Family cruising is the largest growth segment in the cruise industry, and when it comes to that long awaited vacation, cruising is the top choice for parents craving the chance to unwind.
Family-friendly cruise lines offer on-board children's programs staffed by certified Youth Counsellors.
Participation in these fun and educational opportunities is optional, but most parents find that it is sometimes hard to get the kids to leave them! Activities are offered on both days at sea and while the ship is in port.
Typically, you will find the children organized by age into three or four different groups, each offering appropriate activities in separate playrooms.
Some cruise ships even have a dedicated teen clubhouse.
The minimum age to join the program on many ships is 2 or 3 years and potty trained.
Cruise lines often give their various clubs, names.
This is also the case for the "Kids Clubs".
Carnivals is called Camp Carnival and Celebrity have their X-Club youth programme, which offers a full compliment of age-specific activities and entertainment for 3-17 year old.
This list goes on.
Other cruise lines with recognised clubs are Costa Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Island Cruises, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Ocean Village, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises & Royal Caribbean International.
It all adds up to a safe, enjoyable, hassle free vacation for all the family.
Unlike one location vacations in land based resorts, cruising with the family takes you to a variety of different destinations with new worlds to discover virtually every day.