Family Caribbean vacations

BABIES ON BOARD
There was a time when cruise vacations were strictly for grown-ups, who would pack their sequined gowns and tuxedos and deposit the kids at grandma’s house for a week. These days, sea-borne vacations are definitely a family affair, with attractions for all ages — you’re more likely to bring grandma along than ask her to baby-sit. 

The competition has become fierce among cruise lines to offer the coolest kids’ playground (climb to the top of Captain Hook’s ship at Disney’s Oceaneer Club), the most exciting sporting activities (try the 30-foot-high rock-climbing wall or go ice skating aboard Royal Caribbean’s Voyager class ships) and the most elegant “couples only” gourmet restaurants (Mom, drop the angels off at the kids’ club and you can still step out in that strapless gown).

Carnival Cruise Lines
Carnival doesn’t call their fleet the “Fun Ships” for nothing. Adults have casinos, spas and nightclubs, while the kids’ Camp Carnival has everything from dance parties to ping-pong tournaments. New activities that debuted on the Valor and will be available on other ships in the coming months include the WaterColors art program and SeaNotes music classes. All ships have dining options to suit a child’s palate: 24-hour pizza and ice cream stations, daily junior specials and fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies. Contact: 888-CARNIVAL.

Disney Cruise Line
Nothing screams “family” louder than Disney. Both their ships are cartoon character-filled parties, with workshops and games in the Oceaneer Club (ages 3 to 7) and Oceaneer Lab (ages 8 to 12). Parents enjoy the ship with peace of mind — they’re given pagers so they can be contacted if necessary. The two teen-only areas have large-screen TVs, games and an Internet café. Grown-ups can take advantage of the Vista Spa and seminars on topics like wine tasting. Disney also offers family reunion cruises. Contact: 800-951-3532.

Royal Caribbean International
Cruising on Royal Caribbean is meant to be a fun-filled learning experience. When kids join the Adventure Ocean Youth Program (ages 3 to 17) they learn about the ports they visit, conduct science experiments and learn the physics of sailing. The Adventure Family lets the whole gang participate in games and activities. Aqua Babies and Aqua Tots, programs designed by Fisher-Price, allow parents to share learning/play time. Royal also features rock-climbing walls aboard every ship, and some have ice skating rinks and mini-golf courses. Contact: 800-398-9819.

Windjammer Barefoot Cruises
Families are guaranteed some quality face time on Windjammer’s tall ships: The longest of their five vessels is 294 feet (an average cruise ship is three times that). The line hosts summer family programs (kids must be at least 6 years old) on select ships starting May 20. Children 11 and under cruise free on these sailings and can join the Junior Jammer club. Teen Jammers (12 to 17) get to go on kayak trips and take sailing classes, and they can sleep on deck for a night or two. Group dining creates a convivial atmosphere. Contact: 800-327-2601.

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