Cruising With Kids
08/22/2007 06:08 a.m.
Taking the kids along on the cruise is not just a great opportunity for them to have fun, but with a little planning it can be fun for everyone.
Disney invented family cruising but they are far from the only operator of kid-friendly ships. All major cruise lines have implemented features specifically for the younger set, from toddlers to teens.
Check for stateroom or connected cabin accommodations and don't be afraid to ask for a child discount. Also ask about the kids activities which are offered on each ship and cross-check them with what your children actually enjoy doing. Learning about the locations you'll be visiting by reading from travel books before the voyage is a great educational opportunity for the whole family.
Some of the best Caribbean ports for kids activities include San Juan, Puerto Rico; Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; Nassau & Freeport, Bahamas; Ochos Rios & Montego Bay, Jamaica; Cozumel & the Mexican Riviera; and any of the magnificent islands of Aruba, Barbados, Martinique, St. Lucia, Trinidad and also the U.S. Virgin Islands. In each one you will find ample recreational opportunities like zoos, water parks, and lots of sporting activities for all ages. You'll also find plenty of familiar fast food restaurants for the children's generally unimaginative palate.
Some of the less developed islands as Dominica may have spectacular ecosystems but be aware that there is not much in the way of infrastructure for kids or adults. Venezuela has recently become somewhat unfriendly to Americans and that should be kept in mind.
Just because you're on a vacation, you still have to make sure that you're covering all the angles with your kids. That means having plenty of snacks along, their favorite toy or pastime, and even the things you don't generally consider like wet wipes and a change of clothes. Be prepared, and have fun!
Tags: caribbean, north america, oceania, dominica, mexico, puerto rico, family trip, student / youth
Relevant Articles:
Puerto Rico Background and Facts
- 12/18/2007
Flag: Background: Populated for centuries by aboriginal peoples, the island was claimed by the Spanish Crown in 1493 following COLUMBUS' second voyage to the Americas. In 1898, after 400 years of colonial rule that saw the indigenous population nearly exterminated and African slave labor introduced, Puerto Rico was ceded to ... Read More
Mexico Background and Facts
- 12/18/2007
Flag: Background: The site of advanced Amerindian civilizations, Mexico came under Spanish rule for three centuries before achieving independence early in the 19th century. A devaluation of the peso in late 1994 threw Mexico into economic turmoil, triggering the worst recession in over half a century. The nation continues to ... Read More
Dominica Background and Facts
- 12/18/2007
Flag: Background: Dominica was the last of the Caribbean islands to be colonized by Europeans due chiefly to the fierce resistance of the native Caribs. France ceded possession to Great Britain in 1763, which made the island a colony in 1805. In 1980, two years after independence, Dominica's fortunes improved ... Read More
What Could Be Better Than A Super Bowl Singles Cruise?
Hal Licino - 09/05/2007
It almost seems too good to be true: A single sports fan's wildest dream come true. Imagine an exciting cruise on one of Carnival Cruise Lines' most luxurious ships filled with hundreds of singles... wait, it gets better... and watching the Super Bowl!Your travel agent can reserve your spot on ... Read More
How To Cruise Around The World On $100/Day
Hal Licino - 09/05/2007
There are some dreams that people simply expect will never come true. One of them would be to cruise around the world, stopping off at exotic destinations, and really experiencing everything that this magnificent planet has to offer. There are 'round the world cruises available, but the prices would buy ... Read More
The Ultimate Honeymoon on Turtle Island, Fiji
Hal Licino - 08/25/2007
For couples asking their travel agents what is likely the ultimate honeymoon spot on Earth, Fiji's Turtle Island has to be at the head of the list. Turtle is where both "Blue Lagoon" 1949 and 1980 movies were filmed, a completely private and enchanted island which only accommodates 14 couples ... Read More
Making The Most Of Your Cruise
Hal Licino - 08/22/2007
