It’s A Small Small World

In the words of the Disney song that never leaves your head, it seems if the children are happy then we adults can breath, relax and start our holiday! So, you as a family are looking to book a cruise with your children/grandchildren/family in tow. Your all set, have picked the itinerary you want, cabin you like – now what? Childrens clubs that’s what! For us to enjoy our holiday we must make sure that these delightful  little ones have plenty to keep them entertained.

Just like a holiday hotel in the Med, cruise ships do have different facilities, and some of these are better then others for the children. With this in mind I thought I would give you an idea of who I think are really good in terms of the Children’s clubs and what to do on board.

Royal Caribbean are superb for children from the age of 6 months up to 17 years of age they really do cater for them very well. Loads of interactive things to do as well as discos, rock climbing, backstage tours, etc. I loved seeing the little ones in the pirate party, all dressed up, bless them! Let me not forget the outside either with mini water parks in the H20 zones. Makes you wish you were a child again.

I must not forget NCL either who must compete for one of the top spots.  The new ship the Escape comes to mind. For the first time on this ship NCL will be looking after little ones from the ages of 6 months.  The Splash Academy is huge and situated right alongside the family ocean view cabins. There is a good “nightclub” there too for the older ones.

Not surprisingly Disney cruise lines know a thing or two about keeping the children entertained. Lots of activities and events for the older ones, a nursery for the under 3 years of age, toy story play area and of course the Disney characters roaming all around the ship.

I have sailed with Carnival before and must say was impressed with the facilities on board. This year Carnival’s new ship the Vista is sailing around the Med. One of the great family attractions on this ship is the Skyride which is a suspended open air cycling experience. This ship also has the world’s first IMAX on a ship and the line’s first raft riding tube slide. It is a shame however, that Carnival are not keeping the Vista in Europe for next year.

Another couple of cruise lines worth mentioning are MSC and Princess. Good facilities on the Regal Princess as well as the Divina and Prezosia with MSC.

Of course, these are only a few I think are worth mentioning. If you have a particular favourite, let me know why and I will add them to my list!