Vacations for New Parents & Families

There's never been a better time to experience travel with children. More and more, cruise lines and resort destinations are catering to families with small children, adding comprehensive activity programs, experienced childcare, and high-tech centers with video games and movies. If your children enjoy swimming, sports, games, movies, and the adventure of new places, they'll love a family cruise or resort vacation. Some cruise lines and resorts offer infant care as well, with trained childcare providers specializing in taking care of the little ones. All these activities will keep your children happy, while affording you some well-deserved time alone.

Great reasons to travel with kids and teens:

  • It's more affordable than ever.
  • Families can bond together.
  • Kids and teens can make new friends.
  • Arts and crafts classes stimulate their imagination.
  • Babysitting is available until the "wee hours".

Family Travel Questions & Answers

What kind of documentation does my child need to travel?
For international travel, including Mexico and the Caribbean, US citizens of all ages must show proof of citizenship via a passport or a certified copy of a birth certificate. Minors traveling outside the US without both parents must have a notarized statement from the non-accompanying parent consenting to the trip and authorizing medical treatment.
What kinds of children's activities are offered on a cruise?
Kid-friendly cruise lines such as Disney Cruise Line®, Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, and Princess Cruises offer a full range of facilities and activities. From specially-designed infant care nurseries, high-tech computer centers with video games and movie-making software, shore excursions exclusively for kids, teen disco & pizza parties, and a host of other activities. Cruises to destinations such as Alaska offer classes on endangered species, global conservation, hands-on sessions with marine mammals, and other educational opportunities.
Is it expensive to bring children on a cruise?
No! Normally children travel at specially-reduced rates when sharing accommodations with their parents. In fact, with kid-friendly menus and children's programs offered AT NO CHARGE, it's usually less expensive than leaving them at home with a babysitter!

Family-friendly Travel Suppliers


Cruise Vacations

Disney Cruise Line

The first name in family fun! Specially created programs and activities.

Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab, available from 9AM to midnight, it's hands-on fun for distinct age groups AT NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE.

Programs designed for ages 13-17, 8-12, and 3-7. Plus, an infant care program for the little cruisers under age 3 for a nominal fee at Flounder's Reef Nursery. Includes a pager so parents are just a beep away.

Disney's private island hideaway, Castaway Cay is an included port-of-call on all cruises, offering a day of beach fun and adventure for all ages.

Carnival Cruise Lines

Camp Carnival is offered on every Carnival cruise. A Toddler program for ages 2-5, Juniors 6-8, Intermediates 9-12 and Teens 13-15.

There are also family activities designed for both parents and kids alike.

In-cabin babysitting is available for a nominal fee for infants 3 months and older.

Resort Vacations

Beaches All-Inclusive Resorts

Voted the world's best family all-inclusive resorts four years in a row.

For one low price, everything is included-from gourmet meals, anytime snacks, premium brand drinks, land and water sports, luxurious accommodations, even gratuities. Parents can enjoy complete tranquility while their kids enjoy a vacation of their own.

Specially designed programs for infants, toddlers, kids and teens. Sega Dreamcast Centers at all resorts offer the latest state-of-the-art video technology. The infant care nursery includes cribs, strollers, high chairs and rocking chairs all under the watchful eyes of the Ultra Nannies who specialize in infant care. One-on-one babysitting is also available after hours for a nominal fee.

And there's a nurse on-property 24 hours a day.

Please ask your travel consultant about which Beaches Resorts offer children's programs.

Club Med All-Inclusive Resorts

Club Med Villages with Children's Clubs offer supervised programs that enthrall and engage your kids all day long!

Thrilling circus school, fascinating culture days, costume parades, live shows, in-line skating, snorkeling, pizza parties, and lots more.

You'll relax, knowing your age specific Children's Clubs-Baby Club Med (4-23 months), Petit Club Med (2-3 years), Mini Club Med (4-10 years), and Junior Club Med (11-17 years)-- are expertly run with complete safety and caring by qualified professionals. Baby Club Med and Petit Club Med are available for a nominal daily fee; Mini Club Med and Junior Club Med are available AT NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE.

Please ask your travel consultant about which Club Med Villages offer specific Children's Clubs.