Cruises for Kids Best Kid Friendly Cruises Norwegian Cruise Line

Table Of Content

• Latest News from the Cruise Lines for 2024
• Kids Cruise Activities — Ages 3-12
• Carnival Celebration’s Onboard Excitement
• Discovery™, Discovery Family™ & Animal Planet™ shore excursions
• ADVENTURE YOUTH PROGRAM

If you are sailing a Royal Caribbean ship, then the Flowrider is a must-do for kids. At the back of the ship is the Flowrider, where a thin layer of water is pushed over a padded incline. The result is a wave that you can boogie board on, and if you’re good enough, you could actually surf. The holes are normally straightforward with just a few obstacles here and there. That makes it good for all ages, but it can get a little boring after you’ve played the course a couple of times. Still, it’s a fun way to spend some time on the ship in the sunshine and warm breeze.

Latest News from the Cruise Lines for 2024

Royal Caribbean features some of the biggest ships in the world with some of the most thrilling activities for families. Oasis of the Seas recently underwent a $165-million transformation to include even more adventures and modern amenities that will keep your crew smiling from port to port. Splash the day away on the Caribbean-inspired pool deck, aqua park and three waterslides. You can climb two rock walls, zipline across deck nine, try your best to stand tall on twin FlowRider surf simulators, and squeal your way down The Ultimate Abyss 10-story slide. Celebrity Cruises recently added more than 70 new excursions to their offerings, with amily-focused activities such as snorkeling and wildlife viewing. Aboard the ship, families favor the sports courts, pools and Lawn Club, where you can lounge with the “grass” beneath your feet, play bocce, croquet or listen to a concert.

Kids Cruise Activities — Ages 3-12

A place where kids can choose their favorite activity and will never want to leave. Carnival’s Mardi Gras is one of its latest and greatest creations, so you should expect the ultimate in entertainment. Disney magic comes to life on the Disney Dream, an enchanting cruise experience.

Carnival Celebration’s Onboard Excitement

Cortney believes that you should definitely do things that scare you just a little bit. Fast, flavorful and fun dining options are available for families aboard the Carnival Panorama. Kids will love the burgers and fries served at Guy’s Burger Joint, as well as the Shake Spot and pizzeria. A New England-inspired Seafood Shack and Asian kitchen, as well as Mexican and Italian eateries, provide a diverse variety of cuisines. Where else do you see an entire hotel resort put out on the water with five thousand people onboard?

Cruising’s Lasting Appeal To Families

While other ships sail the Seine and Rhine rivers, AmaLea travels the Danube through Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. Adventures by Disney makes the most of your time with shore excursions planned to entertain kids and adults, with options for supervised kid activities while parents head out on more grown-up tours. Your family might meet farm animals in Hungary, play hide-and-seek in a palace's labyrinth maze in Austria and hang around in a treetop playground in Germany. Sun Princess will be the first Princess cruise ship to feature an expansive upper-deck activity zone that kids will love.

Disney Cruise Line worker accused of possessing child sexual abuse material - WPLG Local 10

Disney Cruise Line worker accused of possessing child sexual abuse material.

Posted: Tue, 16 Apr 2024 14:45:33 GMT [source]

Discovery™, Discovery Family™ & Animal Planet™ shore excursions

There are also a number of hosted events during the evenings for younger guests. Teens can relax at their own Rock the Boat party, while there are themed nights for younger kids too that incorporate things like talent shows. Costa Toscana offers various Mediterranean and Middle East sailings from a number of departure ports. MSC World Europa offers Middle East itineraries in winter, and Mediterranean cruises from various departure ports during the summer. That includes the water slides – six brand new ones, breaking many of the record for slides at sea.

Even if you’re on a summer sailing to the tropics, pack a sweater if you plan to use the ice skating rink. And cross once-in-a-lifetime experiences off your list together — on one unforgettable journey. Kick family bonding up a notch at Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas — voted Best Private Island Experience by Travel Weekly readers. With over 300 destinations on our itineraries, there are plenty of exciting places waiting to be discovered. Tropical islands, cosmopolitan cities, seaside villages, and rustic towns are all on the agenda. This contemporary beach-themed lounge is "the" place for teens to hang out, socialize and connect.

NIGHT OUT FOR ADULTS LATE NIGHT PARTY ZONE

For instance, you and the kids can learn how to blow glass at the Hot Glass Studio, which is not something you see on every cruise ship. Fostering family togetherness on a ship like the Norwegian Joy is simple. You can take the twists and turns behind the wheel of the Joy Speedway, play a heart-thumping game of laser tag, or tee off at mini golf.

