The Big Three: Long-haul cruises for families with kids aged 10-12

By the time children reach the ages of 10 to 12 there is every chance that there could be some rather difficult customers on your hands. One of the many reasons why a cruise can be the perfect bridging holiday for parents, children and extended family alike. The kids can be taking part in the youth programmes, dads in the spa while mum lounges by the pool. All while grandma plays bridge and granddad hits the buffet. Everyone can meet in the evening for the show or, if they really want to, take a trip out into the port. Everybody’s a winner! 

Following on from the publication of Cruise Adviser’s Family 2015-16 guide, each week we will be running our Big Three feature, which gives you a trio of cruise options to choose from. This week it’s long-haul cruises for families with kids aged 10 to 12 years.

To request a copy of Cruise Adviser’s Family guide email: info@cruise-adviser.com or read it online now.

All prices based on a family of four sharing an inside cabin, unless otherwise stated

Bahamas 

Cruise line: Disney Cruise Lines
Destination: Bahamas
Date: July 20, 2016
Duration: Four days
Departure port: Port Canaveral, Florida, US
Price: £3,291 (deluxe oceanview stateroom)

While the kids are sure to have a great time, few people know that Disney Cruise ships dedicate about a third of their public spaces to being adults-only. For the children, the ship comes complete with an Oceaneer Lab, a Muppet Adventure Game, an area for 11 through to 14-year-olds to watch TV and play video games as well as an Arr-cade. We could go on listing the facilities for a lot longer too!

Galapagos 

Cruise line: Celebrity Cruises
Destination: Galapagos
Date: July 10, 2016
Duration: Seven nights
Departure port: Baltra, Galapagos
Price: £11,136

Do you have customers whose children love wildlife? This very special Galapagos cruise would blow them all away. Travel on Celebrity’s 296-foot yacht to see some of the region’s completely unique animals and birds. This cruise doesn’t include as many facilities as the bigger ships – it’s occupancy is only 92 guests – but is one to consider if your guests and their children are interested in seeing something they’re likely to remember forever.

Caribbean 

Cruise line: Thomson & Island Cruises
Destination: Caribbean
Date: February 14, 2016
Duration: Seven nights
Departure port: Montego Bay
Price: £3,933, inc flights

This seven-night sailing falls nicely for a spring half-term break and, because it’s with Thomson, it includes return flights. Entertainment options for 10-12-year-olds include the Showtime Stage School, where, for a fee, children aged nine to 16 can be taught the tricks of the trade by professional entertainers. The kids’ club however, is only open to children from three-11. But, there are other options for older children, including bike tours.