Why Cruises Are a Great Multi-Generational Vacation Idea

Why Cruises Are a Great

Multi-Generational Vacation Idea 

Planning vacations can be tricky–especially when trying to accommodate all your family’s interests and needs. If you’re stuck on where to head for your family vacation this year, look no further than a cruise! Cruising is the ideal multi-generational vacation for all members of your family to ensure that everyone has fun at their own pace!

Something for everyone

The best reason to go cruising with your family is the never-ending entertainment options! No matter what you and your family enjoy, you can feel confident that there is always something that each member of your family can have fun doing. While each cruise ship is different, there are some staples that most cruise lines typically offer:

●      Watch a show: Cruise lines pay to have actors, singers, and entertainers come along for the ride to perform in nightly shows. In fact, you can even check out some Broadway shows (like Mamma Mia!) on Royal Caribbean’s ships. The best part? All these shows are included in the price of your cruise fare! And they’re the perfect opportunity to have fun with the family or keep it just to the adults.

●      Have a spa day: For family members looking to relax, the spa is the perfect destination. Cruise ships offer spa treatments and packages ranging from facials to massages and more. If you don’t want to spend the extra money on a treatment, simply head into the sauna to sweat it out!

●      See a movie: Almost all ships will offer nightly movies out on the outdoor decks. It’s a great opportunity to watch a film, hear the sounds of the ocean, and gaze up at the gorgeous night sky above! Plus, you can bring any food or drinks from the buffet or casual restaurants.

●      Take a dip: If you’re going cruising, you'll have to take advantage of the pools and jacuzzies on board! Ships will have at least one pool on the lido deck featuring one or more hot tubs adjacent to the pool. Some ships will also have a second pool at the back of the ship to overlook the water. By the pool, you’ll be able to soak up the sun, grab a bite from the food stands, and rinse off in the outdoor showers at the end of the day. If your whole family wants to lounge by the pool, make sure to get there early enough to snag chairs next to each other before it gets too busy! For your more adventurous family members, some ships will even have water slides to keep the fun going all day long!

●      Take an educational class: Did you know that many cruise lines offer courses in skills such as cooking, photography, videography, languages, and lectures on a variety of topics? This is an amazing offering that every member of your family can take advantage of to learn something new while out at sea!

Freedom to explore

When on a cruise, the ship will usually make several stops (otherwise known as a port of call) at different countries/locations along the route. During these stops, you are free to head off the boat and explore the destination. Many cruises will also plan excursions for port days that you can participate in with the whole family. While you’re always able to hop off the ship on port days, you also have the freedom to stay aboard a typically less crowded ship. When a cruise ship is docked, most people get off to relax on the beach or explore the area which means the pools are less crowded and the spas usually offer a discount.

The freedom to explore or relax on port days makes cruising ideal for family members of all ages. Plus, if your family does decide to split up for the day, you can always meet back up at night for a delicious dinner on the ship and some nighttime entertainment! 

Meals for foodies and picky eaters alike

It’s not uncommon for a family to have different food preferences and dietary restrictions which can make planning meals difficult. On a cruise, you don’t have to worry about any of that! Many people say the 24/7 access to delicious food and drinks is one of the best parts of cruising, and they are not wrong! From buffets to ice cream shops to fully loaded bars, you can truly never go hungry (or thirsty) on a cruise.

Quality family time

Unlike other vacation options where you spend a lot of time on your feet, cruises are a great opportunity to really get some quality time with all your family members. You will be stuck on a boat together after all! From pool days to excursions at your stops to spa treatments and dinners, there is plenty of time to catch up with your family and have some fun together. Most vacations do not offer this level of time spent together which makes cruising the ultimate multi-generational vacation idea. 

Lisbon, The Dream Destination That Has It All

Is it on your bucket list? Why?

When most people decide to take an amazing trip to Europe, they think of visiting Athens, London, or Madrid. One of the places that seem to fly under the radar is Lisbon, Portugal. It is the perfect place for a summer trip for reasons that you likely never even knew.

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal; it has so many things to offer visitors. Here are five reasons why you need to add Lisbon to your list of dream destinations.

The Sun

When most people think of sunny European destinations, places like Athens, Rome, or Barcelona come to mind. Lisbon is the last place that people consider, although it should be the first. Lisbon averages 2,799 hours of sun a year, which makes it the sunniest European cities. The excellent beaches that are located about 30 minutes from the city center are the perfect place to enjoy this sunshine.

Lisbon's Age

Lisbon is one of the earliest capital cities in the world. It is older than more famous capitals like Rome or Paris by hundreds of years. This age is shown in its architecture, museums, and sites to see around the city. It is home to the oldest book store in the world, Bertrand, as it holds the Guinness Book record as the oldest. There is the old tram system that still runs along the cobblestone streets and the place that it holds in history during the Age of Discovery in the 15th and 16th centuries (which Lisbon is incredibly proud of).

The Food And Spirits

From the amazing port wines (which is the national drink of Portugal) to the sausages to the custard tarts, the food and beverages of Portugal are amazing. There are fantastic cafes and restaurants throughout the city that serve traditional fares and modern world-class cuisine. Step out to the open-air markets in the town for on the go street foods.

Art

Graffiti is considered to be an eyesore, but Lisbon has turned the idea of graffiti into something to be enjoyed by all. Street art is something that Lisbon has come to embrace, so much so that there are even street art tours throughout the city. There are murals scattered all over Lisbon, and one of the places visitors should go to see some amazing examples of street art is the Calcada da Gloria.

The View

Built across seven separate hills contributes to the cities stunning views and landscapes everywhere. Lisbon is a city that is just pretty to admire. View a mix of old and new from many different points in the city. There is something new to see atop every hill and corner.

Lisbon is a place that is a world-class capital that most people don't even consider visiting. It is old, artsy, modern, and steep in history. There is something for everyone in Lisbon. From the beaches to the cobblestone streets, world-class restaurants to street art murals, Lisbon is a thriving capital that seems to be one of the un-hidden gems of Europe.

Call (909) 990-1124 today to book your dream vacation. 

Interesting Fun Fact About The River Seine

The name “Seine” comes from the Latin Sequana, the Gallo-Roman goddess of the river. The Seine River is the second longest river flowing completely in France. The Seine is a 777 kilometres (483 miles) long river and is an important commercial waterway. The source of River Seine is a village named Source-Seine , 30 kilometres (19 miles) northwest of Dijon in northeastern France. Dams and locks normally keep the water level consistent, particularly in the Paris region, where the Seine’s traffic is especially heavy, in part because of tourist and other recreational vessels. The Seine is known for its romantic sightseeing boats, called “bateaux mouches,” that drift up and down the river in Paris. I’d love to help you plan your trip to Paris so be sure to pick up the phone and call me or send me an email.

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