The contemporary
cruise lines – Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Norwegian, have many programs
focusing on child entertainment. Disney
Cruise Line, of course, is a niche market focused on families. Some niche/luxury cruise lines do allow older children, but do not have children's programs, so you must plan accordingly.
RIVER CRUISE LINES - tend to be less friendly than ocean, especially with young children. There are no children's facilities or programs for their entertainment.
The minimum age requirement for Uniworld’s river cruises is 4 years old; however, the recommended age is 8 or older. The company features a few multigenerational cruises throughout the year. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult 21 or older at all times.
CONTEMPORARY CRUISE
LINES:
- Royal Caribbean. Ships: Anthem, Harmony, Allure and Oasis of the Seas
- Norwegian Cruise Line. Ships: Norwegian Escape, Breakaway, Getaway and Epic
- Carnival Cruise Line. Ships: Carnival Vista, Breeze, Dream and Magic
- Costa Cruises. part-shark, dolphin and walrus - is the icon for the Squok Club, which is divided into four age groups. Mini Club, for children aged three to six, lays on stories and arts and crafts, while activities in the Maxi Club, ages seven to 10, include treasure hunts, pizza parties, pool games, jogging, aerobics and even Italian language classes.
- MSC – This line caters to families with their Kids Sail Free policy, for children under age 11 staying in a stateroom with two paying adults.
PREMIUM CRUISE LINES
- Holland America Line: Has Club HAL for children 3-17
- Princess Cruises. Camp Discovery youth and teen clubs focuse on children 3-17.
- Celebrity Cruises. Complimentary youth and teen programs are designed to keep everyone smiling. Kids can spend their time on board with crafts, toys, video games, music, karaoke and more. Activities are divided into four groups by age. There's the Fun Factory for younger kids plus the X Club, a supervised hangout for tweens and teens.
NICHE CRUISES
- Disney Cruise Line. Just the name Disney will tell you it is all about families. All of Disney ships are focused on family activities.
LUXURY CRUISE LINES
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
The world’s most
all-inclusive luxury line, Regent offers the Club Mariner program, which is
split into age groups (5-8, 9-12 and 13-17) on selected departures in Europe.
On some of these cruises in 2013, predominantly in the Baltic and
Mediterranean, kids can sail for a reduced fare. Seven Seas Voyager and Mariner
have among the most expansive pool decks found on luxury ships, with outdoor
hot tubs and table tennis.
Crystal Cruises
This award-winning
cruise line offers a huge range of family-friendly activities for kids 3 - 17.
Kids-only play areas, including Fantasia, host games, crafts, televisions
equipped with gaming consoles, and computers, while Waves is like an
old-fashioned video arcade. Guests are also able to organize scavenger hunts,
cooking classes, fashion shows, trivia, and sports to keep the little ones
busy.
Paul Gaugin Cruises
Created in
collaboration with Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society, the
Ambassadors of the Environment Youth program introduces kids 9 - 17 to the
amazing ecological wonders of French Polynesia and Tahiti. Junior Ambassadors
are able to hike through rainforests, investigate ancient Polynesian temples,
and explore coral reefs.
Seabourn
A spokesperson said
Seabourn attracts families during certain periods, usually on seven-day Med
cruises in the northern hemisphere summer. At that time, the line employs youth
counsellors to organize ‘mocktail’ parties, scavenger hunts and performances of
plays and concerts. The ships also have Wii consoles and board games.
Silversea
Although it is does
not have any kids clubs or child care staff, a spokesperson said Silversea
welcomes families and it is becoming “quite common” for multi-generational
groups to cruise together.
RIVER CRUISE LINES - tend to be less friendly than ocean, especially with young children. There are no children's facilities or programs for their entertainment.
AMA Waterways. River Cruises with Adventures by Disney on
the Danube and Rhine Rivers. Minimum age is 6, suggested age is 8+.
Uniworld Boutique*The minimum age requirement for Uniworld’s river cruises is 4 years old; however, the recommended age is 8 or older. The company features a few multigenerational cruises throughout the year. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult 21 or older at all times.
- Discounted Fares for Children: Yes, 50%
- Special Programs: Yes, special onboard and onshore activities are planned to cater to parents and grandparents traveling with young people.
- Facilities for Children: Yes
Tauck*
Tauck Bridges’ itineraries are
recommended for children who are at least 3 years old. All shore excursions
have a minimum age rating assigned to them. Children must be accompanied by a
parent or guardian during all Tauck journeys for young travelers.
There are 3 Tauck Bridges’
packages available: 1) Castles on the Rhine: Family Riverboat Adventure; 2)
Blue Danube: Family Riverboat Adventure; and 3) Bon Voyage! France Family River
Cruise.
Discounted Fares for
Children: No
Special Programs or
Facilities for Children: Yes for Tauck Bridges’ cruises. No for children’s
facilities onboard the ship.
Viking River Cruises
The minimum age requirement for Viking River
Cruises is 12 years old. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an
adult who is over the age of 21. The company states that it reserves the right
to limit the number of passengers who are younger than 18 years old.
Avalon Waterways- Discounted Fares for Children: No
- Special Programs or Facilities for Children: No
Children must be at
least 8 years old to travel with Avalon Waterways. Children under the age of 18
must be supervised at all times by an adult who is at least 21 years old.
- Discounted Fares for Children: No
- Special Programs or Facilities for Children: No
American Queen Steamboat Company
American Queen
Steamboat Company will allow children as young as 6 months old; however, the
company does not provide a crib or sleep accommodations for young travelers.
- Discounted Fares for Children: No
- Special Programs or Facilities for Children: No
*Offer a few
family-friendly river cruises during the summer and winter school vacations.
Contact
Travel, Tour & Cruises to plan your dream vacation.
