At Sea With Celebrity Cruises
On days when youre at sea, theres no need for little sailors to be restless.
What sets Celebrity Cruises Camp at Sea programme apart from others is their partnership with Anturus. They bring to life an amazing array of STEM activities through experiments, demonstrations and everyday science, to truly amaze young minds.
Combine that with the additional culinary, recreation and arts offering, and children have an abundance of choice. Whether they wish to learn to become a budding movie producer, conduct their very own experiments, or uncover their inner genius in coding workshops, these activities have been designed to keep them engaged.
Celebrity has taken its STEM programming to another level on both Celebrity Edge and Apex, by partnering up with South Floridas Frost Science Museum.
The collaboration offers exclusive activities and events that will entertain and educate kids on varying subjects such as marine wildlife, ecological conservation and nautical exploration. Workshops give kids the opportunity to build a compass, tackle microplastics, race phytoplankton, or even programme a robot.
With outdoor activities, Xbox tournaments, and slumber parties all on the agenda, your kids will similarly have the time of their life when they join Celebrity Cruises’ Camp at Sea entertainment centre and programme.
Magic Carpet Area Is Delightful & Novel
The Magic Carpet generated a fair amount of hype when the ship launched, and we were eager to check it out once our sailing rolled around. While the space was not quite what I had imagined, it is quite delightful.
The Magic Carpet is a large open-air platform structure attached to the side of the ship that moves from Deck 2 all the way up to Deck 14 at various points of the day. When you get on the ships elevators, theres a special button for Magic Carpet so you dont have to keep track or wonder where it might be at any given point.
Depending on the time of day, it serves many functions. During port days when passengers take the tender launches to shore, the Magic Carpet incorporated into the Destination Gateway on Deck 2. At other times, it floated to Deck 5 to become an outdoor eating extension to Raw on 5. Or, it rose to Deck 14 adjacent to the pool area and served as a beautiful, restful daytime lounging space. In the evenings, it floated to Deck 16 and transforms into a specialty restaurant.
This was a great lounging spot during the late afternoons. It had beautiful views, a nice ambiance, and attentive service. It was also steps away from the Mast Grill, so you could grab food and bring it into the lounge space if you wanted.
Passenger views from the Magic Carpet on Celebrity Edge
Which Costs More Royal Caribbean Or Celebrity Equinox
Comparing apples to apples, the best I can, heres how the cost breaks down:
For each cruise line, I selected a verandah stateroom with an unobstructed view for three guests, sailing from Ft. Lauderdale on April 4 or 5, 2020. On Celebrity this is a 7 night cruise visiting the ports of Key West, Costa Maya, Cozumel and Grand Cayman plus two days at sea. On Royal Caribbean, this is a 6 night itinerary that includes Costa Maya, Cozumel and Grand Cayman, plus two days at sea.
- Celebrity Equinox, including two free perks of gratuities for two and a $150 onboard credit, costs $4085, or $584 per night for all guests, including gratuities.
- Royal Caribbeans Adventure of the Seas, including $100 onboard credit, costs $3389, or $564 per night for all guests, including gratuities.
There is no comparable 7 night Caribbean cruise for RCCL out of Ft. Lauderdale. The cruise lines have different itineraries out of Miami and Port Canaveral as well. So, comparing the nightly cost on a 6 vs. 7 night cruise is the best I could do.
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The 7 Best Lines For A Family Reunion Cruise
Cruises are a superb vacation value and provide an ideal setting for family reunions. Family groups can explore amazing destinations and choose activities and amenities for every member of the family, all in a relaxing and fun travel environment.
Highly inclusive vacation packages, flexible daily itineraries, and a wide variety of dining choices make family reunion cruises easy to plan and hassle-free. Group discounts and free cruise perks are available for family reunion groups as well.
Small Ship Line #: Seabourn Cruise Line
Seabourns five ships feature fewer than 300 suites eachbut they leverage that small size into access at some of the worlds most beloved yacht ports: St. Tropez in the south of France the Greek island of Kos and popular large ports like Dubrovnik and Monte Carlo. Michelin-starred chef Thomas Keller designs specialty menus on the ships, and a partnership with UNESCO ensures shore excursions and sustainable tourism practices at some of the wildest and most wonderful destinations around the world. In 2021, the line will debut its first expedition ship, Seabourn Venture.
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On Land With Celebrity Cruises
Mention a walking tour to a teen, and youre likely to be met with an eye roll at best, out-and-out protest at worst. This is why Celebrity Cruises feature specially-designed adventures to engage the whole family.
From whale-watching in Maine to discovering loggerhead turtles on an uninhabited island in Greece, theres so much more to do on a European shore excursion.
On an exciting shore excursion in Gibraltar, for instance, you and the whole family can discover the hidden wonders of the island, home to the mighty Rock, on a panoramic tour, which includes magical caves, wild monkeys, and the archaeological and natural exhibits of the Gibraltar Museum.
Why not get the kids involved in choosing your family-friendly excursions from home before you set sail? Do they fancy kayaking? Reef snorkelling? Mountain hiking? Its all up for grabs.
