A Disney Cruise line offers Caribbean cruises to the pirate-themed island "Castaway Cay" in the Bahamas. Your kids will be delighted to see the Flying Dutchman pirate ship in the harbor, and have endless opportunity to enjoy famous Disney hospitality on the cruise ship and the island. The ships resemble a floating Disneyland, with Disney characters, kids clubs, and even a water coaster ride into one of the pools. "Castaway Cay" offers numerous water sports, including kayaking, paddleboating, snorkeling, jet ski tours, and glass-bottomed boats to keep even the most active child busy and happy.
Disney Cruise Vacations
Guest Communications
P.O. Box 10238
Lake Buena Vista, Fla. 32830
800-951-3532
disneycruise.disney.go.com
Royal Caribbean offers a two-week long transatlantic cruise. The eastbound cruises start in Galveston, Texas and finish in Barcelona, Spain, with stops in the Azores, as well as Malaga and Cartagena Spain. This cruise would be ideal for "tweens" aged 10 to 12, and young teenagers. They will enjoy dining in the 1950s inspired burger joint "Jonny Rockets," where even the wait staff are in retro uniforms.
Crown & Anchor Society,
P.O. Box 026053,
Miami, Fla. 33102
316-554-5951
royalcaribbean.com
Try a memorable cruise through the Panama Canal as a special summer holiday treat with your kids. Carnival Cruises offers 14-day Panama Canal Cruises from Tampa, Florida and Los Angeles, California. You choose the option of cruising either eastbound to Tampa or westbound to L.A. Known as the fun cruise company, Carnival's ships boast a relaxed atmosphere, multiple pools, and children's clubs. A cruise through the Panama Canal can be an educational experience that your children remember for a long time. Your children will have great material for the proverbial "What I Did on my Summer Vacation," report when they return to school.
Carnival Cruise Lines
3655 NW 87th Ave.
Miami, Fla. 33178
888-227-6482
carnival.com
The UK-based cruise line Ocean Village Holidays specializes in Mediterranean family cruises. Classic and modern children's characters such as Paddington Bear, Bagpuss and Basil Brush are popular with kids. The ships include a special children's center called "Base Camp" with activities running from 9 a.m. to midnight. Newer to Ocean Villages is SEGA village, with arcade games in both SEGA village and Base Camp. Kids can even record their own music video to take home in the "Let Me Dance" booth. Meals are designed for families, and, unlike many cruises, no dress codes are suggested. All buffet meals are included and available 24 hours a day, and there are no assigned eating times. Shore excursions are also designed with kids in mind, with parent-free "Great Escapes" for 9-to-17-year-old youth, and onboard childcare during school holidays for parents who want to go on shore alone. You should pack your own baby supplies, though some are available onboard.
Ocean Village
Carnival House
100 Harbour Parade
Southampton
SO15 1ST
001-0-845-075-0032
oceanvillageholidays.co.uk
