Gone are the days of the traditional British bucket and spade holiday, sandy ice creams on the beach and donkey rides. With such a huge variety of holiday choices available for families to choose from and summer school holidays just around the corner, is a cruise a realistic option, is it value for money and parents must ask themselves, will my children get bored?
Many cruiselines now cater for families far more comprehensively than traditional holiday resorts. With award-winning children’s programmes to keep them entertained all day, in varying age groups, from tots right through to teens, all day, and in the evening, and even offering baby sitting services in order that the parents can also enjoy nights out onboard. It’s crucial to pick the right cruiseline, and of course, the right ship which has facilities like carousels, rock climbing walls and aquatheatres, which will amaze children even more than a hotel pool and the beach. And what a way to show them an array of destinations and teach them about different cultures around the world. Some cruiselines even feature educational options for children, such as Celebrity Cruises or Royal Caribbean International– and on all cruise lines, staff are fully trained, children are always supervised and safety is of paramount importance.
The predicted trend throughout the remainder of 2010 and into 2011 is that families will look at fresh ways to travel to their favourite destinations. Travellers will want to be ‘greener’ and cruises; especially ex-UK cruises will increase in popularity. On the subject of ex-UK cruises, remember that if your cruise holiday starts and ends in the UK, there are no flights, you are on holiday from the moment you step onboard.
Cruises can also offer exceptional value for money, with the price including almost everything onboard except drinks and shore excursions. You could consider a cruiseline which is all inclusive if you want to control costs or one where soft drinks packages can be purchased. Generally though, it will be far easier to keep an eye on what you are spending as everytime your children want an ice-cream you won’t have to put your hand in your pocket! Plus you can keep control on your onboard account as to your daily spending. Lower budget cruise lines such as Thomson cruises do tend to offer a higher, more consistent three star standard than some hotel resorts and you’ll still feel you’re on a luxury holiday, at a fraction of the price. Considering this is the most popular time of year to travel and demand means that prices are generally higher than at other times of the year. If budget isn’t top priority then you could really ‘push the boat out’ and treat the family to a top class five or six star holiday – everything really is done for you, no stress, visit some incredible destinations and spend your well earned time off in the lap of luxury being pampered beyond belief!
On the flip side, for those without children whose commitments mean they have to travel during the summer holidays, for example, those in the teaching profession could consider an adults-only cruise. Booking through a bonded agent that are ACE members will get you the right ship and destination at the right price, then all you need to do is sit back and enjoy the peace, quiet and many luxuries a cruise holiday affords you.