Cruising With Kids

click to enlarge images

2020 has been hard on families.  For many of you, the entire family has been camped inside the house for weeks or months. By now, everyone is itching to get out and have some fun.

It's just a matter of time before we are able to resume travel.  Planning a vacation with kids can be challenging.  There are so many choices, how do you know what will be right for your family?   

That's where we come in - we will get to know you and your family along with your interests, in order to design the perfect vacation for you.  We've been sailing with our family and can give you personal advice.

October is National Plan a Cruise Month, so it's the perfect time to plan a trip for next year.  A small deposit per person can secure your trip, and you can pay the balance off just months before you sail. You can take advantage of availability and deals now, and enjoy your savings next year.

Cruises Are Popular With Families

It's no secret that cruising has become hugely popular with families. Where once it was a struggle to find ships that were kid-friendly, the challenge now is wading through the bevy of activities, kid's clubs, and child-themed bells and whistles many of the newer ships offer to determine which cruise ships are best for your children. 

Cruise vacations are popular with families for a lot of reasons. 

• First and foremost, the value of a cruise is terrific since lodging and meals are wrapped up in the fare. 
•  Second, your family can visit many destinations on a cruise without checking in and out of hotels and wrestling with luggage along the way.
• Finally, cruise lines have perfected the family vacation by offering something for everyone: fine dining, luxurious spa options, pools with waterslides, quiet pools and hot tubs, rock-climbing walls, videogame competitions, pub crawls, and so much more. 

 With your entire family together and happy, what more could you ask for? 

 This video will give you an inside peek at what it's like for the entire family.

Cruising With Families (Video Playlist on YouTube)

We'll take a look at some specific kids programs in future posts within this mini-series, so be sure to come back and visit again. (bookmark the link below)

 

 

Click the banner above for the latest cruise promotions

 

Cruise lines are offering special promotions and pricing on popular cruises to encourage consumers to plan their next cruise vacation now. We'll be featuring promotions on our website and social media.

Choose Cruise Month (click for mini-series)

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National Shop for Travel Day

January 8th is National Shop for Travel Day and it couldn't come at a better time during Wave Season. If you've never heard of Wave Season before, read on.

Wave (n) A long body of water curling into an arched form and breaking on the shore

Despite the image, that's not the definition we have in mind. The cruise industry's "Wave Season," which takes place between January and March, is when cruise lines offer some of their very best extra-value incentives for booking cruise vacations.

Timing is Everything - Plan Early

January to March is the time when there are the most consumers looking at cruise vacations.   You might have special needs / wants, such as a mid-ship location, larger cabins holding 3 or more passengers, a handicapped cabin, an itinerary on a particular small ship that has limited occupancy.   You probably aren't the only ones with similar requirements.  To quote a popular saying, "the early bird gets the worm".

When looking at special needs such as triple or quad occupancy, handicapped cabins, mid-ship location, etc., there are a finite number of cabins that meet those classifications.   These are among the first cabins selected by early planners.  If you wait until late in Wave Season, or worse, later in the year, you may not be able to find your choice, or at the very least, will pay a premium for that selection.

Taking Advantage of Wave Season


What's the best deal during Wave Season?  There are so many offers during Wave Season, it's hard to determine what's the best deal to take advantage of.   We'd suggest you focus on offers that provide cabin upgrades, free or reduced airfare, and other amenities which typically aren't available year-round.   We have offers crossing our desk every day throughout Wave Season.  We'll do our best to publicize them on our website, here in this blog, and limit a few to our Facebook Fans only.   So be sure to sign up for our eNewsletter, subscribe to this blog, and become a fan on our Facebook Page.   Call or email us with your bucket list and we can keep watch for you during the next couple of months.

In closing, take advantage of this special season - you deserve a vacation and you deserve to get the best value.

We offer our Best Price & Satisfaction Guarantee so plan with confidence and Take to the Waves this Wave Season.   

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Sign-up for Exclusive Email Offers


Where have you explored? 

Gather your travel and food pics and join us every Wednesday night for the latest installment of #FoodTravelChat

Wave Season 2016

Wave (n) A long body of water curling into an arched form and breaking on the shore

Despite the image, that's not the definition we have in mind. The cruise industry's "Wave Season," which takes place between January and March, is when cruise lines offer some of their very best extra-value incentives for booking cruise vacations.

