Jun
28
Something Special About Mary
Filed Under QM2, cruise ship review, trans-Atlantic cruises | 2 Comments
There’s something special about Mary – the Queen Mary 2 that is.
It could be her beautiful raked bow or rounded Constanzi stern. Or perhaps it’s her streamlined hull and sleek superstructure adorned with the famous black, white and red livery of the Cunard Line.
But whatever it is, it was obvious to us as soon as we arrived at the pier in Southampton, England to begin our six-day crossing to New York City that this was no ordinary vessel. In an era where too many ships resemble floating condominiums and handle like bloated barges, the QM2 could well be the most beautiful and steadiest passenger ship in the world.
The reason for all these superlatives is that the QM2 is an ocean liner, not a cruise ship. In fact, when launched in 2004 she was the first major ocean liner to be built since the Queen Elizabeth 2 in 1969.
The difference between a cruise ship and an ocean liner is that the latter is designed, equipped and built for regular ocean crossings. In contrast, cruise ships are built to sail between ports of call in more protected waters, although they still do the occasional ocean crossing as part of a repositioning or world cruise.
As a result, ocean liners require heavier grade steel for their hulls, use higher quality materials in their fittings, need more powerful engines, and cost much more to build. For example, the QM2 is built with 40% more steel than a comparably sized cruise ship, and costs about US$300,000 per berth, about double the industry average. In
addition, it has a top speed of nearly 30 knots and a cruising speed of 26 knots, which is much faster than the 18 to 22-knot average cruising speed of most cruise ships.
Since ocean liners spend most of their time at sea rather than in port, they also tend to have more public areas and grander interiors than cruise ships. In this regard, the QM2 is likely the most beautiful ship at sea, as we saw first-hand as we made our way past a number of elegantly appointed public rooms and staircases filled with more than 5,000 commissioned works of art on our
way to our spacious balcony cabin on deck 11.
The QM2 boasts 13 passenger decks with 15 restaurants and bars, including the main Britannia Dining Room, a pair of posh restaurants for first-class grill passengers, and an alternative pay-as-you-go restaurant called Todd English ($20 for lunch, and $30 for dinner). The latter is by far the best alternative restaurant we’ve ever sampled at sea, with delicious entrees like porterhouse lamb, sea bass and beef tenderloin followed by desserts like fallen chocolate cake soufflé and crème brulee.
The main Britannia Dining Room, which like the
rest of the vessel has been designed to reflect the elegance of great ocean liners from the golden era of trans-Atlantic travel, features several tiered levels cast over two decks. Her menu carries a wide variety of delicious and well presented choices, served by a talented and gracious wait staff. In fact, the Britannia is among the top three or four dining rooms we’ve ever experienced at sea.
In terms of activity and entertainment, the QM2 has five swimming pools, a casino, a ballroom, a theatre, a spa and the first planetarium at sea. The latter doubles as a
cinema and can even screen live sporting events such as the World Cup of Soccer, as it has been doing during our cruise along with the Golden Lion Pub. And there are a number of bars and lounges, including the cozy Commodore Club, the elegant Sir Samuel’s, the classical Winter Garden Lounge and the nautical-themed Chart Room.
The ship also features a kennel, which can house up to 12 cats and dogs that owners can visit throughout the cruise.
With the retirement of Queen Elizabeth 2 in 2008, the QM2 became the only ocean liner left in active passenger service. She offers regular crossings between America and
England from April to November, with eastbound crossings taking seven days, and westbound trips lasting six days. The QM2 also offers a variety cruises in between crossings, as well as a world cruise from January and April of each year.
While the QM2 also offers a handful of mini-cruises each year to coincide with holiday weekends, these tend to be party cruises that attract a different clientele that give short shrift to the elegance and traditions of a longer cruise or crossing. In fact, we sailed on a four-day Labour Day cruise aboard the QM2 in 2007 and didn’t enjoy it.
However, we’re glad we gave the QM2 another chance by sailing with her on a trans-Atlantic voyage. After all, crossing the ocean is what this elegant ocean liner was designed and built for. And it’s what separates her from all the other cruise ships and makes this Mary truly special.
Jun
24
An Epic Adventure Begins
Filed Under Cruise news, New ships | Leave a Comment
The Norwegian Epic sails today (June 24, 2010) from Southampton, England to New York City on her maiden voyage. Since being released from the
STX shipyard in France last week, the Epic has done two mini-cruises for invited guests only, mainly media and travel agents. However, this voyage will be the first real test of her appeal and sea worthiness with a paying audience.