Medium Ship Line #: Cunard
While Cunards Queen Mary 2 fits more than 2,600 passengersand a number of cats and dogson board, her sister ships, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria only have a capacity of about 2,000 passengers. Though theyre quite similar in layout, the QE and the QV differ in design. Both nod to the historic ocean liners of the early 20th century, but the QE takes on a bolder Art Deco vibe, while the QV features more subdued yet equally elegant decor. Guests on board both ships are likely to partake in afternoon tea before donning a glamorous gown for dinner.
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River Ship Line #: Delfin Amazon Cruises
Sailing the Amazon River in Peru isnt quite like other river journeysits a blissful escape into the wilderness, where you might be surrounded by pink dolphins or piranhas at any given moment. Delfin, the first Relais & Chateaux cruise line, makes the journey incredibly comfortable, offering boutique hotellike accommodations aboard its three rustic-luxe ships. And, as part of the Relais & Chateaux family, the cuisine is spectacular, incorporating regional dishes made with local ingredients.
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
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Beautiful Spa Worth A Visit
The Spa was gorgeous. Go attend one of the tours on embarkation day. Some one-day specials were available that could be great deals for certain travelers.
Generally, the spa services were on the expensive side, but there were several opportunities for additional savings. The spa advertised daily specials that were featured in the ships newsletters. For instance, the spa offered a 75-minute package that included a hot stone or bamboo massage, full-body exfoliation, foot/ankle massage, and a health assessment for a $60 savings. The spa offered different versions of this 75-minute combo throughout the cruise.
The spa also offered a twilight massage special with special pricing between 4:00 and 8:00 on a 50-minute massage or facial.
And, on a couple of occasions, the spa sponsored a Ladies Pamper Party promotion in one of the ships restaurants. The promotion included a complimentary DIY eye, face, and neck skin treatment and a California Sunglow makeover. And, special offers were provided to those who attend.
Popular Ports Of Call On An Alaskan Cruise
For kids, the top ports-of-calls are Skagway for the train and Ketchikan. Each offers an Alaskan gold rush feel. And both offer free activities for kids at the National Park Service sites. Juneaus Mendenhall Glacier is another must-see although to see the glacier requires a bus ride from the city center .
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Cruise Itineraries For Family Cruising
When looking to book a cruise the cruise itinerary and destination is also important for families wishing to cruise. At certain times of the year cruise itineraries will be more catered to families such as school holidays or christmas with planners packed with activities.
Some destinations are better suited for families such as the Caribbeans beaches or destinations such as Norway for children. Perhaps flying is not your thing? You could always take a cruise from Southampton?. Cut out the hassle of the airports and go straight into holiday mode by boarding a ship. There are many cruise itineraries which sail out of Southampton where you can start your holiday the minute you board.
Practice Your Short Game
At the back of Deck 15, officially called the stern, teens, adults and kids can practice their putting game. Celebrity Equinox does not have a putt putt course like many Royal Caribbean and Disney ships do, but its still fun! For families who like golf, this might be one of the best cruises for families with teenagers. Get a couple putters and challenge each other to hit the best shot! Ellies got a great short game and not just because shes only 51!
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Kids Club Age Range On Celebrity Cruise Ships
Camp at Sea is the Celebrity Edges kids club. There are three different sections
- Shipmates 3-5Celebrity
- Captains 10-12 year olds
- Admirals the teen club for 13-17 year olds.
The Camp at Sea program on Celebrity is a new innovation. The schedule of activities changes on every sailing based on the interests the junior cruisers. Celebrity have partnered with world-renowned companies such as Anturus, Lonely PlanetTM, Xbox, Fat Brain Toys and Budsies.
The categories of activities are Art, Recreation, Culinary, and S.T.E.M. The Youth daily programme promises to be engaging and exciting.
Medium Ship Line #: Silversea Cruises
Silverseas fleet has five ships, of which just two are technically medium-sized, with passenger counts around 600 peoplebut thats considered quite a large number for the luxurious cruise line, which specializes in smaller vessels, including five ships in its expedition fleet. Silversea Muse is the newest and largest ship, making her maiden voyage in 2017. Despite her relatively small size, Muse has eight restaurants for her passengers, all of whom are accommodated in spacious suites. As a cruise line, Silversea sails to more than 900 destinations around the world.
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What Cruise Ships Sail Into Glacier Bay National Park
A highlight of Alaskan itineraries, sailing into Glacier Bay National Park offers views of the Fairweather Mountains along with up-close views of tidewater glaciers.
Since the National Park Service regulations the number of large cruise ships this is a factor for would-be Alaskan cruisers. For environmental factors, only seven cruise lines have the NPS contract.
First, the NPS park rangers board the ship for interpretive programming for adults and kids. Cruising Glacier Bay takes at least 8 hours and remember the binoculars for up-close wildlife viewing.
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Royal Caribbean International For Families
Royal Caribbean international certainly know how to entertain!. They are known for all round family thrill seeking activities and are considered one of the best cruises for families. Their cruises are second to none with innovative ways to enjoy yourself with zip wires, splash zones and best known for multigenerational family groups.
