Easy European Vacations With Kids

Europe and the Mediterranean are wonderful choices for a family cruise vacation. Family vacations here provide a tantalizing combination of learning, adventure and cultural experiences suited to the interests of every family member. Travel logistics and cost considerations for such a trip can be particularly daunting for families, however. That is why a growing number of families are putting Europe on cruise control.

Cruises are one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways for families to see the Mediterranean. It's like seeing the coastal regions of Europe from your own floating family-friendly resort hotel. In addition, it's also far more reasonable option than hotel stays for those vacationing using the U.S. dollar.

Exploring the Magical Mediterranean

The idyllic Mediterranean is the perfect place to introduce kids and teens to Europe. There are captivating cities to explore, ruins of ancient civilizations to discover, and gorgeous sun-drenched beaches to enjoy. Europe’s Mediterranean is a patchwork quilt of histories, art and cultures. It’s no wonder, then, that cruise lines are seeing more families with kids, teens and young adults on their summer Mediterranean itineraries.

A Mediterranean cruise is the ultimate field trip. History comes alive on these vacations and imaginations soar. Families can explore the remains of ancient civilizations in Athens, Ephesus and Pompeii. Greece’s captivating islands towns and sun-soaked beaches delight kids and adults of all ages. Rome, with gladiator history and narrow streets, reminds many children of a favorite theme park attraction. Stop for gelato and freshly baked pizza, and wander across the city’s piazzas and quaint bridges. Art lovers marvel at the Sistine Chapel here and the many masterpieces scattered throughout the city. Shoppers delight in browsing Rome’s boutiques and bargaining with Turkish vendors in Istanbul and Kusadasi.

There’s so much to see and do here, but it’s important to remember to pace yourselves and avoid trying to cram everything all into one trip, even if you’re traveling with young adult children. Don’t make this into a grueling sightseeing marathon – it’s important to relax and have fun. Remember, all the highlights of Europe will still be there on your next visit. Plan your shore excursions with the ages of your children in mind; comfortably see what you want to see, and then head back to your ship.

Your Floating Home At Sea

Selecting the right cruise line for a European family cruise is critical, so research your vacation options wisely. Care must be taken to find a ship that works just as well for parents as it does for the younger members of the family. Celebrity Cruises is one of the top choices for family Mediterranean cruises for exactly this reason. With their intimate feel, gracious service, and activities to suit every member of the family, Celebrity's ships have the unique ability to pamper everyone. While offering lots of activities for kids and teens, Celebrity ships are also upscale and hip enough for families with young adult children.

Celebrity caters to families with programs for kids of all ages. The younger set will find their own home-away-from-home in Celebrity’s Fun Factory and X-Club Programs for kids and teens ages 3-17. Children are divided into three age groups: Shipmates for ages 3-5; Cadets ages 6-8; and Ensigns ages 9-11. Shipmates must be completely toilet trained and diaper/pull-up free to participate in the program. Kids programs are available on port days and special times are also offered for guests on early morning Celebrity shore excursions.

Celebrity understands teens need their own space in order to feel at home, so they’ve created private lounges for the X-Club teens program onboard all their ships. Teens are divided into two groups: Junior Teens ages 12-14 and Senior Teens ages 15-17. Teen programs include sports events, cool parties, scavenger hunts, laser tag and other games, contests, karaoke, teen movies, teen’s choice activities, and other special events – all hosted by trained Teens Staff.

There are comparatively fewer children under the age of three cruising with Celebrity in Europe, but they aren't left out aboard the ships. Toddler Time programs and toy lending programs are offered for families traveling with little ones. In-stateroom babysitting is also available for children ages 12 months and older for a nominal fee with at least 24-hours notice.

Celebrity is known for its fine dining, making it an excellent choice for foodies and families with high standards for both food and service. Celebrity’s menu choices in its main dining room are outstanding and their specialty dining options are even more superb. Don’t miss the Tuscan Grille and Murano for memorable meals. Cruising is also a great way to tour the Med for families who have children with food allergies. In the land of pizza and pasta, finding gluten-free food can be tough. With proper advance notice, Celebrity Cruises excels in handling this issue. If health and wellness are top priorities for your family, book staterooms in Celebrity’s AquaClass for access to the ship’s Blu dining room (breakfast and dinner) and try out the AquaSpa Café.

Those seeking the ultimate in relaxation will find an oasis in Celebrity’s luxurious AquaSpa. The spa offers a wide variety of massage and body treatments, therapies, facials, salon services, and other delights – all provided by well-trained staff. Staying in shape (and working off those delicious meals) is also no problem aboard Celebrity ships. The fitness center allows guests to enjoy sea views while working out on state-of-the-art cardio and weight machines. Pilates, yoga and fitness classes are also available.

Multigenerational Vacations Made Easy

Cruise lines are uniquely positioned to handle large family groups because of the wide variety of activities and amenities offered, both at sea and onshore. Ships offer a tremendous value, accommodations for every budget, and a wide variety of dining options. In addition, attentive service and easy accessibility make cruises a great choice for multigenerational vacations.

Celebrity makes it easy for families to plan multigenerational vacations and family reunions and works hard so that they can enjoy their vacation together seamlessly. For those booking eight or more staterooms, Celebrity offers special benefits including:

· Exclusive perks for the group leader
· Extra amenities including exclusive cocktail parties, onboard spending credits, bottles of champagne, bed turn-down service with chocolate-dipped strawberries and more
· A Celebrity “Group Vacation Planner” working with your family’s organizer before sailing to ensure that everything is perfect. They’ll arrange for meeting spaces, dining experiences and special requests
· An onboard event coordinator to follow up and make sure that everything goes smoothly.

Plan For a Great Time

If you're considering a European family cruise - plan it together. Make sure the kids are involved and get everyone's input early in the process. It will help create buy-in and eliminate a lot of potential problems when you get on the ship.

Start by having a family get-together to focus on shared and individual interests. Do you have kids who are obsessed with history & gladiators, volcanos, pizza, gelato, art, mythology, beaches, shopping, and castles? Do you want your kids to learn about European history, languages and cultures? If so, a family cruise to the Med could be just the thing for your next vacation. Use your family's interests to drive your choice of itineraries and ports of call. Talk with a good cruise travel agent to get their suggestions.

If you have 'tweens and teens, discuss the potential pace of the cruise, organized tours, and what's important to them about the ship to get the lay of the land and see what they can handle. Match that against your expectations. Know your children and be honest about whether this type of vacation is a good match for them.

It's also important to choose your ship carefully. Finding the right ship for a Med cruise is like buying a pair of jeans. You have to find the right fit. It's important to take your time, do the research, and find the right match for you and your family.

Look for the features, amenities and strong points that are important to your family members. Exceptional food and fine dining was very important to our family. So was an upscale vacation experience with superb service and innovative ship features. That's why we chose Celebrity Cruises and I'm very glad we did. The Equinox and the Solstice ship experience exceeded my expectations. If expansive water park areas and slides are very important, a Carnival, Royal Caribbean or Disney ship may be the best fit. This is where a top cruise agent can be a great help.

It's also important to research the kids and teens programs, what they offer in the Med, and the age groups for each group within the program. Also look for robust teens programs with lots of daily and nightly activities and a club area set aside for teens. The X-Club Teen Lounge on the Celebrity Equinox was a big hit.

If You Go:

For more information on Celebrity Cruises, visit the cruise line’s website at http://www.celebritycruises.com or contact your favorite cruise travel agent. For more information on planning a family reunion or group event aboard a Celebrity ship, contact Celebrity’s Group Vacation Planners at 888-727-4907.