According to the New York Times yesterday, there was a report released by Forrester Research that found many travel consumers were frustrated with the complicated process of booking online travel.
These days, booking all types of travel online is a snap if you know what you are doing and if you have time spend reading the fine print and deciphering the extra fees.
My company, Leisure Travel Enterprises, has seen a large jump in the number of local clients in the past 12 months. Most of our clients are are computer savvy, however they prefer to speak to an agent, either face to face or on the phone. Most people who spend a lot of money for a vacation, want to know details or personal stories about their destination. Where do you ask those questions on line?
Find the best cruise price
What is the easiest way to book the family cruise of your dreams? Find a preferred travel agent. How do you find the best price for the family cruise of your dreams? Find a preferred travel agent. Seriously!
There are travel agents, and then there are travel agents. "Find one that specializes in booking with your desired cruise line," advises Charles McCool, a consultant who specializes in
finding travel deals. "Only a select few have preferred status. These agents and agencies offer better discounts and amenities, and the cruises cost between 10 percent and 20 percent less than cruises bought online or from other agents."
Sure you can find a really great rate surfing the Internet. Book online with your information and credit card. Who are you going to talk to when you have a question or something changes on your itinerary? The Internet?
Booking with a preferred travel agent is better!
There are travel agents, and then there are travel agents. "Find one that specializes in booking with your desired cruise line," advises Charles McCool, a consultant who specializes in
finding travel deals. "Only a select few have preferred status. These agents and agencies offer better discounts and amenities, and the cruises cost between 10 percent and 20 percent less than cruises bought online or from other agents."
Sure you can find a really great rate surfing the Internet. Book online with your information and credit card. Who are you going to talk to when you have a question or something changes on your itinerary? The Internet?
Booking with a preferred travel agent is better!
Universal Orlando and Royal Caribbean Cruise Packages
Universal Orlando and Royal Caribbean International are teaming up to offer vacation packages that combine a theme park visit with a cruise out of Port Canaveral.
The "Way More Than a Cruise" packages will pair three- or four-night stays at Universal with a three- or four-night Bahamian cruise aboard Royal Caribbean's Monarch of the Seas or a seven-night Caribbean sailing aboard the Freedom of the Seas. The packages include hotel and shipboard accommodations, multi-day passes to both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, admission to some CityWalk venues and ground transfers between airport, hotel, theme parks and Port Canaveral.
" Universal Orlando Resort is thrilled to enter this partnership, bringing together two incredible experiences to create one memorable vacation," Bill Davis, president and chief operating officer for Universal Orlando Resort, said in a written statement. "Our guests will not only enjoy some of the most entertaining theme-park attractions ever created, but also the world-class experiences and service Royal Caribbean is known for delivering."
The "Way More Than a Cruise" packages will pair three- or four-night stays at Universal with a three- or four-night Bahamian cruise aboard Royal Caribbean's Monarch of the Seas or a seven-night Caribbean sailing aboard the Freedom of the Seas. The packages include hotel and shipboard accommodations, multi-day passes to both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, admission to some CityWalk venues and ground transfers between airport, hotel, theme parks and Port Canaveral.
" Universal Orlando Resort is thrilled to enter this partnership, bringing together two incredible experiences to create one memorable vacation," Bill Davis, president and chief operating officer for Universal Orlando Resort, said in a written statement. "Our guests will not only enjoy some of the most entertaining theme-park attractions ever created, but also the world-class experiences and service Royal Caribbean is known for delivering."
Cruise Age Requirements
Cruise lines have strict minimum age policies that apply to infants as well as guests under 21 years of age. These age limitations vary by both cruise line and type of itinerary. Some cruise lines also require minors to produce specific documents at time of boarding. It's important to be aware of all of these age and documentation requirements to avoid being denied boarding without refund at time of embarkation.
Carnival Cruise Line has one of the most stringent age policies of the cruise lines surveyed. Any Carnival guest under the age of 21 must be accompanied by someone 25 years of age or older in the same cabin. Jennifer de la Cruz, Carnival's Director of Public Relations, commented that tighter guidelines were implemented a number of years ago due to "behavioral issues occurring among the college age group sailing on our ships, which were having a negative impact on the experience of other guests." Ms. de la Cruz also notes that Carnival is very strict about checking IDs at time of embarkation to ensure that the cruise line's age and chaperone requirements are being met.
In contrast, Disney Cruise Line has one of the most relaxed age policies for cruisers. Infants may cruise with Disney at 12 weeks of age or older and Flounder's Reef Nursery is available to help care for them. In addition, guests only need to be 18 years of age or older to book and cruise on their own.
Complete age and documentation requirements can generally be found on the cruise lines' websites, often under "FAQ" or in the Passage Contract. These sections also provide information on alcohol and gambling policies. Make sure to ask your travel agent or contact the cruise line for complete and current requirements information.
Here are the age and associated documentation requirements for many of the major family-friendly cruise lines:
Carnival Cruise Lines: Infants must be at least 6 months of age when boarding all cruises except Transatlantic, Hawaii and South America cruises, which have a 12 month minimum age. All guests must be at least 21 years of age when boarding a Carnival ship. Guests under 21 years of age at time of boarding must have a parent or guardian who is 25 years of age or older in the same stateroom. The only exceptions are married minor couples and domestic partner/same-sex union minor couples. All guest ages will be verified before boarding the ship and those who do not meet these requirements will be denied boarding with no refund.