Timing is Everything - Plan Early

January to March is the time when there are the most consumers looking at cruise vacations.   You might have special needs / wants, such as a mid-ship location, larger cabins holding 3 or more passengers, a handicapped cabin, an itinerary on a particular small ship that has limited occupancy.   You probably aren't the only ones with similar requirements.  To quote a popular saying, "the early bird gets the worm".

When looking at special needs such as triple or quad occupancy, handicapped cabins, mid-ship location, etc., there are a finite number of cabins that meet those classifications.   These are among the first cabins selected by early planners.  If you wait until late in Wave Season, or worse, later in the year, you may not be able to find your choice, or at the very least, will pay a premium for that selection.

Taking Advantage of Wave Season


What's the best deal during Wave Season?  There are so many offers during Wave Season, it's hard to determine what's the best deal to take advantage of.   We'd suggest you focus on offers that provide cabin upgrades, free or reduced airfare, and other amenities which typically aren't available year-round.   We have offers crossing our desk every day throughout Wave Season.  We'll do our best to publicize them on our website, here in this blog, and limit a few to our Facebook Fans only.   So be sure to sign up for our eNewsletter, subscribe to this blog, and become a fan on our Facebook Page.   Call or email us with your bucket list and we can keep watch for you during the next couple of months.

In closing, take advantage of this special season - you deserve a vacation and you deserve to get the best value.

We offer our Best Price & Satisfaction Guarantee so plan with confidence and Take to the Waves this Wave Season.   

Follow us on Twitter: @ChrisPappinMCC  Pinterest: CruiseWithChris Pappin and Facebook: CruiseWithChris Pappin Cruises Inc 

Planning Key West Activities Via Advertising

(click images to enlarge)

#FriFotos Theme: #ADVERTISING

We continue our series of photos depicting the #advertising subject.  In this post we'll look at one popular tourist port of call and the signs that beckon your attention.   They come in all sizes and shapes and on different surfaces.

We arrived in this next destination via cruise ship.  We only had one day to explore the city, so advertising paid a key role in deciding what to do.  So much to see - so little time !

Second in a Series of Posts

For those of you not familiar with the forum, it is hosted by @EpsteinTravels @TravelDesigned @CharlesYap. The theme is revealed every Tuesday 12pm ET.    Recently, @spencerspellman joined the team as a permanent co-host.  We  co-hosted one week late last year and continue to contribute with images from our archives whenever possible.

Key West Florida

The sign above can be seen shortly after you arrive at the main part of town.   There is a major shopping area which also has several of the popular attractions.  The sign also advertises various ways that you can explore the city, such as by trolley.  The #advertising on the right adds another element, a 3D person that helps draw your attention to the sign. 

No Escaping Advertising

I bet you thought you'd just have a relaxing day at the beach at the Southernmost Point of continental U.S. Guess again! Here you might find an advertisement like this with water sports and places to eat or drink while you are there.

Place Ad Here

As you can see in these two images, no surface is immune from advertising.  Advertising doesn't have to be stationary.  In this second image, the trolley becomes the medium of choice for delivering several different advertising messages.
 
There are several different transportation choices competing for your vacation dollars, so it makes perfect sense for the business to put their contact information on the side of the trolley as well as other offers to compliment their services.

Signs on Buildings

Even the signs on the buildings are #advertising. Their message is brief, usually just the name of the business or attraction. Sometimes, they may contain other elements, all of which are designed to capture your attention.

Historic Buildings

You can have your picture taken by a marker depicting the "Southernmost Point" and then you might want to explore some of the historic buildings, such as this hotel. A picture is worth a thousand words, so why not advertise by showing what you'll see inside.

This is just a sample of the many #advertising images you might see on your day trip to Key West, Florida. It won't be possible to see everything in the time you are there, but through these ads, you should be able to select what interests you the most. Happy exploring !

If you like Travel & Photography join us each Friday!

Follow #FriFotos on Twitter and Facebook

Follow us on Twitter: @ChrisPappinMCC  Pinterest: CruiseWithChris Pappin and Facebook: CruiseWithChris Pappin Cruises Inc

What #advertising have you seen? 

Take a look through your photo archive and see if there are any images that fit this week's theme.  If you don't have any to share at this time, check out what others are posting.   This forum is a great way to explore the world from the comforts of your chair.

A Look at Advertising on Cruise Ships

(click images to enlarge)

#FriFotos Theme: #ADVERTISING

We are bombarded by advertising each and every day of our lives.  This week, #FriFotos theme revolves around that topic. Once again we will be sharing images on Twitter and writing posts on our blog that provide the story behind the pics.