So far, much of the hype about NCL’s largest and most innovative ship to date has lived up to its advance billing. And what else would you expect from a ship that has six bowling lanes, an aqua park with three water slides, rock climbing and rappelling walls, an ice bar, evening
entertainment from the likes of Cirque du Soleil and Blue Man Group, more restaurants than most small cities, and dedicated cabins for singles.
Not that getting one of the world’s most revolutionary ship designs to sea has been without its trials and tribulations.
When first conceived in 2006, the Epic was going to be the first of three ships built to this innovative new standard as part of a project known as “F3.” However, a dispute
between NCL and STX resulted in the construction of just one ship – the Epic.
Then a series of fires broke out on the ship during its final stages of construction in May and June of 2010, which many people thought (incorrectly) would delay its delivery to NCL. And this week, the Epic limped into Southampton with a propeller problem, which apparently has been fixed in time for today’s departure.
Despite the early teething problems and its rather ugly profile, the Epic looks like it’s going to be a winner for NCL. And the main
reason is that it features a wide variety of innovative options for dining, entertainment, activities and accommodations. For example:
- The water park features three waterslides, including one called the “Epic Plunge” that offers a ride on an inner tube. However, there have been reports that the slide is not yet working properly.
- While rock-climbing walls are not a first at sea, Epic has added a new dimension by adding a rappelling wall (you rappel down it rather than climbing up).
- The sports deck includes a full-size basketball court, batting cage, trampoline, and
a 24-foot tall enclosed climbing cage called the Spider Web. There are also six bowling lanes.
- To keep the kids entertained at sea, NCL has partnered with Nickelodeon to offer character meet-and-greets, interactive game shows, and special character breakfasts and activities.
- The ship has more than 14 dining options including The Manhattan club (a 2-storey Art Deco supper club with a dance floor); O’Sheehan’s Bar & Grill (a 24-hour neighbourhood pub); Moderno Churrascaria (an Argentine parilla); La Cucina (a
Tuscan-style trattoria); and Teppanyaki (beef, chicken and shrimp prepared on an iron grill by Japanese chefs).
- Innovative entertainment options including Blue Man Group, Second-City, and Cirque Dreams and Dinner, the latter being a dinner theatre concept where waiters are part of the show.
- More than 125 cabins for single passengers that are priced for solo occupancy without any type of supplementary fee. While these are all inside cabins, they do offer a shared lounge area with a bar and room to socialize.
Once the Epic arrives in the U.S. on July 1, it will do a preview cruise before getting christened by Reba McEntire on July 2. Then it will play host to the Macy’s department store 4th of July fireworks celebration in New York City.
After relocating to Miami, the Epic will begin its inaugural Caribbean season, where it will offer 7-day cruises to the Western and Eastern Caribbean. Then in April of 2011, the ship will move to Europe for the summer where it will be the largest ship ever to sail the Mediterranean.
While the Norwegian Epic may have faced some challenges on its way into service, the future looks bright for what has to be one of the most innovative ships to debut in the last decade. Along with Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, the Epic may well change the way we think about cruise ships for a long time to come.
Jun
21
Cruise to Mark Twain’s Island Paradise
Filed Under cruise deals | 4 Comments
With cruise fares starting as low as C$75 per day and a wide variety of ships departing from easy to reach ports in the U.S. northeast,
Bermuda is quickly becoming one of the best values in cruising.
Discovered 500 years ago by Spanish explorer Juan de Bermudez, the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda is a subtropical paradise with verdant hills, pink-sand beaches, and whispering breezes.
While many think of this pretty archipelago as a Caribbean island, it’s actually located in the North Atlantic some 1,000 km off the coast of North Carolina. This makes the territory’s climate warm, sunny and virtually perfect for
touring from April to October.
The three major tourist stops on Bermuda are found in the capital city of Hamilton, the old town of St. George’s, and the charming Royal Naval Dockyard area at King’s Wharf (where the largest cruise ships dock).
Founded in 1793, Hamilton is a collection of pastel-coloured houses, quaint shops and English Bobbies.
Just down the coast from Hamilton lies the historic
town of St. George’s, which boasts the oldest Anglican church in the Western Hemisphere, a replica of the Deliverance (the ship built by settlers in 1610), and the stocks and pillory in King’s Square.
