There is nothing better than a cruise, when it comes to multi-generational family vacations. Cruises are like a big “all-inclusive resort”, except they move across the water, providing new vistas each day for everyone. However, before getting your family onboard, you should probably take into consideration the fact that some cruise lines do design activities for kids, while other don’t! Therefore here are some basic questions you should ask your travel agent or cruise line when selecting a cruise for a family with children.

Basics

• What are the age restrictions for the cruise line?

• Do my children’s ages qualify them for a discount?

• Does the Web site and/or brochure of the cruise line feature children in the pictures? (If not, it’s probably not designed for kids.)

• Are the special activities and child care/teen center available at the time we wish to cruise?

• Will my children find the ports of call interesting? If not, is there enough to keep them happy on the ship?

• Are discounts available for a 3rd and/or 4th person in our cabin?

• If there a special place or playroom dedicated for children? For teens?

Cabins

• Are cribs and/or day beds or cots available to put in our room? If so, is there a rental fee?

• Are adjoining cabins available? (If you have a BIG or extended family)

• How big are the cabins?

• Are guardrails available for bunk beds?

Dining

• Does the menu offer food my children will eat?

• If not, are pizza and burgers and hot dogs and such available?

• Is there a children’s menu available for each meal?

• Is early seating available or does the ship have “open” seating so that we can eat at a time close to when the children normally dine?

Activities

• What activities are planned for children?

• Is there a children’s-only pool available on the ship?

• Will there be special movies or live entertainment that children will enjoy?

• Are there any shore excursions scheduled that are geared toward children?

• Is there a babysitting service available?

• What are the hours and costs for the babysitting service?

Child Care Center or Teen Center

• What are the requirements for placing a child in the center such as age, vaccinations, or potty training?

• How are the children’s areas supervised? Is the teen center supervised?

• What are the hours, costs, and restrictions on the centers?

• What security methods are used when a child is picked up from the center?

• What is the ratio of children to adult staff in the children’s center?

• How are the staff trained in the children’s center? Do they know how to perform CPR on children and infants?

• Are the staff working in the children’s center insured?

Whether you are a wine connoisseur or a chocolate lover, you would probably find several themed cruises, including your favorite treats. Even golf enthusiasts can enjoy the beauty of this land-based sport while cruising at sea.

As cruises become more and more popular, themed voyages, ranging from hobbies to lifestyles, are a way to personalize the experience.

There are three different types of special interest or “theme” cruises. First, a primer on the differences:

Theme Cruise: In its purest form, a theme cruise is something that the cruise line creates onboard one of its ships -  and all passengers are entitled to participate. This used to be fairly common when shipboard transportation meant long stretches at sea for ocean crossings. Now, though, with 2,000-plus passengers on most ships, and pleasure cruises with several port stops, it isn’t always practical to turn an entire ship into a themed cruise. However, annual festivities such as Carnival’s NASCAR voyage, Regent Seven Seas’ annual Chocolate Cruise and Holland America’s jazz festival do appeal to a broad enough audience to warrant cruise line involvement.

Special Interest Cruise: The most common of the so-called “theme cruises,” these are trips in which a special interest group arranges to purchase a number of staterooms in different categories, sets up an itinerary, arranges for special guests or notables, and markets the cruise to people who would be interested in that activity. This could range from scrapbooking to baseball. These groups usually have little impact on the other vacationers onboard although some of the public spaces may be taken over by the group.

Full Ship Charter: On this type of cruise, the entire ship is organized around the interest-du-jour – and so everyone participates, to some extent. Among those organizations that are known for full ship charter cruises are Atlantis Events, which organizes gay and lesbian cruises, and PartyPoker.com’s yearly gaming tourney.

Here is a list of theme cruises in each category:

Sports Cruises

Music Cruises

Nature Cruises

Hobbies & Crafts Cruises

Faith-Based Cruises

Food & Wine Cruises

Dance Cruises

History & World Affairs

TV & Film Cruises

Gaming & Technology

Wellness Cruises

Lifestyle Cruises

Other Theme Cruises

Political Cruises

Source: Cruise Critic

Over the last two years, both Royal Caribbean and its sister line Celebrity Cruises have rescheduled the first revenue voyage for Celebrity’s Solstice, Eclipse and Equinox, as well as for Oasis of the Seas.

