Well then consider a family multigenerational cruise – it’s the big news in cruising.
Cruising is perfect for a multigenerational holiday, where you can make lasting memories of special times shared with family members of all ages.
Melbourne grandfather Nigel Cooper of Melbourne says he’s a great fan of family cruising.
“It’s an excellent way to catch up with our kids and grandkids and you can always escape for a rest in your cabin. Everyone does their own thing in the morning and then we all meet at lunch and decide what we are doing next.
“Sometimes we take the grandkids and have a pizza and ice cream by the pool, while their parents head to a specialty restaurant for a gourmet dinner.”
Nigel says it is a real holiday for everyone and no-one one has to shop for groceries, cook or worry about driving anywhere.
“It’s a great way to spend quality time with your family – albeit sometimes a little hectic.”
Do Your Homework
Budgets, destinations, age groups, length of the cruise and the ship need to be carefully considered when planning a multi-generational family holiday to keep everyone happy.
Discounts are often offered for group travel and tailored group excursions can be arranged so make sure you book well ahead.
If you just want to just have fun then a big family orientated ship with lots of kids’ activities such as super rides, waterslides and multiple swimming pools, may be ideal for your family trip.
If educational workshops and activities are a focus, a Pacific Island hop is a great choice as an introduction to other cultures and experiences.
For grown adults and their parents, those once in a lifetime cruise to places such as the Galapagos and Antarctica, will long be remembered.
But in the end, it’s about spending quality time with family members and enjoying these special moments.
Multigenerational Cruising is Growing
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Managing Director Australasia Joel Katz says multi-generational travel is increasing rapidly.
“It has become especially common in cruising, where families can travel together yet still have a big choice of activities and entertainment to suit their own tastes,” he says.
“A cruise takes a lot of the hassles out of travelling, which becomes especially attractive when you have kids and older family members in your group.
“It’s also a good option when you’re looking for different activities to suit different age groups, there’s everything from waterslides and adventure activities through to theatre performances and musical productions.”
Joel says the feedback they are getting from cruise lines and travel agents suggest Australians in particular are embracing multi-generational travel and that this is one of the strongest growth areas in cruising.
Here’s what’s new on some family friendly cruise offerings:
Norwegian Cruise Line offers Multi Room Suites
NCL’s Norwegian Aqua, set to sail next April, will offer the first-ever three-bedroom Duplex Haven Suites in The Haven by Norwegian exclusive area.
The four two-story suites feature separate living and dining areas, a sprawling balcony and three bedrooms and three bathrooms.
Norwegian Aqua will also premiere the world’s first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide, the Aqua Slide coaster. Kids will also love the Glow Court – a digital sports complex with an interactive LED floor.
Disney Cruise Line Returns in October
The popular family cruise line will return to Sydney from October 2024 to February 2025. There will be two-to-seven-night cruises, sailing from Sydney,
Melbourne and Brisbane, Australia, and Auckland, New Zealand on board the Disney Wonder.
It’s a great multigenerational experience focussing on the magic of Disney storytelling with favourite characters.
Imaginative dining, Broadway-style shows, themed parties and fireworks feature and big kids are assured of having as much fun as little ones.
Children, tweens and teens will find something to love inside imaginative clubs hosted by specially trained Disney counsellors.
European Waterways Family Cruise Packages
European Waterways’ hotel barge cruises are offering families the opportunity to enjoy the ultimate luxury vacation with a private charter experience.
It’s like having your own private ‘floating villa’ that moves to a different village every day that is made extra special by a dedicated crew.
Hand-picked daily excursions are designed to enchant grandparents, parents and children alike. There are also fun activities like cooking, and water fun.
Abercrombie and Kent’s Trips of a Lifetime
For ever lasting memories, a 15-night extended holiday voyage to Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, on a mega-yacht exclusively chartered would be a trip of a lifetime.
Highlights include visiting the spectacular King Penguin colonies as well as the gravesite of one of Antarctica’s most intrepid explorers, Sir Ernest Shackleton.
There are three cabin categories that can accommodate triple and quad rooms and young guests can enjoy additional family programs led by dedicated Young Explorers Guides.
The marine and ecology program is designed to enhance the expedition in a way that is both educational, adventurous and fun.
Scenic Enrichment
Scenic caters more to older children, with a focus on quality and intimate spaces, places to connect and experiences that can be shared in destinations with the unique Scenic Free Choice and Enrich program.
These experiences have multiple options at each stop with some experiencing walking tours, e-bikes, kayaks and others bus journeys or a relaxed afternoon on the sun deck.
Most popular itineraries include once in a lifetime voyage to the Arctic, the Mediterranean, Wonders of Japan, Antarctica and the Northwest Passage.
Hurtigruten- Active and Adventure Cruises
Hurtigruten is also catering for the growing demand for multigenerational travel with trips that are adventurous, active and also educational.
Many of the destinations lend themselves to mixed age groups, including the Northern Lights, the Galapagos and Antarctica.
The destinations won’t necessarily differ according to the ages of each generation of traveller, but elements within the itinerary include sightseeing and activity choices for different ages.
Cruises include leisurely shore excursions or spending the day relaxing on board, then catching up on the day’s adventures over a shared meal in the evening.
