Cruising with Families:

When many people think of cruises, they probably think of romantic excursions for couples only such as on the 80's tv show "The Love Boat.". That may have been true 20 years ago, but now, more cruise lines are catering to families. Many have child focused activities as well as daycare facilities so the adults can experience some of the enjoyable activities that are considered adult only. Here are 5 of my favorites.

1. Disney Cruise Lines.
As with any other Disney experience, the cast members go out of their way to make sure the guest experience is unforgettable for all. Aboard ship, opportunities abound for child only as well as other family activities. There are character greet and autograph times, broadway style shows that include Disney characters, and photo sessions with the child's favorite characters. They also offer age appropriate activities for children of all ages as well as child care times so that the parents can enjoy the adult activities and spa services during the cruise. All Caribbean cruises stop at Disney's private island, Castaway Cay, where families can play on the beach.

2.Carnival Cruise Lines.
Also called "The Fun Ship", Carnival Cruise Lines has great opportunities for family adventure aboard ship. They offer what is called "Camp Carnival" where there are activities for the three different age groups; toddler, junior, and intermediate. While at this day camp the kids will be doing age appropriate activities taught by staff who have been trained as educators. They will enjoy kid friendly games and food to make their cruise experience a great memory. Most Carnival ships also have an outdoor waterpark on the upper deck to keep older kids and young adults entertained for hours.

3. Norwegian Cruise LInes.
From campouts on deck to pajama parties, Norwegian Cruise Lines has many child centered activities aboard ship to keep the kids occupied for hours so that the adults can enjoy spa treatments, casino games, or other special events. From age 3 to age 17, there are activities to please all. The kids can take cooking classes, go on a treasure hunt on a sandy beach, or they can shoot some hoops all while being supervised by specially educated and carefully selected staff from some of the world's greatest universities. The NCL "kids crew" program will create once in a lifetime memories.

4. Princess Cruises.
For an enjoyable and unforgettable family experience, book your cruise aboard one of the Princess cruise ships. While aboard ship, your young children will be able to enjoy arts and crafts, games, and movies, while teens will be able to make use of the teen centers where they will have video games, jukeboxes and ping pong available for their enjoyment. Some of the Princess ships offer a special area for teens where they can enjoy a unique experience made just for them. On select ships, the children will have access to their own deck with splash pools and jacuzzis. All of these activites are monitored by specially trained and carefully selected caring staff to make your cruise truly a memorable experience for the whole family.

5. Cunard Line.
For a unique family adventure cruise, try the British owned Cunard line. You will travel back in time with a cruise aboard either the world famous Queen Elizabeth II or the Quenn Mary II. While on board, you can have your child supervised by real British nannies in the nursery or with specially trained youth staff for onboard activities such as discos, scavenger hunts, and arts and crafts. The nursery starts at age 1 and the youth program can be enjoyed by children up to age 17.

Book your cruise today and enjoy a lifetime of memories.