In increasing numbers, families are exploring the historic, heritage and cultural appeals of Europe aboard a cruise ship. Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean report that the number of younger passengers grows each year along with an increase in the number of families with children. And, when Carnival Cruise Lines and Disney Cruises position ships in Europe, it’s a good sign that family cruising in the Mediterranean is here to stay.

Alex Gaynor celebrated her tenth birthday on a Royal Caribbean ship docked in Mykonos, which will certainly be a memorable experience. Travel writer Luisa Frey Gaynor decided her daughter was old enough to appreciate what she was seeing and to spend long days of touring.

“I’m a big proponent of learning outside the classroom,” Luisa says. “I can’t think of a better way to bring history and cultures to life than taking kids to Europe. Cruising in Europe is a perfect way to see the historic sites because you have all the kid comforts, such as youth programs and kids’ menus, while taking full day tours to see the attractions of many countries.”

Cruise lines are accommodating families by revising children’s scheduled activities so they open before tours depart. In some ports, younger children may stay aboard ship while their parents take teens ashore for the full day. Among the most popular family excursions are a full day in Rome and Florence and those that focus on the antiquities of Greece and Turkey. Mediterranean itineraries present the opportunity of alternating an intensive day of sightseeing with a more relaxing day at the beach.

Increasingly, cruise lines are offering new shore excursions targeted at families. For example Princess’ “Family Adventure with Boat Trip” in Istanbul is a private yacht trip along the Bosphorus stopping at the Blue Mosque , a Turkish tea house and shopping excursion to the Grand Bazaar. The “Family Adventure Ephesus and Beach Club” includes a tour of the ancient ruins followed by an afternoon at a private beach club. Special family swimming outings are available in many Greek ports while during a port stop in Naples, a beach break is combined with a tour of Capri.

While most families choose the Mediterranean because there are so many recognizable sites, other areas are growing in popularity. For example, Carnival’s newest ship, Carnival Splendor, will debut in Northern Europe this year with an itinerary that features an overnight stay in St. Petersburg, which will be popular with passengers of all ages.

The best part of taking children to Europe on a cruise ship is that history comes alive in a way they never experienced before. Teens studying ancient Greece or Rome will find a trip to the Parthenon, Coliseum or the ruins of Pompeii will leave an indelible mark. As Luisa Frey Gaynor points out, “The best part of taking your children to Europe via cruise ship is that history comes alive in a way they never experienced before.”

And when they return to the ship after a fun day ashore, your children will have a great deal to share with new-found friends at the vessel’s youth facility. And while it’s wonderful to visit the world’s greatest historic attractions, it’s comforting to come back to food you know and sleep in the same bed. Probably the biggest advantage to taking children on a Europe cruise is the relief from moving hotels and adjusting to new food.

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In 2011 an increasing number of families are exploring the historic, heritage and cultural appeals of Europe aboard a cruise ship. Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean report that the number of younger passengers grows each year along with an increase in the number of families with children. And, when Carnival Cruise Lines and Disney Cruises position ships in Europe, it’s a good sign that family cruising in the Mediterranean and Baltic is here to stay.

Alex Gaynor celebrated her tenth birthday on a Royal Caribbean ship docked in Mykonos, which will certainly be a memorable experience. Travel writer Luisa Frey Gaynor decided her daughter was old enough to appreciate what she was seeing and to spend long days of touring.

“I’m a big proponent of learning outside the classroom,” Luisa says. “I can’t think of a better way to bring history and cultures to life than taking kids to Europe. Cruising in Europe is a perfect way to see the historic sites because you have all the kid comforts, such as youth programs and kids’ menus, while taking full day tours to see the attractions of many countries.”

Cruise lines are accommodating families by revising children’s scheduled activities so they open before tours depart. In some ports, younger children may stay aboard ship while their parents take teens ashore for the full day. Among the most popular family excursions are a full day in Rome and Florence and those that focus on the antiquities of Greece and Turkey. Mediterranean itineraries present the opportunity of alternating an intensive day of sightseeing with a more relaxing day at the beach.

