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"Are we there yet?" Have any kids NOT asked that?

As most parents know, sometimes GETTING THERE is most of the fun.

Families run at warp speeds these days. How can busy clans bow out of the race and find quality time together? Lose the cell phones, MP3's, daytimers, and PDA's. Why not pack up the kids and take a cruise together?

Cruises have become extremely popular for families. All amenities are generally included in a single package price. The whole crew can enjoy meals, entertainment, recreation, and more. The key is to select a FAMILY CRUISE, as opposed to singles' or adults' cruises.

All the major cruise lines now offer family cruises. Most provide child-care programming, so parents can enjoy gourmet dinners and late night shows, while kids are supervised. Such cruises are geared for the whole family.

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES

The Carnival Fun Ships offer a Camp Carnival for kids and teens. Children participate in recreational activities, enjoy kid-friendly cuisine, try new computer games, and even play on a water slide.

DISNEY CRUISE LINES

You never know who might show up on a Disney cruise. Mickey and Minnie may stroll through the pool area. Goofy may pop in for dinner. Amenities are themed, so families can enjoy the Disney theme park experience while aboard. Adults relax in spas, while kids visit play areas. And, of course, evening entertainment is based on Disney characters, movies, and stories.

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINES
This premium cruise company offers the NCL Kids' Crew, with supervised camp activities on the ships. While parents play in the casino or dine in the upscale restaurants, children enjoy circuses, parades, games, crafts, and more.

PRINCESS CRUISE LINES
Princess Cruise Lines offer a children's program called Love Boat Kids. Children and adolescents have games, parties, videos, and crafts. The California Coastal Commission and the Center for Marine Conservation has developed a program called "Save Our Seas," which uses fun activities to teach kids about marine life. A private youth disco, karaoke shows, and movie festivals entertain tends as well.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISE LINES
On RC cruises, kids and teens join the Adventure Ocean Youth Program. This program focuses on entertaining and educating kids about ocean themes. RC has play areas, separate children's meals, and even a TV station just for kids.

TIPS FOR FAMILY CRUISING
Search online for the best deals. Do some comparison shopping. Prices may vary greatly.

Try to book your own air travel. Often, this is included in the price of the cruise. However, the discounted rates may require you to travel overnight or at inopportune times. If you have small children, you may need more flexibility than that.

Be adaptable. If you are willing to travel in the off-season, or in-between popular school vacation times, you will be more likely to find discounted rates.

Ask cruise lines specific questions about accommodates and cabin layouts. If you are bunking with your kids, you will want to know how many bathrooms are available and what bedding arrangements look like. Inquire about adjoining cabins. (Boarding one ship, we were surprised to find we had adjacent, but not adjoining, cabins. This is not acceptable with young kids.)

Inquire about safety issues, if you have concerns. For example, you may need to bring toddler safety rails for the bunk. If you have toddlers or preschoolers, you will want to ask about the railing configurations on the ship decks.

Learn more about this author, Linda Ann Nickerson.
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