Crystal Cruise with kids?
 

We always travel with our 9 and 12 year old (who are well behaved). Is Crystal cruises appropriate for their age? Are there activities for children?

Yes, they have courses on "Understanding Municipal Bonds for Kids" the first day followed by a great wine course called, "Wines I will Be Drinking in the Future". <BR><BR>They also have a terrific "Day of Polo" with a virtual simulator that all the adults want to try. <BR><BR>The last day they offer a "Golf Simulation for Kids" which features the 4 major championship courses. The 13th at Augusta is like you are really there.<BR><BR>My kids loved the cruise though they were disappointed they didn't actually get to try any of the wines that were discussed.

Seriously . . . They won't say it, but Crystal does not encourage children, except perhaps on their Alaska cruises in the summertime. Even then, there are no quads, so you'd have to get two cabins. Your kids wouldn't have anyone to hang out with, and they might feel a bit out of place. On the other had, there was a young girl on our cruise to S. America. She was the only child on board, as it took place during the school year. Apparently, the staff made a big fuss over her, so she had a great time!

We always travel with our children. Granted when we sail Crystal where only triple cabins are available, we have to purchase a second cabin. We always choose itineraries that are port intensive and during the few sea days they find plenty to do, such as paddle tennis, shuffleboard, hit golf balls, hang out at the Triden Ice Cream Bar, play chess and cards, go to the movies, watch videos in the cabin, read, order room service often, talk to the bartenders, talk to the passengers, swim, etc. As a matter of fact they do not care for structured children's programs since they cruise so often.<BR><BR>Paul

Paul...We do the same! Ours have been on numerous Seabourn and Silverseas cruises!!!! They absolutely LOVE the atmosphere..and the other passengers and crew members make such a big deal over them! Last Christmas eve, the Seabourn staff even included them in their Christmas show! This year, we are doing a SeaDream Christmas cruise with them.....and we all can't wait! Tim

When we went on a Crystal Cruise (Mediterranean) - we were actually surprised at how many children were on the cruise - it's not like there were hundreds - but there were a number, and they had activities for them and they all seemed to be having a great time. On the tours, there were always children - and the one comment I would make is that they were always extremely well behaved (sometimes more than the adults.....).

When children always travel with their parents they know how to interact with adults and can hold pretty intelligent conversations. It's when they find new friends and start showing off when we have to lay down the law (kids will be kids). Grounding for a few hours or a day will do it.<BR><BR>Paul<BR>