I think you will find a pack of kids on board. In the northeast US many public schools do not start until after Labor Day, and most camps end mid-August - so parents often find the same weeks you have selected as optimal vacation time. Same area of country, many private schools start even later.

I also think that moving the trip is a good idea, for that mix of families/ages your kids will enjoy. Hope the trip is a good one for all of you.

From my experience on Holland America cruises, children are definitely few and far between on on longer cruises exploring ports away from North America. Definitely the ages tend to be older, but it sounds as if your kids are self-motivated and you and your husband are hands-on parents. Their teachers will provide your kids with "independent study" contracts if given advance notice. As a teacher I also had my students keep a travel journal each day. Enjoy whatever you decide!

Laura,
I have been both the kid and mom on international travel like this over my lifetime. My mom was also a teacher and had no difficulty taking us out of school for the same reason that you cited. She did an enormous amount of research on all places and her spirit moved us to get involved. My siblings and I often were on tours with much older people (often retired teachers when my parents explored areas which they did not feel as comfortable navigating alone so opted for teacher tours) and we loved the other adults as much as we loved playing with kids when we had the chance.

My kids have been in school and homeschooled themselves and we have traveled internationally offseason and had the same experience. Europeans have varying schedules, so although HAL may not have alot of kids, the European hosts in ports, etc, expect to have other Europeans traveling year-round. They are much more mobile than we are.

Finally, 10 days without other kids (worse case scenario0 won't kill them.Even if there are only 2 hours/day of child activities and yours are the only kids, that gives you and your husband time to yourselves and the rest of the time you all will experience the adventures together.

Just enjoy yourselves, bring a few small favorite games, and be happy that you have this opportunity to be an adventurous family.

Children at that age and at that time should be at school and not on a cruise ship. Besides they would feel out of place after a few days and extremely bored. Look for another vacation spot where children can enjoy themselves with their peers. At age 16 they will enjoy such a cruise and overseas trip much more. So wait !

Well Marlin1, I would totally disagree with you. The earlier on that children are expsoed to different clutures and travelling, the better it is for their interlectual growth.

There is an old Chinese saying that said soemthing to the effect that "Walk (travel) 10,000 miles is better than to read 10,000 books", very much like "a picture is worth a thousand words". And when you tarvel, you see things and they will stay wit hthem for a life time.

In my mind, it is never too early to travel. (okay, maybe not before 2 years old)

<<but I don't want to spend my time on board with people in their 70s and 80s!>>

Why not? Some in the age group can be very interesting and charming travel companions. You might even learn a thing or two.

I bristle everytime I hear that sort of comment on this forum. Sometimes I respond, sometimes not. Today it was necessary for my blood pressure!

My husband and I just returned from a Transatlantic with Holland America. We are both in our late 50's. A large percentage of passengers are older than us but we met many folks our age. we had a great time. As far as children, we saw only 3.

As a retired school teacher I totally support children seeing other cultures and other ways of life whenever it's possible. The missed classes can so easily made up, and some assignments can be given to the children to complete during the cruise. Eschew's quote is exactly what I was thinking when I read the original question. What an opportunity for your family. Have a wonderful time!!

Hi again,
Thank you for all the supportive comments. We found out yesterday that my husband will be able to take three weeks off the middle of April next year. We have just made our reservations for an 11 night Med. Cruise which coincides (somewhat) with Spring Break. Our kids will only miss 6 days of school, but their principal said if they needed to miss two weeks or more it would be worth it. They will be completing some school work on the cruise as well as journal/scrap book projects. Our plan is to arrive in Rome three days early so we can rest a little and see a few sights on our time. I am very excited, but I would not even consider taking my children out of school for a vacation if they were not excellent students with above average abilities.

I am glad that things just worked out for you. From what I have heard, April is not too bad a time for Med cruise. It is early in the year and hoepfully, it should not be too crowded.

I am delighted that it has worked out so well for you and the family. We cruised the Med. in spring of '06 for out 40th anniversary, and the weather was perfect. Wishing you a sincere bon voyage 4 months early.