The historic Royal Naval Dockyard is located at the North West end of the archipelago and now serves as a tourist attraction. Several warehouses have been turned into shops and artists’ galleries, a pedestrian mall has opened in the clock tower,
and the keep area is now the site of the Bermuda Maritime Museum.
One of the most relaxing and economical ways to visit Bermuda is by cruise ship, and a number of cruise lines sail to Bermuda including NCL, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Carnival and Princess. They offer convenient departures from the east coast of the U.S. from ports like New York, New Jersey, Baltimore, and Boston.
There are a variety of well priced cruises to Bermuda from April through October with
fares that range from C$603 for an 8-night voyage on the Caribbean Princess to C$635 for a 7-night cruise on the Norwegian Spirit.
But no matter which ship you choose, once in Bermuda you may find its pink-hued beaches and beautiful vistas difficult to leave. It’s a feeling that made this lush archipelago Mark Twain’s favourite island paradise, and inspired him to write: “You die and go to heaven; I’ll stay here in Bermuda.”
Jun
14
PIGS Deserve Credit for Low European Cruise Fares
Filed Under European cruises, cruise deals | 2 Comments
You can thank the PIGS for another great season of attractively priced cruise fares in Europe.
The world’s major cruise lines had been hoping to significantly raise fares on European voyages this year based on what they hoped would be rising demand from passengers in the Euro-zone. But with countries like Portugal, Ireland, Greece and Spain (the PIGS) languishing in debt and sinking hopes for a quick economic recovery in Europe, it looks like we’re going to have at least one more year of bargain-basement cruise fares on the continent.
Not only that, but with the Euro in free fall versus the Canadian and US dollars, the cost of a pre- or post-cruise land stay in Europe hasn’t been this attractive in more than a decade.
So what can you expect to see in Europe by cruise ship and how much money can you save doing it?
There are a wide range of European cruise itineraries this year including voyages to
Northern Europe, the Western Mediterranean, the Greek Islands & Turkey, the Adriatic Coast, and the British Isles. You can sail through one of these regions in as little as five days, or combine a couple of them over a longer voyage of 10 to 14 days. And thanks to the PIGS, you can scoop up a large number of European cruises for less than C$135 a day.
For example:
- You can nab a seven-night cruise to the Western Mediterranean this fall for just C$624 or $89 per day. This cruise aboard the
Norwegian Jade sails roundtrip from Barcelona, Spain on October 24 for Monte Carlo, Monaco; Livorno (for Pisa and Florence), Civitavecchia (for Rome), and Naples, Italy; and the island of Palma Majorca, Spain.
- For as little as C$999 ($100 per day), you can spend 10 wonderful nights aboard the MSC Opera on a combination Northern Europe and Mediterranean cruise that sails from Dover, England on September 10 for Venice, Italy. Along the way, you’ll get to
see the beautiful ports of La Coruna, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; Malaga, Spain; La Goulette, Tunisia; and Dubrovnik, Croatia.
- Feel like combining a short cruise with a few days ashore in Spain? Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas is offering a five-night roundtrip voyage that departs Malaga, Spain on November 13 and sails to the Canary Islands and Madeira. Cruise fares start at just C$559 or $120 per day.
- Why not try something completely different by sailing roundtrip from Southampton,
England to Iceland and the fjords of Norway for just C$1,428 or $119 per day. The Crown Princess departs Southampton on July 29 for a 12-night voyage to Reykjavik and Akureyri, Iceland; and Aalesund, Hellesylt, Olden and Bergen, Norway.
- How about spending 14 nights exploring the coasts of Northern Europe, England, Europe and the Western Mediterranean with fares starting as low as C$1,868 or $133 a day? The Star Princess departs Copenhagen, Denmark on September 9 for Oslo, Norway; Rotterdam, Holland; Dover (for London), England; Le Havre (for Paris), France; Lisbon, Portugal; Gibraltar, Great Britain; Barcelona, Spain; Cannes, France; Livorno, Italy; and Civitavecchia (for Rome), Italy.
The bottom line is that there are still lots of European cruises available for very attractive
rates throughout 2010. It may not be the scenario that cruise lines were hoping for, but with the European economy in crisis and its currency doing a nose dive, they don’t have much choice.
That’s great news for the cruising public. And we all have the PIGS to thank for it!