Increasingly, cruise lines are offering new shore excursions targeted at families. For example Princess’ “Family Adventure with Boat Trip” in Istanbul is a private yacht trip along the Bosphorus stopping at the Blue Mosque , a Turkish tea house and shopping excursion to the Grand Bazaar. The “Family Adventure Ephesus and Beach Club” includes a tour of the ancient ruins followed by an afternoon at a private beach club. Special family swimming outings are available in many Greek ports while during a port stop in Naples, a beach break is combined with a tour of Capri.

While most families choose the Mediterranean because there are so many recognizable sites, other areas are growing in popularity. For example, Carnival’s newest ship, Carnival Splendor, will debut in Northern Europe this year with an itinerary that features an overnight stay in St. Petersburg, which will be popular with passengers of all ages.

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One thing the newest cruise ships all have in common is an enormous investment in kids programs and activities designed to capture the attention of vacationing families.   Ranging from faux surfing “Flow Riders” to water slides and pricey affiliations with famous TV characters — Royal Caribbean collaborates with Dream Works, Norwegian with Nickelodeon – those of us who critique these new behemoths have a lot to write about.

One thing it’s easy to overlook is whether cruising children actually like all this stuff.

So to keep it real, I interviewed an experienced kid cruiser, Jay, for his input after actually trying out some of the newest bells and whistles that adult writers like me find so impressive.

When I asked how many cruises he’s been on, 12-year-old Jay countered “before or after I was born?”   As I said, he’s an experienced cruiser.    The answer is seven, including Pride of America (Hawaii), Norwegian Pearl (Alaska) and in the Caribbean, Celebrity Solstice, Liberty of the Seas, Norwegian Sky ,Caribbean Princess and the latest activity-filled behemoth Norwegian Epic.

Norwegian Epic

While my review of Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Epic was fairly positive, especially about the innovative kids activities, Jay felt differently.   I was an observer and reporter while he participated.

Regarding one of Norwegian Epic’s most notable features, the deck top water slides, Jay said,  “I got stuck in the water slide and it was scary.  That’s never happened to me before at any water park.   And, the deck was so hot and that I burned my feet.  They (NCL staff) knew there was a problem but didn’t fix it,” he said.    He advises kids to avoid wearing prescription glasses on the slides because the glass can break; plastic sunglasses, however, are fine.

Jay made a criticism I heard during my cruise:  the top deck is too small for all the passengers and during days at sea, the pools were over-crowded.   Noting that Epic has a form of “ice skating”, he said that you’re skating on plastic and it feels that way.

“I think they tried to put too much stuff on the ship,” he said.

He liked Blue Man Group and gave thumbs up to Norwegian Epic’s food – “the ice cream was the best!” — with the exception of the Nickelodeon character’s breakfast and the fare served in the Cirque supper club.   However, “The Ice Bar which was smaller than my cabin.  I think it’s ridiculous to charge $5.00 just to see the place.”

Like a number of passengers, Jay was unenthusiastic about the ship’s cabins.  “There’s no privacy.  While I was watching TV, someone used the bathroom and I could hear him.  It was very disturbing.  While you’re in the shower, no one can leave and no one can come in.   My bed was a sofa, small and not very comfortable.  But you got to sleep somewhere,” he said.

Exciting Destinations Score A+

Jay’s favorite cruises have been in Hawaii and Alaska because of the quality and quantity of memorable active excursions.

During the Pride of Aloha Hawaii cruise, Jay says “I went zip lining, rock climbing, paddle bicycle, surfing for the first time.  I saw lava falling into the water and where Jurassic park was filmed.   It was the best!”

Equally thrilling was his Norwegian Pearl cruise in Alaska where he went salmon fishing, river rafting on rapids and gold panning.

Rating the Cruise Lines

Jay can’t wait for his next cruise aboard Oasis of the Seas in part because he’s a big Royal Caribbean fan.   “Royal Caribbean never repeats itself … even in the buffet the food may be the same, but the carved fruit will be different.  There are always surprises,” he says.

Advice for Kids

I asked Jay for tips to pass along to other children taking a cruise.  “Look for a cruise line with good kids center, because you’ll make new friends.  When you cruise on Royal Caribbean, sign up for Flow Rider lessons first thing.  Take cameras with a lot of memory and your wallet too, because there is a lot of stuff to do but you need money (such lessons on the flo rider).”  And, he recommends shows in the theaters (comedy, Beatles impersonators, magic show) because the entertainment is wonderful.

