A million nautical miles from the stereotypical archaic cruise holidays designed exclusively for retirees are the new generation of liners which place emphasis on ensuring that people of all ages are entertained on the high seas.
Young families have become a significant focus for many cruise companies who understand that a happy baby means happy families. Liners with facilities enabling parents to share experiences with their baby and offer them the opportunity to share some time away from their offspring are becoming all the more popular.
Independence of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas is 339 metres of entertainment for the whole family and includes a host of activities and care for the youngest members of the family. The new Royal Tots Nursery offers care services for children up to the age of 36 months in two different age groups. The fully-trained, professional staff members allow parents the chance to enjoy a little time away from their little ones.
Royal Caribbean has placed paramount importance upon children’s entertainment by securing a landmark deal with DreamWorks. The DreamWorks Experience allows children to come face to face with their favourite characters: Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and more. The characters interact with children throughout the excursion during parades and at mealtimes.
Scheduled shows such as the How to Train Your Dragon Ice Show and the Madagascar Aqua Show are designed to entertain the whole family.
Diamond Princess
Princess Cruises’ Diamond Princess cruise liner has placed significant importance upon educating whilst entertaining the youngest charges. The Princess Pelicans youth centre for kids aged 3-7 engages the children in art projects and other fun educational activities. The trained counsellors ensure that mum and dad get to have some time alone aboard the cruise.
Celebrity Cruises
For the youngest family members aboard Celebrity Cruises, Toddler Time allows them to interact with other infants. The group, which allows parents to attend alongside their children, offers a fantastic range of interactive toys and fun-filled events to take part in.
Also available on these cruises is Fun Factory for children aged 3-11 which offers a range of games, sports, crafts, music, parties and more to ensure that energetic seafarers are entertained at all times.
Dinner parties exclusively reserved for children are held nightly to allow the kids an opportunity to dine and socialise with their peers.
Norwegian Jade
The Norwegian Jade hosts a children’s club, Tree Tops, which can accommodate children of all ages from the very youngest upwards. The club is ideal for the toddlers, providing quiet places for them to rest and sleep. A cinema is also present showcasing many children’s and family favourites throughout the cruise to keep the young charges entertained.
Images sourced via Flickr Creative Commons. Credits: Peter Dedina
