Dive Intosplash Academy For Kids
When your little ones are having a great time, you’re having a great time. Sign them up for our complimentary youth program where they can enjoy creative play, sports and more. From theme night activities to cool parties, our youth staff has a knack for this stuff.
Activities & Age Groups
Game on! Experience the latest in gaming or kick back and relax with a movie.
Hit the court. It is time for dodgeball, soccer, basketball.you name it we play it. Test your skills against the Teen Counselor!
Every night is a party! Dress to the nines and come in style. Check out College Night, White Hot Party, and Glow. Entourage is the place to be. The themes vary from ship to ship.
Disney Cruise Line: Half Price
Baby races –
Disney is the classic choice for families with young children, but infants are just as welcome. Fares for babies from 6 months to 2 years are roughly half the rate of children on Disney, and Flounders Reef and Its a Small World nurseries provide high-quality, affordable babysitting. Unlike on many other lines, counselors on Disney ships will even change diapers, as long as theyre provided by the parents.
Bonus: Disney is the only line to offer free loaner Diaper Genie units, and the Babies Travel Lite service helps parents lighten their suitcases with pre-orders for diapers and formula. (The goods are waiting in your cabin when you arrive.
Should I Bring A Stroller
Cruise ships can require a lot of walking to get from one area to the next. Make it easier on your little one by bringing a stroller onboard with you.
We suggest leaving the big bulky stroller at home and bringing a lightweight umbrella stroller that folds up compactly, so you can store it under your bed or in the closet of your stateroom.
If you dont want to bring a stroller onboard, you can also opt for a baby wrap or baby carrier that can comfortably hold your toddler.
Strollers and carriers will come in handy while in port, too, particularly if youre planning on doing some shopping or walking to and from the cruise ship and town.
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Why Are Child Fares So Expensive On Cruises
Cruise ships offer some of the best entertainment for children that youll find anywhere in the world, better than most 5* family hotels.
Children can be entertained in the kids clubs from straight after breakfast until well into the evening with a range of fun and engaging activities organised by qualified childcare professionals. There are dedicated childrens facilities such as kids swimming pools, slides, arcades and stage shows.
There is a lot of value in holidaying with your family on a cruise, especially for all the fun stuff thats on offer for children. Where else can you dine at an American 1950s burger diner; enjoy zip lining over the sun deck; go ice-skating; and catch a Broadway show all in one day?!
What Can Cruise Travelers Do To Protect Themselves And Others
CDC recommends that travelers are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to traveling on a cruise ship.
People are considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks after a single dose in a one-dose series or 2 weeks after the second dose in a two-dose series.±
Travelers who are at an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 should avoid travel on cruise ships, including river cruises, worldwide, regardless of vaccination status.
If you are at increased risk for severe illness and considering cruise travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, discuss this type of travel with your healthcare professional. Older adults and people of any age with certain underlying medical conditions are;more likely to get severely ill;if they get COVID-19. People with weakened immune systems, including people who take medicines that suppress their immune systems, may not be protected even if fully vaccinated.
Do not board a cruise ship if you have symptoms of COVID-19, if you know you have COVID-19, if you were exposed to a person with COVID-19 in the past 14 days , or you are waiting for results of a COVID-19 viral test.
If you go on a cruise during the COVID-19 pandemic:
Before you board:
- Get fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
- People are considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks after a single dose in a one-dose series or 2 weeks after the second;dose in a two-dose series.
While you’re on board:
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Typically Children Need To Be Toilet Trained To Participate
Most cruise lines require children to be potty trained and out of diapers before theyre eligible for the programming. Exceptions: Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International provide care for infants and toddlers including diaper changing at an hourly rate, and Norwegian Cruise Line allows you to drop off children in diapers but will call you to come and change them.
Cruise ships move about twice as fast as the storms themselves, so the vessels can either outrun the storms or simply go around storm cells. If youre worried about your cruise being canceled, you can rest assured that thats highly unlikely.;
Youth Facilities & Amenities
Adventure Ocean youth facilities are designed to meet the needs of younger guests. Kids will have a blast at our complimentary, award-winning Adventure Ocean® Youth Program. We break kids and teens out into age groups so that they can enjoy specialized programs made to expand their imaginations in interactive, multi-room spaces designed just for them. Its an awesomely fun, totally edu-taining adventure.
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At What Age Do Children Pay A Reduced Rate On A Cruise
Reduced rates for children are rarely based solely on the age of the child but instead based on them being the third or fourth;passenger in a cabin, sharing with two adults.