Celebrity Cruises: All infants must be at least 6 months old at time of boarding except for Transatlantic, Transpacific, Hawaii, selected South American cruises/cruisetours, and other selected cruises/cruisetours at Celebrity's discretion. Those have a 12 month minimum boarding age. "Denial of boarding for infants who do not satisfy these minimum age requirements may also result in the denial of boarding for one or more guests sailing with that infant" without refund or other compensation. All guests under 21 years of age must be accompanied by a passenger of at least 21 or older in the same stateroom. This age requirement is waived for minor children sailing with their parents or guardians in adjacent staterooms.
Costa Cruise Line: Infants must be at least 6 months of age when boarding all cruises except trans-ocean crossings, world cruises, cruises of 15 days or more, and any other itinerary that Costa believes could pose a serious risk to infants. These have a 12 month minimum boarding age. All guests under 21 years of age when boarding must be accompanied by a parent or guardian in the same stateroom. On some sailings, even guests 21-24 years of age must have at least one person in the stateroom who is at least 25 years old and will agree to be responsible for the under-25 year old guests.
Disney Cruise Line: Infants must be at least 12 weeks of age at time of boarding. Guests must be 18 years of age or older to book a Disney cruise and travel on their own. Any minor guest under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult who is 21 years of age or older. Minors under 18 must be traveling with both parents or must present a notarized letter of consent by one or both parents who are not accompanying the child. The letter must also authorize medical treatment in case of emergency.
Holland America Line: Infants must be at least 6 months of age when boarding all cruises except trans-ocean crossings and any other itinerary that Holland America believes could pose a serious risk to infants. These have a 12 month minimum boarding age. All guests under 21 years of age must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or chaperone who is at least 25 years of age. One adult chaperone who is at least 25 is required for every five persons under the age of 21. Minors under 18 who are traveling to certain foreign countries must be traveling with both parents or must present a notarized letter of consent by one or both parents who are not accompanying the child. Additional documentation requirements apply.
MSC Cruises: There is no minimum age requirement for infants on MSC Cruises. Guests under 21 years of age at time of boarding must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult over the age of 21 who is booked in the same stateroom or a connecting cabin. This individual must expressly agree to be responsible for the minor at all times on the cruise.
Norwegian Cruise Line: Infants must be at least 6 months of age when boarding all cruises. All guests under 21 years of age must be accompanied by a passenger age 21 or older who "expressly agrees to be responsible for the under-21 passenger throughout the cruise." This older guest must be sharing the same or connecting stateroom with the under-21 passenger. Rules are waived for married couples less than 21 years of age with proof of marriage required. Rules are somewhat different for those cruising under the family plan - see the NCL website for more details. Minors under 18 must be traveling with both parents or must present a notarized letter of consent by one or both parents who are not accompanying the child. The letter must also authorize medical treatment in case of emergency.
Royal Caribbean International: All infants must be at least 6 months old at time of boarding except for Transatlantic, Transpacific, Hawaii, selected South American cruises/cruisetours, and other selected cruises/cruisetours at Royal Caribbean's discretion. These have a 12 month minimum boarding age. "Denial of boarding for infants who do not satisfy these minimum age requirements may also result in the denial of boarding for one or more guests sailing with that infant" without refund or other compensation. All guests under 21 years of age must be accompanied by a passenger of at least 21 or older in the same stateroom. This age requirement is waived for minor children sailing with their parents or guardians in adjacent staterooms or married couples less than 21 years of age with proof of marriage required.
Carnival Cruise Line has one of the most stringent age policies of the cruise lines surveyed. Any Carnival guest under the age of 21 must be accompanied by someone 25 years of age or older in the same cabin. Jennifer de la Cruz, Carnival's Director of Public Relations, commented that tighter guidelines were implemented a number of years ago due to "behavioral issues occurring among the college age group sailing on our ships, which were having a negative impact on the experience of other guests." Ms. de la Cruz also notes that Carnival is very strict about checking IDs at time of embarkation to ensure that the cruise line's age and chaperone requirements are being met.
In contrast, Disney Cruise Line has one of the most relaxed age policies for cruisers. Infants may cruise with Disney at 12 weeks of age or older and Flounder's Reef Nursery is available to help care for them. In addition, guests only need to be 18 years of age or older to book and cruise on their own.
Complete age and documentation requirements can generally be found on the cruise lines' websites, often under "FAQ" or in the Passage Contract. These sections also provide information on alcohol and gambling policies. Make sure to ask your travel agent or contact the cruise line for complete and current requirements information.
Here are the age and associated documentation requirements for many of the major family-friendly cruise lines:
Carnival Cruise Lines: Infants must be at least 6 months of age when boarding all cruises except Transatlantic, Hawaii and South America cruises, which have a 12 month minimum age. All guests must be at least 21 years of age when boarding a Carnival ship. Guests under 21 years of age at time of boarding must have a parent or guardian who is 25 years of age or older in the same stateroom. The only exceptions are married minor couples and domestic partner/same-sex union minor couples. All guest ages will be verified before boarding the ship and those who do not meet these requirements will be denied boarding with no refund.
Celebrity Cruises: All infants must be at least 6 months old at time of boarding except for Transatlantic, Transpacific, Hawaii, selected South American cruises/cruisetours, and other selected cruises/cruisetours at Celebrity's discretion. Those have a 12 month minimum boarding age. "Denial of boarding for infants who do not satisfy these minimum age requirements may also result in the denial of boarding for one or more guests sailing with that infant" without refund or other compensation. All guests under 21 years of age must be accompanied by a passenger of at least 21 or older in the same stateroom. This age requirement is waived for minor children sailing with their parents or guardians in adjacent staterooms.
