cruise holidays – Family Traveller

The number of cruise passengers is set to increase again this year. Phil Davies investigates why so many people are stepping onboard.

What’s new?

Boosted by the introduction of new and refurbished ships, this market is expected to increase by more than two per cent to 1.76 million in 2013. Newsworthy upgrades include Carnival Cruise Lines’s Carnival Destiny, which re-emerged in the summer after a £100 million transformation under the new name of Carnival Sunshine and P&O Cruises’s family-friendly superliner Ventura, which now comes complete with a Glass House wine bar, an adults-only chill-out zone and 18 cabins for single passengers.

Keep an eye out, too, for perhaps the most eagerly awaited launch of 2014 – Royal Caribbean International’sQuantum of the Seas, which is due to enter service next November. The ultimate floating pleasure palace, it will set sail with bumper cars, an observation pod swinging 200ft above the ocean surface and its own sky-diving simulator.

Where to cruise?

The knock-on benefit of this increase in passenger numbers is that we can expect more ports of call – and more places in which to join cruises in the growth area of the Far East, Morocco, Antarctica, Iceland and the Galapagos Islands.

River cruising continues to grow in popularity, and an increasing number of companies are ensuring that activities for children are laid on during the school summer holidays, as well as pre- and post-cruise land-based itineraries that tie in with holidays afloat. This makes it easy to book a beach hotel on the Med or visit a Florida theme park alongside a cruise.

Ships are also longer in port, which means that passengers can really get under the skin of the destinations they are visiting.

Cruise packages

Royal Caribbean International: The Mediterranean is the sea to be seen on next summer as an expanded range of fly-cruises is to become available in the region. One of the highlights will be the first European appearance of Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis of the Seas – the world’s largest cruise ship. The 6,400-passenger vessel will run a short series of Mediterranean cruises in autumn 2014.

Disney Cruise Line: This cruise line is returning to the Mediterranean next summer with its refurbished Disney Magic, and will be offering a range of four- to 12-night cruises from Barcelona and Venice.

P&O Cruises: Revamped superliner Ventura will be taking passengers from Malaga, Spain, Venice and Savona in Italy. Between March and October, the ship will be running seven- and 14-night itineraries around the Greek Islands, Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, the French Riviera and some of Italy’s most iconic cities.

Pullmantur: The Spanish line is making dramatic changes in order to attract more British families in 2014. The company, which is sold by Major Travel in the UK has always allowed under-17s sharing a cabin with their parents to cruise free of charge, paying only port taxes of around £169 for a seven-night Mediterranean cruise. And now the offer is being extended to single parents, so one or two children travelling with an adult will be able to benefit

As we cruised the Caribbean with Royal Caribbean Cruises, we talked to Martin Rissley, Hotel Director of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, about cruising on the ship, the facilities on board, and the best routes for families…

LET’S CUT TO THE CHASE –IS CRUISING REALLY A FAMILY HOLIDAY? ISN’T IT FOR THE OLDER GENERATION?

Martin: Cruising had a reputation of being somewhat boring, exclusive, and expensive –but this has categorically changed. The Oasis of the Seas is very family orientated, though. The entertainment and dining options are all created with the family in mind –we have matinee shows every day for example and each of the specialty dining options has a kid’s menu and are firmly welcome at any sitting.

This ship has everything a kid would want to do. To name but a few: flow riders, two climbing walls, a basketball court, table tennis, ice skating, kids clubs (up to age 17), swimming pools, shows. Then you add in the shore excursions when you get to a destination, and it is an incredibly active and fun holiday for the whole family.

TELL US ABOUT THE KID’S CLUB FACILITIES ON BOARD:

Martin: The Adventure Ocean program has a full program for ages 3-11 – it’s quite possible for lots of families to be involved in activities during a cruise. All the staff have Education Degrees and the aim is to foster friendship and education as well as fun.

The late Night Party Zone is a favourite with both kids and parents –the kids can stay late in the Adventure Ocean Club whilst the parents enjoy the many dining and entertainment options on board. Of course, it is a families’ personal preference as to whether they stay together or spend time in the Adventure Ocean area.

HAVE YOU SEEN AN INCREASE IN MULTI-GENERATIONAL GROUPS?

Martin: Absolutely yes, the three-generation group is now pretty commonplace. We are well set up for this with several hundred inter-connecting rooms. Grandparents will often have a quiet lunch together while the family goes on shore for an excursion, then the entire party gets together for a dinner and a show in the evening.

VALUE IS THE KEY DRIVER FOR OUR READERS – IS THE CRUISE A GOOD VALUE HOLIDAY? YOU CAN SPEND A LOT ON BOARD BEFORE YOU REALIZE IT…

Martin: You can quite comfortably not spend anything on board and stick to the dining packages and activities that are free for all. None of our shows have any cover charges. Even our specialty dining options are great value –the most expensive option in our steak restaurant is $35 per person – that would be more like $125 in a London restaurant and three times more expensive in a hotel.

DO YOU RECOMMEND THE CARIBBEAN OR EUROPE FOR UK FAMILIES WANTING TO EXPERIENCE A CRUISE?

Leaving directly from UK and cruising in Europe is great for first time cruisers, as there’s no need to worry about what to pack as there are no airline restrictions. But the Caribbean is really great. Yes, the flight is longer (8.5 hours to Miami) but the holiday as a whole is more exotic. People forget that the Caribbean is full of history and there is a lot for the kids to learn as well as do on board.

WHAT’S THE BEST THING TO DO ON THIS ITINERARY?

Martin: On this cruise we visit Mexico and an ‘absolute must’ is the Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza. It is a long day (10 hours) but the travel is part of the experience and the Mayan ruins are incredible. Chichen Itza is one of the most important archaeological sites on the Amercian continent and is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. The whole civilization is fascinating and kids will find it really interesting.

WE ARE IN HAITI TODAY –HOW HAVE THINGS BEEN SINCE THE EARTHQUAKE?

Martin: Haiti was an improvised country before the earthquake so it was devastating for the community when it happened. However, Royal Caribbean continued to visit – we are a large part of the economy here, as we built the port here in Labadee in partnership with the Haitian Government. During the aftermath of the earthquake we regularly supplied dozens of pallets of supplies including water, clothing and food. We did this in a low-key waybut it was important for us to be helping.

HOW IS THE SAFETY AND MEDICAL SUPPORT ON OASIS OF THE SEAS?

Martin: We have a full-blown hospital on board. Including crew members there is a whole ship of people so we need to be ready for any eventuality. The hospital has nine full-time staff and we can often react quicker and better than an on-shore hotel or destination could. Your kids couldn’t be safer.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TYPE OF FAMILY HOLIDAY OF YOUR OWN (EXCLUDING CRUISING!)?

Martin: We love doing road trips, (maybe not surprising for a man who spends his life at sea). We travel to North America, with the kids packed in the car without ever having a plan but to just drive.