For families which have two adults and a number of children sharing a cabin, a discount will be applied to the childrens fares, regardless of the age of the children.;However, if you have only one adult sharing a cabin with a child, the child will page the full adult fare. Conversely, if you have three adults in the cabin, the third adult will often pay a reduced rate.
The percentage discount for third and fourth passengers can vary hugely, depending on lots of factors and can constantly change. The only way to get an accurate price for your family is to get a quote for the particular cruise that youre interested in.
Vaccination Becoming Mandatory On Cruises; What About Kids
Trying to clarify its guidelines for allowing cruises to resume, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has muddied the waters.
The health agency which has banned cruises from U.S. ports for a year and still says cruising can never be zero risk, now says it is committed to allowing cruise operations at U.S. ports by mid-summer.It is backing down from requiring that cruise lines do a series of test cruises to prove they can prevent coronavirus from getting on board and handle it if it does.
But now it says full vaccination will be required of most passengers and all crewwhich raises some real questions. Does that mean turning away long-time cruisers who refuse to get a jab and banning children who currently arent eligible for vaccination?
Meanwhile, you might have to leave the kids at home.
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When Can I Go On A Cruise Again
It’s been a year since the cruise industry was in the eye of the Covid storm as leisure ships proved themselves ideal places for the disease to spread.
On March 13 last year, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a no-sail order for ships plying American waters while major industry body Cruise Lines International Association voluntarily suspended all operations.
The resulting scramble to get passengers and crew members home dragged on for several months. Ports closed their doors to virus-hit vessels, on-board Covid cases spiraled and when passengers were returned home, crew members still stuck at sea were hit by a mental health crisis.
Today, the multi-billion dollar industry remains in limbo. While recent vaccine rollouts have brought optimism and, in some countries, Covid numbers are finally going down after a devastating second wave, international travel remains curtailed.
Most of the world’s major cruise lines have canceled voyages until the northern hemisphere summer — and there remain question marks over what cruising in the wake of Covid will look like.
Attempts to bring cruising back in certain markets have so far yielded mixed results.
While it’s hard to know exactly when and how the world will reopen, here’s what we do know about the future of cruising.
Crystal Cruises: Half Price
Fantasia play area –
On regular sailings, fares for children 11 and younger are 50 percent of the minimum cruise price with two adults. Crystal also has special offers where all kids under 17 can sail free as the third passenger when traveling with two adults.
Bonus: The Fantasia play area is open to babies provided theyre accompanied by a parent and cabin stewards will wash bottles out for you. Better still: Crystal chefs will puree baby food upon request at no charge.;
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Fun Isn’t Just For Adultsteens & Tweens Program
Whether hanging out with other cruisers or checking out games, sports and parties are on your tween’s agenda, our teen-only spots are the places to go. Our Teen program also allows older kids the freedom to come and go as they please. They’ll love it so much the only thing you might wish for is a little more time with your kids.
How Safe Are Cruises
The susceptibility of cruise ships to the spread of infectious disease was already common knowledge prior to 2020, due to past outbreaks of norovirus at sea.
While the cruise industry has loyal fans, some travelers may feel nervous to return after reading reports of soaring on-board Covid cases, stateroom-lockdowns and weeks searching for ports.
Dr William Schaffner, an infectious diseases expert at Vanderbilt University, calls cruise ships “the epitome of a large gathering, often in cramped indoor spaces for prolonged periods of time.”
When cruises then dock, travelers mingle with the local port population and could spread an infection further.
Schaffner tells CNN Travel this is why Covid-19, and other viruses, have been an issue on cruise ships.
“The answer is, the more we get the passengers and the crew vaccinated, the safety will increase and the risk will decrease,” he says.
Schaffner also cites rapid tests as “another method to reduce the risk of introducing the virus” while “recognizing that these rapid tests have limitations.”
He also champions good hand hygiene and reduced on-board capacity.
For Schaffner, it’s about creating layers of safety — “a series of slices of Swiss cheese” is the analogy he uses.
For Schaffner, one of these “slices” has to be vaccinations.
“If unvaccinated people could be on board, whether in the crew or passengers, I would say don’t cruise,” he says.
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When Should I Book My Family’s Cruise
This is, without a doubt, the commonly asked question in the travel industry. And the answer isn’t always simple. Cruises require a little advance planning, and the spontaneous traveler is often surprised to learn that ships cost more than they expected or are sold out of cabins that can accommodate both parents and children in the same room.
Fla. Seller of Travel Reg. No. ST42496CST No. 2100614-50
Take Advantage Ofport Play / Late Night
Drop off the kids to enjoy a shore excursion* or a romantic night out. Available on days in port and every evening for children ages 3-12. Fees apply.
