Families interested in cruising from Vancouver to Los Angeles can embark on Norwegian Cruise Line's five day trip aboard the fleet's Norwegian Pearl. Families may be interested in a courtyard villa cabin, which offers more room in which to spread out via a living room, dining area, two bedrooms (one for the kids) plus a private balcony and private hot tub parents can enjoy while the kids do on-ship activities.
Inside (no window), ocean view and balcony cabins are also available. The Norwegian provides activities for all ages: kids will enjoy a special pool of their own, bowling, video arcade and the kids-only Aqua Kid's Club. Kid friendly eateries include a buffet, cafe and, to really impress them, free 24-hour room service.
Norwegian Cruise Line
(866) 234-7350
ncl.com
Impress the whole family with the enormous structures of the glaciers by sailing from Vancouver through Alaska on a six-day Carnival trip aboard the Carnival Spirit. Carnival's shore excursions include kid-friendly trips such as a steam train adventure, dog sled discovery and mushing camp and panning for gold. While on board, kids ages 12 to 14 have their own private club, Circle C, for dance parties, late night movies and karaoke. Kids' clubs for other ages are available too (Club O2 for ages 15 to 17 and babysitting services for little ones), but the kids will also want to make time for the Twister Waterslide, a three-deck high splashing spiral. Families can dine together in Carnival's casual pizza, ice cream and buffet restaurants, then enjoy the pools, sports courts, dance clubs and nightly entertainment.
Carnival Cruise Line
888-227-6482
carnival.com
The Disney company has made a name for itself by making kid-friendly theme parks, so it is no wonder that their cruise vacations are also family oriented. The Disney Cruise Line sails from Vancouver to Alaska, with a choice of an inside room, ocean view or ocean view room with balcony, sleeping up to four. The major difference between a Disney cruise and the other tour operators is that children will be able to interact with their beloved Disney characters while on board. Characters appear at meal time, in shows and walking around the decks for photo opportunities, autographs and hugs. The ship, the Disney Wonder, sails for seven days, giving kids plenty of time to explore the It's a Small World Nursery, Goofy's Pool and special kids' only activities from ages 3 months to 17 years old. Families can enjoy evening shows featuring musicals, movies and other live performances.
Disney Cruise Line
800-951-3532
disneycruise.disney.go.com