Costa Cruise Line: Infants must be at least 6 months of age when boarding all cruises except trans-ocean crossings, world cruises, cruises of 15 days or more, and any other itinerary that Costa believes could pose a serious risk to infants. These have a 12 month minimum boarding age. All guests under 21 years of age when boarding must be accompanied by a parent or guardian in the same stateroom. On some sailings, even guests 21-24 years of age must have at least one person in the stateroom who is at least 25 years old and will agree to be responsible for the under-25 year old guests.
Disney Cruise Line: Infants must be at least 12 weeks of age at time of boarding. Guests must be 18 years of age or older to book a Disney cruise and travel on their own. Any minor guest under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult who is 21 years of age or older. Minors under 18 must be traveling with both parents or must present a notarized letter of consent by one or both parents who are not accompanying the child. The letter must also authorize medical treatment in case of emergency.
Holland America Line: Infants must be at least 6 months of age when boarding all cruises except trans-ocean crossings and any other itinerary that Holland America believes could pose a serious risk to infants. These have a 12 month minimum boarding age. All guests under 21 years of age must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or chaperone who is at least 25 years of age. One adult chaperone who is at least 25 is required for every five persons under the age of 21. Minors under 18 who are traveling to certain foreign countries must be traveling with both parents or must present a notarized letter of consent by one or both parents who are not accompanying the child. Additional documentation requirements apply.
MSC Cruises: There is no minimum age requirement for infants on MSC Cruises. Guests under 21 years of age at time of boarding must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult over the age of 21 who is booked in the same stateroom or a connecting cabin. This individual must expressly agree to be responsible for the minor at all times on the cruise.
Norwegian Cruise Line: Infants must be at least 6 months of age when boarding all cruises. All guests under 21 years of age must be accompanied by a passenger age 21 or older who "expressly agrees to be responsible for the under-21 passenger throughout the cruise." This older guest must be sharing the same or connecting stateroom with the under-21 passenger. Rules are waived for married couples less than 21 years of age with proof of marriage required. Rules are somewhat different for those cruising under the family plan - see the NCL website for more details. Minors under 18 must be traveling with both parents or must present a notarized letter of consent by one or both parents who are not accompanying the child. The letter must also authorize medical treatment in case of emergency.
Royal Caribbean International: All infants must be at least 6 months old at time of boarding except for Transatlantic, Transpacific, Hawaii, selected South American cruises/cruisetours, and other selected cruises/cruisetours at Royal Caribbean's discretion. These have a 12 month minimum boarding age. "Denial of boarding for infants who do not satisfy these minimum age requirements may also result in the denial of boarding for one or more guests sailing with that infant" without refund or other compensation. All guests under 21 years of age must be accompanied by a passenger of at least 21 or older in the same stateroom. This age requirement is waived for minor children sailing with their parents or guardians in adjacent staterooms or married couples less than 21 years of age with proof of marriage required.
Family Fun with Klutz and Princess
SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (February 25, 2009) – Princess Cruises has teamed with Klutz®, an innovative publisher of award-winning activity books for children, to provide high-quality arts and crafts projects for young passengers and moving Princess Cruises into a more family friendly cruise line. Klutz and Princess Cruises collaborated to develop custom-built kits designed to engage young cruisers in fun and creative activities and encourages more cruise family time.
This one of a kind program is available fleet wide and designed around the different itineraries. Caribbean theme activities for family cruises leaving Miami, Alaska and the Northwest themed crafts Alaskan cruises leaving Seattle and Vancouver.
The new Klutz activities are offered for young passengers of all ages, and are scheduled during the youth center’s regular activities or during the ship’s family fun fair in the atrium. All family members are invited to join in the creative family fun activities. Some of the activities include building storybooks, making picture tags, thumbprint art, and lanyard bracelets. This is the newest option in family cruises and family vacations, with Caribbean Family Cruises becoming more and more popular.
“Our onboard passenger experience is designed to offer many inventive programs to engage passengers of all ages,” said Jan Swartz, Princess executive vice president. “And these fun craft projects from Klutz are a wonderful addition to our diverse activities available for kids and teens.”
Mark Judge, vice president of international and special markets for Klutz said, “By inviting Klutz onboard, Princess Cruises has demonstrated its commitment to providing kids with a rich and memorable cruise experience.” Princess Youth and Teen Programs provide state-of-the-art youth center facilities and an array of activities to keep kids and teens entertained while on their family cruise. Young passengers enjoy a wide range of fun events for ages 3 to 17, supervised by a dedicated staff of youth activity professionals. Princess Cruises offers three distinct, age-specific programs – Princess Pelicans (ages 3-7), Shockwaves (ages 8-12) and Remix (ages 13-17). Programs for each group include a number of special features, including Science on the Seas activities from the award-winning California Science Center, Yoga for Kids, and a Jr. CHEF@Sea program. Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through My Cruise Outlet by calling 1-877-543-0815, or by visiting www.mycruiseoutlet.com . Got questions? Email Kelly at KELLY@MYCRUISEOUTLET.COM.
This one of a kind program is available fleet wide and designed around the different itineraries. Caribbean theme activities for family cruises leaving Miami, Alaska and the Northwest themed crafts Alaskan cruises leaving Seattle and Vancouver.
