Disney Cruise Line Children's Programs: Minimum age to sail is 3 months. Disney has a comprehensiv

Every year, I plan a family vacation, and inevitably, my mind drifts back to how easy it was, when I was a single adult- or even newly married- to plan a trip.  Pick your destination, pack a bag, and go!
That’s hardly the case now.  Gone are the days when vacations were all about what I wanted to do.  (Honestly, the adage “If mama’s not happy, nobody’s happy” merely produces a sarcastic snort from me.)
When planning travel scotland map a family cruise, take a close look at the cruise lines.  They are NOT all created equal for families.  (That’s not to say that they’re not all fabulous, it’s just that some lines cater to kids, and others don’t- and you really want to choose the right one for your family.)
These are what I consider to be the top 10 children’s programs, in no particular order.  You can read about all of the cruise lines children’s programs, and the services they provide in much greater detail here .
Disney Cruise Line Children’s Programs:  Minimum age to sail is 3 months.  Disney has a comprehensive children’s program and facilities for kids aged 12 weeks to 17 years, divided by age groups.  There are dedicated spaces for babies, children, and teens, as well as a wide range of themed activities that touch on media, music and artistic crafts.  The line also offers babysitting services.
Princess Cruises Children’s Programs:  The minimum age to sail on Princess is 6 months; children’s travel scotland map programs are available for kids 3 years to 17 years.  The line features youth centers for children aged 3-12 with fun-filled, age appropriate activities, and teen lounges with the coolest amenities for kids aged 13-17.
Royal Caribbean International:  The line’s minimum age to sail is 6 months old, with a dedicated nursery for children 6-36 months.  The line offers a series of children’s programs based on age, with special amenities (teen-only lounges and spa menus) for older children.
Holland America Line :  Holland America’s minimum age to sail is 6 months, and their children’s programs serve children ages 3-17.  They also offer extended hours activities (10pm to 12am) for children ages 3-12 who meet Club HAL’s eligibility requirements. For babysitting outside of the hours offered in Club HAL, guests may check at the Front Office to schedule this service provided by staff on a voluntary/limited basis only.
Paul Gauguin Cruises:  Minimum age to sail on Paul Gauguin cruises is 12 months. This line offers passengers aged 9-17 an extraordinary exploration of French Polynesia through direct, hands-on, interactive experiences with marine and island ecosystems.  The fee is $299 per child.
Celebrity Cruises:  Celebrity’s minimum sail age is 6 months, and they have children’s programs for kids from 3-17.  Parents can enjoy a night out with babysitting services, in both the Fun Factory and in individual staterooms. For a fee of $6 per hour per child, children ages 3-11 can participate in the Afternoon Party from noon-2PM on port days and/or the evening Slumber Party from 10PM-1AM. Private, in-stateroom babysitting incurs travel scotland map a fee of $19/hr. for up to three children from the same family.
Carnival Cruise Lines:  Minimum sail age on Carnival is 6 months, and their children’s programs are designed for kids aged 2-17.  For a fee, Carnival does offer limited services for children under 2 each evening from 10:00pm-3:00am and during port times. Carnival Cruise Lines has also partnered with Dr. Seuss Enterprises to offer Seuss at Sea, a program featuring exciting youth, family, dining, and entertainment experiences inspired by Dr. Seuss.
travel scotland map Crystal Cruises:   Minimum age to cruise is 6 months.  The line offers a tiered travel scotland map children’s travel scotland map program for ages 3-17. During holiday cruises, travel scotland map summer sailings and other selected itineraries, additional children’s activities are offered under the supervision of Junior Activities Directors.  All vessels offer in-stateroom babysitting for children over the age of one, and fees are $10 per hour for one child, $15 per hour for two children and $20 per hour for three children.
Norwegian Cruise Line:  Minimum sailing age is 6 months. travel scotland map Splash Academy is specifically travel scotland map designed to engage active and creative kids ages 6 months – 12 years old. Entourage is designed for teens aged 13-17.  Norwegian doesn’t offer in-suite babysitting but offers Group Sitting Services for children ages 3-12 years old every night from 10:30pm – 1:30am and on port days while the ship is docked.
Cunard Line: Minimum age to sail is 6 months. All Cunard’s ships offer programs for children and teenagers travel scotland map aged 2-17 years. The specially designed areas known as The Play Zone, The Zone and The Teen Zone are complimentary.  A night nursery is open from 6.00pm to 11.00pm daily for children aged 12 months to 23 months travel scotland map and operates travel scotland map on a first come first served basis.
Next, think about your packing strategies.  My child recently asked me whether she could pack her slinky for a cross-country flight.  (Had to say no on that one, because we really needed to include some socks instead.)  Get packing tips here.   Don’t forget to print that packing list.
I have a vested interested in family vacations, travel scotland map so I write about the cruise line options a lot.  Visit my blog here , scroll through, and you’ll see lots of stories about the different aspects of family cruising.  Enjoy your vacation!!