Jun
10
Luxury Cruises at Economy Prices
Filed Under cruise deals, luxury cruises | 2 Comments
Imagine being able to book passage on an ultra-deluxe cruise ship for up to 65% off the regular fare?
That’s likely the only way most people could afford to sail with a luxury cruise line like Crystal, Seabourn, Silversea, and Regent. After all, brochure rates for an inside cabin on a these cruise lines can start at between US$700 to $1,300 per day, compared to less than $150 a day for premium lines.
Of course, luxury lines are worth the added cost if you can spare the money. They provide larger cabins, top-of-the-line service, gourmet food, and more interesting speakers. Some even include free extras like on board credits, airfare, shore excursions, tips and even alcohol.
But let’s face it — luxury cruises on ultra-deluxe ships are just something the rest of us get to dream about while watching ‘Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous!’
Well, that was the case until the last year or so when the global financial crisis and growing capacity in the upper end of the cruise market began to create more supply than demand. As a result, most luxury lines are currently offering heavily discounted rates
that can sometimes cost no more than the price of a balcony cabin or suite on an economy line.
For example, just take a look at these deals (while they last):
Azamara Club Cruises
This upscale cruise line is offering two-for-one fares and pre-paid gratuities on all sailings through March 2011, plus a $500 on board spending credit and a $1,000 per couple airfare credit for selected sailings booked by June 30, 2010. This means a 12-day Mediterranean cruise from Rome sailing roundtrip from Rome on October 22 that
once cost US$5,298 per person for an inside cabin can now be had for as little as US$2,649 per person or just $221 per day.
Yachts of Seabourn
Seabourn’s ultra-luxurious ships are so small and intimate that they’re more like private yachts than cruise ships, which is why brochure rates can exceed $1,200 per day for an inside cabin. However, Seabourn is currently offering discounts of up to 65% off brochure rates for sailings over the next 18 months. For example, a 15-day Southeast Asia cruise from Hong Kong to Singapore via Vietnam and Thailand departing December 6 is selling for as little as US$3,999 or just $266 per day.
This relative newcomer to the luxury cruise category is offering two-for-one fares on a number of sailings in Alaska and Canada/New England for the summer and fall of 2011. For example, discounted fares for a 10-day Alaska cruise roundtrip from Vancouver departing June 7, 2001 start at just $2,749 or $275 per day.
Silversea Cruises
Silversea is one of the top luxury lines in the world with brochure rates for an inside cabin on one of its exquisite ships exceeding US$1,300 per day. However, the line is offering deeply discounted fares on a number of sailings over the next year, including 60% off a 15-day Mediterranean/trans-
Atlantic voyage departing Lisbon on October 24, 2011 for Bridgetown, Barbados. With the discount, cruise fares start at US$4,158 or just $277 per day.
Crystal Cruises
This luxury line is consistently rated one of the best in the world, which explains why its brochure rates can exceed $1,000 a day for an inside cabin. But Crystal is now offering various two-for-one cruises over the next 18 months, including a 12-day wine and food theme cruise in the Mediterranean that departs Barcelona for Venice on September 17. Discounted fares on this
voyage start at US$5,150, but when you subtract the cost of various incentives being offered including on board spending credits ($1,000 per person), and pre-paid gratuities ($156 per person), the actual cost for this cruise is US$3,994 per person or $333 per day.
Brochure rates for an inside cabin on this ultra-deluxe cruise line can exceed $900 per day. However, Regent is currently offering two-for-one cruise fares, free roundtrip airfare, and free unlimited shore excursions on voyages booked before July 1, 2010. For example, a 15-day cruise from Montreal to Ft.
Lauderdale with stops along the maritime coasts of Canada and the United States departing October 31, 2011 has rates starting at US$5,999 or $400 per day. And when you factor in the free airfare, free shore excursions and other incentives, the per diem is more like $300 per day, which explains why the lowest four cabin categories for this cruise are already wait listed or sold out despite the cruise being more than 18 months away.
While the pricing of these luxury cruises represent tremendous value, there are a couple of caveats.
First, it’s been a long time since most cruise
lines, luxury or otherwise, have sold cruises for the full price listed in their brochure. In fact, brochure prices are now widely viewed as just the starting point to apply discounts – so prices for most luxury cruises are going to be available below brochure rates for a long time to come.
Second, many of these discounts and incentives are capacity controlled, which means they only apply to a certain percentage of cabins and can be withdrawn at any time. So if you want to get the best deals, it does pay to book
early.