The new Klutz activities are offered for young passengers of all ages, and are scheduled during the youth center’s regular activities or during the ship’s family fun fair in the atrium. All family members are invited to join in the creative family fun activities. Some of the activities include building storybooks, making picture tags, thumbprint art, and lanyard bracelets. This is the newest option in family cruises and family vacations, with Caribbean Family Cruises becoming more and more popular.
“Our onboard passenger experience is designed to offer many inventive programs to engage passengers of all ages,” said Jan Swartz, Princess executive vice president. “And these fun craft projects from Klutz are a wonderful addition to our diverse activities available for kids and teens.”
Mark Judge, vice president of international and special markets for Klutz said, “By inviting Klutz onboard, Princess Cruises has demonstrated its commitment to providing kids with a rich and memorable cruise experience.” Princess Youth and Teen Programs provide state-of-the-art youth center facilities and an array of activities to keep kids and teens entertained while on their family cruise. Young passengers enjoy a wide range of fun events for ages 3 to 17, supervised by a dedicated staff of youth activity professionals. Princess Cruises offers three distinct, age-specific programs – Princess Pelicans (ages 3-7), Shockwaves (ages 8-12) and Remix (ages 13-17). Programs for each group include a number of special features, including Science on the Seas activities from the award-winning California Science Center, Yoga for Kids, and a Jr. CHEF@Sea program. Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through My Cruise Outlet by calling 1-877-543-0815, or by visiting www.mycruiseoutlet.com . Got questions? Email Kelly at KELLY@MYCRUISEOUTLET.COM.
Seasickness... How to avoid it.
Doctors think motion sickness stems from conflicting signals from your brain and body. The balance mechanism in your inner ears and the nerves in your feet tell your brain you're moving, but your eyes see a motionless deck and cabin and send signals that you're not moving. The conflicting signals cause confusion in your brain, resulting in nausea, dizziness and sweating.
Here are a few tips for combating nausea on the high seas.
•Act before you board.
Think big! Bigger ships rock and roll less on choppy waters. So if you are planning a family cruise and are concerned that someone may be susceptible to seasickness, book your family cruise on a larger ship. A ship that carries 3,000 passengers, will offer a steadier ride than a smaller ship of 600 passengers.
Also, plan your family cruise with weather and seasons in mind. For example, you might want to avoid a family Caribbean cruise during the height of hurricane season, which is the end of July through mid September. You also can expect rough waters in the winter in the North Atlantic, off western France and around Cape Horn, off the southern tip of Chile.
The medical director for Carnival Cruise Lines, suggests family members who may be susceptible to seasickness, book a cabin near the middle of the ship on one of the lower passenger decks. Imagine sitting in the middle of a playground seesaw instead of at an end. Another suggestion is to eat several small meals throughout the day. Eat in moderation, enjoy several small meals and avoid excessive alcohol throughout the family cruise .
•Consider over-the-counter cures.
Some passengers can control their symptoms with one of the non-prescription drugs such as meclizine (sold under the brand names Antivert, Bonine, Meni-D, Antrizine) and dimenhydrinate (Dramamine, Gravol and Vertirosan). These suppress the mechanism that transmits signals from the inner ear, thus minimizing the conflict in your brain.
Dimenhydrinate makes many people drowsy, a huge disadvantage when you don't want to miss a minute while on your family cruise. Meclizine produces fewer side effects and may be a better choice for that long awaited family cruise. Be sure to take the medication several hours before boarding, because the drugs need time to take effect. And check with your doctor to make sure there's no negative interaction with any medication you're taking.
Seasickness patches mete out a drug called scopolamine through the skin behind your ear. The patches release small amounts of the drug for several days, keeping nausea at bay for long periods of time. But beware, doctors say scopolamine has been tied to such side effects as delusions and delirium among the elderly and vision problems for people who accidentally get the medication on their fingers and rub their eyes.
The chief medical officer for Royal Caribbean Cruises, suggests you try the patches a day before your cruise to see if you suffer side effects. Also check with your doctor before trying the patches.
•Think about alternative methods.
Some cruisers swear that chewing on ginger or taking ginger tablets reduces nausea at sea, though doctors say medical studies have yet to show it offers any substantial relief.
Other cruise veterans put their faith in acupressure bracelets that are designed to stop nausea by pressing on a pressure point just above the wrist.
Doctors say you can reduce your nausea by standing on the deck of the ship, breathing in fresh air and keeping your eyes on the horizon.
Here are a few tips for combating nausea on the high seas.
•Act before you board.
Think big! Bigger ships rock and roll less on choppy waters. So if you are planning a family cruise and are concerned that someone may be susceptible to seasickness, book your family cruise on a larger ship. A ship that carries 3,000 passengers, will offer a steadier ride than a smaller ship of 600 passengers.
Also, plan your family cruise with weather and seasons in mind. For example, you might want to avoid a family Caribbean cruise during the height of hurricane season, which is the end of July through mid September. You also can expect rough waters in the winter in the North Atlantic, off western France and around Cape Horn, off the southern tip of Chile.
The medical director for Carnival Cruise Lines, suggests family members who may be susceptible to seasickness, book a cabin near the middle of the ship on one of the lower passenger decks. Imagine sitting in the middle of a playground seesaw instead of at an end. Another suggestion is to eat several small meals throughout the day. Eat in moderation, enjoy several small meals and avoid excessive alcohol throughout the family cruise .
•Consider over-the-counter cures.
Some passengers can control their symptoms with one of the non-prescription drugs such as meclizine (sold under the brand names Antivert, Bonine, Meni-D, Antrizine) and dimenhydrinate (Dramamine, Gravol and Vertirosan). These suppress the mechanism that transmits signals from the inner ear, thus minimizing the conflict in your brain.
