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Cruise can be smooth for families
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER NEWS SERVICES
What's one of the best family vacations going? A cruise.
Children take to a cruise quite easily, and the best part is that it's a vacation not just for them but for all. While they are cared for, you can relax or do whatever. Meals are no problem, as there's plenty aboard to satisfy their tastes, and the cost is included in the cruise. There's no packing or unpacking as you travel to new destinations.
Since a cruise covers almost all the vacation essentials -- travel, meals, entertainment, recreation -- you not only know your costs ahead of time, but you'll also find great value in the packaging. Children also travel at a lower rate.
On American Hawaii Cruises, children 2-17 sail free when sharing a cabin with two full-fare-paying adults.
Just about all the major cruise lines offer a children's program during school vacations, some all year. On the newer ships, children's areas are lavish. The new Carnival Elation has a room that is filled with toys and even computers where youngsters can learn new skills.
Carnival's Camp Carnival program estimates it had 160,000 children aged 2 to 17 sail on its fleet in the past two years. And the Cruise Lines Internatinal Association notes that about 15 percent of the 4.5 million people who cruised last year took their children or grandchildren.
Cruising has become so family-oriented that even Disney is joining in. The Disney Magic has almost a whole deck devoted just to children's activities. For adults, Disney is providing lots of entertainment. And there are areas for adults only.
To be sure a cruise will fulfill your family's needs, ask a lot of questions before booking. Ask about facilities for the kids, special services, hours for children's programs. Are there activities for teenagers? Are the ports ones children will enjoy?
Ask also about any special programs. For example, children love swimming, and many lines offer snorkeling trips ashore.
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