Passengers booked on the original inauguration cruise of Allure of the Seas (December 12, 2010), will be contacted by their travel agent or a Royal Caribbean representative, and given the opportunity to reschedule their vacation to the new sailing date (December 5). Booked guests will be re-accommodated in the same stateroom and category, and the cruise fare will be the lower of either the fare paid or current prices. Royal Caribbean will also provide a compensation of $100 per person to members of the Crown & Anchor Society, who are already booked on the December 12 sailing.

Oasis of the Seas sistership will boast a revolutionary design, exclusive, industry-revolutionizing onboard amenities, breathtaking high-diving, light and fountain shows in the AquaTheater, as well as outstanding entertainment productions in the Opal Theater and Studio B iceskating rink.

Allure of the Seas will span 16 decks, encompass 225,282 gross registered tons, carry 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and feature 2,700 staterooms. Allure of the Seas will tout Royal Caribbean’s exclusive neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas, which will include Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone. The ship will operate a Western Caribbean with an Eastern Caribbean seven-night itinerary from her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Additional information is available at www.AllureoftheSeas.com.

Source: www.cruisecritic.com

Carnival intend to reclaim the Old Continent with its currently under-construction 130,000-ton, 3,690-passenger Carnival Magic. The new ship will sail a nine-night cruise from Venice to Barcelona on May 1. It will then remain in Barcelona until October, offering 18 seven, nine and 12-night cruises.

Cruise prices start from 665 Euros per person for a seven-night cruise and 861 Euros for a 12-night voyage. Prices for the inaugural Venice – Barcelona cruise open at 723 Euros per person.

Carnival UK and Ireland managing director Lynn Narraway said the cruise-only prices would allow agents to package the cruises with flights and land-based options, as well as air-inclusive packages. “It’s the first time we have cruised from Barcelona and it’s easy for agents to either add time in the city, the beach, or at PortAventura theme park.”

Carnival Magic is actually under construction at Fincantieri’s Monfalcone shipyard in Trieste, Italy. The second Carnival’s Dream class ship will resemble a lot its Carnival Dream sister ship. The new boat will include a 11,250-square-foot adults-only Serenity area, a Seaside Theatre, a massive “Cloud 9″ spa, a WaterWorks aqua park with a 303-foot-long, four-deck-high corkscrew waterslide, and special family cabins designed to accommodate five passengers.

Source: www.cruisecritic.com

Crystal Cruises

Overall Score: 92.7

Design varies deck by deck on the two ships of this line, but contemporary accommodations have sliding-door verandas and Frette bathrobes; some have Bang & Olufsen sound systems. “The mattress was so good we bought one when we got home.” excursions include explorations of Petra and off-roading on Mount Etna. Among the “excellent onboard activities” are complimentary language lessons and tai chi. At the Vintage Room’s Wine Makers Dinners, up to 14 people partake in food paired with rare wines. “This is easily the most pleasant way to see the British Isles.”

Disney Cruise Line

Overall Score: 87.9

“It’s outstanding what you get from Disney.” “There’s never any need to be apprehensive about the children having fun” during karaoke, workshops on animation, and more. On the two ships, whose design pays homage to ocean liners, adults keep busy with trivia contests and the spa. On shore excursions, become a dolphin trainer for a day or learn how to roll a cigar. First-run Disney movies are projected on a 3-D screen. Food options include Pacific Rim dishes at Animator’s Palate. “The waitstaff really know what they’re doing.” Select itineraries will sail in Europe in 2010.

Grand Circle Small Ship Cruises

Overall Score: 86.6

Exploration and history are the focus of these sailings in Europe, Latin America, and China, where program directors tailor activities to each destination: “They really make the trip special.” European river tours might afford the chance to see glassblowing demonstrations or to have dinner with a local family. Cabins are “compact and comfortable enough,” with wood paneling and rattan furniture. “The crew all seemed to be having as much fun as we were.” Regional cuisine includes “a memorable Leben knoedel [liver dumpling] soup.” The itinerary from North to South America stops at Incan ruins along the way.

