All about family cruises
We want everyone to have a fantastic time aboard our ships and we know that for families, the best way to ensure that happens is to provide great children’s facilities and daily programmes that capture the imaginations of kids from tots to teens – especially in peak season.
At the start of the holiday families will be invited to an informal meeting where our Youth Team will tell you about the child facilities on board, the activities planned and the few restrictions we impose.
Please note that children in nappies or swimming nappies, and children who are not toilet-trained, are not permitted to use swimming or paddling pools on board.
Children's centre
The Youth Team will be keen to make your children feel instantly at home in the Base Camp children’s centres on each ship. The centres have a fully netted deck area and paddling pool. And the children’s programme is scheduled daily from 9am-noon, 2-5pm and 6-10pm (6-11pm for 5-8 year olds, 6pm-midnight for over 9’s). Although children are grouped by age, occasionally they may join with other groups to participate in certain activities and events. Please note that where there is high demand it may be necessary to limit the number of children taking part in an activity, although where possible we will suggest an alternative activity. Use of the centres is free while one parent/guardian stays on board. Parents must register each child at the children’s centres and complete a medical disclaimer.
Going ashore
Many of our Action Ashore activities are ideal for children and no doubt you'll be looking forward to going ashore together as a family. Please note that children aged under 18 must be accompanied by a parent / guardian on all Action Ashore trips other than ‘Great Escapes’. With so many great places to visit some parents may want to spend time ashore alone during their holiday. During peak periods – school summer holidays, half term breaks, plus Christmas and New Year holidays – parents / guardians wishing to go ashore alone can leave the kids on board in the care of the Youth Team at a rate of £3 per hour for the first child and £2 per hour for each brother or sister. Places are limited and parents must register each child at the children’s centre and complete a medical disclaimer - children must not be left
unaccompanied on board. During peak periods, if parents / guardians book one of our half or full day shore excursions valued at over £30 each then we'll look after
children at a reduced rate (up to a maximum of only £12 per child per day) for the duration of that excursion. Places in the children’s centre are limited and preference will be given to people who have booked an Action Ashore trip or spa package. Places cannot, however, be guaranteed. Please also note that children's mountain bikes are not available and that a minimum height of 5ft applies for use of the ship's mountain bikes ashore.
Children’s meals
With 24 hour dining on board your children (just like you) can eat whenever it suits them, although our daily children’s tea at around 5.15pm on both ships is very popular. We can provide a selection of baby foods on request (please make sure to advise us early) and we will try to meet any special dietary requirements although we cannot guarantee to meet all specific requests. For treats in-between meals you can also buy a discount card covering ice creams and sodas - and the soda card includes a free sports bottle to take home!
Baby Stuff
Please bring all of your baby’s disposables and equipment with you, although we do stock nappies, wipes and sterilising fluid in the shops on board. We can provide cots and bed guards for young children on request. We recommend that you bring a lightweight collapsible pram or pushchair with you that you can store in your cabin. We can provide a selection of baby foods on request (please be sure to advise us early).
Night nursery
Our supervised night nursery on both ships is open every day from 6pm until 3am for children aged 6 months to 5 years. Children between 5 and 8 are also welcome if space permits. The nursery is free between 6pm and midnight then costs £3 per hour for the first child and £2 per hour for each brother or sister between midnight and 3am. Please note that all child places are limited and are offered on a first-come-first-served basis. There is also an in-cabin baby listening facility available through the cabin telephone system that can be set up on request.
Special Needs
If your child has special needs you must advise us before booking. Please note that children requiring one-to-one care and assistance must be accompanied by a
parent / guardian in the children’s centre at all times.
Gym Use
Please note that children under 14 are not permitted to use the equipment in the gym unless accompanied by an adult, and those under 16 are not allowed to use the weight lifting equipment.
Respect!
Although both ships are ‘child-friendly’, we must ask parents and/or guardians to respect other passengers on board and to note that at times some rooms are restricted to over 16s only. Please also note that passengers under the age of 18 must travel with a parent or companion over the age of 21 and that we are unable to
carry babies under the age of 6 months.
