Tag: Florida

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Cruise

Our Cruise with Barbie

Travel writer Tracey Davies recalls a memorable trip with Royal Caribbean International.

Why go?

My 11-year-old son Angus took some persuading when I first asked him to accompany me on Royal Caribbean International’s Barbie Premier Experience cruise out of Ford Lauderdale, Florida. Eventuallyhe relented. ‘You won’t tell my friends, though, will you?’ he asked.

The two of us had never been on a cruise before, and we had no idea what to expect – though I was sure the colour pink would feature heavily. It did. But though Angus bowed out of a Tiara and Teacups party because it was ‘too girlie’, he did enjoy a cupcake-decorating class.

The route: The ship called in at three ports during our seven days at sea. Labadee, a beach resort in Haiti, was where we took our first swim in the Caribbean. Then we had a full day ashore in Jamaica and another beach day in Cozumel, Mexico. Angus has never had so much fun. And me? Well, there was always the cocktail bar.

Activities

It’s not all about Barbie – despite the branding, doll-themed events only make up a small part of the voyage. And Angus and I really loved what he termed the ‘other stuff’. Facilities were great: four pools, a kids’ waterpark, two surf simulators, a mini-golf course and even a zip wire. And the Adventure Ocean is a fantastic kids’ zone with toys, games, and as many activities as even the most energetic pre-teen can handle.

The lowdown

Price: Seven-night cruises from £1,378 for adults; £1,152 for kids, including flights (based on four sharing an inside stateroom on a 1 December departure from Fort Lauderdale on Allure of the Seas). The Barbie Premier Experience, £224 per child (aged up to 11), is available on all Royal Caribbean International Cruises of five nights or more. To book, contact Royal Caribbean International on 0844 493 2061. 

Categories
Cruise

Sail to the Stars

Sail to the stars

New US fly-cruises mean you can mix time at sea with days in big US theme parks, says Phil Davies.

Why go?

Combining a cruise with a visit to either Walt Disney World, Universal or one of Orlando’s many jaw-dropping attractions continues to be one of my big ambitions. And the pester power currently being exercised by my son and daughter – aged eight and 11 – means a trip of this nature is almost inevitable. 

The cruise: The Davies family did go on a whistle-stop tour of Walt Disney World as part of a Disney Cruise Line sailing last summer, but I’d be taking the Mickey if I told you that we did any more than scratch the surface. Theme parks can now be tied in to seven-day cruises – either to the eastern or western Caribbean – from Port Canaveral on Florida’s Space Coast, which is only an hour’s drive from Orlando. 

Royal Caribbean International offers packages that combine the best of land and sea, and include hotel and shipboard accommodation, as well as multi-day passes to Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

Activities

What my kids love about this idea is that the theme-park experience doesn’t end when you get back on board ship. In fact, it’s more like attending a theme park that happens to stop off at beautiful destinations. DreamWorks characters such as Alex the Lion, Po the Dragon Warrior, and Shrek and Fiona sail with you on a series of new Royal Caribbean International cruises. And activities include character breakfasts, parades and themed shows. A newly installed oversized video screen overlooking the main pool deck shows the latest DreamWorks movies.

The ship: The theme-park vibe can also be felt on the line’s Freedom of the Seas – which comes with an onboard FlowRider surf simulator, cantilevered whirlpools, the H2O Zone kids aqua park, and a four-bedroom, four-bathroom Presidential Family Suite that can accommodate up to 14 people.

One of the most popular cruise-and-stay options is to take a three- or four-night break at the theme parks and then head off to sea for a seven-night taste of the Caribbean with all food, entertainment and childcare included in the price.

The lowdown

Packages: Several cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Lines, Disney Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line, have made families their focus this season, and offer similar opportunities to mix and match fun ashore with fun at sea. Speaking as the father of two cruise-loving youngsters begging to be taken on a theme park-packed holiday, this option looks to be a no-brainer.

Price: Four night pre-cruise stay at the Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Studios and a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise on Freedom of the Seas, from £1,516 for adults; from £1,319 for children, including flights (based on an inside cabin for two adults and two children for a sailing on 17 November, 2013). 

More information: Contact Royal Caribbean International (0844 493 4005).

Categories
Travel Tips

Planning the Perfect Florida Holiday

These quick pointers will still save you time and money, and make planning your Florida holiday a breeze.

