TRAVEL COLUMN: Consider cruising with the family

Over the next few columns we are talking about cruising – which is the best cruise for you and why you should always use an Independent agent such as Holiday With Us and Spalding Travel to get the most from your cruise.
We can package your individual requests incorporating regional airports, overnight stopovers and lots more!
There are so many variants of cruising today unlike a few years ago when it wasn’t so affordable to families and single travellers.
Today cruising encompasses the very best in food and drink, entertainment, talks and culture.
When looking for cruises that are best for young families, there are five companies that cater for this category.
These are Royal Caribbean International, who are perhaps at the top of the list as they cover everything from water parks and kids clubs to carousels and arcades.
These ships have playgroup sessions for those with children between six and 18 months, allowing mum and dad to have a break too during the cruise.
They have the most innovative children’s clubs at sea.
The thought of children meeting Mickey and Minnie is a child’s dream come true. On Disney Cruise Line they can make all children’s dream come true in one visit!
Disney Magic will be sailing out of Dover in 2015.this ship has undergone a major refit with water slides and kids clubs providing a sense of fantasy for all the family.
Norwegian Cruise Line also has the amazing water slides and kids clubs, teaching them arts and crafts, however it also has Norwegian’s Cirque du jour, which teaches young children cool tricks such as plate spinning and juggling, while it’s partnership with Nickelodeon means they get a chance to run around with Spongebob, Squarepants and Dougie Muir! This company boasts its staff are so switched on parents never need to worry.
Southampton is far easier than travelling with children to the airport especially with young tots in tow!
P&O’s Azura, Aurora, Oceana and Ventura offer children’s clubs for youngsters from two to 17 and there are myriad activities for all ages.
The nursery is a big bonus for parents.
Carnival Cruises boasts their carnival waterworks and of course, with the partnership with Dr Seuss, they can eat green eggs and ham, his favourite dish. Camp Carnival Club is where parents can leave their children to have fun in the sun whilst parents relax by the pool.