8 reasons a cruise is the perfect family holiday

You deserve a holiday where you get to relax and have a much fun as the kids, and an Australian cruise is the perfect way to indulge everyone’s wants and needs, plus creating awesome lifelong memories.

With cruises from Sydney and Brisbane setting off to explore the likes of Great Barrier Reef, Moreton Island, Airlie Beach, Melbourne and Hobart, Carnival Cruise Line has an exciting range of cruises from three to 10 days’ duration that give family members young and old quality time to together.

If you haven’t cruised before, it’s worth noting that you’ll have countless opportunities for time alone and with your partner while the children make the most of the free kids’ clubs and spend time with the new friends they’ll inevitably make onboard.

From live theatre shows and ‘dive-in’ movies, to water parks and shore excursions, a cruise is an adventure you won’t forget in a long time.

Here are the main reasons why …

1. No housework! Holidays for parents often involve meal plans, cooking, cleaning and tidying up, planning, driving… but not on a cruise! Everyone – including mum and dad – gets a proper rest from the day-to-day.
2. Unpack once but visit multiple destinations (depending on the length of your cruise). Imagine the thrill of waking up each day in a new place, with shore excursions and adventures to be had without you having had to lift a finger!
3. Dining venues within a short walk from your accommodation. No driving, public transport or Ubers.
4. 45+ daily activities on board – you’ll never hear the words “I’m bored” on a Carnival Cruise Line cruise, and you’ll never be bored either.
5. Age-appropriate kids’ groups in the free kids’ club allows your children to have supervised fun while making new friends, and you get quality ‘me time’, or ‘we time’ with your partner.
6. Invite your extended family or friends. Because a cruise provides something for everything, it’s a terrific way to spend quality time with your entire family, from Nan and Pop, through to your cousins, nieces and nephews. Carnival Cruise Line can arrange celebration cakes for special events such as an anniversary or birthday, and the onboard Fun Shop sells food, gifts and decorations.
7. Value for money is a no-brainer. Compare to the cost of getting to the destination/s covered, add in accommodation, food and entertainment for you and the little ones, and you know you’re on to a winner.
8. Opt in or opt out! You can choose to do all onboard activities or nothing at all. Children will love the Camp Ocean kids’ club activities, which means you can make the most of ‘me time’.

Relaxing on a cruise

Adults can enjoy the peace of the Serenity Adults Only Retreat, which is included in the cost of the cruise, and boasts a hot tub, spa, beauty salon, pool and bar. For a little extra indulgence (and at an additional cost), you can book into Cloud 9 spa complete with thermal suite and Thalassotherapy pool.

Food & drinks

Whatever you fancy is on offer here! There is a large range of licenced venues, many of which serve food, including the BlueIguana Tequila Bar, the Piano Bar (where singing is encouraged), the RedFrog Rum Bar plus a choice of sports bars, so you’ll won’t be short of new places to hang out with you family and new friends. The foodies in your family are catered for with Bonsai Sushi, Masala Tiger and Mongolian Wok; there’s the Seafood Shack and JavaBlue Cafe; and a pizzeria, steak house plus frozen yoghurt bar!

Staying fit onboard your cruise

Pizza and ice cream are freely available 24 hours day, which means it’s a good idea to make use of the onboard the fitness centre and exceptional jogging track that takes you around the outside of the ship. Team these with time in the swimming pools and playing basketball, and you’ll stay in tip-top shape.

Water play on the ocean

Mini golf, deck games, water parks and slides, and pools – outdoorsy kids will be in their element, and as cruises aim to be fun for big and little kids, parents will definitely want in on the water slides too!

Be entertained

If your family enjoys watching shows together – or joining in interactive ones – you’re spoilt for choice. Playlist Productions transforms well known songs into shows; Airia showcases jaw-dropping aerial acrobatics; The Punchliner Comedy Club will have you in stitches. Add to the mix dive-in outdoor movies and everyone is happy.

Kids’ clubs

Camp Ocean (ages 2-11)

Kids aged 2 to 11 can hang out at the Camp Ocean club, which is split into supervised age-groups that create ocean-themed activities and entertainment perfect for kids. Activities range from Musical Icebergs for the littlest ones to sea-themed volleyballs for your bigger kids.

Circle C (ages 12-14)

Outdoor movies, games and dance party take place in Circle C areas around the ship. Fun-loving counsellors will ensure your young teens have a brilliant time and can’t want to go back for more.

Club 02 (ages 15-17)

Older teens are also catered to on board Carnival ships, and at Club O2 they can do what they want to – watching movies, singing at karaoke or taking part in an onboard ‘prom’.

Brought to you by Carnival Cruise Line