Oberoi Cruises

Overall Score: 86.1

Expect “the trip of a lifetime” aboard two Nile cruisers and a Kerala backwaters boat that are “little jewels.” Excursions on the Luxor-Aswan itineraries, done in small groups with Egyptologists, are “truly excellent.” Chefs create Egyptian, Indian, or Western menus that “are never disappointing.” Cabins on the Zahra showcase silk, leather, wood, shades of brown, and large picture windows for watching the river sights go by. While activities are not as extensive as on larger ships, “the cruise exceeded our expectations.”

Oceania Cruises

Overall Score: 86.0

“The casual yet refined atmosphere on board” separates these three ships from other vessels. Thanks to open seating at meals, no formal nights, and “a country-club casual dress code,” “you have a more relaxed experience.” Balcony staterooms exhibit English country manor style in blue and gold and have “really comfy beds and good-sized balconies.” The food is “awesome—I loved every morsel.” Off the ship, passengers visit a falcon hospital in Abu Dhabi or take a jungle trek outside Manaus. The new ship Marina makes its maiden voyage in late 2010 and will focus on epicurean delights, with six restaurants and hands-on cooking classes.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Overall Score: 89.9

“Contemporary and very plush” wood-accented rooms have their own balcony on these all-suite ships that sail the globe. Guests are greeted with champagne and strawberries on arrival. “Staff enjoy their work, and this happiness transfers to guests.” Signatures restaurant serves a menu from Le Cordon Bleu, which proves “unique compared with the expected menus found on other ships”; Prime 7 specializes in steak. Excursions include dogsledding in Juneau, zip-lining in Belize, and “touring the vanilla plantations in Tahiti—incredible.” Each ship has a Canyon Ranch spa. The number of suites serviced by butlers will increase in 2010.

Sea Cloud Cruises

Overall Score: 94.2

The “fabulous” top-scoring cruise line on this year’s Gold List comprises vessels with wood paneling and gold railings, creating the ambience and decor of a private club—one that plies the waters of Europe, North Africa, and the Caribbean. One transatlantic crossing sails from the Canary Islands to Barbados in 17 days. Owner’s Suites are outfitted with Louis XIV-style king-size beds and antique furnishings. Onshore excursions such as food tastings and demonstrations by chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants mean “no herding, and the local guides are first-rate and knowledgeable.” The Sea Cloud Hussar, the newest “full-rigged three-mast ship,” is expected to set sail in summer 2010.

SeaDream Yacht Club

Overall Score: 87.1

A voyage on these 112-passenger yachts begins when “smiling staff offer you champagne” upon boarding. “Open spaces on many decks” allow guests to spread out. Staterooms in blue and white have varnished Scandinavian wood furniture but bathrooms “in which there is room for only one person at a time.” “The food is the best of all the cruise lines”; on one sailing, “the captain even slowed the ship down to facilitate a calm dining experience.” Excursions and onboard activities “cater to the young and the fit,” although the less athletically inclined try out the golf simulator at sea or “idle away an afternoon on the top deck’s Balinese beds.”

Silversea Cruises

Overall Score: 85.3

Ports of call include South America, the South Pacific, and the Arctic. Cabins, decorated with etched glass and a mix of yellows, aqua, and more muted shades, “blend contemporary and traditional furniture” and exude “European elegance.” La Terrazza serves “a casual buffet breakfast and lunch” as well as à la carte dinners. “Unusual and exciting onshore excursions” include an early-evening dinner in the Namib Desert, capped with a performance by fire-dancing locals. The Silver Spirit joined the fleet in December 2009.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection

Overall Score: 82.8

The cruise line’s ships sail around Russia, China, and Egypt, but its focus is European waterways. Staterooms couple river views with “their own sense of place and design,” an amalgam of crema marfil floors, mahogany furnishings, Brunschwig & Fils fabrics, and beds with cashmere blankets. The Epicurean Adventurer Program ferries passengers onshore for dinners, wine-tastings, and cooking demonstrations. The Springtime Along the Rhine itinerary, which debuts in 2010, takes in Amsterdam’s Keukenhof Gardens. River Tosca made its maiden voyage along the Nile in December 2009.