First in a Series of Posts

For those of you not familiar with the forum, it is hosted by @EpsteinTravels @TravelDesigned @CharlesYap. The theme is revealed every Tuesday 12pm ET.    Recently, @spencerspellman joined the team as a permanent co-host.  We  co-hosted one week late last year and continue to contribute with images from our archives whenever possible.

OnBoard the Cruise Ship

You would expect to find advertisements when in port, but in this first article, we'll talk about some we found on board our cruise ship. These signs were onboard a Carnival cruise ship, but you might find similar signs regardless of the cruise line.

Advertising Promotions

The first image is advertising services that are performed by the staff on the ship. Throughout your cruise, you'll have the opportunity to have your family portrait taken by the ship's photographers. If you'd like to have a framed remembrance of your cruise, that is possible as well. This sign shows some of the possibilities. The next image is advertising some promotional offers that are available at the casino. 

Many of the ads we see on a regular basis advertise services as opposed to products.  That doesn't stop just because you are on a ship.  You'll see this type of advertising in port as well.

Shopping Savings

If this is your first cruise, you might not be aware that there is shopping onboard the vessel.  Yes folks, you don't have to interrupt your shopping when you are at sea.  As you can see in this advertising sign, the ship matches prices that you might find in port, which means you don't need to give up your exploration time to buy that bottle of liquor to bring home for your self or your friend watching your house while you are away.

Limited Duration

You will find advertising that may offer deals for embarkation day only.  It is definitely to your advantage to pay attention to these signs posted around the ship.  Of course, you can ignore them completely, like you do television ads, if you like.   That's the beauty about cruising - you are complete control of what you want to do.  There will be many choices, but ultimately, you make the final decision on how to spend your time and money throughout the entire cruise vacation.
 

If you like Travel & Photography join us each Friday!

Follow #FriFotos on Twitter and Facebook

Follow us on Twitter: @ChrisPappinMCC  Pinterest: CruiseWithChris Pappin and Facebook: CruiseWithChris Pappin Cruises Inc

What #advertising have you seen? 

Take a look through your photo archive and see if there are any images that fit this week's theme.  If you don't have any to share at this time, check out what others are posting.   This forum is a great way to explore the world from the comforts of your chair.

The Sea is Calling and Barbie Answered

 Making Holiday Dreams

Come True 

for Little Girls

Just in time for the Holidays  

Save 30% Off the Experience
Click to download flyer

Since March 1959, Barbie^TM dolls have been an integral part of little girls' dreams and an important part of the fashion doll market.  As the holidays approach, little girls make up their wish lists of dolls and accessories for their toy chests. 

Taking things one step further, Royal Caribbean International has entered into a partnership with American toy-company Mattel, Inc. to bring the fashion dolls to sea in an exclusive add-on package.

The Barbie^TM Premium Experience, caters to girls age 4 to 11, but is open to anyone that loves Barbie.  Guests set sail on a Barbie dream cruise complete with fun, fashion and runway moments. Participants make lifelong memories and take to the waves in true Barbie style!


The experience starts in your stateroom with a decorated vanity area and special Barbie package including a Barbie^TM doll, three fashion accessories, blanket, pillowcase and toiletries. There are events throughout the cruise designed exclusively for children in the program that include a tea party, dance class, fashion design experience and fashion show.

The program fee for the Barbie^TM Premium Experience is $349 per child. For 3-4 night Bahamas sailings guests will receive a limited experience (no tea party or fashion designer workshop and smaller in-stateroom package) for $75. Once booked there are no additional charges for the activities included in the Premium Experience. 

Did you play with Barbie, Ken, and their playmates when you were growing up?   Would you daughters like to do so as well?   What was your favorite doll or accessory?  Don't you wish you could be a kid again (I know that I would.)?   Bring Barbie and her friends to life on one of Royal Caribbean's ships and watch the sparkle in the little girl's eyes.

Saluting the Military on 4th of July

 

Independence Day 2013

 

Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, political speeches and ceremonies, and various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States. Independence Day is the national day of the United States

 

We hope that you are enjoying a wonderful Fourth of July with family and friends. Across the globe, there are many families that are apart from loved ones. Those are the men and women of the Armed Forces who are serving to protect those freedoms that we celebrate today. Let us salute those men and women who sacrifice so that we can enjoy this holiday.

We'd like to thank all the military personnel, past and present, for serving their country. Many of the cruise lines offer military discounts. If you know someone who has served, make sure they are aware of these discounts - it's the least we can do for them that have made this day possible.

