The Land

Five reasons why a high end cruise is the perfect family summer holiday

If you're looking for the perfect summer family getaway, look no further than Royal Caribbean.
If you're looking for the perfect summer family getaway, look no further than Royal Caribbean.

Advertiser content for Cruiseco and Royal Caribbean.

Remember those holidays you took when you were a kid? The ones where you had three kids stuffed in the back of a hot station wagon, asking incessantly how much further it was to the Coast? Do you remember counting cars? Playing eye-spy? How about fighting over whose go it was to play with game boy? 

Do you want to take your kids on a better holiday than you had? One that is jam packed with adventure? One where there’s never a dull moment? One where they can go off and have the experience of a lifetime while you relax on a sunny pool deck and read that new best-seller all of your friends have been telling you about?    

If this is the type of holiday you want then a cruise on a high end ocean liner is the perfect trip for you. Royal Caribbean offer a unique experience. Their affordable cruises cater for every member of the family, allowing your little ones to explore their wild side while you and your partner have the opportunity to rekindle some of that romance that first brought you together.   

Here are five reasons why a Royal Caribbean cruise is the perfect summer holiday:

You'll never hear the words "I'm bored" coming out of your children's mouths.
You'll never hear the words "I'm bored" coming out of your children's mouths.

1 – Every day is an adventure... 

If you’re looking for a once in a lifetime experience to share with your loved ones then Royal Caribbean’s state of the art cruise liners can certainly make that dream a reality. In fact, if you cruise with the company once it is unlikely the experience will remain a one off.

These aren’t just regular cruise ships with a couple of restaurants, a handful of shops and a bar. No. They’re fully equipped with enough action packed attractions to keep every member of the family entertained for hours.

If you fancy a walk on the wild side, Royal Caribbean has a 12 metre wave simulator, a rock climbing wall and an ice skating rink. It also has a sky diving simulator, sporting courts, a running track, mini-golf, table tennis facilities and an opportunity to enjoy a range of exciting shore excursions too. 

If your idea of adventure is a little more tame, you could watch the sunset from the North Star observation capsule (which rises 90 metres above sea level to provide stunning panoramic views). You could learn another language, take dance lessons, attend a cooking demonstration, learn to scrapbook or even brush up on your wine testing (so you can really appreciate that bottle of red during dinner).

The kids will have a blast too as they make new friends in the complimentary Adventure Ocean Youth Programme. There are also family challenges and a video game arcade.  

Relax with a soothing massage. Photo: Shutterstock.com
Relax with a soothing massage. Photo: Shutterstock.com

2 –  You can kick back and finally get that rest you’ve needed all year...

Remember when you were young and could have ‘me time’ whenever you wanted it? When you could spend your money on a spa treatment or a massage or a facial? Back before you had to worry about school fees or excursions or new shoes for feet that never seem to stop growing?

If you want a taste of that lifestyle again then Royal Caribbean is perfect for you. In fact, the state of the art facilities will revitalise you enough to get you through another 12 months of demanding motherhood. 

Why not indulge with a soothing massage? Rejuvenate with a facial or a full body wrap and scrub. Get your hair and nails done. Relax in the thermal suite or take a dip in the luxurious whirlpool. There are also spa treatments for men and teens on some of their cruises.   

By the end of the trip, you’ll be so tranquil you’ll barely recognise yourself. 

The food is worth the trip on its own.
The food is worth the trip on its own.

3 – The food is exquisite...

Royal Caribbean truly has some world class dining options aboard every ship in its fleet. The main dining room offers a diverse menu of family favourites which caters for every palate, while Windjammer’s market will serve you up most fabulous complimentary buffet. The ships also have specialty restaurants too. 

Chops Grille is the fleet’s signature steakhouse, offering up A-Grade cuts of meat, sea food and scrumptious desserts; Izumi will excite the taste buds with Asian delights; and – if you sail aboard Ovation of the Sea – Jamie’s Italian will introduce you to the menu of award-winning celebrity chef Jamie Oliver. However, if you’ve got fussy little eaters, Johnny Rockets will serve you up some old-fashioned American hamburgers in their 50’s style cafe.  

You can choose what time to dine too. My Time Dining, offers flexible and traditional options, which allows you to select your own dining time and table companions on a daily basis. You can choose a different time each day, so you can fit dinner around the rest of your on shore and on-board plans. Room service is also available.

Once the kids have gone to bed, unwind with a couple of drinks and catch some first class entertainment.
Once the kids have gone to bed, unwind with a couple of drinks and catch some first class entertainment.

4 – There’s never a dull moment…

Royal Caribbean has enough quality entertainment to keep the entire family busy for a month! 

Aside from the daily activities – of which there are plenty – they also have an array of original theatrical productions (the likes of which you’ve never seen before), concerts, shows, live bands, theme nights, parades and even 3D movies for the kids. 

There is also an on-board casino, the Viking Crown lounge and a night club, so you can let your hair down after the kids go to bed. If you’re bored while you’re aboard, it really is your own fault.

Every room aboard the Royal Caribbean is designed for maximum comfort.
Every room aboard the Royal Caribbean is designed for maximum comfort.

5 – The accommodation  is second to none...

Every single cabin, aboard every ship in the entire fleet has been designed with comfort in mind, be they ocean view, balcony rooms or a suite. They’re the perfect place to kick back and relax after a full day of adventuring.

Depending upon when you book, upgrades are occasionally available and booking early gives you the best possible chance of getting your ideal room. This is particularly important for families or if you’re travelling with a group and you need quad-share or interconnecting rooms.

Discover the beauty of Lifou. Photo: Paul W. Brady. Shutterstock.com
Discover the beauty of Lifou. Photo: Paul W. Brady. Shutterstock.com

6 – See the best the world has to offer…

They say life’s a journey, not a destination. Which is true. But honestly, don’t you want to leave your own backyard every once in a while?

Sail from Sydney Harbour and explore the picturesque South Pacific. Experience the beauty of Noumea,  Mystery Island and Lifou. Lose yourself in the beauty of the Isle of Pines. Or, why not visit our neighbours across the ditch in New Zealand? 

Royal Caribbean even have an 11 Day South Pacific Christmas cruise, which departs on December 18 and is sure to provide a special day that the entire family will remember for the rest of their lives.

So what are you waiting for?

For more information about all of these cruises and discounts visit: www.go.cruise.com.au.

Advertiser content for Cruiseco and Royal Caribbean.