Dimenhydrinate makes many people drowsy, a huge disadvantage when you don't want to miss a minute while on your family cruise. Meclizine produces fewer side effects and may be a better choice for that long awaited family cruise. Be sure to take the medication several hours before boarding, because the drugs need time to take effect. And check with your doctor to make sure there's no negative interaction with any medication you're taking.
Seasickness patches mete out a drug called scopolamine through the skin behind your ear. The patches release small amounts of the drug for several days, keeping nausea at bay for long periods of time. But beware, doctors say scopolamine has been tied to such side effects as delusions and delirium among the elderly and vision problems for people who accidentally get the medication on their fingers and rub their eyes.
The chief medical officer for Royal Caribbean Cruises, suggests you try the patches a day before your cruise to see if you suffer side effects. Also check with your doctor before trying the patches.
•Think about alternative methods.
Some cruisers swear that chewing on ginger or taking ginger tablets reduces nausea at sea, though doctors say medical studies have yet to show it offers any substantial relief.
Other cruise veterans put their faith in acupressure bracelets that are designed to stop nausea by pressing on a pressure point just above the wrist.
Doctors say you can reduce your nausea by standing on the deck of the ship, breathing in fresh air and keeping your eyes on the horizon.
Disney Wonder
Capt. Mickey otherwise known as ``Miiickeeeeeeeee!'' the world's most famous mouse greets guests, signs autographs and poses for pictures on the Disney Wonder.
Disney at sea is a remarkably successful family vacation product. Family vacations can combine a three- or four-night Bahamian cruise from Port Canaveral with a stay at Walt Disney World in nearby Orlando.
The combo package conveniently fits a one-week vacation timetable. At first blush, prices may stagger. But by Disney standards, it's a family vacation bargain: A family of four -- two adults and kids ages 8 and 10 -- pays as little as $4,300 for a week's vacation in November that includes an interior stateroom on a four-night cruise (includes all food and entertainment), Disney World lodging for three nights, theme-park tickets, transportation, (round trip Orlando to Port Canaveral) taxes, fees and insurance.
The Wonder's year-round itinerary -- which includes a stop at Nassau and a day of sun and fun on Disney-owned Castaway Cay, a 1,000-acre private island -- is packed with activities for kids.
The difficult part of planning a family cruise is making all the kids happy. The kids activities are arranged for five age groups, with venues as diverse as a marine science lab and a teen disco. Ready to splash? You'll find three age-specific swimming pools.
A Disney cruise can be enjoyable for mom and dad also, late-night comedy shows; an adults-only entertainment district with a sports pub, dance club and piano bar; a Quiet Cove pool (quiet by comparison but still jam-packed); and a 10,000-square-foot spa and salon. Indulge in flights of martinis or beer, then unwind with a volcanic-stone and warm-oil massage.
Kids-sail-free: Disney is offering a Kids Sail Free promotion on most three-night cruises this spring when traveling with two paying adults in the same cabin; maximum three guests per cabin. The special is valid for kids 12 and under on sailings from March 12-May 28.
Prices for Disney Cruise Line's combination land-sea packages -- and for cruise-only vacations -- vary widely depending on the season and preferred accommodations. Expect to pay more during peak periods that include holidays, Spring Break and summer. For example, a three-night cruise for two adults in April starts around $1,650
Disney at sea is a remarkably successful family vacation product. Family vacations can combine a three- or four-night Bahamian cruise from Port Canaveral with a stay at Walt Disney World in nearby Orlando.
The combo package conveniently fits a one-week vacation timetable. At first blush, prices may stagger. But by Disney standards, it's a family vacation bargain: A family of four -- two adults and kids ages 8 and 10 -- pays as little as $4,300 for a week's vacation in November that includes an interior stateroom on a four-night cruise (includes all food and entertainment), Disney World lodging for three nights, theme-park tickets, transportation, (round trip Orlando to Port Canaveral) taxes, fees and insurance.
The Wonder's year-round itinerary -- which includes a stop at Nassau and a day of sun and fun on Disney-owned Castaway Cay, a 1,000-acre private island -- is packed with activities for kids.
The difficult part of planning a family cruise is making all the kids happy. The kids activities are arranged for five age groups, with venues as diverse as a marine science lab and a teen disco. Ready to splash? You'll find three age-specific swimming pools.
A Disney cruise can be enjoyable for mom and dad also, late-night comedy shows; an adults-only entertainment district with a sports pub, dance club and piano bar; a Quiet Cove pool (quiet by comparison but still jam-packed); and a 10,000-square-foot spa and salon. Indulge in flights of martinis or beer, then unwind with a volcanic-stone and warm-oil massage.
Kids-sail-free: Disney is offering a Kids Sail Free promotion on most three-night cruises this spring when traveling with two paying adults in the same cabin; maximum three guests per cabin. The special is valid for kids 12 and under on sailings from March 12-May 28.
Prices for Disney Cruise Line's combination land-sea packages -- and for cruise-only vacations -- vary widely depending on the season and preferred accommodations. Expect to pay more during peak periods that include holidays, Spring Break and summer. For example, a three-night cruise for two adults in April starts around $1,650
Where should we go?
OK, the family is ready for a real vacation that does not include a record number of aunts, uncles, and cousins. Casey Wheat offered these tips on eHow.
