't even have to bring your clubs.  

       For one all inclusive price you get a great cruise on a ship that offers tons of things for the whole family to do, in an relaxed atmosphere where you do not need to bring formal wear or be fixed to a set dining schedule.  For the golfer, the cost of program also includes paid green fees, carts, and priority tee times at some of the top golf courses in Hawaii, and the opportunity to play rounds on the islands of Oahu, Maui, the Big Island, and the garden island of Kauai.  In addition, the program includes prepaid transfers between ship and courses, certified golf instruction with a trained golf professional on board the ship everyday of the cruise.  The ship also offers a sophisticated golf academy experience using V1 Digital Coaching system to help improve your game during your vacation.  The ship also has a complete Pro Shop were you can get all of your golf gear, and includes complete Nike Golf club and shoe rentals.  As the official cruise line of the PGA TOUR and the Champions Tour, Norwegian also offers special Guided VIP golf excursions with personalized expertise that are not available to the general public.

Some of the over 30 Courses on four Hawaiian Islands you have a chance to play includes; Ko'aolau Golf Course on O''ahu, rated as one of the "Top 100 Courses in the World" by Golf Magazine.  With views of cascading waterfalls, tropical rainforests, and winding ravines.  The scenery is stunning and the course a challenge to all.  On the island of Maui you can play a round at the Plantation Golf Course; home of the PGA Tour's Mercedes Championship.  On Kaua'i try the Poipu Bay course, a beautiful championship course that has been home to the PGA Grand Slam since 1994.  What ever course on any island you choose to play, the course will challenge you as much as the scenery will take your breath away, and leave you with a golf experience you will never forget.  

       So if your looking for the ultimate golf vacation, and do not have a great deal of time, this may just be for you.  In addition, for the non golfers in your life, the islands offer something for everyone, from surfing, to beach to mountains, in some of the best weather and on some of the best islands on the planet.  From the golfer to the casual visitor to Hawaii, if you want to experience the best of Hawaii on a great ship, this may be the perfect way to enjoy the perfect vacation.

The Best of Both Worlds - A Family Cruise to Bermuda

   

       When it comes to taking a vacation on a cruise ship, seasoned travelers seem to have strong opinions on the subject, both pro and con.  But there is no denying the impact the cruise industry has had on how families travel over the last several decades, and they're working overtime to appeal to kids of all ages.  More and more ships are being built with state-of-the-art kids clubs, water slides, arcades, climbing walls, sports courts, and other activities designed for kids and teens.  And it's working.  Families now account for the second largest segment of cruise passengers behind only the retires.  Yet, despite all the new family friendly features on the cruise ships, if you and your family likes to explore and get to really know each port of call; then booking a cruise may not be for you.  Arriving into port in the morning and departing later that afternoon - as most cruises do - simply does not leave enough time to explore.  However, one destination seems to be a notable exception, one where you can enjoy all of a ship's on board activities and facilities, and immerse yourself in the local culture: Bermuda.

       What is great about a cruise to Bermuda is that on a seven night cruise, in addition to the four days at sea, you are docked on the island for three full days at Kings Wharf.  This allow you plenty of opportunities to explore all the fabulous places and experiences that Bermuda has to offer in detail and at your leisure. Accommodations on the island are limited and can get pricey.  With this option, you don't have to book a hotel or worry about where to dine out: the ship takes care of all that.  (As someone who travels regularly with a family of four, I know how the expenses for lodging and meals can add up quickly).

       With three full days on the island you will find a treasure trove of of places and activities for the whole family to enjoy.  The beach at Horseshoe Bay is world famous for its pink sand and rainbow-colored reefs, and is a prime location for families to enjoy.  Snorkeling is an activity the whole family can enjoy together, and the ares around Church Bay and Tobacco Bay are among the best family-friendly options you will find in North America.  If the kids want a day away from the water, a trip to the Crystal and Fantasy Caves to check out the amazing stalactites and stalagmites is an awe-inspiring visit.  If their is a golfer in the family, renting some clubs and playing a round at one of numerous world famous golf courses is a must.  And just visiting the towns and people of the high class former British colony is a treat.  Scooters are a popular and fun way to see the island.  The local buses provide a good alternative, and you can buy a three day pass that will take you anywhere on the island.  If you want a more scenic view, hop the ferry to Hamilton or St. George's for a great day trip.

