Reprinted from Contra Costa Times
Q: We want to take our grandsons on an Alaskan cruise. We've already cruised with Princess. Which other lines are good for the 9 to 12 age group? -- Marion Logie, San Jose
A: Most cruise lines have on-board programs for kids ranging from toddlers to teens, usually grouped by age (9 to 11, 12 to 14, for example). Although activities tend to be similar, you should check lines' Web sites to see which ones interest your grandchildren.
Here are some examples of activities on Alaskan cruises:
1. Holland America, which has eight ships in its Alaska fleet, offers a Club HAL Tweens program for kids 8 to 12 that includes a National Park Service Junior Ranger program, scavenger hunts and disco parties.
2. Carnival which has seven-day cruises aboard the Spirit, has a talent show, T-shirt decorating and night swimming for kids 9 to 11; and dance parties, video arcade tournament and late-night movies for those 12 to 14.
Your grandsons might enjoy the Adventure Oceans program offered by
Your grandsons might enjoy the Adventure Oceans program offered by
3. Royal Caribbean, which has rock-climbing walls on all its ships, plus activities such as science experiments, maskmaking and pool parties.
4. Norwegian Cruise Line has team-building challenges, a video arcade and movies.
5. Celebrity Cruises organizes late-night pizza parties, ship tours and theme parties.
Cruise lines do not charge fees to participate in kids programs, but hourly charges apply for in-cabin baby-sitting.