Talk to your family or friends about where they would like to go for a family vacation. Consider everyone that is going's feelings. Consider if you want a relaxing or action packed vacation. If you want to go to Vegas and your family wants to go to Florida then you should probably go to Florida for family vacation. Majority rules!
Consider the weather. Do not go to Florida in the middle of winter. Not crowded but too cold for the beach, and not a happy family vacation. There are many better places to take vacation in the winter time. Check the weather before you make plans to go anywhere.
Consider money. Do not go to Hawaii if you are on a small budget. Talk to a local travel agent they know the best deals for family vacations. Budgets are important, they are the most important factor in finding the best value for your money which is really important factor when planning a family vacation.
Talk to your family or friends about where they would like to go for a family vacation. Consider everyone that is going's feelings. Consider if you want a relaxing or action packed vacation. If you want to go to Vegas and your family wants to go to Florida then you should probably go to Florida for family vacation. Majority rules!
Consider the weather. Do not go to Florida in the middle of winter. Not crowded but too cold for the beach, and not a happy family vacation. There are many better places to take vacation in the winter time. Check the weather before you make plans to go anywhere.
Consider money. Do not go to Hawaii if you are on a small budget. Talk to a local travel agent they know the best deals for family vacations. Budgets are important, they are the most important factor in finding the best value for your money which is really important factor when planning a family vacation.
Vegas For Kids
Vegas for kids of all ages? I was thinking the same thing. The best family vacations are vacations where there are things to do for everyone. I Actually there is more than you think! I recently saw an article in Forbes Traveler highlighting Kathy Espin, author of the guidebook Kidding Around Las Vegas, has some great tips for getting around with the family.
Las Vegas is, after all, the world capital of two forms of entertainment that most kids adore: magic and circuses.
Lance Burton is at the Monte Carlo, where he’s performed nightly since 1994. Worthy rivals include Steve Wyrick at the Miracle Mile Mall inside Planet Hollywood and the famed David Copperfield, who appears about 15 weeks a year at the MGM Grand. Daytime magic shows can be a particularly good value, especially America’s Got Talent finalist Nathan Burton’s offering at the Flamingo and the uproarious Mac King Comedy Magic Show at Harrah’s.
As for circuses, the Canadian acrobatic troupe Cirque du Soleil's six productions are the most visible force on the Strip. While one, the risque Zumanity, is for adults only, four others—Mystere, O, Ka and Love—are superb choices for all ages. The newest show, Criss Angel Believe, requires adults to accompany children under 12, but it also fuses the Mindfreak star’s brand of magic with Cirque’s penchant for eye-popping costumes and intriguing choreography. In the same vein, there's the modernist percussion spectacle of the Blue Man Group at the Venetian and, over at Planet Hollywood, Stomp Out Loud, in which the cast makes music using a range of household objects.
Las Vegas’ parade of Broadway shows in recent years has also shown there’s life beyond the casino. Consider the special-effects-laden version of Phantom of the Opera at the Venetian and the Four Seasons-scored Jersey Boys. And coming this spring to Mandalay Bay will be a permanent staging of Broadway hit The Lion King, based on the top-grossing Disney animated movie.
Las Vegas is also known for its free public entertainment, nearly all of which is kid-friendly. What could be more enthralling to a youngster than the soaring beauty of the Bellagio Fountains, the excitement of the hourly light show on the underside of the four-block-long Fremont Street Experience canopy or the story told each hour with light, fire and animatronic moving statues inside the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace? Aerialists, jugglers, clowns and trapeze artists perform a free 10-minute show every half-hour at Circus Circus, too.
Most of the city's animal exhibits and acts are free, too. At MGM Grand, progeny of the original MGM Studios’ roaring cats loll around in a glass tank that visitors can walk beneath at the Lion Habitat. The Flamingo’s Wildlife Habitat offers an array of pink flamingos, African penguins and other exotic birds. And inside the Hawaiian Marketplace, the Birdman of Las Vegas, aka Joe Krathwohl, gets his feathered friends to do some very silly things twice a day, Fridays through Sundays.
One of Las Vegas’ most celebrated animal attractions is the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay. The only Nevada facility accredited by American Zoo and Aquarium Association, it features displays of 1,200 marine species in a 1.3 million-gallon tank. They include, of course, various sharks, but also a rare komodo dragon. And now that Siegfried & Roy have retired, their Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat is the public's only chance to glimpse their famed white tigers, plus elephants, lions and dolphins.
The Strip is also known for its many rides, and the five-acre Adventuredome at Circus Circus is America's largest indoor amusement park. For the more adventurous, there's New York-New York's loopy rollercoaster and the three rides atop 1,149-foot Stratosphere Tower, which include ones that spin and cantilever off the top’s edge.
If you want to expose the kids to some education and culture, you may be surprised by how easy it can be. On the Strip, the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art has mounted impressive shows of Faberge, Monet and Alexander Calder, and a professionally curated exhibit of Titanic artifacts is now open at the Tropicana. The latter is moving to the Luxor in early 2009, where it will join the exhibit of “plastinated” human remains at Bodies.
This story actually goes on, but I cosider these just the highlights.
Family Travel Tips for Your Next Family Vacation
I just found this great article on Parenting.com that has great tips on traveling with your young ones. Check out the many tips on that will make life easier on your next family cruise or family vacation.
Have Baby, Will Travel By Daphne Uviller, Babytalk
Juggling diaper changes, naps, bath time, and the occasional tantrum is tricky enough when you're at home. Managing it all while in transit can be, shall we say, a learning experience. As Jennifer Trevitt, Ph.D., an assistant professor of biopsychology at California State University at Fullerton and mother of 2-year-old triplets, advises, "You only learn how to travel well with kids by traveling with kids. Be brave and start early!" To get you going, we've gathered 17 tips for making your next vacation a bon voyage.
