SingaporeMotherhood | Family Fun
February 2019
7 Family Cruises in 2019 Sure to Float Your Boat!
Find your perfect getaway for the entire family at sea with one of these seven specially curated family cruises. You’ll never want to step onto dry land again.
A cruise is the perfect getaway for families with juniors and/or seniors in tow. Think of it as a floating integrated resort that lets you visit different cities along the way. While the children are whisked into a world of adventure onboard, mums and dads can enjoy some romantic couple time. Or come together as a family to take part in as many – or as few – activities as you like, all day long. When the ship makes port, sign up for family-friendly shore excursions or do some free-and-easy exploration on your own. Alternatively, stay on the ship and enjoy more of the onboard attractions. Perhaps the best part (especially for Singaporean foodies), endless dining is included in your ticket!
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Ready to feast and float away? We’ve curated seven of the most family-friendly cruise itineraries in 2019 to get you cruising. By the way, to act as a rough guide, fares mentioned below are for a family of two adults and two children.
2 Nights Bintan Island Weekend Getaway on Genting Dream
Sail 1 Mar to 8 Nov 2019 (selected Fridays)
Forget the plain old ferry ride and sail in style instead! Dream Cruises’ quick jaunt to Bintan is perfect for low-commitment families looking to make the most of the weekends. Spend a day discovering Tanjung Pinang City, paddle around Southeast Asia’s largest man-made saltwater lagoon and meet komodo dragons at Lagoi Bay. These and other exciting shore excursions will ensure a fulfilling time away from the ship.
Play onboard The fun continues onboard the Genting Dream. Attractions include the waterslides park, rock-climbing wall, glow bowling, arcade games, and award-winning show, Sonio – A Tale of Two Dreams. Thrill-seekers will love zipping across the first-ever 35m zipline at sea hanging 18 decks above the water! Little Dreamers get to try special activities such as ballroom dancing and other educational classes, complete with graduation ceremony! More programmes for kids include the Reach for the Stars junior talent show and Little Pandas Club cooking and crafting.
Stay onboard Inclusive dining onboard the ship (as well as the Blue Lagoon restaurant) provide complimentary baby food. Over 100 connecting rooms across stateroom categories are perfect for extended families cruising together. Baby amenities and babysitting services are also available. Enjoy 20% off cruises during the March school hols. Citibank cardholders enjoy an additional $200 off per stateroom till 7 April.
How much From $1,088 (all-in promotional rate) for an Interior Stateroom
Embark from Marina Bay Cruise Centre, Singapore
More info www.dreamcruiseline.com
(See also: Genting Dream is The Newest Family-Friendly Cruise that Your Kids Will Love!)
11 Nights Southeast Asia (SG to HK) on Norwegian Jewel
Sail 4 Mar or 5 Apr 2019
On this extensive one-way Norwegian Cruise Lines itinerary, you’ll visit four countries and eight cities after leaving Singapore. Make port in Thailand (Ko Samui, Bangkok), Cambodia (Sihanoukville) and Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Da Nang, Hanoi). Along the way, family-friendly shore excursions to consider include The Ancient City Tour in Bangkok; and Water Puppet Show in Hanoi. Finally, disembark in Hong Kong for a stay in the Pearl of the Orient before flying back to Singapore.
Play onboard From dodgeball to cupcake-decorating, expect endless excitement on the Norwegian Jewel. Kids can even learn to juggle at Circus School! The Splash Academy Youth Center caters to children from six months to 12 years. 13- to 17-year-olds have the coolest parties at Entourage Teen’s Club. With the kids off having fun, parents can spend a day at Mandara Spa (or hit the casino). Late-night babysitting by Norwegian’s certified youth staff is also available from just $6 an hour.
Stay onboard With Freestyle Dining, families can eat where and when they want to. In addition, tots 0-3 years always eat for free, while kids 4-12 years can order from the complimentary kids’ menu. The Norwegian Jewel offers spacious family accommodation starting with the Family Inside Stateroom that sleeps four. Or upgrade to the Family Balcony with interconnecting rooms for extended families or the two-bedroom Family Suite Stateroom with Balcony which sleeps six. All family staterooms are located near kids’ areas and activities, which is a real plus.
How much From $6,550 for a Family Inside Stateroom
Embark from Marina Bay Cruise Centre, Singapore
More info www.ncl.com
(See also: Top 10 Family-friendly Hotels around Asia)
3 Nights KL (Port Klang) & Bintan/Malacca on Voyager of the Seas
Sail 30 Apr to 21 Jun 2019 (selected Tuesdays & Fridays)
Board what is arguably one of Royal Caribbean’s most popular cruise itineraries with Singaporeans looking for a quick getaway. The calm waters on the Straits of Malacca are a great way to introduce kids to life at sea. Take the opportunity for some waterpark thrills in A Day at Sunway when you make port in Port Klang. Then explore a different side of the UNESCO World Heritage city with Malacca City & Countryside. An alternative route takes you to the sunny island of Bintan.
