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.
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.
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