Cruises have become one of the most popular ways to travel, with around 20 million people choosing to take a cruise each year. Families make up a large percentage of those taking to the seas and given the on-board facilities available it’s not hard to see why when cruises from UK starting destinations take all the hassle from the travelling element of a holiday.
Traditionally described as floating hotels, cruise ships are now much more than simply ocean going accommodation. Cruise line operators are now geared towards family-friendly holidays, offering facilities to cater for kids and adults alike. If you think that nothing beats a traditional beach resort hotel then try out a cruise at least once to see what you’ve been missing.
Sail the world’s oceans
Who wouldn’t want to wake up in a new part of the world every day? The destinations are of course one of the major selling points and cruise line operators such as Cunard Cruises offer a wealth of popular sightseeing locations around the globe.
Take off from your UK port and sail to regions of the world such as North and South America, the Middle East, Australia and Scandinavia. Take a multi-destination voyage where you can cruise the Mediterranean countries such as Italy, Portugal, Greece and Tunisia all within one trip, the destination is entirely your choice.
But what about the kids?
Children are well looked after on a cruise with a variety of entertainment including sports competitions, games consoles, swimming and discos. All of the children’s groups and activities are supervised by professional staff, meaning parents can spend some time together safe in the knowledge their children are being well looked after.
Parents should keep in mind specific issues such as seasickness if children have never taken a cruise before, although there is widely available medication available for this.
Facilities for all
From family sized luxury cabins with private balconies to first class dining and buffet services, a cruise ship easily matches the facilities offered by a five star hotel. These immense ships also offer spas, salons and fitness centres. The latest movies are shown in cabins and on specific deck areas, and many of the ships offer casinos and live shows with well-known celebrities. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy golf simulators, table tennis, soccer and fencing classes although not all of these activities will available on every ship.
Excitement on-shore
Arriving at your port of call and then taking shore excursions to sightsee in some of the world’s most popular destinations will provide unforgettable family holiday memories.
Imagine sailing into Sydney Harbour or watching Venice unfold in front of you from the deck of your ship. Cruise under San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge or view the Manhattan skyline illuminated at night before exploring all that these vibrant cities have to offer. This is an excellent way to experience new countries although your time on-shore may be limited depending on the length of your cruise.
There’s no doubt that a week or two on board an ocean liner is one of the most exciting holiday options available. Of course cruises won’t be for everyone but when it comes to keeping the kids entertained and enjoying some amazing international destinations, setting sail is second to none.
Gillian Wright is a nutritionist from northern England who enjoys long walks, finding adventure and spending time with family and friends.
Images by Timothy Valentine, Scott Smith (2 and 3) and Raging Wire used under creative commons license.
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