How to make hot cruising trends work for your family
 Choosing a shipBefore deciding to book your next vacation, it’s a good idea to involve the whole family!
Nowadays some ships are larger than life! And the new mega ships are a great choice for family travel and family reunions- WHY? Because larger ships mean more space, more space means lots and lots of room for activities. How about sailing on a ship with rock-climbing walls, ice rinks, mini golf courses, bowling alleys, swimming pools with spectacular waterslides, even a surfing simulator and a boxing ring? There is positively something to do for each family member who sails no matter how old, or young.
In the next couple of years, most of the major cruise lines will be debuting mega ships with incredible features onboard to attract new potential cruisers. What fun it is to sail in-between ports of call, while on ships that resemble a quaint city with restaurants, shops and ice cream parlors in the main lobby. Who wouldn’t want to watch a blockbuster movie out by the pool deck under the stars on a drive-in theatre style screen?
In 2007 3- mega ships have been introduced:
2,900-passenger Carnival’s- Carnival Freedom
4,000-passenger Royal Caribbean’s- Liberty of the Seas
3,100-passenger Princess’s- Emerald Princess
In 2008 and 2009
Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity, Holland America and even MSC Cruises are all building larger ships to compete in this market place. But LOOK OUT for the world’s largest ship ever built when Royal Caribbean introduces the Genesis series of ship which will carry 5,400 passengers in 2009- What will they think of next? Although no details have leaked out, we’ll have to wait to see what this series of mega ships will have to offer that no other ship does.
Choosing a destination
When choosing a destination, think about the itinerary, the departing port and the shore excursions available- will they fit the needs of the entire family? Also some itineraries may be seasonal and depending on the time of the year you wish to travel, may not be available. For example, you can only travel to Alaska in the summer months, so if you are thinking of a winter break cruise, the Caribbean may be your only choice.
Longer cruises vs. Shorter cruises
The increased popularity of cruising has led the cruise lines to offer more destinations with a wide variety of itineraries. The standard 7- day cruise to the Caribbean is played out and today’s travelers are looking for unique itineraries from simple to absolutely outrageous and out of the ordinary. Cruise lines are now offering sailings from 3-days to a 180- days, there is a cruise for every budget and itinerary alike.
Healthier Menus
Another change has been made by the cruise line to comply with the evergrowing trend of healthier lifestyles: Healthier Menus, better equipped gyms and onboard activities that cater to the “mind, body and soul”. Royal Caribbean, in addition to offering healthier menus called Vitality, will eliminate all trans-fat from its food products throughout its entire fleet by the end of 2007. Cunard already offers Canyon Ranch Spa Selections on its menus throughout their fleet.
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