And third, since prices and incentives on these discounted luxury cruises can change quickly, it’s best to call a knowledgeable cruise-only travel agent (1-877-810-TRIP for Tripharbour.ca / Tripharbor.com) to get the latest deals.
In any event, with rates for some luxury cruises dipping below the price of a premium cabin on economy lines, this may be the only chance you’ll ever have to discover luxury cruising at economy prices.
(Prices valid as of June 9, 2010)
Jun
8
When cruise lines reposition their ships across the Atlantic each spring and fall, they typically
offer some of the lowest fares in the industry. In fact, prices for trans-Atlantic cruises between Europe and the Americas this fall are currently selling for as little as C$39 per day.
The reason for these incredibly low fares is that most trans-Atlantic repos are a tough sell. After all, most people believe trans-Atlantic cruises include few if any ports of call, that ships only sail between New York and Southampton, and that it’s much more expensive to cross the ocean by ship than by plane.
However, the reality is that most trans-Atlantic repos now include interesting ports of
call in places like the Mediterranean, Europe, and Iceland; that ships sail to and from a variety of destinations including Miami, Sao Paulo, Venice and Barcelona; and that some sailings cost no more than a few nights in a hotel or the price of an economy-class air ticket.
For example:
Bargains from C$39
- On November 27, Royal Caribbean’s Splendour of the Seas will depart Barcelona for a 15-night voyage to Seville, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; Tenerife, Canary Islands; and Salvador de Bahia, Rio de Janeiro and Santos, Brazil. Once savvy travelers find out that
fares for this cruise start at just C$579 ($39 a night) for an inside cabin, and only C$1,089 for a balcony cabin ($72 per night), this voyage is going to sell out fast.
- The MSC Poesia is set to leave Kiel, Germany on September 4 for New York with calls at Copenhagen, Denmark; Le Havre, France; Vigo, Spain; Lisbon; Ponta Delgada, The Azores; and Kings Wharf, Bermuda. And starting fares for this 18-night voyage? Just US$1,259 or $70 per night.
- And on October 31, the Celebrity Eclipse will sail from Southampton for a 13-night voyage to
Le Harve; Cherbourg, France; Vigo, Spain; Ponta Delgada; and Miami, Florida. With fares starting at just C$1,029 ($79 per night), this is an incredibly good value for a gorgeous, new ship sailing in its maiden season.
- Most families gladly pay a premium to sail with the floating version of the Magic Kingdom, which is why a 14-night trans-Atlantic voyage with Disney Cruise Lines for just US$1,108 ($71 per night) is such a huge bargain. Yes, most kids will be back in school when the Disney Magic departs Barcelona on September 18 for Port Canaveral,
Florida, but with ports like Gibraltar, UK; Madeira, Portugal; St Maarten, West Indies; and Tortola, BVI on the itinerary, there’s nothing Mickey Mouse about this cruise.
Land of fire & ice
How many ships travel to the Faroe Islands, Ireland, Norway, Iceland and Greenland as part of a trans-Atlantic crossing? Not many, but this type of incredible itinerary is beginning to attract a loyal following among savvy cruisers who know a good value when they see it.
- For example, the Grand Princess will depart
Southampton for a 16-day voyage to Ft. Lauderdale on September 25 with calls at Bergen, Norway; Lerwick, Great Britain; Torshavn, Faroe Islands; Akureyri, Iceland; Reykjavik, Iceland; and Sydney, Nova Scotia with fares starting at C$1,648 ($103 per night).
- And the Crown Princess is set to sail from Southampton on September 3 for a 14-night voyage to New York with stops in Falmouth, Great Britain; Dublin, Ireland; Belfast, Ireland; Reykajavik; Qaqortoq, Greenland; and St. John’s, Newfoundland. Fares for this unusual itinerary start at C$1,648 ($118 per night).
There are plenty of other great trans-Atlantic cruises available this year. But don’t tell anyone about cruising’s best-kept secret; otherwise, we may have to pay a lot more for them next year.
(Cruise fares valid as of June 8, 2010. Discounted rates are usually capacity controlled and can change at any time.)
Jun
4
The BP oil spill may be negatively impacting wildlife, wetlands and beaches along the coasts of Louisiana, Alabama and northern Florida, but
it is not causing any problems for cruise ships that sail from ports in the Gulf of Mexico to the Western Caribbean.