Like most experienced cruisers Jay is looking at other destinations he can visit by cruise ship.  At the top of his list:  South America, especially Peru.

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Oh dear.

I just returned from a cruising aboard the 5,100-passenger Norwegian Dream to learn that the head of Holland America admits he’s “thinking” of building a 3,000-passenger cruise ship.  You don’t say something like this to a journalist unless it’s  certain that the formal announcement will follow in a few months.

And while the biggest ships get the most publicity — think Royal Caribbean’s 6300-passenger Oasis of the Seas and the 4300-passenger Carnival Dream — it may be tempting to assume that the newest, biggest ship is the best.   But is that true?

While the super-behemoths have so many more choices, you do loose something valuable:   an intimate level of service.  Should HAL build 3,000-passenger vessels they will be in the mass market category of ships instead of the premium category because the fine level of service will suffer.

Why Cruise Ships Are So Big

Cruise line execs say they build these mammoth ships because passengers want more to do, more choices in dining and entertainment, more fitness facilities and kids programs.   Well, that’s part of it.  But the real reason is because of economy of scale:  the larger the ship, the lower the cost of each cabin.   You have one set of officers, one set of engines and air conditioning units.  Remember, the biggest cost of operating a sea-going vessel is below deck.

Keep in mind that the priciest ships are in the luxury category and none carry more than 1000 passengers.    The two most important features of a luxury cruise are outstanding food and service, which can’t be accomplished when you substantially increase the size and number of passengers.   Add to that staterooms which are significantly larger.   And, these ships call in the world’s most glamorous ports of call and in some cases larger vessels can’t dock.

When the Best Pick is a Huge Ship

* Families with children will love the largest ships afloat because they offer the most extensive kids programs and facilities.    Think water slides, zip line, rock climbing and private teen clubs for older children plus colorful pools and day-long supervised activities for tots and youngsters.

* Couples who would otherwise head to Las Vegas or Atlantis for the wide array of nightlife,  dining and large casinos will undoubtedly love ships carrying 4,000+ passengers.

* Caribbean cruising, because there is ample time (plus multiple days at sea) to enjoy all the diversity these ships offer.

When The Best Pick is a Ship with Fewer than 2500 Passengers

* When cruising outside the Caribbean and Mexico.    For example, in Europe one of the most delightful things to do is wander around ports like Venice, Stockholm and Barcelona.   The fewer number of people disembarking with you, the less crowded it will be.

* When you’re unlikely to take advantage of all the entertainment and dining options.  In Europe, few itineraries include a day at sea.  You’re off the ship at 8:30 a.m. and sightseeing all day: many cruisers just want a bite to eat before retiring early.

* When you’re on a tight budget.   In the case of Norwegian Epic and Oasis/Allure of the Seas, the best food costs extra and it’s tough to pass up a restaurant others are raving about.

* If you have problems walking or don’t want to walk great distances.

* If a more personal style of service is important.

Cruisers, what size ship works best for you?

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How many breaching whales and leaping dolphins do you think you’ll see from the 12th (or higher) deck of a modern cruise ship sailing in Alaska waters?   And how close to a calving glacier, a soaring eagle or moose standing on the shore will you get aboard a mega-liner?

The photo of a Cruise West ship next to a Holland America vessel is the best way to grasp the size difference between a conventional behemoth and a small cruise ship.

If your sites are set on an Alaska cruise,  chances are you’re most interested in the incredible natural beauty, calving glaciers, animals and sea-life that can only be found in this region.  And the odds of having an up-close and personal experience with the incredible beauty of Alaska increase significantly when you opt to take a small ship versus a one of the mega-liners that are the norm today.

But there are many more perks to sailing aboard a small ship, including single open seating and suggested casual attire.  In Alaska these vessels offer the chance to explore by kayak and zodiacs plus shore excursions in pristine wilderness.  All carry naturalists and perhaps most important, other nature lovers who share your passion.

Syndicated travel writer Arline Bleecker, who wrote a column about taking an Alaska cruise aboard a large ship and not seeing any animals or whales, says “Alaska begs for small ships.  There’s no better way to experience the nooks and crannies of such a vast state than by tucking into remote towns, biding your time to wait for the whales, or coming so close to a glacier that you can practically fill your glass with its ice.”