Wave Season 2013

Wave (n) A long body of water curling into an arched form and breaking on the shore

Despite the image, that's not the definition we have in mind. The cruise industry's "Wave Season," which takes place between January and March, is when cruise lines offer some of their very best extra-value incentives for booking cruise vacations.

Timing is Everything - Plan Early

January to March is the time when there are the most consumers looking at cruise vacations.   You might have special needs / wants, such as a mid-ship location, larger cabins holding 3 or more passengers, a handicapped cabin, an itinerary on a particular small ship that has limited occupancy.   You probably aren't the only ones with similar requirements.  To quote a popular saying, "the early bird gets the worm".

When looking at special needs such as triple or quad occupancy, handicapped cabins, mid-ship location, etc., there are a finite number of cabins that meet those classifications.   These are among the first cabins selected by early planners.  If you wait until late in Wave Season, or worse, later in the year, you may not be able to find your choice, or at the very least, will pay a premium for that selection.

Taking Advantage of Wave Season


What's the best deal during Wave Season?  There are so many offers during Wave Season, it's hard to determine what's the best deal to take advantage of.   We'd suggest you focus on offers that provide cabin upgrades, free or reduced airfare, and other amenities which typically aren't available year-round.   We have offers crossing our desk every day throughout Wave Season.  We'll do our best to publicize them on our website, here in this blog, and limit a few to our Facebook Fans only.   So be sure to sign up for our eNewsletter, subscribe to this blog, and become a fan on our Facebook Page.   Call or email us with your bucket list and we can keep watch for you during the next couple of months.

In closing, take advantage of this special season - you deserve a vacation and you deserve to get the best value.

We offer our Best Price & Satisfaction Guarantee so plan with confidence and Take to the Waves this Wave Season.   

Fan Appreciation Wave Party


For those of you in the Chicagoland area, we are hosting a special "Catch a Wave" party at The Chicago Loop Bar and Grill in Streamwood on Wednesday, January 23rd.


Reservations are required:     Catch a Wave Party

Starting Your Cruise Planning

Explore the World of Cruise Vacationing If you've ever thought about going on your first cruise, October is the time to begin that journey.  We suggest you also read our article Cruise Rookies to get started.

Remember when you were a baby and you found something on the floor?  What's the first thing you'd do?   Most likely, you put it in your mouth to see what it was. You compared the newly found object with others that you had already experienced. 

To start planning a cruise vacation, there are three basic questions you'll need to answer.   The answers to those first questions will narrow the list of remaining choices that you'll need to make.  You can draw upon past experiences in your life to answer them.

When do you want to go? 

There are cruises year-round, but some destinations have specific cruise seasons, like Alaska for example which goes from May through September.  The more flexible you are on when you want to go, the more choices you'll have to select from.  Also if cost is a factor, the time of year you travel will play a significant role in what you pay.

Where do you want to go?

Assuming that the time you selected has several cruises that match your criteria, you'll next want to decide what you'd like to see. Since this is your first cruise, the sky is the limit - everything is going to be new to you. After you have been cruising awhile, you'll want to try different destinations.

There are 23 ports in the United States that offer cruises ranging from 3 nights up to World Cruises which are over 100 nights in length. If you have restrictions on where you want to depart from, that will limit the ports of call that you could potentially visit.

What type of accommodations do you want?

If you've ever made hotel reservations, it won't come as a shock to you that the next question you'll be asked is what type of cabin you would like.

There are three basic types of cabins: 
inside cabins (like your bedroom with no window), outside (again like your bedroom, but now you have a port hole or picture window), and balcony (it includes a private veranda with a sliding door).

There are additional classifications of cabins, but we don't need to get into that at this time.  Location (forward / aft / mid-ship and deck) factors into the cost of the cabin.   If you think that the motion of the ship might make you uncomfortable, you'll want to have a cabin mid-ship.

As you can see, booking a cruise vacation is very similar to booking a hotel room.   You decide when you want the reservation,  which hotel location, and what type of room.   Your hotel could either face the parking lot or the ocean with the latter costing more than the former.

For more cruise resources, be sure to bookmark the following blog post, where we'll be adding additional links throughout the entire month.

Virtual National Cruise Vacation Week Calendar 2011

It is best to discuss your cruise plans, especially for your first cruise, with a professional cruise specialist.  They can assist you by asking all the right questions to narrow down your selection to the cruise that is right for you. We love working with first time cruisers since we are able to draw upon our experience and expertise to get them started on, what we hope will be, a lifetime of cruise vacations.