A cruise is a considerable investment in your recreation and thus you should be able to derive the maximum benefit. Seasoned cruisers have learned some valuable lessons that deserve to be passed on.• Check for a deal on an outside room, possibly with an external veranda. You will be able ... Read More
The Top 5 Cruising Destinations
Hal Licino - 08/22/2007
The Western Caribbean is the number one cruising destination, outstripping the next three combined at 43.2% of all cruising. This region's proximity to Florida is its main positive attribute, as well as the splendour of some of the most common ports of call, such as Grand Cayman, the Dominican Republic, ... Read More
Baja Mexico Cruises, Vacations and Attractions
Jeff James - 01/30/2008
Baja Mexico Cruises + Attractions for Vacationers From a little fishing village to a night spot that rocks is quite something. It’s a place where you can play hard during the day – all kinds of water sports abound – and you can party even harder into the wee hours ... Read More
Uncorking It In Cork, Ireland
Hal Licino - 10/12/2007
By the standards of most of the cities in Europe, Cork is barely a village. However, travel agents can explain that this ancient Irish maritime port city cuts a swath across Europe when it comes to being a party town that gives even the world-renowned craic capital Dublin some very ... Read More
Property Hunting For Multi-Million Dollar Ruins In Chiantishire
Hal Licino - 10/12/2007
It may never be known whether this anecdote really occurred or if it is just an urban legend, however it is certainly not far from reality, and specialized travel agents can most likely confirm it: A few years ago one of the many wealthy British couples driving around the specific ... Read More
The Best Traditional And Avant Garde Restaurants In Inverness
Hal Licino - 10/12/2007
Scottish dining immediately brings to mind single malt toasts to Robert Burns over a steaming plate of haggis, yet that stereotype is quickly disappearing in light of the gourmet revolution which has taken over the country. Although his Glasgow restaurant was a bust, many experts attribute the impact of a ... Read More
Finding A Perfectly Ordered Urban Paradise At Munich's Arabellapark
Hal Licino - 10/12/2007
Travel agents can inform you that Munich has a well-deserved reputation for being a boisterous party town, and that is certainly true when you visit this Bavarian city during Oktoberfest when the beer flows freely and the streets ring with the celebratory toasts of "Ein Prosit!" However, there is another ... Read More
Travel Agent of the Day - Wednesday October 10th, 2007 - Rhonda R.
Michele H - 10/10/2007
Rhonda R. Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC), Destination Specialist (DS) Rhonda joined the Tripology network back in April of 2007 and has already planned some great vacations for travelers she found through Tripology.com. How long have you been in the business? "7 Years" What inspired you to become a travel agent? "I ... Read More
Travel Agent of the Day - Monday October 8th, 2007- Barbara G.
Michele H - 10/05/2007
Barbara G. Certified Travel Associate (CTA), Destination Specialist (DS), Elite Cruise Counselor (ECC) We spoke with Barbara G. in the first installment of our "Travel Agent of the Day" series. Barbara joined the Tripology network back in March of 2007 and has already planned some great vacations for travelers ... Read More
Honeymoon In The Netherlands' Finest Five Star Palatial Hotel
Hal Licino - 10/04/2007
Travel agents can explain how The NH Barbizon Palace Amsterdam Hotel is an ultra luxurious five star establishment which meets every imaginable criteria for the perfect Amsterdam honeymoon hotel. The NH Barbizon Palace Amsterdam Hotel is centrally located just moments from the vibrant, bustling heart of the great city, within ... Read More
Strolling The Cobbles On Manchester's Coronation Street
Hal Licino - 10/04/2007
Coronation Street is a street in Weatherfield, a fictional town in Greater Manchester based on Salford. Unlike most soap operas which deal with the intrigue of moneyed bon vivants, the inhabitants of Coronation Street are typical English working class people whose multigenerational antics have kept the English speaking world enthralled ... Read More
Be Pampered In London's Opulent Arabian Honeymoon Spa
Hal Licino - 10/04/2007
The Elemis Day Spa in the heart of Mayfair, London is offering an Exotic Steam Rasul pampering for a honeymoon couple, the first time that this historical Arabian health and vitality ritual has been offered in Europe. The Exotic Steam Rasul is truly the ultimate pampering experience for two people ... Read More