SECRET SHORTCUTS

These five quick tips will make your holiday go even more smoothly:

1. FLY TO TAMPA

The Gulf coast’s biggest city has an international airport served by a direct British Airways flight from Gatwick. It is smaller and less busy than the hubs at Miami and Orlando, which makes for a faster path through immigration. 

2. FLY TO FORT MYERS

There are no direct services from Britain to Southwest Florida International Airport, but with Silver Airways offering flights from Orlando and Key West, this regional hub could save you a drive to the Gulf.

3. TAKE THE FERRY

For families who want a two-centre break without driving far, the Key West Express is a gift – a daily (passenger-only) catamaran service, which sails from Fort Myers to the southernmost Key in three-and-a-half hours.

Price: Adult single fares from £50, returns from £70; child singles from £12, returns from £23. 

4. TAKE A DELIVERY

Parents staying on the Gulf coast isles of Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key or Siesta Key will wonder what they did without Fun And More Rentals, a local firm that delivers everything from kayaks to toddler toys and cribs. 

5. PLAY YOUR CARDS RIGHT

Save money in the big cities by using discount cards. Orlando has the Magicard (free), which offers discounts on 40 attractions, including Legoland Florida. Miami has the Go Miami Card (adults £38 per day, children £32 per day), which gives cash off at 33 local hotspots, including Jungle Island.

HOW TO GET TO FLORIDA

There’s a wealth of direct flights from the UK to the Sunshine State. British Airways serves Orlando and Tampa from Gatwick, and Miami from Heathrow. American Airlines flies to Miami from Heathrow. Virgin Atlantic heads to Orlando from Manchester, Gatwick and Glasgow, and to Miami from Heathrow.

Charter specialists are a further option. Thomson uses Sanford (a less well-known airport 25 miles north-east of Orlando), and flies from Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester, East Midlands, Newcastle, Glasgow and Edinburgh. All flights are seasonal.

Similarly, Thomas Cook Airlines flies to Sanford from Manchester, Glasgow and Belfast, and is launching a service from Manchester to Miami in May 2015.

USEFUL CONTACTS

Travelbag are Florida specialists and can tailor-make your holiday to suit your family. Travelbag’s Florida packages start from £539 per person, call 0845 543 6615 or visit travelbag.co.uk and let them create your ideal holiday today.

FLORIDA SPECIALISTS

These expert travel operators will help you plan a holiday ideally tailored to your family’s needs. 

America As You Like It 020 8742 8299

American Sky 0843 249 8445

British Airways Holidays 0844 493 0787

Funway Holidays 0844 557 3333

Kenwood Travel 020 7749 9220

North America Travel Service 020 7499 7299

Thomson 0844 871 0878

Thomas Cook 0844 879 8442

Timeless Travel 0844 809 4299

FIND OUT MORE

Florida tourism 

Brand USA

Visit USA Association 

Explore Georgia

Louisiana Travel

More of what you love…

Once you’ve planned your perfect break, the fun can begin! Discover the best things to see and do in Florida, and find out why no trip to the sunshine state would be complete with a trip to Florida’s breath-taking theme parks. 

Categories
Beach Family-friendly Festivals News Story North America

Panama City Beach, Florida, 2015 Family Events

If you’re planning a trip to Florida this year with the kids, then one of our favourite places is Panama City Beach, where family-friendly activities run all year round and large, white sand beaches and calm waters are perfect for families with pre-school children.


13-14 FEBRUARY 2015

Panama City Beach Mardi Gras & Music Festival

This two-day Mardi Gras Festival is packed with live music, traditional float tours and tasty Cajun cuisine. 

More info: visitpanamacitybeach.com

 

22-16 APRIL 2015

Seabreeze Jazz Festival

The Seabreeze Jazz Festival combines the top national smooth jazz artists with a full weekend of fun in the sun and on great beaches, all on the west end of Panama City Beach.  The event now attracts over 20,000 fans from the USA, Canada, and Europe – a fabulous weekend of jazz for music-loving families and teenagers.  

More info: seabreezejazzfestival.com

 

SUMMER 2015

FREE Summer Concert Series at the Aaron Bessant Park Amphitheater 

Every Thursday at 7pm, take the kids to a concert at the amphitheater and enjoy an evening of music – you can even take your coolers and your own food along.

 

4-6 SEPTEMBER 2015

Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam

During Labor Day weekend, the Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam brings country music to the beach. As the sun begins to set, patrons can ride free shuttles to the headline stage at Frank Brown Park.  

