Thinking about taking the kids to the South Pacific or Europe this year? A family friendly cruise is just the ticket. Two luxury cruise lines are rolling out the red carpet for families this year with exciting programs and incentives, making cruising the perfect way to introduce your children to some of the world's most spectacular wonders.

Paul Gauguin Cruises makes Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ambassadors of the Environment Youth Program available on its widely acclaimed luxury cruise ship, the m/s Paul Gauguin. Created by Cousteau and his Ocean Futures Society, the Ambassadors of the Environment Youth Program introduces children to the unique wonders of French Polynesia. As part of the program, young guests ages 9-17 learn about Polynesian culture, journey along rainforest trails, explore coral reefs, and discover the secrets of the islands' black pearl and vanilla cultivation. To foster shared vacation memories, parents can take part in eco-adventures, excursions and activities along with their children if they'd like.

As a special incentive to encourage families to experience French Polynesia, Paul Gauguin Cruises is offering their Ambassadors of the Environment Youth Program free on select voyages when booked by April 30, 2013. This is an excellent value, as the program usually costs $299 per child. In addition, this year is an excellent time to take the kids on the m/s Paul Gauguin, since the youth program will not be offered during the summer of 2014 due to the ship's presence in Fiji, Australia and Southeast Asia at that time.

The Ambassadors of the Environment Youth Program is available free of charge on the following cruise dates and itineraries:

7-night Tahiti & the Society Islands: June 1, 8; July 6, 13, 27; August 3, 10, 2013

11-night Cook Island & Society Islands: June 15, 2013

For those families craving a European cruise experience this year, Crystal Cruises is offering a Kids Sail Free program on selected voyages from May through December, 2013. Applicable itineraries include destinations in the Mediterranean, Baltic, North Cape, British Isles and Canary Islands. The all-inclusive Crystal Cruises experience offers complimentary specialty restaurants, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, staff gratuities and more. Book by April 30, 2013 and the third person traveling in each stateroom cruises for free. Some restrictions apply and additional savings may also be available on certain itineraries.

Additional Resources:

For more information on Paul Gauguin Cruises, visit www.pgcruises.com or contact your travel agent.

For more information on Crystal Cruises, visit www.crystalcruises.com or contact your travel agent.