everything on holidays
and travel with kids
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Cruise Operators
Carnival Cruises Celebrity Cruises Costa Cruise Line Cunard Line Disney Cruise Line Fred Olsen Cruises Island Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) P&O Cruises Princess Cruises Radisson Seven Seas Cruises Royal Caribbean International Thomson Cruises
Styles of Holiday Cruise Holidays Cruise Operators Island  | Island | ||
| First Choice House, London Road, Crawley, West Sussex RH10 2GH |  MAP | ||
| tel: (08707) 500 414; brochures (0870) 600 1160 | |||
Launching in March 2002, operated by First Choice and Royal Caribbean International in a £200 million joint venture, designed to compete with Airtours and Thomson in the Mediterranean. It is aiming for a totally different market from the traditional cruise lines with the emphasis on the informal. As well as cruises of seven or 14 nights there are cruise and stay options with either hotels or apartments.
Details have not yet been finalised so more detail may be added to this report at a later date. However, the first brochrue does not highlight any offer for families or children so they do not appear to be a priority.
Note that trade reports of the inaugural cruise in spring 2002 have been poor, indicating problems with showers, lavatories, food, cabin allocation, d?cor and the pool area. Travel Trade Gazette commented that, contrary to the hype, the product is not of a superior standard to Airtours or Thomson cruises.
Ships
One, of 1,700 passengers.
Where
Mediterranean.
UK Departures
No.
Style
‘A relaxed and less regimented on board cruise experience. fresher, contemporary and more upbeat approach' with a target market of couples aged between 30 and 40, expecting high demand from families during school holidays. Facilities include a Holmes Place gym and spa, holistic classes including t'ai chi, yoga, pilates and salsa dancing, and Oddbins is supplying all wine on board. There will also be a Costa coffee shop. Entertainment will include not just West End style shows but stand-up comedy, deck parties, retro nights, line dancing and adult games.
Accommodation
Details not yet released.
For Children
No details available.
Children's Facilities
No details available.
Food for Kids
Nothing specifically laid on though the lack of set meal times or set menus should make things easier.
Babysitting
No details available.
Children's Activities
There are three on board clubs offering planned and supervised activities.
Childcare Staff
No details available.
Security Measures
No details available.
Port Calls
As well as traditional coach tours there will be a range of more tailor-made options for smaller groups with excursions exclusively for children.
Sample Price
For a seven-night fly-cruise the price for the high season might be £1,069, for the first child under 12 £199, for the second £249.
© FamilyTravel 2006