The Oasis-class ships are the largest in the fleet and the largest ships in the world. These game changer ships are made to leave lasting memories. These ships have won awards for Best for Entertainment, Best Individual Cruise Ship and Best Large Cruise Ship, and its no wonder as they are packed with thing to do for all ages and you will have an absolute blast!
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Whats The Best Cruise Line For Teens Ellies Teen Review Of Celebrity Cruises
May 8, 2019
We just got back from vacation on Celebrity Equinox, one of the most popular Celebrity cruise ships for North American cruisers. When planning our trip, Ellie and I looked online to find out the activities for teens on the ship. But, the Celebrity Cruises website only mentions the teen club and spa treatments for teens. We werent sure this would be the best cruise line for teens.
At the same time, Celebrity Cruise Line caters to family togetherness, with most activities open to families of all ages like trivia challenges, scavenger hunts, live theatrical shows and Silent Disco. For families who want to spend time together, Celebrity might have the best cruises for families with teenagers. We met many families who were hanging out together, enjoying the hot tub, long dinners and fun in the ports.
But, having seen two teens through the teen years and being partway through this tricky time with the third, I also know that most teens like some time off away from mom and dad. Being together 24/7 isnt everybodys idea of the ideal cruise with young adults.
Family Entertainment On Ncl
Onboard family entertainment is vast with a variety of things to do. Their latest ship the Encore hosts a karting track, laser tag and an American diner. There is plenty to do for the adults as well with a Cavern club and top theatre entertainment. If your kids are tech minded they will absolutely love the Galaxy pavilion onboard the encore which is a whole floor of VR! Norwegian Cruiseline have The Plank! Walk on the wild side in a harness as you extend 8 feet over the side of the ship!
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Main Cabin Storage More Limited Than Expected
Although the cabin was beautiful, it, unfortunately, had a limited amount of useful storage for a party of four. Definitely less than what we have typically seen in a balcony cabin. The closet space was insufficient and offered less flexibility than the prior ships. The space to hang full-length hanging clothes was reduced. It had a bar that ran horizontally halfway down the closet so that you could double hang clothes on two rows. Usually, a bar like that is optional, in that you can fold it up out of the way and use the entire closet for full-sized clothes. But in these closets, the bar was fixed.
There were no storage shelves or cabinets over the bed or the sofa. And, while there was a set of shelves next to the closet, they curved around a wall. Making them oddly shaped and not that functional.
This was definitely a cabin that needed some creative applications of our cozy cabin hacks.
Tip: Theres a desk next to the dresser thats actually attached to the dresser on one side. The legs on the unattached side fold up, allowing you to slide it into a special slot in the dresser. Revealing a full length mirror and more floor space. This feature was not immediately apparent to us.
Small Ship Line : Quasar Expeditions
The first luxury line to sail the Galápagos, Quasar Expeditions is best known for its in-depth trips aboard its two intimate ships that carry fewer than 32 passengers each. Yet note the street cred of said ships: One of the two, the Grace, is the former yacht of Princess Grace of Monaco. The other, the Evolution, will allow you to retrace Darwin’s footsteps in the Galápagos. Book the Baltra Island itinerary, where you’ll work your way from San Cristobal Island to Baltra, and explore all the central and southern islands of the archipelago in between.
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River Ship Line #: Aqua Expeditions
Aqua Expeditions has three river ships: Aria Amazon and Aqua Nera, which sail the Peruvian Amazon, and Aqua Mekong, which traverses the Mekong between Cambodia and Vietnam. Guests sailing aboard these modern, luxurious vessels will partake in daily excursions that introduce them to both the ecology and the culture of their destinations. Aqua also operates the expedition ship Aqua Blu, which sails through Indonesia.
Best Celebrity Cruise Ship For Kids: Celebrity Equinox
Celebrity Cruises is an award-winning, premium cruise line known for their personal service, upscale design and luxurious cuisine. All Celebrity ships are welcoming to families, but Celebrity Equinox offers especially engaging programs for children and other curious cruisers. Most Equinox itineraries include sailings to the Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale, but there are also sailings that include Mexico and New Orleans.
Camp at Sea is Celebritys customizable kids programming thats full of enriching activities that inspire children to learn more about the world around them. Developed in partnership with Lonely Planet, Fat Brain Toys and Xbox, aspiring artists, scientists, and chefs can partake in special activities catered to their interests. Youth Counselors ensure all children are entertained and engaged. STEM at Sea with Frost Science Museum launched on Equinox and includes Power of Plankton and Mission Microplastics that not only educate, but also inspire positive choices for the planet.
Celebrity Cruises recently added more than 70 new excursions to their offerings, with amily-focused activities such as snorkeling and wildlife viewing. Aboard the ship, families favor the sports courts, pools and Lawn Club, where you can lounge with the grass beneath your feet, play bocce, croquet or listen to a concert. Silent disco parties, hot glass classes, archery, movies under the stars and cupcake decorating are some of the other activities kids and parents can enjoy together.
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