europe-family-travel.jpg 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.”

europe-baby.jpgCruise 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.