Universal Studios – Family Traveller

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).

What to do in Los Angeles

The home of Hollywood, families can take a peek in the film studios, eat overlooking Pacific breakers and, of course, visit Disneyland.

Why go?

Los Angeles can’t fail to please families who enjoy sunshine and lush vegetation – not to mention glamour which, after a century of movie-making, the city is steeped in. And though Hollywood’s iconic sights are a must, especially the Walk of Fame collection of stars‘ hand and footprints, there’s more to LA than Hollywood.

Activities

If you like the outdoors try the Hollywood Bowl. The whole family willl enjoy its fun programme of open air concerts, firework displays and picnics (or eat at one of the onsite restaurants) during the summer season.

Then take the scenic route on Laurel Canyon Boulevard to Universal Studios, for a world of exciting theme rides.

The Backlot Tour is not to be missed by movie fans – it includes the explosive effects from The Fast and the Furious, a visit to Desperate Housewives Wisteria Lane and a scary 3D experience with King Kong.

Culture lovers will like Wilshire Boulevard, running all the way from the beach to downtown, it’s home to the excellent LA County Art Museum.

Or, travel into pre-historic times at the exciting La Brea Tar Pits, where mammoths, sabre-tooth tigers and giant sloths became trapped 40,000 years ago. Here, kids will enjoy the Ice Age fossils in the Page Museum as well as the prehistoric footprints.

Shopping: The Grove is a new outdoor shopping mall with designer boutiques.; try Rodeo Drive or funky Melrose Avenue. Also check out the eclectic little shops on Main Street, which runs between Santa Monica and neighbouring Venice, famous for its Muscle Beach and charming canals.

Where to eat

With so many options, you’ll never be hungry in LA. For sea-view dining go down to the pier and visit The Lobster, or drive up Pacific Coast Highway to lovely Malibu, where eateries like Moonshadows make it possible to dine right on top of the crashing surf.

Excellent Mexican food can be found at Chipotle. Or, if you’re partial to a burger, try superior fast-food outlets Fatburger and In-N-Out or Nate’n’Al’s, a Beverly Hills deli that uses Angus beef and is frequented by the movie crowd.

For a real Smörgåsbord, visit West Hollywood farmer’s market. The bustling area is divided into kiosks dispensing every kind of food, so each family member can choose their favourite and eat together at a table in the middle of this lovely retro spot.

The lowdown

Where to stay: To avoid busy freeways base yourself in fashionable West Hollywood, smart Beverly Hills or family-friendly Santa Monica. West Hollywood is close to Hollywood proper with attractions including Sunset Strip and the laid-back farmers‘ market. We especially love Santa Monica for its easy public transport system.

Travel time: A flight from London to LAX takes 11 hours.

How to get there: Fly with British Airways or Virgin Atlantic each priced at £563 return.