Family fun need not be confined to the theme park or the beach; it can now be extended to include a holiday on board ship as part of one of the many cruise deals now on offer. For example, Walt Disney World is a popular family destination in Orlando, Florida and it can be combined with a cruise in the Caribbean for a superb 14 days of family entertainment.

Fly, Drive and Sail: Royal Caribbean

Many families take advantage of combined packages that involve flying to a resort where they can stay for the first part of their holiday, then driving on to a nearby port to pick up a cruise before returning to the resort to fly home again. This gives the adults seven days to make sure the kids are thoroughly entertained, followed by seven days of relaxation on board ship, where the kids continue to be kept busy with a variety of activities at their disposal.

Superb Entertainment

Vessels such as the Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas, for example, have amazing facilities on board including a water park, crazy golf and rock-climbing wall for the young at heart, and a solarium and fitness centre for the keen grown-ups. If nightlife is needed, there are pubs, a piano bar and a nightclub, as well as a theatre with live entertainment. Two extra special experiences are the fabulous views from the whirlpool spas, which extend over the sea from the side of the ship, and the

onboard ice rink, a special feature of the Royal Caribbean fleet.

Exclusively Cruising Family Holidays: P&O Cruises

Those who love to sail as much of the time as possible have lots of choice with P&O Cruises, which has five different family-friendly ‘superliners’ in the fleet: Ventura, Aurora, Oriana, Azura and Oceana, with cruise deals widely available. On board each one is a team of people waiting to help the young ones have a great holiday. In fact, club activities are arranged according to four age ranges, so toddlers to teenagers can be accommodated via different activity programmes. For example, toddlers have access to a playroom and paddling pool, and parents can supervise children under two years old in a separate area. There are facilities and separate pools available to children aged between two and 17 years old.

Dining Out and Sleeping In

Family dinner is accommodated on board of course. A little extra treat for the grownups is the option to dine alone sometimes, as there’s a special children’s tea every evening, featuring a popular menu designed to please. Cabins are not left out of the family-friendly agenda, and there are a whole range of suites and mini-suites designed to take account of parties of all sizes, with telephones, fridges and tea and coffee-making facilities all available.

Onshore Activities

Excursions available via P&O Cruises are organised to include onshore transport, English speaking guides and entrance fees. Typical packages include city tours for families, water park visits, adventure trips, expeditions for whale or dolphin watching and transfers to beaches.