Disney Cruise Line
How could a cruise line connected with all things Disney possibly fail? Since its launch in Orlando and the Caribbean, Disney cruises has been a hit with children and parents alike. Usually including a Disney World visit in Orlando before a Caribbean cruise, Disney does a good job of planning children-only activities, parent-children activities and, more recently, adults-only activities. Cruisers on the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder are greeted with adventures and games for children, dances and outings for teens and youths, and couples spa experiences and private pool areas for adults. The most popular features on a Disney cruise include the best and most professional stage shows at sea and the day spent at Disney's Castaway Island, a private island complete with water sports, including jet skis and snorkeling, cafes and barbecues, shopping and music.
In early 2010, Disney offered special deals that had children sailing free with two adults paying full fare; however, that deal is not the norm. Search their website and the Internet in general for special deals. Disney's newest vessel, the Disney Dream, will be launched in early 2011.
Disney Cruise Line
P.O. Box 10238
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
(800) 951-3532
disneycruise.disney.go.com
Royal Caribbean Cruises
Royal Caribbean is one of the world's largest cruise lines and offers itineraries to, among other regions, the Caribbean, Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, Alaska and Europe. Most of the ships are large, and they need to be since they carry some of the most unusual features ever installed on cruise ships. Their trademark 200-foot high rock climbing walls on deck, pools and water slides, ice skating rinks and mini golf courses set off an industry-wide effort to draw the young, adventurous crowd by creating more outrageous ship features and amenities.
In the 2009-early 2010 economy, Royal Caribbean has offered some big discounts, especially in the Caribbean and Alaska. However, rates can and do change often, so check online for specials. Be sure to read the description of your ship, since amenities vary from one class of Royal Caribbean ships to another.
Royal Caribbean International
1050 Caribbean Way
Miami, FL 33132
(866) 562-7625
royalcaribbean.com
Carnival Cruises
Carnival Cruises, which also has 22 ships, has been known for a good time since its TV commercials in the 1970s first advertised its "fun ships" as cruise destinations, rather than as simply transportation. While Carnival was initially most popular with young singles, that has changed as the cruise line's innovations appealed more to families. Carnival ships offer colorful stage shows featuring aerialists and acrobats, and newer vessels include mind-boggling features, such as wave riders that enable cruisers to actually "surf" on deck.
Carnival offers cruises across the globe, including several ships sailing out of Florida to the Caribbean. Its rates are reasonable, but, like most mainstream ships, it charges extra for drinks (bottled water, soft drinks, wines and spirits), excursions and tours and staff tips ($10 to $12 per person per day).
Carnival Cruises
3655 NW 87th Ave.
Miami, FL 33178
(888) CARNIVAL
carnival.com
MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises, an Italian-owned cruise line that has been in the United States for almost a decade, is the only cruise line that routinely allows children to sail free, as long as they are in a stateroom/suite with two full-fare paying adults. (Tips are still expected from adults and children.) The ships are newer and attractive and feature lively theme cruises focused on interests, such as baseball, Latin dancing and comedy. Having said that, MSC ships are more European in terms of amenities and don't offer the dramatic features of Disney, Royal Caribbean and Carnival ships.
MSC Cruises
6750 N. Andrews Ave.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
(800) 666-9333
msccruisesusa.com