More info: gulfcoastjam.com

 

14-20 SEPTEMBER 2015

Lobster Festival and Tournament

Schooners Last Local Beach Club hosts the largest lobster festival in Florida, giving divers a chance to compete and visitors the chance to eat amazing lobster dishes – the best time to get your children eating fish. The popular Sand Sculpting Contest takes place on the beach behind Schooners.

More info: schooners.com 

 

8-10 OCTOBER 2015

Pirates of the High Seas Festival

Columbus Day weekend sees Panama City Beach host the Pirates of the High Seas Fest. Taking place throughout Panama City Beach, the festival will include things like parades and sword-swinging showdowns, as well as an exciting fireworks display reenacting The Battle of the Seven Seas. 

More info: visitpanamacitybeach.com

 

ARE YOU HEADING TO PANAMA CITY BEACH THIS YEAR WITH YOR FAMILY? MAKE SURE YOU READ MORE ABOUT OUR FAVOURITE PART OF FLORIDA HERE

Categories
Beach Cruise News Story North America

Norweigan Launches Direct Flight to Fort Lauderdale

Discover white-sand beaches, enjoy airboat rides and meet alligators in the Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

As an ideal summer holiday for you and the kids, head to this part of the Sunshine State and explore peaceful mangrove-fringed waterways by kayak at West Lake Park, or go paddle boarding (sunrisepaddleboards.com) in the marina. And don’t miss out on the free surf lessons at Deerfield Beach (islandwatersports.com).

Price: From £179 one way. Book at norwegian.com

MORE INFO: FIND INSPIRATION FOR YOUR HOLIDAY TO FORT LAUDERDALE, CLICK HERE.

Categories
Adventure News Story North America UK

Miami Nice: Winter Sun Fashion Shoot

Fashion-forward kids can channel the laidback spirit of ’70s Florida with casual mix-and-match separates in a retro palette of sun-bleached shades with bold pops of colour.

 

SHOP THE SHOOT

Picture 1

Left: Jacket £109 CP Company, jeans £36 American Apparel, shoes model’s own

Right: Fynn wears jacket, £265, and shorts, £95, both Armani at Harrods; Joao chilli print shirt, £27, Wolf & Rita

Picture 2

Left: Jenna wears striped jacket, £130, and spotty top, £75, both Anaïs and I; skirt, £40, Gro; socks, £15 for a pack of three, American Apparel; sandals, model’s own 

Right: Tate wears lizard top, £26, Mini Rodini; shorts, £85, Armani Junior; socks, £7, American Apparel; trainers, from a selection, Beyond Retro

Picture 3

Left: Stella wears suede biker jacket, £90, Mini Rodini; printed skirt, £120, Marni; vintage cap, from a selection, Rokit; socks and clogs, model’s own

Right: Stella wears T-shirt, £98, Fendi; suede skirt, £150, Cacharel

Picture 4

Left: Zayden wears jacket, £92, Bobo Choses; dip-dye jeans, £54, DKNY; T-shirt,

from a selection, Fendi; trainers, model’s own

Right: Stella wears jacket, £82, Cacharel; top, £131, and sandals, £115, all Bonpoint; spotty shorts, £53, Bobo Choses; spotty socks, £7, H&M

 

SUBSCRIBE TO FAMILY TRAVELLER

 

THE LOWDOWN

Photographer: Tim Marsella at Smith Represents

Styling: Kate Van Der Hage at Era Artist Management

Hair and grooming: Heather Blaine

Models: Tate, Stella and Jenna at Age Models; Zayden at World of Kids

With thanks to N House Productions

Categories
Camping News Story North America

Circus Camp in Sarasota

With the school year beginning to wind down and the children becoming more and more antsy by the minute, a week or two of clowning around is just what they need this summer. Sarasota, Florida is considered the Circus Capital of the World and for only about £165 per child per week, children can practice real circus skills such as juggling and low wire at Circus Summer Camp at the Circus Arts Conservatory.

Interested in trying it yourself? In nearby Venice, Florida, anyone over the age of five can learn the art of the flying trapeze in classes of up to two hours starting from about £24 per person at Tito Gaona’s Flying Trapeze Park.

Alternatively, take a simple, calming break in a beach town; on 1 May, treat the family to a seven-night stay at the Sandcastle Resort at Lido Beach from just £1,430 per person. This package includes return flights from London Gatwick to Tampa and economy car hire.

To book: Visit circusarts.org/circus-summer-camp/ for the circus camp.

Visit americaasyoulikeit.com for information and booking for the hotel package.