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Baby-friendly cruising- the best cruise lines for families with infants
Detroit - November 10, 2009 - Thinking of taking a cruise with a very young child or baby? Taking your own nanny is one way to go, however, if you are planning on using the cruise ships' baby or child care facilities read on. Most cruise lines have a minimum age for children to sail; ages range from three months to twelve months, depending on the cruise line. Be sure to verify this minimum age before booking a cruise. The cruise specialists are CruiseCompete are pleased to offer this valuable information for parents.
AMA WATERWAYS: AMA Waterways cruises are primarily designed for the adult traveler. Children are allowed however there are no child- specific programs or child minding facilities. Minimum age to sail on AMA is 8 years.
AZAMARA: Azamara Cruises is primarily designed for the mature guest; so while the cruise line does welcome guests of all ages, no formal children's programs or facilities are onboard their ships. Minimum age requirement to sail on Azamara is six months old, with the exception of Transatlantic and Transpacific cruises/cruise tours, as well as other select cruises/cruise tours, where the infant must be at least twelve months old. As of July 30, 2009, the list of cruises to which the one year minimum age requirement applies is as follows: Azamara Quest - November 8, 2009 and April 9, 2010. All Transatlantic and Transpacific cruises. Any cruise tours associated with these cruises are also subject to the one year minimum age requirement.
Carnival- Carnival Cruise Lines- Carnival's Youth Program, Camp Carnival, is designed for 2-11 year olds, but children younger than 2 can play with the toys during designated family play times (parents must be present!). There are babysitting services during limited hours for children younger than two at Camp Carnival; rates are $6 for the first child and $4 for each additional child. Minimum age for sailing is six months, with the exceptions of Transatlantic, Hawaii and South American cruises, which are twelve months.
Celebrity-Celebrity offers private, in-cabin babysitters. A child must be twelve months old to qualify for this service and no more than two children are allowed per babysitter. Parents should expect to make requests for services at least 24 hours in advance. Minimum sailing age on Celebrity Cruises is six months, with the exception of Transatlantic, Transpacific, and select South American cruises, where the child must be at least twelve months old. Beginning July 30, 2009, the following cruises are also subject to the one year requirement: Celebrity Infinity - January 31, 2010, February 14, 2010, January 30, 2011, and February 13, 2011. Associated cruise tours are also subject to the one year minimum age requirement.
COSTA- There are no organized activities for children under the age of three, but during the low season/off-peak times families can access the children's areas. Costa also provides a group baby-sitting service in their "Miniclub" (between 11:30pm-1:30am) so that parents may take part in cruise entertainment. Costa also provides, on request, cribs, high chairs, baby bath, bottle warmers and liquidized food. Minimum age to sail on Costa is six months.
CRYSTAL- Crystal does not have a formal program for children under the age of three, but babysitting services are available. Arrangements can be made through the concierge; parents should expect to provide 24 hours notice and pay a nominal charge for babysitting services. The minimum age to sail on Crystal Cruises is six months.
Cunard-On Cunard's sips, the Queen Mary 2 and the Queen Elizabeth 2, parents will find well-equipped nurseries and children's centers, featuring toys, games and activities. These children's areas are supervised by nannies and youth staff, but children must be one year old to participate without parents; children under one are welcome with parental supervision. Both ships offer a family pool area, and there is complimentary group child-sitting available in the evenings. Minimum sailing age on Cunard is six months on Alaska, Canada/New England, Caribbean, Europe, Mexico, Trans-canal and Australia/New Zealand voyages. All other voyages, including Transatlantic and Transpacific itineraries, require an age of twelve months.
Disney Cruise Line- Already well-known for being a family-friendly line, this cruise line is also among the best for infant programs. Flounder's Reef Nursery amenities include: baby swings, walkers, books, toys, games, a television and DVD area. There is also a soft play area and separate nursery with cribs. Parents should expect to carry a pager (attendants do not change diapers) and pay $6.00 per hour for the first child, and $5.00 per hour for each additional child. The minimum age to sail on Disney is 12 weeks old.
HOLLAND AMERICA- Holland America does not provide children's programs or babysitting for children under three, but a limited number of high chairs, booster seats and cribs are available to cruisers at no charge. Parents should expect to reserve these items in advance, at the time of booking. The minimum age to sail on Holland America is twelve months.
Norwegian Caribbean Line: NCL offers youth programs and group babysitting for children ages 2-12, including a 'FreeStyle Play" period where all age groups play together. Group babysitting outside of the complimentary Kid's Crew program runs $6 per child per hour, and $4 per hour for additional siblings. NCL does not have programs in place for children under age two, and no private babysitting is available. The minimum age to sail on NCL is six months.
OCEANIA- Oceania's cruises are designed for adults and do not provide care, entertainment, or supervision for children. Oceania's minimum sailing age is six months.
