Take the Family holiday rating
| Carbon Footprint | 0.95 tonnes CO2  |
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The perfect combo.
Long lazy days plus non-stop culture for you.
Long crazy days and non-stop ice cream for them.
Cruising is great for adults and kids but for totally different reasons.
Be honest, when you were five would you rather be wandering around a baking hot Roman ruin that resembles a few piles of broken bricks or splashing on a deck pool, checking out the 4-D cinema and going at top speed on a Formulator 1 simulator car. zooming down a water slide and going sea-shanty crazy.
The great thing is – you can do them all.
You see Pompeii while they stay on board and cause their own volcanic destruction.
Or if they do want to go to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa in the gleeful hope that it might just fall down – that’s available too.
You can take your pick from a variety of different cruise operators and ships. We’ve chosen to share some information about one of our favourites – MSC Cruises’ MSC Fantasia. MSC Fantasia is the biggest ship ever built by a European shipowner, and has fantastic facilities like MSC Yacht Club with dining under the stars, Tex Mex cuisine, exotic spa concept and virtual reality games for children!
MSC Cruises offers Mediterranean cruises all year round. Special summer 2009 fly/cruises with British Airways now available. Royal Caribbean also runs cruises throughout the year.
take the plane and then sail
With MSC Cruises Mediterranean Cruise fly from UK to Genoa/Venice airport, and you will be transferred to the port where you will board the ship. With Royal Caribbean Brilliance of the Seas Med Cruise take the family on the short flight from the UK to Barcelona. Join the ship then sit back and enjoy the ride. Or at least the ebb and flow.
MSC Mediterranean cruises from 7 to 11 nights explore either Eastern or Western Mediterranean, even going as far as the Aegean Sea. You can also choose an Ocean Voyage – a transatlantic cruise that starts or ends in the Mediterranean, sailing from/to Florida, USA or Brazil.
Many cruise ships migrate from the Caribbean in Spring, which is why your family may find themselves on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship! They're also one of our recommended options. And if you'd prefer a more 'informal' cruise then check out P&O's Ocean Village ship.
As much or as little as you and your family like. Nothing’s compulsory – well, apart from the waterslide!
Aboard MSC Fantasia total relaxation is key. Your children will be busy checking out the 4-D cinema, the Formula 1 Simulator and the Teenage Disco, whilst parents can opt for Balinese massages or Turkish baths at our state-of-the-art Aurea Spa or simply enjoy a coffee at a realistic Italian piazza.
Your whole family will love the well-designed candy shop, or have fun splashing at the deck pools! In the evening, be dazzled by international theatrical events, showcasing opera, acrobatic and dance talent. Certain ships have themed cruises such as Food & Wine, Art-at-Sea, Astral, Golf and Bridge to name a few.
Some of the highlights at MSC’s Mediterranean ports of call:
Valletta, Malta
Sail to Comino Island and snorkel in the blue waters of the Crystal Lagoon. Snorkelling gear is provided, but book early as places are limited. Alternatively, take a beach tour or visit the Marine Park, an aquatic park your children will adore.
Palma de Mallorca
At the ‘Son Amar’, you can enjoy spectacular evening entertainment, a mix of art and magic, including flying acts and the extraordinary Spanish Ballet of Carmen Mota. Not to be missed!
Istanbul, Turkey
Exotic bazaars, spice markets and jewellery beckon in this mesmerising location. Watch how carpets are made and fill your shopping bags with trinkets and souvenirs from the Grand Bazaar.
Santorini & Corfu, Greece
MSC Musica offers a very Greek itinerary, to locations like Santorini, Corfu, Athens and Mykonos. In Santorini, visit the volcano and you may have the chance to swim in warm, sulphuric waters. In Corfu, hop onto a safari jeep or a traditional Greek boat to explore what beautiful nature has to offer.
Your heart out.
It’s all included in the price. So tuck in. And you don’t have to fret about the kids leaving expensive food.
Onboard an MSC Cruise you can enjoy Italian perennials like pizza, pasta and yummy ice-cream, to speciality cuisines like Japanese sushi and Tex-Mex, you can enjoy all flavours of international cuisine, plus MSC Cruises waiters give great tips on what wine to accompany your meal. Full-board accommodation means your meals are free (speciality restaurants have a la carte prices). You can eat any time of the day, there is at least one restaurant open 24-7. MSC Yacht Club members even get English high tea served by a butler at 5pm!.
Aboard Brilliance of the Seas you will find a Champagne Bar for adults and the excellent Windjammer Café for kids with a pasta station, pizzas, loads of salads and vegetables and a generous choice of main courses. Unfortunately when Take the Family was last on board, it shut at 4.30pm and opened again at 7pm – which as we all know is prime High Tea-time. Although there’s always room service (if a little basic).
Price for 7 nights MSC Mediterranean fly cruise with British Airways, starts from £700pp, based on two adults sharing. Fly cruise price includes adult port dues and flights, full-board accommodation, entertainment, and free transfers between airport and port. Regional flights available at £50 per person.
Children under 18 sail free with MSC Cruises. For this cruise, only pay £80 children port dues £170 or £210 flight per child.
A family of 4 with 2 young children only pay from a total of £1,900. Purchase Teen Card for your kids and they can have drinks and snacks like ice-cream whenever they wish!
by Anne Vipond
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This well written guide concentrates on the ports of call and the activities available.
MSC Cruises’ 7 night Mediterranean cruises from £700*. 7 nights fly/cruise on brand new ship with free cabin upgrades More
* per person based on 2 adults sharing. Includes 7 nights full board accommodation, flights and transfers. Children only pay port dues and flights
12 nights. A vast number of facilities to guarantee family entertainment. More
* per person, 12 night cruise plus flights, food and entertainment
