Cruises are popular with families and no wonder: cruise lines try hard to woo this clientele with creative programs for kids and teens, ice-cream stands (all-included), plus state-of-the-art play-zones.
- Inter-Island Cruise in Hawaii:
Norwegian Cruise Lines has 7 and 10-day inter-island cruises, and they're "freestyle": you eat where, when, and with whom you want. 24-hour room service too; and Kids Crew for ages 2 to 17.
- Costa Cruises: Costa is an Italian company owned by Carnival Corp. since 2000, but still "Cruising Italian Style" in ambiance, entertainment, and of course food-- including gelato (ice cream) and home-made pasta. Check for Kids Sail Free deals on Caribbean sailings.
- Disney Cruises' Castaway Cay: Disney Cruises consistently get high marks for their kids programs and have many features for families; a special extra is Disney's private island, Castaway Cay. This 1000-acre playground in the Bahamas --a stop on all Caribbean sailings-- has a mile-long white sand beach and plenty of watersports; you can also rent bikes and ride island trails. Passengers can walk right off the boat onto a pier, and take a tram to the family beach. Strollers are available. Kids programs take place Scuttle's Cove play area; teens have their own beach with rope swing and jungle gym. Teen activities, too.
