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Family Cruises: Charting Your Course
Young passengers play computer games at Carnival Valor's Camp Carnival, which is aimed at ages 2 to 11.
(By Andy Newman/carnival Cruise Line)
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Who's Blogging  |
TOP ATTRACTIONS: Older kids can take guided tours of the sumptuous ships, or attend a hot-tub or toga party. But . . .
GENERAL VIBE: . . . You don't book on the QE2 or the QM2 for the children's programming. If your kids aren't ready to appreciate this sophisticated, once-in-a-lifetime experience, maybe a different starter cruise would make more sense.
MORE INFO: 800-CUNARD (800-728-6273), http:/
Disney
WHERE THEY GO: Disney Magic has a seven-night eastern or western Caribbean itinerary; Disney Wonder does three- and four-night trips to the Bahamas. In 2006, Wonder will have a 10- and 11-night itinerary in the southern Caribbean.
SAMPLE COST: Kids traveling as a third or fourth guest in a stateroom get a discount. A starting rate (the cheapest) for the first two people on a three-night cruise is $399 apiece; third and fourth guests staying in the same stateroom are discounted according to their age (a child under 3 would sail for $99; ages 3 to 12, $229).
THE BASICS: Kids' activities are offered for five age groups: 3 to 4, 5 to 7, 8 to 9, 10 to 12, and 13 to 17 . . . Onboard nursery for ages 12 weeks to 3 years; $6 per hour for first child, $5 for each additional, with two-hour minimum, on first-come, first-served basis . . . A limited number of strollers is available on board on a first-come, first-served basis . . . One-way "porthole" lets parents check on their kids during group baby-sitting without kids' knowing . . . Pagers are provided free for parents of kids 3-12 in the programs . . . Free sodas except at the bar.
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| Swashbuckling with Disney Cruise Line's "Pirates IN the Caribbean" show.( - ? 2005 Disney) |
GENERAL VIBE: You might think it's all about kids, but Disney cruises are popular with kid-free grown-ups, too. Provisions are made for giving adults plenty of ways to steer clear of the wee ones. Note to Disney: It's unsettling to check the cruise Web site and hear the theme music,"Under the Sea." We'll stay up top, thanks.
MORE INFO: 800-951-3532, http:/
Holland America
WHERE THEY GO: Seven- to 108-day(most are 10- to 12-day) cruises to Alaska, Asia and Pacific, Australia/New Zealand and South Pacific, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, Mexico, Pacific Northwest, Panama Canal, South America.
SAMPLE COST: Kids (2-18) can travel at slight discount if occupying a third or fourth berth in cabin. Additional discounts for infants 2 and under. A seven-day Caribbean or a seven-day Canada/New England cruise costs $599 to $799 depending on the date. Cost includes taxes and fees.
THE BASICS: Kids' activities are offered for three age groups: 5 to 7, 8 to 12, and 13 to 17 . . . All kids in the Club HAL program get a T-shirt . . . Youngest age allowed is 12 weeks . . . Baby-sitting in staterooms, $8 per hour for first child, $5 for each additional . . . Families booking five staterooms or more get group pricing, unlimited soft drinks, a family photo per stateroom, and a choice of either dinner for the entire family in the line's alternative Pinnacle Grill Restaurant or, on Caribbean cruises, free rentals of snorkel gear and swim mats or banana boat rides . . . Soda card buys unlimited soft drinks for $27.50 (seven days) or $43.13 (10 days). . . Bring your own stroller.
