Why cruising is a great value holiday for Aussie families
Cruising was once the domain of fun-loving singles and retirees but families are increasingly opting for a holiday on the high seas — and cruise companies are working hard to attract them.
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Cruising was once the domain of fun-loving singles and retirees but families are increasingly opting for a holiday on the high seas — and cruise companies are working hard to attract them.
On the Carnival ships that sail from Australia — Spirit and Legend — families make up 50 per cent of guests. Carnival Australia vice-president Jennifer Vandekreeke says the family market has grown every year despite some people saying cruising was not for families when the company first came to Australia in 2012.
“We really keep families at the heart of everything we do on board,” she says.
Carnival, P&O Cruises and Royal Caribbean dominate the local family cruise market — all offering great value for money from about $100 a day all-inclusive.
They all cater to multi-generational family groups, making a cruise an effortless holiday.
P&O Cruises and Cunard sales and marketing vice-president Ryan Taibel says multi-generational families are “really picking up on the idea of travelling together”.
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He says the family market will continue to grow through single parent families who see the value of a cruise holiday for the ease of travel, an opportunity for downtime and quality time with their children.
BW Magazine takes a look at why cruising is so popular with Australian families.
FAMILY FUN
The old adage that happy kids make for happy parents is never truer than on a cruise — and never easier.
Family-friendly cruises offer a range of activities kids can do with parents or without.
While all have dedicated kids’ clubs, cruise lines compete on the added extras.
Carnival’s Spirit and Legend have the steepest and fastest waterslide at sea, along with an arts and crafts program and collaborations with Hasbro games and Dr Seuss.
Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas offers an indoor play space including bumper cars,
ice-skating and a trapeze school, flying simulator and rock climbing wall. P&O claims the longest waterslides on an Australian cruise ship and an interactive water park.
MAKING YOUR MONEY COUNT
It would be difficult to holiday for less than $100 a day on land — once you factor in airfares, accommodation, transport, entertainment and food — but it’s entirely possible on a cruise.
And once you pay upfront, the all-inclusive factor means you don’t need to put your hand in your pocket again, unless you want to indulge in a little shopping or a few drinks at the bar.
“I would challenge any family to find flights, hotels, food and transport on land for what you can get on a cruise,” P&O’s Ryan Taibel says.
ME TIME
While families are at the heart of the Carnival experience — and even outside school holidays there will be about 450 children on board — there are plenty of opportunities for parents to spend time away from their children.
Kids’ club means parents can grab some quiet time at the adults-only pool lounge, Serenity, and there are also late night shows and piano bar singalongs aimed at adults.
And of course, there are hundreds of spots where you can curl up with a good book.
“You have the comfort of knowing your kids are being cared for while you grab some quiet time,” Carnival’s Jennifer Vandekreeke says.
SHOWS WITH SPARKLE
Carnival Spirit alone has about 50 entertainers from around the world, proving that keeping guests entertained is serious business.
Carnival’s Jennifer Vandekreeke says entertainment such as the popular musical numbers Epic Rock and ’80s Pop To The Max are just one way children and adults can enjoy time together.
The ship also presents the Hasbro Game Show, where children are selected from the audience to participate. And the whole family can get into trivia, bingo and karaoke.
Large-scale productions on Royal Caribbean ships include musicals Grease, Mamma Mia and Hairspray. All shows and entertainment are included in the cost of your passage.
TAKE THE CREW
Travelling together with two or even three generations of your family is one of the fastest growing travel trends. And the wide range of food, entertainment and port options available on a cruise make a holiday at sea a great option for this market.
“About half of our guests are made up of larger groups, which average about eight people,” P&O’s Ryan Taibel says.
“And many of these are multi-generational. That’s because cruises really do offer something for everyone — that’s not just a line.
“So while mum and dad relax by the pool, the kids can be meeting friends at kids’ club and the grandparents are playing bingo or reading in a lounge.
“Generally the families come together for meals.”
YUMMY YUMMY!
Cruises are known for their never-ending buffets.
The prospect of having so many food options available will win over even the fussiest eaters. Carnival prides itself on keeping young palettes happy with family-friendly fare offered through Guy’s Burger Joint, Bonsai Sushi, Blue Iguana Mexican Cantina, Pirate Pizza and more. Royal Caribbean has family favourites Johnny Rockets, Fish & Chips and Sorrento’s Pizza.
SHORE THING
While most people focus on features on-board when booking a cruise, Carnival’s Jennifer Vandekreeke says people rate their holiday 20 per cent higher with a shore excursion.
Whether it’s snorkelling in crystal blue waters, meeting locals or taking part in cultural events, Carnival destination director Mike Mihajlov says the cruise line aims to provide meaningful and authentic experiences in the ports it stops at.