Carnival Dream's 7 Day Western Caribbean Cruise

Sometimes it can be challenging planning a vacation that is desirable for both the parents and children. What do you look for when booking a cruise that will delight both the parents and the children?

When looking for both a parent and child friendly cruise you want to find the combination of both relaxation and activities. Depending on your desires you may want to look for on board childcare. Another important thing to look for is the onshore excursions. Are you going to a child friendly area, or is it more of an adults only place?

My favorite choice for both a parent and child friendly cruise is Carnival Dream's 7 Day Western Caribbean Cruise. They offer everything imaginable for both parents and children. What more could you ask for then a spa, casino, and outdoor movie screen to entertain you while you swim. Live music and a full miniature golf course also top off the list. Do not worry plenty of child's activities are available. This family cruise is great for couples alone and families.

This Caribbean Cruise is very affordable. Rates start at $602 per person based on standard room for a 7 day trip. Of course the time of year, the actual room size, and current specials can affect the rates; suites and deluxe family rooms are also available for a higher price. I found that the standard rooms on average are a little larger than most cruises. The ship itself is massive and offers specific designated areas for families.

When I went on this cruise I had absolutely no problems spending my money here. I felt that every dollar went right back into the cruise itself. The staff aboard Carnivals Dream's pay special attention to every detail. Even though you are amongst hundreds of other vacationers they find a way to make you feel special. Right down to towel animals in your room. Yes towel animals of monkeys, bears, and other wild life creatures are made and left on your bed each day with a room cleaning.

This is a very relaxing cruise even if you take the children. There are so many programs for the little ones. Do not feel bad sending your children to these structured activities. Most children love to go and participate in all the fun. You are on vacation after all. Do not feel bad about grabbing a little rest and relaxation while your children are having fun of their own.

Camp Carnival Kids' Club allows children as young as 2 years-old and up to the age of 11 years-old to participate in activities of art, music, and recreational activities like swimming. If you rather spend the day with your children and slip out at night for awhile then that is also doable. Every night babysitting is offered at the Camp Carnival Center. With great hours from 10 pm until 3am you will definitely have enough alone time. They even offer cribs for the youngest of passengers. The cost when I was aboard varied between $4 and $6 an hour. With almost everything else in life I would expect prices to go up in the near future.

This ship has plenty to offer for the swimming enthusiast. Talk about Waterworks; a four foot high water slide, fun fountains, and plenty of splash areas to keep the kids cool in the Caribbean sun. The Gathering is a name your children are sure to remember. It is a poolside restaurant that serves both pizza and ice cream until all hours of the night. Carnival Dream's also offers a unique dining experience for both parents and children. Dining Under The Stars offers children from the ages of 2 to 17 to eat with a cruise counselor. This way you and your significant other have a chance to enjoy a child free meal. Casual dining and other family friendly options are available. With any cruise you know lack of dining choices is not a problem.

Carnival Dream's has 4 stops in different ports. The first two are in Mexico; Cozumel and Costa Maya. The next stop is in Isla Rotan which is located close to Honduras. The last stop for us was in Belize. Carnival Dream's 7 day Western Caribbean cruise offers an incredibly relaxing and fun vacation for the entire family.

Swim with dolphins, horseback ride, discover and search ancient ruins as you explore the ports. Or choose to stay on board and enjoy all the amenities the ship has to offer. What ever you decide you are sure to have a trip that the whole family will be talking about for years.