ADVENTURE YOUTH PROGRAM

Cruise holidays especially appeal now to multigenerational travelers, according to the Cruise Line International Association’s newest State of the Cruise Industry Report. Seventy-three percent of cruisers are sailing with family members from at least two generations. We have seen that trend on mega ships, river cruises and adventure-oriented yachts. The best family cruises offer attractions that make cruisers of all ages say “I can’t believe we’re doing this on a cruise ship! It’s a Caribbean destination in and of itself, with views that are the star of the show, thanks to the North Star, a 360-degree observation capsule that hovers more than 300 feet above the ocean and over the sides of the ship. A floating resort, the ship itself is split into several neighborhoods, so it never feels crowded.

Norwegian Encore has a more grown-up vibe than many of the family-focused ships on our list, but its onboard attractions make it a huge hit with teens. Its top decks lure older kids with one of the biggest go-kart tracks in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet and an open-air laser tag arena ideal for shooting matches under the stars. A huge virtual reality playground features rides and games that blow the standard cruise ship arcade out of the water. Obviously, I have kids (or ‘Cruise Mummy’ would’ve been a weird name to choose) and we have a great time on our cruise holidays.

Interact with Stanley throughout the voyage — at photo ops, story time, bear games, and crafts! You can even get your own Stanley exclusively on board and bring him home as a reminder of your special journey. And don’t forget to share your adventures on social media with #StanleyAtSea. Princess enables everyone in the family to find their place among the stars. Activities might range from Caribbean-shark-themed scavenger hunts to hands-on "Mythbusters"-style challenges and learning the science of magic. Other kid-approved activities include video game tournaments, art projects and storytime.

Alaska Cruises 2023-2024 Cruise to Alaska Best Alaska Cruise

Table Of Content

• Budgeting for Airfare for an Alaska Cruise
• Tips & Things to Know About Sailing Alaska
• Hotel Stays
• Carnival Cruise Passengers Attempt to Bring Portable Washing Machine Aboard Ship
• How to save money on an Alaskan cruise

On the other hand, if you live on the eastern seaboard, you may pay $500 – $1,000 for each person on one-way flights to Anchorage or Vancouver. Additionally, if one itinerary isn’t selling enough, prices will drop. It should be noted that sailing on older or smaller ships may not necessarily mean a cheaper fare.

Budgeting for Airfare for an Alaska Cruise

While most meals are covered on the cruise, once you depart, you're on your own for meals. Even if your shore excursions include food, you may not like what they offer. Alternatively, you may want to try local eateries to enjoy dishes you can't get at home. Most onboard entertainment is included in the price of your cruise. Many cruise ships also offer spa treatments and gambling, which aren't included in the cruise price. During your cruise, your ship may stop in several ports along the way.

Tips & Things to Know About Sailing Alaska

After a few days, don’t be surprised if the lack of rest catches up with you. While we have a full list of dozens of tips and things to know about sailing to Alaska, below we cover some of what we think are the most important items. That said, we’ve found the crowd does have fewer young adults that make a trip to the Caribbean more lively. All in all, expect an atmosphere that’s a lot quieter than what you would see on a four-day cruise from Miami. As well, you’ll find a different crowd on a trip to Alaska than a trip to the Caribbean.

Hotel Stays

Traditional excursions are created to fit a specific number of people, all of whom come from the ships and are expected to be in port for a specific time. They provide an overview of Alaska's history, culture, recreation and industry, and don't offer much of a personal touch. Alaska's impressive southern coastlines contain hordes of island archipelagos, deep fjords and ancient glaciers. Nearly all of the area is roadless, so seafaring vessels, including cruise ships, are a popular way for visitors to experience these pristine areas. Remember that most trips last a week, meaning there aren’t many opportunities for inexpensive, short getaways like you see from ports in Florida.

Royal Caribbean International

Thus, sailings during late April/May and September/early October usually have the lowest Alaska cruise prices. Although, the family-focused Disney Cruise Line is one of the most expensive Alaska cruises. A roundtrip cruise from Vancouver starts at $1,050 per person for a family of 4 (or $1283 per person at double occupancy).

How to Make your Alaska Cruise Travel Easier: Tips - Royal Caribbean Blog

How to Make your Alaska Cruise Travel Easier: Tips.

