I am often asked which cruise lines are the best for babies and I think NCL have one of the best offerings for this summer. In particular NCL Epic. There are a number of reasons for this.
- She sails from Barcelona and therefore the flight is only a short duration and with only a half hours transfer to the port. This makes the journey more relaxing for you and your child.
- Her itinerary is just 7 nights – a good length for travelling with a child and she calls in to the main ports of call with a choice of sightseeing or beaches and the chance to pick up any essentials that you might need.
- She offers freestyle cruising – you do not need to put the baby or yourself in a tuxedo and can dine as and when you choose. There is also a choice of waiter service dining or buffet style and she has a whole host of speciality restaurants too.
- She has a fantastic splash pool area and the Under 2 Zoo, a play area with toys (tunnels, balls, Leap Frog Leaning toys) for older babies to play with under parental supervision.
- There are plenty of facilities for older children and the ship largely attracts families, so you will be sailing with like minded people, who won’t mind if your baby is enjoying herself in a noisy way.
- Finally – she has reduced prices for babies and they don’t charge gratuities for babies. NCL are sensible enough to realise that parents do not want to pay a child price or gratuities for babies, which is where Royal Caribbean let themselves down.
Prices for babies on a cruise only basis start from just £149 for a 7 night cruise in an inside cabin on the 5th June. With £519 for the adults. Flights and transfers can be added with NCL cruises from £337per adult.