2010 Small Ship Cruises

You’ll have many options to hop aboard a cruise ship carrying fewer than 150 passengers in 2010.

Cruise West

This company has been operating small ship cruises in Alaska for decades.  As an company executive once said, “our ice sculptures are outside.” Cruise West complimentary extras include one shore excursion  in every port, zodiac excursion craft, kayaks and snorkeling equipment on board ships to get you even closer to your destination.  Twenty-five week-long departures, roundtr In  ip Juneau, will operate May – August 2010 on board the 138-guest Spirit of Yorktown and the 102-guest Spirit of Endeavour.

American Safari Cruises

Even smaller and more intimate are the American Safari’s yachts, the 36-passenger Safari Explorer, 22-passenger Safari Quest and the 12-passenger Safari Spirit.  Your ship will take you right up to the shore and give you the opportunity to kayak around whales.  Included in the fare is premium wine and spirits, kayaking and shore boat exploring, fishing, visits to locals and airport transfers.  In 2010, the company offers eight day cruises sailing round-trip from Juneau and 15-day voyages between Seattle and Juneau.

Lindblad Expeditions

The 62-passenger National Geographic Sea Lion is a familiar face in these waters, carrying the top experts in the local flora, fauna and history of Alaska.  Expect lots of spontaneous stops where wildlife is common and communing with whales via zodiacs.  An unforgettable experience!  In 2010 Sea Lion sails on eight day cruises between Juneau and Seattle.

Discovery Voyages

This small cruise line operates one vessel, the 12-passenger Discovery.  And while she’s far from luxurious (all accommodations have bunk beds), there’s a strong emphasis on bird watching, photography and, of course, nature up close.  In 2010, cruises range from six to 13 days in duration and most include overnight stays in Alaska.

Personally I think ships should vary by the destination.  In the Caribbean I’ll take a mega-liner for all the nightlife and entertainment facilities.  In this cruising region the ship is the destination itself.  In Europe, I’ll select a ship based on its itinerary.  On a six night transatlantic crossing between New York and Southampton, it’s Queen Mary 2, the largest cruise ship in the world.  But for that once in a lifetime trip to Alaska, where I want to be immersed in nature, I’ll hop aboard the smallest ship I can find.

NOTE: Bypass small ships  if the thought of cruising without a tux makes you wince.  And if your heart is set on typical cruise ship nightlife — karaoke! casino! floor shows! — I suggest sticking to the big guys.

Have you taken a small ship?  Would you consider one in Alaska?

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I can’t imagine what fun it is to sail on Royal Caribbean as a kid.  In my opinion the cruise line is tops when it comes to children’s programs in terms of designated on-board facilities, services and activities.  And, Royal Caribbean is making it even more fun for kids and their parents by adding new features.

*  “My Family Time Dining” is aims to help kids complete dinner within 45 minutes, freeing parents to have to enjoy coffee and desert at their leisure.  Kids counselors will be at the entrance to the main dining room in order to escort children to the Adventure Ocean children’s area for play. 

* ”Lunch and Play” option.  Lunch, movies, cartoons and play time is available for kids aged 3-11 who don’t want to make a break from friends.  For a service charge of $7.95 per child, children’s counselors will feed and entertain kids between noon and 2:00 p.m.

* “Royal Babies & Royal Tots Program”  Parents traveling with infants and toddlers can order organic baby food and diapers to be delivered to the stateroom rather than lugging supplies from home.  “Stroll & Roll” is a dedicated jogging track where parents with infants in strollers can exercise together and evening baby sitting services are available at a surcharge of $10 per hour.

* The new “Adventure Family Library” will offer classics and popular family titles and each night, bedtime stories will be accompanied by cookies and milk for kids in the library.

Royal Caribbean is the only cruise line with dedicated teen spaces:  the Living Room and teen disco are off limits to adults. 

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A decade ago, when your cruise ship pulled into St. Thomas your options were shopping, lounging at the beach or snorkeling in nearby St. John. Today’s Caribbean cruise ship passengers will find activities ranging golf, 4×4 nature excursions, riding in high-speed jet boats along the coast to joining the crew of an ocean racing yacht.