P&O CRUISES- P&O offers a children's program- The Reef- starting at age two. Splashers', for 2 - 4 year olds is a day program filled with activities and designed for young children. In the evening, parents can take advantage of the cruise line's supervised night nursery. Parents should be aware that this service is operated on a first-come, first-serve basis, and infants must be settled and sleeping before they leave. Minimum age to sail on P&O Cruises is twelve months.
Royal Caribbean- Designed for babies six to eighteen months, all Royal Caribbean's ships have incorporated a "Royal Babies" program into their cruises. These playgroups include activities like baby gymnastics and musical inspiration. On the newest ship, Oasis of the Seas, Royal Caribbean also provides a nursery, with child watch options day and night. Children are divided into two age groups within the nursery: Parents should expect to carry a phone, and the charge is $8 per hour, per child. Each session must be a minimum of 1 hour and a maximum of 6 hours. The minimum age to sail is six months on most itineraries, but is twelve months on all Transatlantic, Transpacific and Hawaii cruises. Some South American and other cruises are also twelve months, be sure to check age requirements for your specific cruise.
RSSC- Regent does not provide formal activities for young children on their sailings, but the line does provide in-suite babysitting services (expect to pay $25 per hour!) The minimum age to sail on Regent Seven Seas Cruises is six months.
SEABOURN- Tailored for the adult cruiser, there are no onboard facilities for kids, nor does Seabourn offer a supervised children's program. Minimum sailing age is 1 year for trans-Atlantic cruises, and World cruises. Minimum age is six months for all other sailings.
SEADREAM YACHT CLUB- SeaDream Yacht Club does not provide activities/amenities specifically for children. The minimum age to sail on a SeaDream is twelve months.
SILVERSEA - This luxury cruise line's programs are designed for adults and they do not provide care, entertainment, or supervision for children. Minimum sailing age on Silversea is six months.
UNIWORLD- Uniworld's position is that most children (specifically those under 8) do not enjoy or appreciate the river cruise experience. There are no special arrangements, activities or accommodations for children on Uniworld river cruises and tour programs. The minimum age to cruise on Uniworld is 4 years.
VIKING RIVER- Viking River Cruises does not maintain facilities or services for children due to the nature of their cruises. Minimum age to cruise on Viking River is 12 years.
WINDSTAR CRUISES- Children, especially infants and toddlers, are not encouraged aboard Windstar cruises, and the cruise line does not provide care, supervision, or entertainment of children. Minimum age to cruise on Windstar is 2 years.
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Baby-friendly cruising- the best cruise lines for families with infants
Detroit - November 10, 2009 - Thinking of taking a cruise with a very young child or baby? Taking your own nanny is one way to go, however, if you are planning on using the cruise ships' baby or child care facilities read on. Most cruise lines have a minimum age for children to sail; ages range from three months to twelve months, depending on the cruise line. Be sure to verify this minimum age before booking a cruise. The cruise specialists are CruiseCompete are pleased to offer this valuable information for parents.
AMA WATERWAYS: AMA Waterways cruises are primarily designed for the adult traveler. Children are allowed however there are no child- specific programs or child minding facilities. Minimum age to sail on AMA is 8 years.
AZAMARA: Azamara Cruises is primarily designed for the mature guest; so while the cruise line does welcome guests of all ages, no formal children's programs or facilities are onboard their ships. Minimum age requirement to sail on Azamara is six months old, with the exception of Transatlantic and Transpacific cruises/cruise tours, as well as other select cruises/cruise tours, where the infant must be at least twelve months old. As of July 30, 2009, the list of cruises to which the one year minimum age requirement applies is as follows: Azamara Quest - November 8, 2009 and April 9, 2010. All Transatlantic and Transpacific cruises. Any cruise tours associated with these cruises are also subject to the one year minimum age requirement.
Carnival- Carnival Cruise Lines- Carnival's Youth Program, Camp Carnival, is designed for 2-11 year olds, but children younger than 2 can play with the toys during designated family play times (parents must be present!). There are babysitting services during limited hours for children younger than two at Camp Carnival; rates are $6 for the first child and $4 for each additional child. Minimum age for sailing is six months, with the exceptions of Transatlantic, Hawaii and South American cruises, which are twelve months.
Celebrity-Celebrity offers private, in-cabin babysitters. A child must be twelve months old to qualify for this service and no more than two children are allowed per babysitter. Parents should expect to make requests for services at least 24 hours in advance. Minimum sailing age on Celebrity Cruises is six months, with the exception of Transatlantic, Transpacific, and select South American cruises, where the child must be at least twelve months old. Beginning July 30, 2009, the following cruises are also subject to the one year requirement: Celebrity Infinity - January 31, 2010, February 14, 2010, January 30, 2011, and February 13, 2011. Associated cruise tours are also subject to the one year minimum age requirement.
COSTA- There are no organized activities for children under the age of three, but during the low season/off-peak times families can access the children's areas. Costa also provides a group baby-sitting service in their "Miniclub" (between 11:30pm-1:30am) so that parents may take part in cruise entertainment. Costa also provides, on request, cribs, high chairs, baby bath, bottle warmers and liquidized food. Minimum age to sail on Costa is six months.