Play onboard Packed with 15 decks of innovative activities and entertainment, it’s fun for the whole family on Voyager of the Seas. Catch a theatre performance or ice-skating spectacular, shop at the boulevard of duty-free boutiques or participate in the Family Scavenger Hunt! Sporty types will love the rock-climbing wall, mini golf course and the iconic FlowRider surf simulator. Or send kids three to 11 years to the Adventure Ocean activities-based programme designed by child experts. Open play sessions and playgroups for Royal Babies and Tots six to 36 months are great for parent-child bonding too.
Stay onboard A kids’ menu is available in the Main Dining Room, while family-favourite specialty dining options include the Johnny Rockets diner. Classic American burgers, fries and milkshakes, anyone? All stateroom categories on Voyager of the Seas have triple- and quadruple-sharing options. Families with older kids can also select side-by-side staterooms with an interconnecting door. Promotions include Kids Cruise Free (30 Apr to 24 May 2019) and Kids at 50% off (31 May to 24 Jun 2019, except 3 Jun).
How much From $2,706.72 (all-in early-bird rate) for an Interior Stateroom
Embark from Marina Bay Cruise Centre, Singapore
More info www.royalcaribbean.com.sg
(See also: Kitchen Not-So-Confidential: 11 Things We Learnt on a Royal Caribbean Mariner of the Seas Kitchen Tour)
7 Nights Japan Explorer (roundtrip from Kobe) on Diamond Princess
Sail 1 Jun 2019
Here’s one for all you Nipponophiles. If you’re planning a vacation in Japan, why not complete it with Princess Cruises – you won’t regret it! From Kobe, visit Kochi, Hiroshima, Matsuyama, Miyazaki (Aburatsu) and Busan (yes, tossing in South Korea for good measure!). In Busan, visit the fascinating Beomeosa Temple & Ja-Gal-Ch’i Fish Market. Afterwards, the cruise continues along the scenic Kanmon Straits on the way back to Kobe. Finally, book a post-cruise shore excursion to Osaka Temple & Sumiyoshi Shrine before transferring to Kansai International Airport.
Play onboard Launch the June school hols on the Diamond Princess, where junior cruisers will be well-entertained even while parents relax. The Discovery Kids and Teens Program offers educational fun based on popular Discovery Network TV programmes. Try Mythbusters science experiments, Animal Planet brain teasers and competitions, and more. Additional age-appropriate play and activity centres The Treehouse, The Lodge and The Beach House cater for three- to 17-year-olds. And an industry-first, Princess chefs host the Jr.CHEF@Sea Program where kids become chefs-in-training in a working shipboard kitchen!
Stay onboard Apart from special kids’ menus in the Main Dining Room, more kid-friendly dining options await, including at family-favourite Alfredo’s pizzeria. Drop by the poolside deck for complimentary soft serve ice cream and juices all day long. You can even order complimentary room service in your stateroom! Speaking of which, all Princess staterooms accommodate up to four. Families of five or more can either choose side-by-side staterooms with interconnecting doors, or a two-bedroom family suite. Regardless of category, all staterooms boast the super comfy Princess Luxury Bed, the first bed onboard any cruise line to be developed by a sleep doctor. Hence their hashtag #comebacknew!
How much From $3,802 for an Interior Stateroom
Embark from Kobe, Japan
More info www.princess.com
(See also: We Review Club Med Sahoro Hokkaido & Get a Sneak Peek of Club Med Tomamu which opens in December 2017!)
5 Nights Southeast Asia (South Palawan/Kota Kinabalu) on Genting Dream
Sail 9 Jun 2019
This June holidays, consider taking the family on this brand new itinerary from Dream Cruises. You’ll visit South Palawan (Balabac Island) in the Philippines, followed by Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, East Malaysia. This itinerary is so fresh that details on the shore excursions aren’t even published yet. But if you’re interested, we recommend you book first and find out later – it’s an exclusive one sailing only!
Play onboard What’s more, two full cruising days let you explore the extent of Genting Dream’s exciting shows and attractions. Don’t miss award-winning signature show Sonio – A Tale of Two Dreams. Then catch a live segment of China’s Got Talent and be amazed by ballroom champions in Some Like It Hot. Besides the Little Dreamers Academy and Little Pandas Club programmes, kids can look forward to a spectacular live fireworks display! And don’t forget the water park, glow bowling alley, virtual reality console at Zouk, and many more.
