Best Cruises for Kids: Carnival Ends Adult Only Pools
As a parent of two, I know that laughter, squeals and the pitter patter of little feet is a given on any family vacation. At times however, we can overlook the needs of the adults who are also part of that equation. Since a cruise is usually more affordable and less hectic than a land-based vacation with kids in tow, I have turned my search for the best cruises for kids into somewhat of a hobby.
What I have found is that there are more family cruise deals available today than ever before. In fact, Carnival Cruise Line is taking steps to make the pool areas on their ships more family friendly. According to Carnival brand ambassador John Heald, the Carnival line of ships with names like Conquest, Glory, Valor, Liberty, Freedom, Splendor and Victory have all eliminated the adults-only aft pools setup for a more family-friendly experience.
As we approach the summer months, many people are gearing up for their family holiday. If you haven’t decided on a vacation route as yet; maybe you will find some helpful information in the following list of that showcase some of the best cruises for kids and best family cruise deals. These have been compiled by picks that were ranked and verified by cruise experts as well as from reviews submitted within the last 12 months.
Disney Cruise Line
Four of the Disney Cruise Line including Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy top the list of best cruises for kids and overall best family cruises 2017 will see. Both critics and guests give these kid friendly cruises much kudos for atmosphere, amenities and large spacious staterooms that make sailing with kids a lot more comfortable. The good news is, these Disney cruises have not overlooked the adults. In addition to a variety of Disney-inspired entertainment and activities geared towards the young, there are private adults-only pools, restaurants and lounges.
Also, while the atmosphere on these Disney cruise lines are exciting for children, adult guests rate some activities as sufficiently low-keyed to allow parents and even grandparents to reconnect with some of their most cherished childhood memories. For this reason, many adults find the Disney cruising experience as enjoyable for them as it is for the kids.
Disney ships sail from a number of ports in the U.S. including Miami, New York and San Diego to destinations such as Alaska, Europe as well as the Caribbean and Canada. Voyages and itineraries also vary between 3 and 12 days.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line offers a unique family cruise vacation that in some respects rivals the best of their competitors. For instance, they offer families a collection of complimentary first-at-sea experiences that allows kids and adults alike to interact with some of the most beloved DreamWorks characters like Kung Fu Panda, Puss in Boots, Fiona, Shrek and more.
There are also a ton of family friendly activities such as scavenger hunts, the first ever at-sea sky diving simulator, an amazing parade that kids can participate in as well as the opportunity to dine with their favorite DreamWorks movie friend and more. Bear in mind that Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas are two of the largest ships with the incredible outdoor water theater, flow rider, ice rink and a host of other amenities. Their size also means more passengers on board.
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival family cruises are geared toward multi-generational families and children of all ages.
This year Carnival Cruise Lines will roll out new fun initiatives on eight of its Fantasy-class ships. They will include an expansive water park for guest of all ages, the new Camp Carnival children’s program as well as a Serenity area that is devoted to adults. Carnival Magic offers many new features that holds equal appeal for children of all ages and adults such as an amazing outdoor movie theatre, water works area, rope and sports courts, mini golf and a great kids club that allow parents to enjoy some kid free entertainment.
While it is true that Carnival may not offer all the bells and whistles of a Disney cruise they are comparable with Royal Caribbean though more affordable. New family oriented amenities and the affordable cost of a Carnival vacation makes it possible for the whole family to cruise together without breaking the bank.
Beyond budget, there are three important factors that help Carnival to meet the criteria as one of the best family cruise deals as well as the best cruises for kids. They are the range of travel dates available to families with complicated schedules, a host of destinations to choose. Carnival also provide dedicated teams of professional counselors with qualifications in childcare and education to supervise their kid and teen programs.
Celebrity Cruise Line
The Celebrity Cruise Line has set the bar high when it comes to making sure families get a chance to truly enjoy their at-sea vacation. Celebrity offers a Four-Tier Family Program for children between the ages 3 to 12 and a teen program for ages 13-17. This program is overseen and directed by CPR certified, experienced youth counselors with formal education in recreation, education, child development many with linguistic competence in languages other than English such as Spanish, French, German, Italian and Portuguese.
Also, for families traveling with special needs children, Celebrity Cruises have achieved Bronze and Silver level certification fleet wide for providing autism friendly products, services and a youth staff complement that is specially trained in developmental disabilities, communication tactics and skills to initiate a conversation with a parent about their child’s needs.
Celebrity Cruises also provide sensory friendly films, toys and food sensitive menu options such as gluten-free and dairy-free meals. The best part about a celebrity family cruise is that parents have the peace of mind when cruising that their children’s needs will be appropriately met so that they will be able to have fun and memorable cruising experience.
With so many family cruise opportunities to choose from these days, why not let an expert help find the best cruise deals for your family? Call CruiseExperts.com today at 1-800-804-CRUISE (2784). Also, don’t forget to like use on Facebook and join our InnerCircle for exclusive offers and cruise news that you can use to plan your next vacation. Also, check out our new Resource Center, where you can receive expert knowledge from us before your next cruise or cruisetour!