Windstar Cruises

Overall Score: 82.8

“The wonderful intimacy of a small ship” extends to suites and staterooms that look out on the ocean, as well as to bridge suites, which have leather couches and ample closet space. Itineraries include stops in the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and Central America. Each schooner has motorized sails and an open-seating restaurant where “the waitstaff quickly learn your likes and dislikes.” On Wind Surf, the largest of the fleet, is the restaurant Degrees, where the menu changes daily—hence French bistro one night, steak house the next. Excursions include helicopter tours of the Prunelli Gorges in Corsica and cave trekking in Slovenia.

Yachts of Seabourn

Overall Score: 90.2

These four yachts, the largest of which carry a maximum of only 450 passengers, navigate global waterways inaccessible to larger ships, like the Amazon’s Breves Narrows. “We felt as though we were on a luxury yacht, not a cruise ship.” Staterooms with honey-colored wood have barometers, balconies or five-foot windows, walk-in closets, and sitting areas “where you can unwind with the sea breezes flowing in.” In open-seating dining rooms, “the cooking is truly first-class.” Of excursions, “the best was the evening in Ephesus,” where staff set up dinner and “we listened to a symphony play on the steps of the Celsus Library.” “Staff treat guests like VIPs.” Seabourn Sojourn will debut in June 2010; its two-deck spa will have a Kinesis wall.

Source: Condé Nast Traveler

Itinerary:

• Thu April 15, 2010 – Leave Port of Tampa at 4pm. All passengers must be on board by 3pm, so we recommend booking your flights into Tampa to arrive no later than noon.
• Fri April 16, 2010 – Rockin’ Day At Sea
• Sat April 17, 2010 – Learn about Grand Cayman’s excursions by clicking here.
• Sun April 18, 2010 – Best Day At Sea Ever
• Mon April 19, 2010 – Arrive at 8am.  We recommend that you book your flights home no earlier than noon to ensure ample travel time.

Now about the Carnival Inspiration: How about a 9-hole mini golf course, the family-fun of Carnival WaterWorks, a tropical resort-style pool – and when you need some pampering and quiet time – a Serenity-Adult Only Retreat. And, as always…the delicious dining, entertainment, friendly service, and – of course – the beautiful destinations that Carnival cruises are famous for.

After the first Swingers Cruise, along came the first ‘cougar cruise’. Designed for older women who pursue younger men, the cougar cruise happened only a couple of months after the first Swingers Cruise, which was aimed at swingers or people who embrace non-monogamous sexual experiences. The cruise featured full nudity at the pools, daytime pool parties and specially planned sexually themed parties in the evening.”

Both cruses were organized by an outside group that blocked space from the ship for the voyage. In the case of the Swingers Cruise, it was what is known as a “full-ship charter,” meaning everyone on board was part of the organizer’s group.

Actually, two more cougar-themed cruises are on the coming soon list – one to take place in May on a Royal Caribbean ship and another coming later on a Norwegian Cruise Line vessel.

Despite the fact that Carnival denied the possibility of eventual cougar cruises on its ships, Royal Caribbean seem to fully support the idea.

“We have no reason to deny this group of people the opportunity to sail on our ship,” Royal Caribbean spokeswoman Cynthia Martinez tells USA TODAY.  “We assume this group will follow our guest conduct policy, just like any other guest.  We have no reason to think otherwise.”

A lot much bigger than the Titanic, this 5,400-passenger floating island spans 16 decks, encompasses 225,282 gross registered tons, and features 2,700 staterooms. Oasis of the Seas is the first ship to tout the cruise line’s new neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas, which includes Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone.

However, that is just a small bite of information for such a huge boat. Besides you are probably a lot more curious than we expect. That is why we decided to provide you with all the necessary information on the Gentle Giant.

