Cruising With Kids on Alternative Ships

Rivers have an allure all their own. Whether winding through farmlands and pastures, or cutting a bold swath through town, rivers connect directly to the heartland of a nation, revealing the soil of its cities and the charm of the countries. River trips, including steamboat, barges, and yacht cruises are alternatives for families searching for cruise vacations. No matter what vessel or itinerary you choose for your trip, the river is just as important as any port. River-watching is a time-honoured sport. The waters change with the light, the width of the channel, and the green of the banks. Like other water vacations, river cruises come in all sizes. Steamboats range from authentic midsize vessels to small reproductions, to big, brassy, modernized ships. For full pampering, you can book a deluxe vessel where sophisticated service and meals are as important as the guests.

And when you're ready to book that river cruise, make sure to book it at www.kingarthur.myttn.com first! I look forward to seeing you in the river-laden cities of the world!

Cruising With Kids on Windjammers

Windjammers follow the winds and anchor in small harbors off coastal islands. Although all vessels are equipped with modern navigation equipment and radios, windjammers are powered by the wind. You don't have to navigate, rig the masts, or swab the decks, but you can help if you want to!

Who should go on a windjammer? Don't expect the comforts of Cunard, but do expect camaraderie, a reasonably-priced vacation, and the ability to get to ports smaller than the large cruise ships can go to. Also, don't look for deck chairs, but instead just sit anywhere you find a spot, even if it's on the deck itself. It's all part of the windjammer experience. Cabins are small, and headroom is often lower than usual, but you can't expect a lot of room on normal cruise ships, either! Definitely pack light, though!

So, what is there? The allure that has drawn sailors and explorers for centuries--the feel of the salt spray, the stars at night, the thrill of being under full sail, the friendliness of being in a small group of only 25 to 40, and the allure of sailing 19th-century style.

Make sure to book your next exciting cruise vacation at www.kingarthur.myttn.com!

Cruising With Kids in Hawaii and Alaska

Hawaii

No tour of Hawaii is complete without a visit to the Big Island of Hawaii. This is the Hawaii of legendary volcanoes and landscapes of lava-striped earth. Mount Kilauea is still active and sends hot red lava streaming across roadsides. Also available on island are snorkeling, lush tropical gardens, and wonderful waterfalls.

Your children will never be bored on Maui. Kids love the snorkeling and the mountain-side cycling and the beaches while adults usually prefer the golf, spas, and scenic drives.

Oahu and its famous Waikiki Beach is not only the most populated, it's also the most popular and the most historic, complete with the U. S. S. Arizona Memorial, Submarine Memorial Park, and Bishop Museum, which showcases Hawaii's history.

Alaska

A cruise to Alaska treats you to glacial ice fields, pristine lakes, and panoramas of snow-capped mountains. Whether you hop aboard a float plane for for a bird's-eye-view of Misty Fjords National Monument, or take a raft along narrow inlets and coastal waterways, Alaska's expansive landscape impresses.

Warning, though. If your children like swimming, it would be much better to opt for a cruise that includes a heated swimming pool, as the Alaskan waters are definitely too cold for much frolicking. And make sure to bring rain gear and warm clothes, even in the summer.

Now that your Hawaiian and Alaskan interests have been piqued, let's get your family's cruise booked at www.kingarthur.myttn.com today!

Cruising With Kids in Mexico

A cruise offers families a wonderful way to sample some of Mexico's best resort towns, and in some cases, the real country beyond the resorts. A number of western Caribbean itineraries feature stops in Playa del Carmen, on the Yucatan mainland, as well as Cancun, Cozumel, and other exotic ports.

The Mexican Riviera, also known as the Gold Coast, or at least Mexico's western coastline, include resort cities such as Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, and Acapulco.

Many cruise ships sell bottled water to take on shore because the Mexican sun is so hot and often dry, and especially children need to stay hydrated. Even canned soda is better than nothing, in this case. Just skip the local ice.

I hope that was enough to whet your whistle for a great Mexican cruise with your wonderful children! Now, make sure to book that very, and most exciting, cruise at www.kingarthur.myttn.com today!

Cruising With Kids in the Caribbean

The Caribbean offers families the perfect tropical setting for a great vacation--miles of white sand beaches, coral reefs for snorkeling, a gentle climate, and warm, crystal clear waters.

Children who cruise the Caribbean with their parents also learn that all the islands are not alike. Cruising the Caribbean offers an ideal introduction to the islands because a cruise allows children and parents to sample a variety of destinations while learning about each island's unique characteristics.

So, when you're ready to cruise the exotic Caribbean with your children in tow, make sure to book that cruise at www.kingarthur.myttn.com first!

Cruising With Kids: Kids' Program Registration Forms

There should be a registration form for each child on each ship, and there usually are. If not, please ask for one. The forms shouldn't be only the usual name, age, parents' names, and room number, though. Actually, you're more than welcome to add any additional information in writing, especially if your child is too young or too shy to tell the counselors themselves.

Writing down the extra information is actually very important, because with the large number of children, the staff would likely not remember every detail of every child. Besides, the counselor you register with might not be your child's counselor during the cruise.

Here are some ideas about what to add to the kids' program registration form:

A-The names and signatures of the only adults and/or siblings who are allowed to sign your child into and out of the program

B-Food and drug allergies and preferences

C-Child's nickname, which probably most children prefer, rather than the formal full first and last, and often middle, name

D-List names of special items, such as bathroom terms and other situations. Also, if the child's teddy bear has a name, it's good to let the counselor know what the name is, so at least they know who the child is talking about, and they will likely allow the stuffed animal into the group room.

So, now that that's settled, make sure to book that cruise at www.kingarthur.myttn.com first, then register for the amazingly exciting children's programs onboard!

Cruising With Kids: Cabins, Curfews, Keys, and Freedom

One thing young children relish about a cruise is the freedom. Often, in the relatively safe environment of a ship, parents allow their kids more freedom than they have at home. Some children join and leave the activities program on their own, freely moving about the ship. While your children treasure this privilege, it can make it hard for you to find them and vice versa. First, if appropriate, give each child his or her own cabin key. Then, keep a note pad in a designated, central location in the cabin (perhaps on top of the bureau) on which each family member--parents included--specifies his or her intended shipboard location and expected return time. That way your child can simply read "in aerobics class at the gym until 3 p. m." and easily reach you, and you can find your child too. Admittedly this, like most things, may be harder to do with a teen, but that's what curfews are for.

Always establish times to be in the cabin to dress for supper, get ready for shore excursions and stops, and go to sleep. This eliminates many frantic searches and much worry.

So, when you're ready to embark for the tropical lands, or better yet when you're ready to book your fabulously exciting family cruise vacation, make sure to do that at www.kingarthur.myttn.com first.

I look forward to seeing you in the tropical beaches of the world!