Stay onboard Dining goes beyond inclusive restaurants serving up kid-friendly buffets and complimentary baby food. Treat the family to an additional array of global cuisines across casual cafés and fancy diners. Then kick back in your choice of accommodation, from Interior stateroom to Palace Suite. Cruising with Bub? Request for amenities such as baby bathtub, pack ‘n’ play, folding crib, toilet seat and bottle steriliser, and pack less! Citibank cardholders who book by 7 April enjoy 40% off plus an additional $200 off per stateroom.
How much From $3,254 (all-in promotional rate) for an Interior Stateroom
Embark from Marina Bay Cruise Centre, Singapore
More info www.dreamcruiseline.com
Psst! We just found out that Genting Cruises will be at NATAS Travel 2019 from 22 to 24 Feb 2019 at Singapore EXPO Hall 6A (Booth 6H18). They’ll be showcasing attractive deals and new themed cruises − ask about the inaugural Dreamer Series and future Cruise Voluntourism campaigns!
5 Nights Spice of Southeast Asia (KL/Penang/Phuket) on Quantum of the Seas
Sail 16 Nov to 28 Dec 2019 (selected Mondays & Saturdays)
The first Quantum Class ship from Royal Caribbean starts its new Singapore season in November. Immerse in its revolutionary experience while traversing Port Klang, Penang and Phuket – and only have to unpack once! Go offshore to discover Kuala Lumpur Light and Easy, go on the Penang Round Island Tour, and be wowed by the Panoramic Tour in Phuket. Or stay onboard the ship to take advantage of all it has to offer.
Play onboard With several “first at sea” features, Quantum of the Seas is a bucket-list destination in itself. First, ascend 300 feet above sea level in the North Star for a breathtaking 360-degree view of the ocean. The breathlessness continues with the Ripcord by iFly skydiving experience. For something more grounded but no less fun, visit SeaPlex. It boasts the first-ever roller-skating rink and bumper cars on a ship, plus Xbox entertainment centre and more. The Royal Babies & Royal Tots and Adventure Ocean programmes are also available.
Stay onboard 18 specialty dining venues might tempt you from the Main Dining Room that’s complete with kids’ menu. Cuisines from around the globe include kid-friendly Jamie’s Italian and imaginative dining at Wonderland. Drop by the Bionic Bar for adult drinks and watch the robotic mixologist at work! Families can opt for the Family Connected Stateroom that’s exclusive to Quantum Class ships. It cleverly connects three stateroom types – Junior Suite, Balcony and Studio Interior – to create an ideal family space.
How much From $3037.72 (all-in early-bird rate) for an Interior Stateroom
Embark from Marina Bay Cruise Centre, Singapore
More info www.royalcaribbean.com.sg
(See also: 5 Family-Friendly Cruises with Awesome Kids’ Programmes and Activities)
11 Nights Southeast Asia with Solar Eclipse on Sapphire Princess
Sail 17 Dec 2019
This extended Princess Cruises itinerary takes you on a roundtrip from Singapore to six other cities in the region. You’ll visit Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My) in Vietnam, Sihanoukville in Cambodia, Bangkok (Laem Chabang) and Ko Samui in Thailand, and KL (Port Klang) in Malaysia. The Cai River Cruise in Nha Trang and the Ream National Park in Sihanoukville are just a couple of shore excursions that are perfect for families. Best of all, you get to celebrate Christmas at sea before experiencing an annular solar eclipse on Boxing Day night. It’ll be a holiday season your family won’t easily forget!
Play onboard Like on the Diamond Princess, the Sapphire Princess provides state-of-the-art play and activity facilities. Parents can go about their own activities knowing the kids are well-supervised and having a great time. With Discovery At SEA Programs for kids and teens based on Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet and Science Channel, it’s fun learning all day long! Then bond as a family over hilarious pool competitions, movies under the stars, original musical productions, and more.
Stay onboard Fresh from a refurbishment in March 2018, expect a relaxing stay onboard this ‘Love Boat’ – yes, the popular TV series was a Princess Cruises ship! Special kids’ menus are available at the Main Dining Room, while Trident Grill serves up yummy burgers and hotdogs. Don’t forget to enjoy lots of free ice cream at the poolside deck too. Peckish at night? Get small bites at the International Café or complimentary room service 24/7. Then fall asleep on a Princess Luxury Bed in your choice of stateroom, with interconnecting rooms and two-bedroom family suites available for larger families.
How much From $7,294 for an Interior Stateroom
Embark from Marina Bay Cruise Centre, Singapore
More info www.princess.com
Prices stated above are not inclusive of taxes, fees, port expenses or promotional rates unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to change.
Header image: Sheila Jellison on Unsplash
Feature image: Princess Cruises
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