Mediterranean Family Vacations Can Be a Breeze

Mediterranean Family Vacations Can Be a Breeze
The Mediterranean is a wonderful choice for a family vacation. This region delivers a tantalizing array of learning, adventure and cultural experiences suited to the interests of every member of the family. Travel logistics and cost considerations for such a trip can be particularly daunting, however. That’s why a growing number of vacationers are putting Europe on cruise control.

Cruises are one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways for families to see the Mediterranean. It's like seeing some of Europe’s favorite destinations your own floating family-friendly resort hotel. There's no carting luggage from place to place to worry about. It's also a far more reasonable option than hotel stays for families vacationing using the U.S. dollar – especially for those requiring two or more rooms.

The idyllic Mediterranean is the perfect place to introduce kids and teens to Europe. There are captivating cities to explore, ruins of ancient civilizations to discover, and gorgeous sun-drenched beaches to enjoy. Europe’s Mediterranean is a patchwork quilt of histories, art and cultures. It’s no wonder, then, that cruise lines are seeing more families with kids, teens and young adults on their summer Mediterranean itineraries.

Selecting a cruise line and ship for a European family cruise is critical, so research your vacation options wisely. Finding the right ship for a Mediterranean cruise is like shopping for a favorite pair of jeans. You have to find the right fit. It's important to take your time, do the research, and find the perfect match for you and your family.

That being said, it's important to choose a ship that works just as well for parents and grandparents as it does for kids and teens. Amenity-laden ships with a wide variety of venues, loads of entertainment and exciting attractions often work best. That's just one of the reasons why Carnival Cruise Lines' new Carnival Breeze is a top choice for family and multigenerational Mediterranean cruises.

The new Carnival Breeze is packed with dining and entertainment options for adults, kids and families. Kids and families will love participating in the cool games put on by Hasbro, The Game Show. The family fun continues with the action-packed 5-D Thrill Theater, Carnival WaterWorks with its two fast-paced slides and 300-gallon PowerDrencher, pool-front movies at Carnival’s Seaside Theatre, and the adrenaline-pumping SkyCourse at the Breeze’s SportsSquare. In the evenings, families can also enjoy themed Playlist Productions shows and family-rated Punchliner Comedy Club events together.

Carnival caters to families with programs for kids of all ages, making it a great choice for a Mediterranean cruise. Camp Carnival focuses on children ages 2 to 11 and is divided into three groups: 2-5; 6-8; and 9-11. Organized activities vary by age group and a daily detailed calendar of activities by age group is delivered to children's staterooms. Camp hours are long and vary somewhat by day, but typically last from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

When Camp Carnival’s programs end at about 10 p.m., Carnival's late night children's programs and events get underway. The Camp Carnival Night Owls parties are divided into three different age groups: Owl Jams for ages 2-11; Fun 'Til One for ages 6-8; and Fun at Sea for ages 9-11. The Night Owls program also features nightly group babysitting services. Designed to be a fun-filled slumber party at sea, Carnival's babysitting program is available from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m., allowing parents to enjoy their adults-only time. While the daily Camp Carnival programs are free, the late-night Night Owls and babysitting programs are available for a small fee.

Carnival understands teens need their own space in order to feel at home, so they’ve created private lounges for tweens and teens onboard the Breeze. Club O2 caters to older teens ages 15-17. Tweens ages 12-14 congregate at Circle C, another dedicated club-type space devoted to this age group. As part of their club activities, teens and tweens can hang out with friends and listen to music, play video games, watch a movie, enjoy dance and pool parties, participate in special events, and so much more. All events are free of charge and are supervised by dedicated directors and trained counselors who know how to make it fun, safe and cool.

While the kids are busy with their own activities, parents and grandparents have lots to do on the Carnival Breeze during their “adults only” time. It’s always fun to share the latest port stories over a drink at cool spots like the RedFrog Pub or the Library Bar, bask in the sun at the Serenity’s adults only retreat, take in an R-rated Punchliner Comedy Club production, try your hand at the Winner’s Luck Casino, or dance the night away at Liquid Nightclub with DJ IRIE-trained spin masters. There’s something for every age and interest aboard the Carnival Breeze. Both adults and kids will find themselves wanting to stay out and enjoy all that their ship has to offer.

When it comes to dining, the Carnival Breeze offers families a wide variety of options. Nightly dinners in the Breeze’s Blush and Sapphire Dining Rooms can be augmented with memorable specialty dining experiences at Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse or Cucina del Capitano. The Carnival Breeze also features a host of appealing free dining venues such as Fat Jimmy’s C-Side BBQ, the ever-popular Guy’s Burger Joint, and BlueIguana Cantina. Grab a quick bite at The Taste Bar or Bonsai Sushi, order in room service, or browse the endless selections at the Lido Marketplace – dining on this ship is a breeze as well.

Cruising is also a great way to tour the Med for families who have children with food allergies. In the land of pizza and pasta, finding gluten-free food can be tough. Carnival excels in handling this issue, making your family’s Mediterranean adventure a no-hassle vacation.

Those seeking the ultimate in relaxation will find an oasis at the Carnival Breeze’s Cloud 9 Spa. The spa offers a wide variety of massage and body treatments, therapies, facials, salon services, and other delights – all provided by well-trained staff. Staying in shape (and working off those delicious meals) is also no problem aboard the Breeze. The Cloud 9 Spa Fitness Center allows guests to enjoy spectacular sea views while working out on state-of-the-art cardio and weight machines. SportsSquare is another great spot for strength training or a quick family game of basketball. No matter how you play it, the Carnival Breeze is a slam dunk choice for a family Mediteranean cruise with kids of all ages.

If You Go:

For more information on Carnival Cruise Lines' Carnival Breeze, contact your favorite cruise travel agent or visit Carnival’s website at www.carnival.com.




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This content was written by Nancy Schretter. If you wish to use this content in any manner, you need written permission. Contact Nancy Schretter for details.