Over the holidays I read an interesting column by financial guru, Scott Burns, often published in the Abilene Reporter News and Dallas Morning News. He was writing about the value of a cruise vacation, having experienced a couple with his children and grandchildren.
He said that for decades he had thought he and his wife preferred the independent, all-inclusive resort properties in Mexico and the Caribbean, and that being cooped up with a bunch of strangers on a ship did not hold any appeal. . .all that until he tried cruising!! Kids love the experience of personal freedom, the special places for kids, pools, miniature golf, outdoor movies, and the seemingly unlimited supply of pizza, ice cream, hamburgers, and soft drinks. Plus there were many venues for adults to chill out.
You would expect him to say something about the economics of cruising, and he did, indicating that it is entirely cost-competitive with a typical land vacation. When one considers the cost of a respectable resort property, rental car rates, then meals for the family, not to mention the cost of entertainment and local attractions, then cruising becomes a real positive value vacation. In addition, the 3rd and 4th persons in the room enjoy a considerable rate reduction, so family cruising becomes an affordable option.
The cruise lines are recognizing the importance of appealing to the young children in a family. Several of them are promoting their “Characters At Sea” presentation. Disney, of course, has been doing this since their cruising inception, but others are quickly following suit. Norwegian Cruise Line has partnered with Nickelodeon, so SpongeBob, Dora, Diego and Cosmo are becoming fellow cruise mates on several ships.
Six of the Royal Caribbean ships are home to DreamWorks Animation movie characters such as Shrek, Fiona, Puss In Boots and the penguins of Madagascar. When we were on the Allure of the Seas last June, these characters stole the show during the parades down the Promanade. They were also involved in the water show at the fantastic AquaTheatre and at the ice rink show. This cruise line has also launched a Barbie program, attracting girls between 4-11. This program has an extra charge, but it is an unbelievable experience with Barbie movies, fashions, dance routines, and many other activities.
Not to be outdone or left behind, Carnival Cruise Lines will get Dr. Seuss characters, breakfasts, books, movies and story-time starting in February, 2014, and across the whole fleet by 2015. They are planning many special events for the children on board including the Seuss-a-palooza Character Parade, photo opps, Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast, and character meet-and-greets.
Contact the travel counselors at The Travel Factory to help you manufacture this memorable family vacation. We are at 4150 Southwest Dr. at the Plaza at Park Central, or call at 698-1421 or toll-free 800-760-4040. Check out our web site: www.thetravelfactoryabilene.com.