By Car
1. Embrace tv. Even if you're tube-averse at home, a long car trip is a good time to invoke the special-occasion clause. Kristin South, a mother of three boys in Orem, Utah, whose kids rarely watch TV, has soothed her backseat crowd with a portable DVD player on countless trips around the country: "You can help a cranky infant settle in with some Baby Einstein, or a toddler cool his heels with Elmo." Portable players with car-stereo power adaptors and headrest mounting straps can be found on Amazon for as little as $100.
2. Entertain their brain. Even if you have a DVD player, you'll also want to stock up on children's music and books on tape/CD. Bring several old favorites as well as new titles from the library.
3. Keep a "carry-on" up front. So you've packed half the contents of your home "just in case." Remember that the more you've got, the less accessible it will be while you're in the car. That's why keeping a fully stocked bag by your feet is essential. What you'll need: changes of clothes for you and the baby, diapers, wipes, bottles, and snacks, snacks, snacks.
4. Make (very) frequent stops. With a baby on board, you'll have to pull over often for feedings and diaper changes, so build in plenty of extra time and don't expect to follow a strict timetable. Road trips with toddlers require pit stops to get their ya-yas out (see also ants in pants, screaming meemies). Kristin South recalls a ten-day trip with her family over a route she'd covered in 48 hours back in college -- and claims the long way was better: "Because my sons needed to run around, we wound up in a wonderful state park in South Dakota, where wild burros stuck their heads into our car and ate carrots out of our hands!"
5. Join AAA.
By Plane
1. Think twice about pre-boarding. Trevitt, the mother of triplets, recommends doing whatever you can to minimize the time that kids spend on the plane. One way for couples to accomplish this is to divide and conquer. "One goes ahead, bringing all the gear and luggage on board," she says, "while the other entertains the kids at the gate until the last possible minute."
2. Bring it on. If last winter's storms taught parents anything, it's that air travel can mean major delays. "I pack more diapers in my carry-on than I'm going to need, and at least two changes of clothing, both for me and my daughter," says Shauna Peet, a Chicago mother of a 14-month-old. "You have to anticipate being stuck overnight in a hotel without luggage, miles from a drugstore."
3. Avoid ouchy ears. Feeding your baby is the best way to keep him comfortable during takeoff and landing. If you're nursing, you know what to do. Formula families might want to bring their elixir in powder form, which is lighter, takes up less space, and is less messy than prepared. "Even if your plane is grounded for hours, the attendants are likely to provide you with water to mix up formula on the spot," assures Texas dad Christopher Bourell, the father of three girls under 4.
4. Kids need passports, too. "You'd be amazed at how many parents think their kids don't need passports" when traveling abroad, says Christopher Elliott, the host of Fine Living TV network's What You Get for the Money: Vacations and father of three kids under 5. That now goes for Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, too. Go to state.gov/travelandbusiness for details and don't forget to make photocopies to email to yourself and a family member in case of emergency.
5. Seating safety. According to FAA policy, the safest place for a child under 2 is in a safety seat strapped into her own airline seat. If you opt instead to hold your baby on your lap -- as many parents do -- request an aisle seat, which will allow you to take frequent walks with your squirmy carry-on without having to climb over anyone.
All Travel
1. One word: plastic. Gallon-size resealable bags, that is. John Maggio, a screenwriter and father of a 2-year-old, Hugo, has depended on them since his son was a newborn. "We used them to wrap clothes covered in spitup," he says. And they're essential for containing stinky dipes, banana peels, and wet swim suits.
2. Be full of surprises. Stash small toys in the diaper bag and dole them out at crucial moments, like when your toddler won't stop kicking the back of the seat in front of him. And a favorite lovey or cherished book will help kids feel comfortable in new places. For a car trip, prop a box of these goodies next to your baby's seat, so she can reach in and grab them when she wants.
3. Exploit the thanksgiving effect. If possible, carry a small cooler with a cold pack, which you can use in transit and at the hotel. "Give them room-temperature milk and turkey roll-ups, which calm kids down," advises Trevitt, who assures us that these foods' sedative effects are no myth!
4. Babyproofing made easy. All you need is duct tape. No, not for the baby's mouth! Trevitt uses it in hotel rooms to seal electrical outlets, drawers, and closets. It also comes in handy for quickie repairs to broken strollers, luggage, and toys.
5. Keep the to-do list short. "Even the best-meaning parents try to push through the day to get the most bang for their buck," says Elliott. They skip naps, don't pay attention to signs of hunger, and let kids stay in the sun too long, which leads to exhaustion, crankiness, and sunburn. "It's better to skip an entire theme park than to see it with cranky children."
6. Slow down. Make travel about the process. A drinking fountain, an escalator: These are as exciting to a toddler as the Grand Canyon is to you. Take pleasure in your child's fascination with the banal. Isn't this why we all had kids in the first place? To enjoy the world in a whole new way.
7. Just do it. "Traveling with an infant is easier than with a toddler," Trevitt attests. So welcome to parenthood -- now get out!
Daphne Uviller is the coeditor of Only Child: Writers on the Singular Joys and Solitary Sorrows of Growing Up Solo.