As the number of families and active cruisers has increased, cruise lines have added more intriguing shore excursions, especially in the Caribbean. While you can still take a Bacardi rum factory tour in San Juan, there is also the option of a Bioluminescence Bay Kayak Tour or a rainforest hike in El Yunque. From mountain biking in St. Martin to a zipline canopy ride in Barbados, each Caribbean port offers the chance to try new experiences that enhance the travel experience.

Cruisers who aren’t seeking high adrenalin adventure will also find Caribbean tours that suit any interest. For example, if golf is your passion it’s a cinch tee off at some of the world’s top Caribbean courses and photographers can join local photo experts who take them to places that capture the most scenic shots on the island. Nature lovers can explore local flora on an off-road Land Rover expedition while learning about local culture, history and folklore.

While the Caribbean was best known for pristine beaches, cruisers today are often introduced to activities they never experienced before. After taking a white water rafting excursion in Costa Rica a few years ago, I became hooked on the sport and explore it close to home. A friend signed up for an intensive scuba program that resulted in getting certified and today follows her new passion on repeat Caribbean cruises.

Multi-generational cruising, which has grown in popularity especially in the Caribbean, is further enhanced by the opportunity for passengers to pick excursions that are fun for the whole group or let each family member pick his or her own activities. For example, the kids may opt for a jet boat ride while the parents go kayaking or play a around of golf. Grandparents may opt for something more leisurely, like a 4×4 tour of the island.

Cruising today is about choices and you can be as active or laid-back as you choose, especially when it comes to planning your time ashore. With a list of excursions as long as your arm, plan to try at least one activity you’ve never done before on your next Caribbean cruise.

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In increasing numbers, families are exploring the historic, heritage and cultural appeals of Europe aboard a cruise ship. Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean report that the number of younger passengers grows each year along with an increase in the number of families with children. And, when Carnival Cruise Lines and Disney Cruises position ships in Europe, it’s a good sign that family cruising in the Mediterranean is here to stay.

Alex Gaynor celebrated her tenth birthday on a Royal Caribbean ship docked in Mykonos, which will certainly be a memorable experience. Travel writer Luisa Frey Gaynor decided her daughter was old enough to appreciate what she was seeing and to spend long days of touring.

“I’m a big proponent of learning outside the classroom,” Luisa says. “I can’t think of a better way to bring history and cultures to life than taking kids to Europe. Cruising in Europe is a perfect way to see the historic sites because you have all the kid comforts, such as youth programs and kids’ menus, while taking full day tours to see the attractions of many countries.”

Cruise lines are accommodating families by revising children’s scheduled activities so they open before tours depart. In some ports, younger children may stay aboard ship while their parents take teens ashore for the full day. Among the most popular family excursions are a full day in Rome and Florence and those that focus on the antiquities of Greece and Turkey. Mediterranean itineraries present the opportunity of alternating an intensive day of sightseeing with a more relaxing day at the beach.

Increasingly, cruise lines are offering new shore excursions targeted at families. For example Princess’ “Family Adventure with Boat Trip” in Istanbul is a private yacht trip along the Bosphorus stopping at the Blue Mosque , a Turkish tea house and shopping excursion to the Grand Bazaar. The “Family Adventure Ephesus and Beach Club” includes a tour of the ancient ruins followed by an afternoon at a private beach club. Special family swimming outings are available in many Greek ports while during a port stop in Naples, a beach break is combined with a tour of Capri.

While most families choose the Mediterranean because there are so many recognizable sites, other areas are growing in popularity. For example, Carnival’s newest ship, Carnival Splendor, will debut in Northern Europe this year with an itinerary that features an overnight stay in St. Petersburg, which will be popular with passengers of all ages.

The best part of taking children to Europe on a cruise ship is that history comes alive in a way they never experienced before. Teens studying ancient Greece or Rome will find a trip to the Parthenon, Coliseum or the ruins of Pompeii will leave an indelible mark. As Luisa Frey Gaynor points out, “The best part of taking your children to Europe via cruise ship is that history comes alive in a way they never experienced before.”

And when they return to the ship after a fun day ashore, your children will have a great deal to share with new-found friends at the vessel’s youth facility. And while it’s wonderful to visit the world’s greatest historic attractions, it’s comforting to come back to food you know and sleep in the same bed. Probably the biggest advantage to taking children on a Europe cruise is the relief from moving hotels and adjusting to new food.

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