CRYSTAL- Crystal does not have a formal program for children under the age of three, but babysitting services are available. Arrangements can be made through the concierge; parents should expect to provide 24 hours notice and pay a nominal charge for babysitting services. The minimum age to sail on Crystal Cruises is six months.
Cunard-On Cunard's sips, the Queen Mary 2 and the Queen Elizabeth 2, parents will find well-equipped nurseries and children's centers, featuring toys, games and activities. These children's areas are supervised by nannies and youth staff, but children must be one year old to participate without parents; children under one are welcome with parental supervision. Both ships offer a family pool area, and there is complimentary group child-sitting available in the evenings. Minimum sailing age on Cunard is six months on Alaska, Canada/New England, Caribbean, Europe, Mexico, Trans-canal and Australia/New Zealand voyages. All other voyages, including Transatlantic and Transpacific itineraries, require an age of twelve months.
Disney Cruise Line- Already well-known for being a family-friendly line, this cruise line is also among the best for infant programs. Flounder's Reef Nursery amenities include: baby swings, walkers, books, toys, games, a television and DVD area. There is also a soft play area and separate nursery with cribs. Parents should expect to carry a pager (attendants do not change diapers) and pay $6.00 per hour for the first child, and $5.00 per hour for each additional child. The minimum age to sail on Disney is 12 weeks old.
HOLLAND AMERICA- Holland America does not provide children's programs or babysitting for children under three, but a limited number of high chairs, booster seats and cribs are available to cruisers at no charge. Parents should expect to reserve these items in advance, at the time of booking. The minimum age to sail on Holland America is twelve months.
Norwegian Caribbean Line: NCL offers youth programs and group babysitting for children ages 2-12, including a 'FreeStyle Play" period where all age groups play together. Group babysitting outside of the complimentary Kid's Crew program runs $6 per child per hour, and $4 per hour for additional siblings. NCL does not have programs in place for children under age two, and no private babysitting is available. The minimum age to sail on NCL is six months.
OCEANIA- Oceania's cruises are designed for adults and do not provide care, entertainment, or supervision for children. Oceania's minimum sailing age is six months.
P&O CRUISES- P&O offers a children's program- The Reef- starting at age two. Splashers', for 2 - 4 year olds is a day program filled with activities and designed for young children. In the evening, parents can take advantage of the cruise line's supervised night nursery. Parents should be aware that this service is operated on a first-come, first-serve basis, and infants must be settled and sleeping before they leave. Minimum age to sail on P&O Cruises is twelve months.
Royal Caribbean- Designed for babies six to eighteen months, all Royal Caribbean's ships have incorporated a "Royal Babies" program into their cruises. These playgroups include activities like baby gymnastics and musical inspiration. On the newest ship, Oasis of the Seas, Royal Caribbean also provides a nursery, with child watch options day and night. Children are divided into two age groups within the nursery: Parents should expect to carry a phone, and the charge is $8 per hour, per child. Each session must be a minimum of 1 hour and a maximum of 6 hours. The minimum age to sail is six months on most itineraries, but is twelve months on all Transatlantic, Transpacific and Hawaii cruises. Some South American and other cruises are also twelve months, be sure to check age requirements for your specific cruise.
RSSC- Regent does not provide formal activities for young children on their sailings, but the line does provide in-suite babysitting services (expect to pay $25 per hour!) The minimum age to sail on Regent Seven Seas Cruises is six months.
SEABOURN- Tailored for the adult cruiser, there are no onboard facilities for kids, nor does Seabourn offer a supervised children's program. Minimum sailing age is 1 year for trans-Atlantic cruises, and World cruises. Minimum age is six months for all other sailings.
SEADREAM YACHT CLUB- SeaDream Yacht Club does not provide activities/amenities specifically for children. The minimum age to sail on a SeaDream is twelve months.
SILVERSEA - This luxury cruise line's programs are designed for adults and they do not provide care, entertainment, or supervision for children. Minimum sailing age on Silversea is six months.
UNIWORLD- Uniworld's position is that most children (specifically those under 8) do not enjoy or appreciate the river cruise experience. There are no special arrangements, activities or accommodations for children on Uniworld river cruises and tour programs. The minimum age to cruise on Uniworld is 4 years.
VIKING RIVER- Viking River Cruises does not maintain facilities or services for children due to the nature of their cruises. Minimum age to cruise on Viking River is 12 years.
WINDSTAR CRUISES- Children, especially infants and toddlers, are not encouraged aboard Windstar cruises, and the cruise line does not provide care, supervision, or entertainment of children. Minimum age to cruise on Windstar is 2 years.
CruiseCompete-Find Us On Facebook!
About the CruiseCompete Concept
CruiseCompete.com was named one of the "25 Best Value Travel Sites" on the Internet by Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine and one of the 36 Web sites that consumers "should know" when planning a vacation, according to The Washington Post.
