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The more relatives you sail with, the better deal you can get. Third and forth passengers in the same cabin cruise free or at a discount. On Board Savings For the most part, youth activities are top-notch -- just as good as those at land-based resorts where you are charged $35 to $50 for a half-day session. In addition, many cruise lines feature family-friendly, free activities such as water slides, water play areas and rock-climbing walls that you and your children can enjoy together. While it gets pricey paying for a family of four to book shore excursions sold through the cruise lines (instead, hop in a taxi with your family and hit the beach independently in the Caribbean to save money), many lines offer reduced shore excursion fares for children on select tours. These reduced rates are usually listed on the shore excursion order form on board ship. For example, on Celebrity Cruises, a three-hour ATV adventure in Denali National Park is $95 for adults and half price for kids at $48. Similarly, a substantial reduction is taken at Disney Cruise Line, where a shore excursion to Trunk Bay costs $62 for adults and $39 for children nine years and under. MSC offers a 30 percent reduction on all shore excursions for those 11 years and under in the Caribbean and those 13 years and under in Europe. MSC Cruises recently rolled out My Teen Card, targeted to 12- to 17-year-olds. The prepaid card can be used by the holder for onboard purchases (sodas, gift shop items, etc.) and as a stateroom key. In the Caribbean, teens can choose from a $30 card with a $5 bonus added or $50 with a $10 bonus; in Europe, the same amounts are applicable in Euros.
Food and Drink Packages Princess Cruises recently rolled out its Ultimate Kids Package for those under 21 years. The package costs $9 per day and includes an unlimited soda fountain package; unlimited soft serve ice cream; free hot chocolate, juices, and mocktails. NCL charges $39.50 for its Kids' Crew Backpack with Unlimited Soda Program, which provides an NCL backpack; NCL T-shirt; NCL baseball cap; and unlimited soda package. For teens, the Teen Passport Program costs $34.50 and includes a booklet with 20 tickets for non-alcoholic drinks and non-alcoholic smoothies; and admission to an afternoon dance party with DJ, pizza and unlimited soft drinks. A few lines offer a lowered kids' rate at their alternative restaurants. On Holland America Line, children under 12 are free and those 12 to 18 years pay half price ($10 in the Pinnacle Grill and $15 at Tamarind for dinner). Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess Cruises charge half price for children three to 12 years old in their specialty restaurants. Families as Groups Holland America Line has a Family Reunion Program with reduced group fares for families booking eight staterooms or more on any cruise. They include the following amenities:
Crystal Cruises offers a Crystal Family Memories package. Included are:
Even if a cruise line does not have a family reunion package, most offer some type of added value perks or a free cabin for small groups. If you have an extended family that wants to vacation together, ask your desired cruise line about small-group deals. At Costa, the 16th passenger in a group of at least eight cabins is free; other perks include on-board credits, shore excursion and photo credits. NCL's new Groups 2.0 program, for guests booking eight or more staterooms, features advance Freestyle Dining reservations in any restaurant prior to the sailing, and a cocktail party for the whole group. One stateroom in the group of eight gets shipboard credits ranging from $50 to $150 (depending on cruise length); one bottle of house wine or sparkling cider at dinner and in stateroom; 10 free gourmet cups of coffee; casino credits; bowling in the newer ships; adult and children's soda package; a $50 spa credit and 130 free Internet minutes. Back to Top of Article >> Family Cruise Savings Tips Page 1 | 2
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