Ship Profile

Name: Oasis of the Seas

Owner: Royal Caribbean International

Operator: Royal Caribbean International

Port of registry: The Bahamas Nassau, The Bahamas

Route: Caribbean

Ordered: February 2006

Builder: STX Europe shipyards in Turku, Finland

Cost: US$1.4 billion (2006)

Laid down: 12 November 2007

Launched: 22 November 2008 float-out

Completed: 28 October 2009

Christened: 30 November 2009

Maiden voyage: 5 December 2009

Status: in active service, as of 2010

Technical Charts

Class and type: Oasis class cruise ship

Tonnage: 225,282 GT

Length: 360 m (1,181 ft) overall

Beam: 47 m (154 ft) waterline 60.5 m (198 ft) extreme

Height: 72 m (236 ft) above water line

Draught: 9.3 m (31 ft) Depth: 22.55 m (74 ft)

Decks: 16 passenger decks

Installed power: 3 × Wärtsilä 12V46D engines (13,860 kW/18,590 hp each)
3 × Wärtsilä 16V46D engines (18,480 kW/24,780 hp each)

Propulsion: 3 × 20 MW ABB Azipod, all azimuthing

Speed: 22.6 knots (41.9 km/h; 26.0 mph)

Capacity: 5,400 passengers double occupancy; 6,296 total

Crew: 2,165

Wacky Oasis Facts
Ship will contain 3,300 miles of electrical cables — roughly the width of the U.S.!
110,231 pounds of ice cubes will be made daily.
Central Park will have 12,175 plants, 62 vine plants, 56 trees and bamboo.
The AquaTheater pool is 17.9 feet deep and is the largest pool at sea.

Videos
Oasis of the Seas Videos

Oasis of the Seas Video: AquaTheater Rehearsals
Oasis of the Seas Video: Crown Loft Suite
Oasis of the Seas Video: Surfing the FlowRider
Oasis of the Seas Video: Jazz on 4 Performance
Oasis of the Seas Videos: Royal Promenade and Ship Parade
Oasis of the Seas Videos: Boardwalk and Carousel
Oasis of the Seas Videos: Royal Promenade
Oasis of the Seas Videos: Ship Tour from a Unique Vantage
Oasis of the Seas Video: Central Park Balcony Cabin View
Oasis of the Seas Video: Main Dining Room

Photos
Oasis of the Seas Photos

Oasis of the Seas Cabin Photos
British Invasion: Photos from Oasis of the Seas’ U.K. Debut
Oasis of the Seas Handover Pics, Part 1: Ship Belongs to Royal Caribbean
Oasis of the Seas Handover Pics, Part 2: Scenes from a Party
Oasis of the Seas Handover Pics, Part 3: A Feel for the Ship
Slideshow: June Sea Trials, First Tests of Seaworthiness
Slideshow: April at the Shipyard With Oasis
Photos from Our August Tour in Turku, Finland!
Photo Timeline: Final Oasis Milestones
More Oasis Photos

Mealtime
Oasis of the Seas Dining Options
Slideshow: Menus for Italian, Asian and Seafood Restaurants

Bedtime
Loft Suites, Boardwalk Balconies and More

For the Kids
The Youth Zone

Evening Entertainment
Oasis’ Entertainment Place
Showtime Schedule

Keeping in Shape
Vitality Spa & Fitness Center

Itineraries
Oasis to Offer Eastern and Western Caribbean Cruises

Chat About the World’s Biggest Ship
The All-Things Oasis of the Seas Forum
Join an Oasis of the Seas Roll Call!
Member’s Speak Out: How Big is Too Big?

Source: www.cruisecritic.com

WHY GO?

Balearic islands – relax on Formentera, experience the vibrant nightlife of Ibiza;

Tour Palma De Mallorca;

Spend sometimes in Barcelona; knock yourself out on FC Barcelona vs. Real Madrid and enjoy the fantastic Catalan cuisine;

Don’t forget to savor the sun of Seville and the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia.

WHAT TO SKIP

All those crowded city beaches.

WHAT FOR

Active + Culture, Beach + Sea, Family, Outdoors + Nature, Romantic

NEED TO KNOW
Language: Spanish
Capital City: Madrid
Population: 40.3 million
Area: 195,000 square miles
Telephone Calling Code(s): 34
Electricity: 230V, 50 Hz
Currency: As of Jan 3, 2010:
1 Euro = $1.44 US Calculate Other Amounts
Entry Requirements:

A valid passport is quite enough.

