Priceless times at sea

“Come on Grampa, I dare you.” 

This phrase was overheard while a gentleman was being harnessed into the zip line experience aboard RCCL’s Harmony of the Seas. “Grampa” looked down, grinned and away he went. 

He was an instant hero to his young grandson.

Travelling with extended family is an opportunity to create magical moments and everlasting memories for all concerned. Traditional holidays such as Christmas and Thanksgiving are usually squeezed into weekend visits and are typically full of stress and over planning. 

A true vacation away from the regular routine is when everyone’s guard comes down, the relaxation begins and the magic happens.

Family or multi-generational travel requires lots of planning and research. Dealing with varying levels of activity, ability, likes, dislikes, medical needs as well as individual budgets can make the whole process overwhelming.

Cruising can offer most families the overall perfect fit. A one size fits all getaway. Parents and grandparents get their “adult” time and the kids and teens are entertained with an action-packed array of free activities and events.

Royal Caribbean is a premier family cruise line. Founder of the Oasis and Quantum Class ship, RCCL has created a true “destination” ship experience. Over and above the world-class Broadway-style evening shows and entertainment you also can also fill your days with exciting free activities such as:

• Rock Climbing Walls – different tracks for varying levels of experience.  All equipment provided by the cruise line
• Flow Rider – onboard surf simulator. Free to try. Lessons provided for $$
• Zip Line – Oasis Class ships offer this 82-foot thrill seeker ride to anyone over 52”
• Water Slides – crazy heart-racing speeds can be reached. The Ultimate Abyss aboard the Harmony of the Seas – 216 feet and speeds of up to 9 mph
• Rip Cord iFly – skydive simulator aboard the Anthem and Ovation of the Seas

Food is never a problem aboard any of RCCL’s ships. A multitude of restaurants, cafes, buffets and ice cream parlours are available at your desire. Special attention and care is given to food allergies and intolerances at your request. 

Room categories range from inexpensive inside cabins to lavish two-storey loft suites. 

Special third and fourth passenger pricing makes sharing the cabin with young children especially affordable.  Family members with mobility issues can be accommodated in specialized accessible cabins and all common areas are wheelchair friendly.

Several RCCL sailings now offer pre-paid beverage packages which allow for an almost all-inclusive experience. The onboard drinking age is strictly enforced (21), which results in no under-age drinking issues.  Something most parents welcome.

So yes, cruising aboard one of RCCL’s “mega ships” can truly be the perfect getaway for you and your family.  Need a reason to make it happen sooner than later? 

For April, RCCL is offering “Every 3rd Night Free” on all sailings after May 1. The longer the cruise, the more you save.

Think about it. Everyone happy. Everyone together. All having their own adventures during the day and joining together at family dinner each night to share their stories. Create your own personal family magic soon.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.