Family Cruises; CruiseMates Guide

CruiseMates Family Cruising

Hostess: Luisa Frey Gaynor

BIO

Children's Programs listed by Cruise Line

Welcome to CruiseMates' Family Cruising area.

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This is the biggest growth area in the cruise industry and you'll find an astonishing variety of ships to choose from. From a poolside visit by Mickey and Minnie aboard Disney Cruise Line's Wonder and Magic to rock climbing and ice skating on Royal Caribbean International's Voyager and Explorer of the Seas, the two largest vessels ever built, modern cruise ships offer families non-stop fun.

CruiseMates' host Luisa Frey Gaynor has sailed the high seas with her husband and children and offers timely articles on the myriad topics that interest families. Let's face it -- it's never a simple matter to plan a vacation that the entire family will love. Allow Luisa to offer you some advice on how to make cruise planning easier.

Innovative Cruise Programs for Kids
	Many cruise lines have recently added new and inventive childrens' activites aboard their ships. Go> 5-04-09

Family Cruise Discounts
	Book now and save on Spring and Summer sailings. Go> 3-30-09

Seasonal Cruises for Families -- 2009
	Here's how a summer adventure sailing can bring your family closer together. Go> 3-06-09

Family Cruise Message Board FAQ's
	Here in one concise sampling are the highlights of recently posed message board questions, and their answers, for your reference before your next family cruise. Go> 2-13-09

Family Cruise Savings Tips
	Third and forth passengers in the same cabin cruise free or at a discount. Family cruise savings tips. Go> 1-09-09

Disney Cruise Lines- New European Itineraries
	Disney Wonder will wander to Europe in 2010 for the longest season overseas yet for family-friendly Disney Cruise Lines, including Baltic itineraries. Go> 10-20-08

Cruise Line Private Isands
	An overview of the private islands of Costa, Disney, Holland America, Norwegian Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Go> 9-12-08

Freestyle Family Fun
	NCL Freestyle Cruising is not just for adults. Family members of all ages can share in the fun to be had on the amazing ships of NCL Cruises. Go> 9-12-08

Family Facilities on New 2008 Ships
	An overview of family facilities and children's programs on ships introduced in 2008, by our family cruise editor, Luisa Frey Gaynor. 07-28-08

Toy Story on the High Seas
	Our reporter says Disney has the best family stage shows on the high seas. Other great family options, too. Go> 5-30-08

Is Disney Just for Little Kids? No Way!
	The family-friendly line also has plenty of options for teens on its two ships. Go> 5-23-08

Alaska: Family Cruise of a Lifetime
	For families cruising together, Alaska is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and an adventure they will always remember. Go> 5-14-08

What's New in Family Cruising: 2008
	So what's new in family cruising? Plenty. Here's a rundown of new ship features, cruise line by cruise line. 04-11-08

Liberty of the Seas with Kids
	Here's a report of just one day's full schedule for a family onboard Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas. 04-02-08

Seasonal Family Cruises for 2008
	Several smaller lines offer special summer/holiday cruises with kids' programs and unique itineraries. 02-13-08

Kid-Smart Safety at Sea
	Here's what you should know about how safe your kids really are at sea. 10-01-07

Holland America Gets Family Friendly
	The line's new children's facilities and programs are driving down the average age of passengers. 10-01-07

Keeping Kids Entertained on Shore
	Keeping the wee ones happy during those long days ashore is simply a matter of appealing to their natural interests. Here are a few suggestions for a stress-free shore experience. 8-22-07

What's New in Family Cruising?
	What do the cruise lines have in store for the wee ones? Check out all the new children's programs here. 8-6-07

Family-friendly Bermuda
	This British island has plenty to interest your kids, from historic attractions to nature to beautiful beaches. 7-02-07

Fun and International Flair on Costa
	Our Family Editor trakes her brood on a Costa ship In the Caribbean 6-1-07

New Family-Friendly Ships for 2007
	These seven vessels offer many of the same children's facilities as their earlier twins. 4-30-07

Cruising vs. Disney World: A Price Comparison
	The truth is, cruises not only cost less than Disneyworld, you get more for your money. And they appeal to a wider range of ages, especially teens. 3-19-07

Seasonal Family Cruises for 2007
	Here's a roundup of highlights of the cruise lines that offer seasonal family sailings on smaller lines for this summer. 2-12-07

Family Cruiser FAQ 2007
	Parents traveling with children should be properly prepared not just to avoid any mishaps, but more importantly to deny the kids any potential excuse for whining if things don't go smoothly. Here are updated answers to the most common questions by parents about kids on cruise ships. 1-10-07

Grand Cruising with Grandkids
	Cruises provide opportunities for grandkids to bond and grow by experiencing the finer things in life. 12-4-06

"Cruisine" for Kids
	Hungry kids can be a handful. Fortunately, picky young eaters have plenty to choose from on family-friendly lines. 10-9-06

Freedom's Family Fun Time
	The world's biggest cruise ship has enough activities to satisfy tots to teens and the in-betweens. 9-1-06

New Passport Rules
	With rules starting January 1, 2007, here's what you need to do to comply. Tips for childrens documents, too. 7-21-06

Cruising New England/Canada with Kids
	Here's a roundup of the most popular family attractions in port. 6-30-06

New at Disney Cruise Line
	The family-oriented company has added more activities and technology for kids of all ages. 6-2-06

Seeing Hawaii with Pride
	NCL's Pride of America brings a patriotic ambience to inter-island cruising. 4-26-06

Family Cruiser FAQ 2006
	Here are answers to the things parents most often wonder about. 3-27-06

Summer 2006 Youth Programs
	Smaller lines have special seasonal departures for families. 2-27-06

Southern Caribbean for Family
	An island-by-island Southern Caribbean guide to the best kids' activities. 1-16-06

CruiseMates Family Cruising

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