GOOD TO KNOW

Clubs & Bars

Balearic Islands:

Akelarre, Bigsurlife, Blue Bar, Fonda Pepe, Garito Club, Mirador Café, Sa Sínia, Tiburón, Vinateria Parra, Privilege, Pacha, Space, KM5, El Divino.

Barcelona:

23 Robadors, Aire, Antilla Bcn, Baja Beach Club, Bar Pastís, Barcelona Pipa Club, Berlin, Bikini, Casa Almirall, Club Fellini, Dry Martini, Harlem Jazz Club, La Botellita, La Paloma, La Vinya del Senyor, Luz de Gas, Maumau Underground, Sugar Club, Verdi, Zac Club, Zentraus.

Granada:

Afrodisia, Anaïs Café, Antigua Castañeda, Bodegas Castañeda, Café Bar Elvira, Centro Cultural Manuel de Falla, El Camborio, El Círculo, El Eshavira, El Rincón de Michael Landon, Granada 10, Río Darro, Sugar Pop, Teatro Alhambra, Teatro Isabel La Católica.

San Sebastián:

Altxerri Jazz Bar, Bar Bergara, Bar Ondarra, Be Bop, Etxekalte, Herria Bar, La Rotonda, Molly Malone’s, Pokhara, Sibbibo, Soho, Soma 107, Uda.berri.

Madrid:

Antigua Huevería, Antik Café, Bar El 2d, Café Concierto La Fidula, Café del Soul, Cafeina, Calle De La Cava Baja 5, Costello Café & Nightclub, Del Diego, Dos Gardenias, El Clandestino, Jazz Bar, Kapital, La Cartuja, La Fontanería, La Lupe, La Musa Latina, La Palmera, La Taberna Chica, La Venencia, Local Café Bar Lounge, Malaspina, Mamá Inés, Melounge, Mushotoku Cafe, Sol Y Sombra, Stop Madrid, Suite Café Club, Sunrise, Susan Club, Taberna De Dolores, Viva Madrid, Why Not?.

Cuisine
Spanish cuisine includes a variety of dishes which derive from differences in geography, culture and climate. Each recipe is considered to be common to a specific region and carries the characteristics of its “place of birth”. Examples include most importantly potato omelette (”tortilla de patata”, “tortilla española” or just “tortilla”), paella, various stews, migas, sausages (such as embutidos, chorizo, and morcilla), jamón serrano, and cheeses.

There are also many dishes based on beans (chickpeas, lentils, green beans); soups, with many regional variations; and bread, that has numerous forms, with distinct varieties in each region. The regional variations are less pronounced in Spanish desserts and cakes: flan, custard, rice pudding (arroz con leche), torrijas, churros, and madeleines are some of the most representative examples.

Good Buys
There are lots of goods one could buy at prices considerably lower than those in any other country of the European Union. Amongst them are the handcrafted furniture in Valencia, textiles in Catalonia and the Spanish brandies fabuloso.

Money
Most restaurants do include a service fee on the bill. However you should remember to tip five to ten percent at cafés and bars.

Etiquette
Dinner is served around 9 or 10 p.m.—at the earliest.

NATIONAL HOLIDAYS
January: 1, New Year’s Day; 6, Twelfth Night (when Christmas presents are given)
March: 19, St. Joseph’s Day
May: 1, Labor Day
June: 24, St. John’s Day
July: 25, St. James’ Day
August: 15, Assumption
October: 12, National Day
November: 1, All Saints’ Day
December: 6, Constitution Day; 8, Immaculate Conception; 25, Christmas Day
Spring: Thursday before Easter, Good Thursday; Friday before Easter, Good Friday; Easter; day after Easter, Easter Monday; sixth Thursday after Easter, Ascension Day; seventh Sunday after Easter, Pentecost Sunday
Summer: Ninth Thursday after Easter, Corpus Christi

Source: www.concierge.com