Cruise Ships are Great for Families

Family friendly ships have incredible facilities for young people that rival the most sophisticated resort hotels. Many have dedicated pools and waterparks plus round-the-clock programmes for children.  More often than not, these are divided into age groups with as many as five different age bands. Teams of experienced, qualified staff are dedicated to looking after children with a vast array of play and leisure activities.

There's everything from face-painting and talent shows, to dens kitted out with the latest computer games and interactive workshops.

Youngsters can record their own music, take a backstage tour, learn circus skills or perhaps head outside for a game of basketball or even roller-blading.

The whole family will love the bowling alleys, surf parks, ice-skating rinks and rock climbing walls on some cruises, or you can relax together for evening movies under the stars or a West-End style show.

And once ashore, some cruise lines have designed tours especially for families which include trips to theme parks, beaches, cycling tours or swimming with dolphins.   

The trend towards relaxed dining means families can eat what they like when they like, and with meals included in the cruise price, it means you are not constantly forking out for snacks. There are children's teas and special menus and with babysitting services, the older members of the family can also have an evening out.  

The family friendly ships can also accommodate family groups with optional beds or inter-joining rooms or perhaps on some occasions a suite will be the best option.