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Family Destinations> Cruises
Cruises
Family
Interests
 Families who want a quick overview of the Caribbean
enjoy cruising. There are many cruise lines featuring 7-day Caribbean
itineraries - typically from Puerto Rico and Florida, though other departure ports are also
available. Almost every cruise line company is now family-friendly. Some
offer kids programs on a seasonal basis, others on a year-round
basis.
European and
Alaskan cruises are also popular choices for summer holidays.
Read about some
of the cruise lines that we sell. We have included
links to each of their official websites.
Disney
Cruise Line
The best custom-built family cruise ships. Unmatched kids programs and
facilities.
Fairly expensive, but worth the price. They offer 3 & 4 day cruises
usually taken in conjunction with a 4 or 3 day Disney World land stay.
The year 2000 saw the introduction of a seven day Caribbean cruise.
For Edmundo's
write up on the Disney Cruise CLICK
HERE. Recently (Sept 2006) one of our agents sailed on the
Disney Cruise with his family (2 children, age 3 and 5). He "blogged"
daily from the ship and the permanent link to the blog is here - Disney
Cruise Blog. Do check it out, it gives a fun and detailed
look at the ship, the activities, the shows, the food, Disney's private
island, and much more.
Follow this link
to be taken to the Disney
Cruise Line Website.
Carnival
Cruise Line
All the Carnival cruise ships have good kids programs - and their newer
ships have bigger and better purpose-built kids club rooms.
Carnival's
low prices, large
fleet, multiple
destination ports, and great Caribbean itineraries have made them very popular.
Carnival are one of
the very few cruise
lines that sometimes
have last minute
rates.
Windjammer
Barefoot Cruises
This cruise company features cruises on luxury tall ships (sailing
ships). The ships are relatively small, typically 60-120 passengers,
offer great itineraries through the quieter spots in the Caribbean, and
have an informal, relaxed atmosphere. Two of their ships have kids and
teens programs. The prices are high, but the experience is unique.
Follow
this link to be taken to the Windjammer
Barefoot Cruises Website.
Princess
Cruises
These are more "up-market" cruises, though promotions can make for lower
prices on some sailings. They again offer good itineraries in the
Caribbean and elsewhere. Kids clubs are not found on every one of
their ships and/or sailings.
Follow this link
to be taken to the Princess
Cruise Line Website.
Royal
Caribbean Cruise Line
RCCL are introducing "Free-Style Cruising" which is a more
flexible cruise experience, without fixed mealtimes etc. All of their
ships have kids facilities. Mid-high price, similar to Princess and
Holland America.
Follow this link
to be taken to the Royal
Caribbean Cruise Line Website.
Holland
America
Each of these ships has "Club HAL" for kids. These are 5-star
ships with a number of interesting itineraries.
Follow this link
to be taken to the Holland
America Cruise Line Website.
 Time
constraints
Most
of the Caribbean Cruises are for 7 day durations. There are, of course,
exceptions. There are a limited number of 10 day cruises, often taking
in some or all of the Panama Canal, and there are 3,4,5 day short
cruises, mainly from Florida to the Bahamas.
Most
of the cruise lines offer pre- and post-cruise stays at hotels in the
home ports.
 A
very rough budget guide
For
cruises there is one general rule for getting the cabin that you want
at the best price.
"Book
well in advance".
Cruise lines book up early, especially for popular
times (Christmas, New Year and March Break for example). Also, they tend
to have a sliding scale for prices. The earlier you book the lower the
price will be. Nine months in advance is not too early for the best
choice!
When
it comes to pricing, be sure to read the small print, but don't be put off
by the prices in the brochures! There are often promotions and early
booking bonuses which make the price more reasonable. Also
if you book early, we are more likely to find you airfare at reasonable
prices.
Ask us to quote you for specific dates
and itineraries.
A
family of 2 adults and 2 children under 12, sharing an inside stateroom
for a seven day Caribbean cruise, can expect to pay a minimum of $5500 Canadian
Dollars (includes cruise, flights and port charges). Gratuities and
shore excursions are additional.
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