      Cruises to Bermuda are offered seasonally, with the summer months being the most popular.  With cruises to Bermuda being offered from New York, Boston, and Baltimore, by Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean Line.  Each line offers tons of on board family activities and multiple dining options, and some of the cruise lines are running their newer, and larger ships, which will offer plenty of company for your kids to enjoy the cruise with, ( during the peak summer months there will be 300-600 kids on board cruise to Bermuda).  For example, Norwegian Cruise Line places a great importance in family cruises to Bermuda by sailing their newest ship, the Norwegian Breakaway, seasonally out of New York City.  The Breakaway is the ultimate in family cruising; featuring a the Aqua Park with five multistory waterslides, a three level Sports Complex, featuring a rock wall, ropes course and a miniature golf course.  Other features for the kids Nickelodeon themed excitement and multi storied clubs for everyone based on age, and its all complimentary and supervised, so mom and dad can get some personnel time.  Add to that, three decks of daytime and nighttime entertainment, 28 dining options, with Norwegian's famous "freestyle dining", were no set dining time or formal dress up is require.  In addition the cruise has three family friendly Broadway shows and fireworks; you can see why Norwegian is targeting the family for a Bermuda cruise.  With a great island with perfect  weather to explore over multiple days; and great ships like the Norwegian Breakaway that offers endless shipboard activities for the entire family, this may be the perfect combination for a family cruise that everyone will love.

Mediterranean Cruise Travel Tips

             The idea of a Mediterranean cruise brings to mind blue waters, sunny beaches, major cities and small villages, world famous museums, ancient churches and ruins, great food and interesting cultures.  For the enterprising traveler, a cruise ship - which cuts down on travel time, and essentially provide you a floating hotel - a creates a convenient way to experience the Mediterranean and all the history and culture and beauty she has to offer.  Its no wonder that after the Caribbean and Alaska, the Mediterranean is the most popular cruise destination for Americans year after year. Traveling on a cruise to the Mediterranean at first look,  may seem a little daunting, with the different languages and cultures.  But with a little planning  and understanding your options, you can ensure you will have the most satisfying cruise experience.


When to Go
       Weather in the Mediterranean is marked by warm dry summers and wet winters.  So summer is the traditional season for Mediterranean cruises, when the sun is warm and the weather makes shore excursions enjoyable, but also the season for of the highest demand by far.  If you go in the summer book your cruise as far in advance as possible and use transportation where available when on shore.  If you can't deal with the crowds at the Colosseum in Rome during the summer heat, you can avoid the crowds and the heat by booking cruises early in the season - April and May -- and later, after Labor Day till early October.  You will save money on cruise fare and airfare by traveling in shoulder months.

What Itinerary to Choose
       Routes in the Mediterranean depend on the cruise line you select and the length of your stay.  The cruise lines separate the Mediterranean into two areas, east and west.  Western Mediterranean cruises stop in Spain, Portugal, Italy, and France.  They tend to offer a wider variety of on-shore options, ranging from sunny beaches to cultural and historic hot spots.  You should pay attention to the size of a ship cruising to the western Mediterranean.  Big ships tend to focus on the largest ports, while smaller ships dock in more out of the way towns and villages.
       Eastern cruises travel to Greece, Turkey, and Croatia.  Most of them emphasize Greece for its combination of ancient culture and inviting islands; other destinations in the area focus more on museums and ruins, with less attention on the beaches.  Because the Mediterranean offers so many options, focus on a few specific areas you absolutely want to see and book the cruise that covers those areas, leaving the remainder of the region for another trip.

Which Cruise Line
       At the same time you're considering which countries to visit, check out the offerings of your favorite cruise  line.  In selecting a cruise line for a Mediterranean vacation, first-timers might ask themselves some questions about their expectations.  If your traveling with children, you might consider family friendly Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line or MSC Cruises.  If your more interested in good food, luxurious accommodations, adult activities, smaller ports and extended shore excursions; try a premium cruise line like Princess, or Celebrity, or luxury brands such as Oceania Cruises or Azamara Club Cruises.  Another decision you need to decide is on the atmosphere of the ship.  If you want more of an American themed ship, with English only language spoken and American themed meals and entertainment then sail on ships from American based lines like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, or Princess.  These lines run a limited number of ships on limited routes mostly on a seasonal basis.  If you want a more international cruise experience, with announcements made in multiple languages, and the blend of passengers more mixed, then a European based line like MSC or Costa Lines is for you.  Plus these cruise lines sail year round in the Mediterranean and offer more trip options than the American lines do.

Norwegian Cruise Line's Upscale Bid

        Norwegian Cruise Line, just announced an agreement to acquire the privately held Prestige Cruises International, the parent company of Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, for $3.025 billion.  The deal combines one of the world's biggest  and fastest growing mass-market lines with two leaders of the upscale side of the cruise industry.  In contrast to Norwegian's multi-thousand passenger ships, Oceania and Regent operate more intimate ships that carry 490 to 1250 passengers and offer a more luxurious and expensive experience.

       According to Norwegian CEO Kevin Sheehan, "The acquisition of Prestige represent an extraordinary opportunity for Norwegian Cruise Line to expand our market presence by adding two established, award-winning brands in the upscale cruise segment with loyal followings.  Sheehan also added that the combination would "pave the way for new cross-selling opportunities, cross-brand collaboration, and cross-business support".  Even after the acquisition, Norwegian will remain the third largest cruise company in size with 21 ships.  The industry leader Carnival, has 100 ships among its 10 brands; and Royal Caribbean Cruises who has 42 ships with its six brands, including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Azamara.