In fact, officials at Carnival Cruises – the largest cruise line operating from ports in the affected waters – say their ships are continuing to operate all scheduled itineraries as planned.
According to a statement released June 2 by Carnival, “Ships sailing from New Orleans and Mobile are making slight course alterations as necessary to avoid the most heavily impacted spill areas and the vessel’s hulls are being routinely inspected for oil residue. At this time, we are not anticipating any interruptions to our normal cruise schedules across the entire fleet.”
Carnival also operates a ship out of Galveston,
but the Gulf current has been taking the spill on a northeasterly course away from the Texas coast.
The reason Carnival’s itineraries have not been impacted is that the ports their ships visit in places like the Yucatan coast of Mexico and the Western Caribbean islands of Grand Cayman and Jamaica are located well beyond the spill zone. As a result, Carnival’s ships are well south of the spill area within a few hours of leaving their home port.
However, while the BP oil spill has not impacted Carnival’s cruise schedule, it may be affecting their revenue.
According to local tourism officials, some people have been putting vacation trips to
the Gulf States on hold until the oil spill is stopped and the impact contained. And that may be reducing the supply of cruise passengers, many of whom usually combine a land stay with their sea voyage.
To date, Carnival officials say they have not seen a drop in passengers taking cruises from Gulf ports. However, most of the people sailing on Gulf cruises over the past two months would have booked their cruises before the spill took place on April 20th. As a result, there could be a fall off in demand if oil continues to spew into the Gulf and the story remains on the front pages for weeks to come.
If demand for cruises departing from Gulf ports does decline, let’s hope it’s just a
temporary reaction. After all, cruises to the Western Caribbean from Gulf ports represent one of the biggest values in the market, and they provide a convenient alternative to sailing from Florida, especially for people located in the west or mid-west. And they provide lots of employment for people who live and work in the home-port areas.
In the meantime, savvy cruisers should keep their eyes open for some tremendous bargains on cruises to the Western Caribbean from the Gulf ports of New Orleans, Mobile and Galveston.
Jun
3
Cruise into Family Summer Fun
Filed Under family cruising | 1 Comment
With kids about to begin school vacations, many people are wondering if they can still find a good deal on a summer holiday that the whole
family can enjoy. And the answer is “yes,” especially if your idea of a good time includes sailing aboard a cruise ship to palm-fringed beaches, ancient ruins and some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the world.
Need some convincing? Here are five reasons why your family fun should take place on water this summer:
1. Good Deals: There are still some very good deals available on cruises to the Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, the Mediterranean, and Alaska. And kids can stay in the same cabin with you at a reduced rate. All you need to do is decide which type of cruise destination is best suited to your family – beaches and snorkeling; ancient ruins and castles; or glacier climbing and whale watching.
2. Fun for the kids: Most cruise ships have dedicated counselors and organized programs for kids, as well as video game zones,
teen discos, and a range of activities that could include rock climbing walls, wave pools, mini-putt golf, basketball, water slides and ice skating. There are also more kids on a cruise during the summer, which means it’s easier to make friends.
3. Time together, time for yourself: When the ship is at sea, family members can do their own thing but still get together as often as they want including for meals, selected activities and evening entertainment. So when the kids are doing their scavenger hunt, you could be at the spa enjoying a Swedish massage.
And you won’t have to worry about them wandering off the premises and getting into trouble.
4. Safely explore destinations as a family: When you arrive in a port, you’ll have the option of taking a wide variety of shore excursions that are organized by the cruise line and include tour guides. Depending on your destination, these excursions will run the gamut from sightseeing, boating, beaching, train rides, helicopter flights and snorkeling. In fact, one of the best excursions we ever did as a young family was a snorkeling trip off the Caribbean island of St. Thomas.
5. Don’t have to keep sticking a hand in your wallet: Your cruise fare covers your cabin, meals, use of facilities, and entertainment. And food is literally available 24 hours a day, including kid-friendly items like hamburgers, pizza, macaroni, chicken fingers and ice cream. There are also special soft-drink cards that
you can purchase on most ships for a one-time flat fee that are a good bargain and make the kids reasonably self-sufficient. And the ship is cash-free because you charge all purchases to your cabin account. So you’ll be able to leave your wallet in the wall safe in your cabin until you go ashore.
So if you’re ready for a great family holiday, maybe it’s time to pick a ship, choose a destination, and start cruising into some fabulous summer fun.
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