*Please refer to the FAQs for policies on children in diapers.
Port Play
Want some alone time? Then drop off the little ones at Port Play for free. Only a small fee applies for the supervision of your child during breakfast, lunch, and dinner hours. Meal times are based on ship and itinerary.
Late Night Fun Zone
Planning a romantic dinner for two? Leave the kiddies in safe hands any day of the week at Late Night Fun Zone. Small fee applies.
Hours: 10:30 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. If no children are registered or dropped off by 11:30 p.m., the centre will close for the evening. It is recommended that children be signed up by 8:00 p.m. the day prior.
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Kids Sail Free On Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line occasionally offers a Free at Sea promotion, enabling passengers to choose up to five complimentary offers: free unlimited open bar; free shore excursions; free specialty dining; free Wi-Fi; and, our favorite, the opportunity for friends and family to sail free! Check Norwegian Cruise Lines website for the latest offers!
American Queen Steamboat Company
Where they sail: The American Queen Steamboat Company is known for its Mississippi River cruises as well as sailings down other U.S. rivers like the Columbia and Snake rivers, using classic paddle wheeler ships for a throwback romantic vibe.
Who needs the vaccine: All guests and crew must be fully vaccinated for sailings starting July 1. Guests on the American Empress must be vaccinated for sailings starting June 14.
What other safety measures are in place: Before boarding, guests must check in to a pre-cruise hotel and get tested for COVID-19. Luggage is then disinfected before being brought onto the ship and staterooms cleaned with electrostatic fogging. Masks will be required during the embarkation process and while riding a shore excursion bus, but will not be required on board.
Find out more: American Queen Steamboat Company
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How Old Should A Child Be To Go On A Cruise
Infants must be at least 6 months old in order to be able to travel on most cruises with Celebrity. For transatlantic cruises, transpacific cruises, and some cruises to South America, as well as cruises with three or more consecutive days at sea, children must be at least 12 months old.
For those traveling with toddlers over 6 months old, there are various programs onboard tailored to entertain them, including Toddler Time , and Camp at Sea .
Kids Sail Free On Crystal Cruises
Crystal Cruises allows kids age 11 and under to sail at 50-percent off regular rates. The cruise line occasionally offers kids sail free promotions, too; currently,;its allowing children ages 17 and under to sail free with two paying adults on select cruises through Jan. 8. 2020. Crystal Cruises travels to the Caribbean, Europe, South America, Australia and more. Visit Crystal Cruises for more information.
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What Will My Toddler Do On A Cruise
There are plenty of fun activities for your toddler to do while on a cruise!
To start, all of our ships include a large outdoor pool, in which kids of all ages who are potty trained are welcome to swim, play, and splash around while onboard.
Lawn Club
At the Lawn Club, a half-acre area laden with real grass, kids are free to run around, play croquet, or enjoy a picnic, all while taking in the magnificent view of the open sea all around.
Kids under the age of 3 can enjoy Toddler Time at the ships playroom, where theyll be able to play with fun and educational toys and kids in their age group.
Older toddlers who are potty trained can also enroll at Celebrity Cruises Camp at Sea program, which is open every day from 9:00am to 10:00pm. At Camp at Sea, kids will be entertained with daily activities like science excursions, video game tournaments, art activities, and even culinary challenges.
In port, choose from a number of family-friendly shore excursions that you and your toddler will enjoy. The possibilities are endless.
Are Cruises Fun With Toddlers
Of course they are! Cruises are fun for kids of all ages, and there are plenty of activities to keep your toddlers entertained.
Kids under the age of 3 can enjoy Toddler Time at the ships playroom, where theyll be able to play with educational toys and interact with other kids around their age. Parental supervision is required during Toddler Time, but children dont have to be potty trained in order to participate in Toddler Time activities. Certain toys and books will also be available to check out and bring back to your stateroom.
Camp at Sea
Potty-trained kids over 3 can participate in our Camp at Sea program. Open every day from 9:00am to 10:00pm, Camp at Seas entertainment center offers activities for kids with all kinds of interests, including STEM-oriented excursions, Xbox tournaments, culinary experiences, and art programs.
For parents who want to enjoy a couple of hours off or perhaps a romantic dinner, the Camp at Sea program also offers afternoon and slumber parties at different hours of the day. During these parties, kids will eat a meal and enjoy activities while being supervised by our youth staff, so you can rest easy that they are being taken care of while you get to enjoy some alone time. Its a win-win situation for everyone. There are also a variety of babysitting services available on board for travelers staying in one of our suites.
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