Have Baby, Will Travel By Daphne Uviller, Babytalk
Juggling diaper changes, naps, bath time, and the occasional tantrum is tricky enough when you're at home. Managing it all while in transit can be, shall we say, a learning experience. As Jennifer Trevitt, Ph.D., an assistant professor of biopsychology at California State University at Fullerton and mother of 2-year-old triplets, advises, "You only learn how to travel well with kids by traveling with kids. Be brave and start early!" To get you going, we've gathered 17 tips for making your next vacation a bon voyage.
By Car
1. Embrace tv. Even if you're tube-averse at home, a long car trip is a good time to invoke the special-occasion clause. Kristin South, a mother of three boys in Orem, Utah, whose kids rarely watch TV, has soothed her backseat crowd with a portable DVD player on countless trips around the country: "You can help a cranky infant settle in with some Baby Einstein, or a toddler cool his heels with Elmo." Portable players with car-stereo power adaptors and headrest mounting straps can be found on Amazon for as little as $100.
2. Entertain their brain. Even if you have a DVD player, you'll also want to stock up on children's music and books on tape/CD. Bring several old favorites as well as new titles from the library.
3. Keep a "carry-on" up front. So you've packed half the contents of your home "just in case." Remember that the more you've got, the less accessible it will be while you're in the car. That's why keeping a fully stocked bag by your feet is essential. What you'll need: changes of clothes for you and the baby, diapers, wipes, bottles, and snacks, snacks, snacks.
4. Make (very) frequent stops. With a baby on board, you'll have to pull over often for feedings and diaper changes, so build in plenty of extra time and don't expect to follow a strict timetable. Road trips with toddlers require pit stops to get their ya-yas out (see also ants in pants, screaming meemies). Kristin South recalls a ten-day trip with her family over a route she'd covered in 48 hours back in college -- and claims the long way was better: "Because my sons needed to run around, we wound up in a wonderful state park in South Dakota, where wild burros stuck their heads into our car and ate carrots out of our hands!"
5. Join AAA.
By Plane
1. Think twice about pre-boarding. Trevitt, the mother of triplets, recommends doing whatever you can to minimize the time that kids spend on the plane. One way for couples to accomplish this is to divide and conquer. "One goes ahead, bringing all the gear and luggage on board," she says, "while the other entertains the kids at the gate until the last possible minute."
2. Bring it on. If last winter's storms taught parents anything, it's that air travel can mean major delays. "I pack more diapers in my carry-on than I'm going to need, and at least two changes of clothing, both for me and my daughter," says Shauna Peet, a Chicago mother of a 14-month-old. "You have to anticipate being stuck overnight in a hotel without luggage, miles from a drugstore."
3. Avoid ouchy ears. Feeding your baby is the best way to keep him comfortable during takeoff and landing. If you're nursing, you know what to do. Formula families might want to bring their elixir in powder form, which is lighter, takes up less space, and is less messy than prepared. "Even if your plane is grounded for hours, the attendants are likely to provide you with water to mix up formula on the spot," assures Texas dad Christopher Bourell, the father of three girls under 4.
4. Kids need passports, too. "You'd be amazed at how many parents think their kids don't need passports" when traveling abroad, says Christopher Elliott, the host of Fine Living TV network's What You Get for the Money: Vacations and father of three kids under 5. That now goes for Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, too. Go to state.gov/travelandbusiness for details and don't forget to make photocopies to email to yourself and a family member in case of emergency.
5. Seating safety. According to FAA policy, the safest place for a child under 2 is in a safety seat strapped into her own airline seat. If you opt instead to hold your baby on your lap -- as many parents do -- request an aisle seat, which will allow you to take frequent walks with your squirmy carry-on without having to climb over anyone.
All Travel
1. One word: plastic. Gallon-size resealable bags, that is. John Maggio, a screenwriter and father of a 2-year-old, Hugo, has depended on them since his son was a newborn. "We used them to wrap clothes covered in spitup," he says. And they're essential for containing stinky dipes, banana peels, and wet swim suits.
2. Be full of surprises. Stash small toys in the diaper bag and dole them out at crucial moments, like when your toddler won't stop kicking the back of the seat in front of him. And a favorite lovey or cherished book will help kids feel comfortable in new places. For a car trip, prop a box of these goodies next to your baby's seat, so she can reach in and grab them when she wants.
3. Exploit the thanksgiving effect. If possible, carry a small cooler with a cold pack, which you can use in transit and at the hotel. "Give them room-temperature milk and turkey roll-ups, which calm kids down," advises Trevitt, who assures us that these foods' sedative effects are no myth!
4. Babyproofing made easy. All you need is duct tape. No, not for the baby's mouth! Trevitt uses it in hotel rooms to seal electrical outlets, drawers, and closets. It also comes in handy for quickie repairs to broken strollers, luggage, and toys.
5. Keep the to-do list short. "Even the best-meaning parents try to push through the day to get the most bang for their buck," says Elliott. They skip naps, don't pay attention to signs of hunger, and let kids stay in the sun too long, which leads to exhaustion, crankiness, and sunburn. "It's better to skip an entire theme park than to see it with cranky children."
6. Slow down. Make travel about the process. A drinking fountain, an escalator: These are as exciting to a toddler as the Grand Canyon is to you. Take pleasure in your child's fascination with the banal. Isn't this why we all had kids in the first place? To enjoy the world in a whole new way.
7. Just do it. "Traveling with an infant is easier than with a toddler," Trevitt attests. So welcome to parenthood -- now get out!
Daphne Uviller is the coeditor of Only Child: Writers on the Singular Joys and Solitary Sorrows of Growing Up Solo.
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