Planning a Family Cruise

Cruises are becoming more and more popular for families.

It’s the best way to travel to lands beyond the ordinary, and passengers have choices that range from intimate, small-scale river cruises to luxurious vacations aboard some of the world’s finest ships.

From there, they can choose family, themed and adventure cruises. The seemingly endless choices are also the reason why cruising is one of the fastest-growing forms of travel.

Destinations such as South America used to see only a few ships sailing along the coasts of Argentina and Chile. Today, all the major cruise lines sail around Cape Horn, the southernmost tip of South America.

A 14-day cruise exposes passengers to unique natural wonders, including magnificent fiords and the penguins that inhabit them. Destinations such as the Baltics and the Mediterranean are growing at double-digit rates, as are Australia and New Zealand.
While Europe has proved to be a winner this year, the cruise lines are looking for even more destinations. Asia is upgrading many of its facilities and, slowly, the cruise lines are deploying more ships to that region.

BOOKING A CRUISE

Best of all, by booking a cruise, no matter where in the world, you are paying for your accommodation and meals with North American dollars.

Cruise lines also understand that adapting to changing demographics is key to their success, which is why you’ll find more cruise lines catering to younger travellers and multi-generational families.

Disney Cruises is doubling the size of its fleet, and that success hasn’t been lost on the larger players such Royal Caribbean and Carnival, whose new ships are leaving lots of deck area for programs for kids, tweens, and teens.

Those family experiences will be enhanced in 2009, when Oasis of the Seas, owned by Royal Caribbean, will carry 5,400 passengers and provide a full floating resort experience while sailing between the islands of the Caribbean.
Travellers looking for a more mature experience will find more options and theme cruises than ever before.

With so much choice, how should travellers find the right cruise for them?

First, consider what category of ship you wish to sail on.

Ask yourself: If you were paying for a hotel, what kind would you stay in? Each will attract a different type of passenger, and the right decision will ensure you enjoy your experience.

Before you book, find a travel agent with considerable cruise experience. If you have any doubts about their knowledge of the industry, move on.