Posted: Wed, 17 Apr 2024 17:23:24 GMT [source]

If you budget for anything less, you may not get the Alaska cruise experience of your dreams (which makes credits even more valuable for a solid deal). Sail 500 miles deeper into the Gulf of Alaska and Prince William Sound on our back-to-back Voyage of the Glaciers Alaska cruise. Spend 14 days roundtrip from Vancouver, B.C., stopping in historic port cities like Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. Enjoy three glacier-viewing experiences on every itinerary — including Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier and College Fjord. Sail the Inside Passage, a series of channels and waterways formed by the march of glaciers, on your 7-day roundtrip Alaska cruise from Seattle. With an abundance of landmarks and wildlife, take in the sights and sounds of the Inside Passage from the comfort of your ship or on a thrilling excursion ashore.

For example, Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas contain more balcony staterooms than smaller ships like Radiance of the Seas or Enchantment. Cruises should be booked as soon as it is decided that you want to go to Alaska. Have a front-row seat to thunderous glaciers and crystalline fjords on this superb Vista-class ship.

Weather can often be cold, rainy and windy, but if you want a unique adventure in Alaska, check out the itineraries from Hurtigruten. You Won’t Regret itFinally, if you’re still wondering if you should or shouldn’t take that cruise to Alaska, we say do it. But personally, sailing to Alaska is unlike any other cruise we’ve taken. It’s a chance to experience a landscape you can’t really visit any other way.

While the itineraries differ slightly, they all feature the stunning Inside Passage. Planning and budgeting for meals on land can enrich your Alaskan cruise experience without any financial surprises. In the next section, we’ll discuss tips on how to save money on your Alaskan cruise. While not mandatory, travel insurance is highly recommended for any cruise, especially one as significant as an Alaskan cruise. Basic coverage can cost around $100 to $200 per person and provide peace of mind in unexpected events like medical emergencies or trip cancellations. By being aware of these hidden costs, you can budget more accurately and avoid surprises that could damage your dream Alaska vacation.

All Alaska cruises include one or more glacier-viewing days, and you’ll get closer to ‘the giants’ on ships perfectly sized for the Great Land. Sail 500 miles deeper into the Gulf of Alaska and Prince William Sound on our top-rated Voyage of the Glaciers Alaska cruise. Spend seven days traveling from Anchorage (Whittier) to Vancouver, B.C., stopping in historic port cities like Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. Enjoy two glacier-viewing experiences on every itinerary — including Glacier Bay National Park, and Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord.

Embark on a thrilling journey with young explorers through breathtaking landscapes. On our family Alaska cruise, we created lifetime memories by sharing glacier spotting, dog sledding, flightseeing and other adventures with our teens. Skagway was the most expensive excursion of the three ports with a ticket on the White Pass & Yukon Railway for $95.99. The ride was definitely worth the cost in my opinion, as it brings passengers on a ride through Skagway’s majestic mountain scenery.

Part of this cost includes some unexpected costs like onshore dining, gratuities, entertainment and activities, and excursions. These are things people tend to forget about but that can quickly add up. Be sure that when booking airfare and hotels you don’t leave it to the last minute. You want the trip to go as smoothly as possible so leave nothing up to chance. You want to have a smooth, well-planned cruise, not be stressed out the entire time.

The largest tidewater glacier in North America, Hubbard Glacier has been moving its mass towards the ocean at a rate faster than most of its kind. Towering above the water over 30 stories, the glacier often calves 100-foot chunks of ice into the ocean. What lies beneath the waves is almost as impressive, where ice plunges 1,200 feet beneath the surface. Don’t wait any longer, riding the world's longest zip line in Alaska will be an experience you'll never forget while on your next Alaskan mountain adventure. The best Alaska food to try on a cruise includes king crab, salmon, fry bread, birch syrup, wild berries and more.

For the ultimate experience, you can take one of the helicopter tours to see the nearby icefields in Juneau. If you want to combine a helicopter tour with a dog sledding adventure, that will easily be over $600 a person. Sure, there are plenty of reasonably priced tours that give you the authentic Alaskan experience, or you can even explore some of the small Alaskan towns on your own for free. Ultimately, when deciding on an Alaska cruise itinerary, it really comes down to picking the option with the ports you want to visit. Essentially, the prices are very close, and vary from week to week and from cruise line to cruise line. Thus, there is no benefit to picking one departure point over the other when it comes to Alaska cruise prices.

With more than 20 animal sanctuaries and sightseeing excursions, we bring you closer to creatures great and small. Learn about the Big Five and other amazing animals you might spot. Alaskans are inviting people who love to share what makes their state unique.