Cruises: Away for the Holidays, Family Cruising – Easy and Fun. 
Because quality family time counts a holiday cruise offers freedom, flexibility, and choices for all ages. The recreational activities, entertainment, relaxed dining and the ports of call make it easy for parents to share the fun and save fun for themselves as well.
Enjoy an Italian holiday celebration. Costa, Europe’s “Number One Cruise Line,” will set sail from Ft. Lauderdale for select Caribbean ports offering families a festive Italian style holiday experience. Costa’s Fortuna and Costa Atlantica will be adorned with lavish Christmas trees filled with bright twinkling lights and beautiful ornaments and all public areas will tastefully reflect the beauty of the season. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Santa Claus is scheduled for special visits, photo opportunities, and also gives each child onboard a special keepsake gift. Special holiday dinner and lunch menus are provided as well, offering guests a mix of the Italian cuisine they know and love plus traditional favorites. A special New Year’s Eve gala night gives guests an opportunity to dress up for the holiday and walk to a party.
Make it happen. Contact your favorite travel agent, call Costa Cruise lines toll-free 1-877-88COSTA (1-877-882-6782) or log on to
www.costacruises.com
Spend the Christmas Holidays in the Mediterranean. If the idea of icy roads, frigid temperatures, and chapped lips doesn't appeal to you for the holiday season, take heart I have just learned of a really cool idea or should I say “warm idea” from the vacation experts at Friendly Planet Travel. Okay, so lots of parents can figure out a Caribbean cruise with the kids during the winter holiday break. Definitely not a bad idea right, but how about a little stretch? Consider a Mediterranean cruise with the family, the kids won’t mind and the benefits are obvious. M/V Louis Majesty has six international restaurants and nine bars and lounges. Musical production shows and major cabaret acts appear in the ‘The Palace’ show lounge and passengers may try their luck at the Monte Carlo casino, dance away at the disco or toast the day in the Observatory while catching the sunset. The ship has a spacious open decks, six elevators, international library and a ‘Kid’s Corner’ useful for families. Share the cultural riches and natural beauty of the western Mediterranean embarking from Genoa.
Here’s the deal. Choose from two new cruises which sail to the best ports in the western Mediterranean and both conclude with two free bonus nights in Rome.
Make it happen. Checkout the Planet blog for more information on prices, including www.friendlyplanettravel.com or Louis Cruises, toll-free 1-877-LOUIS US (1-877-568-4787) or
www.louiscruises.com
Cruise and stay for a day. Combine an island adventure with a Florida family vacation. Short quick easy and fun, exactly what an over scheduled family needs. Discovery Cruise Line, a small Florida-based cruise company, offers round-trip sailings to Grand Bahama Island from Fort Lauderdale each day of the year. Cruises depart around 7 AM and return by 10 PM making it an ideal day adventure. Passengers may choose to complete the round-trip in one day or stay overnight on the island in a hotel or resort before returning to Florida. Popular getaway packages feature family friendly benefits for example except for the all inclusive Wyndham resort - children 12 and younger sail & stay free.
Make it happen. Discovery Cruise Line Toll-free 1-800-259-1579 or
www.discoverycruiseline.com Arrange for a “Fun Ship” holiday. 
Always festive and fun Carnival’s ships provide a unique and memorable holiday vacation venue. The size of the ship is amplified by the extra festive on-board atmosphere, elaborate decorations, traditional cuisine, entertainment, and seasonal activities. While each ship in the fleet has its own personality all will have oversized Christmas trees, wreaths and other traditional touches, along with special entertainment and programming created just to celebrate the season. A highlight of a Carnival holiday cruise is often the elaborate revue in each ship’s main show lounge evoking a “home away from home” holiday atmosphere complete with Christmas trees and decorations created by the kids from the “Camp Carnival” program. Plus you may count on a visit from Saint Nick, of course; enjoy caroling throughout the ship; watch popular holiday-themed movies such as “The Polar Express”. The obvious advantage of a New Year’s cruise – an awesome party atmosphere with a traditional countdown, complimentary noisemakers, party favors, champagne for “Fun Ship” revelers and no need to clean up in the morning.
Here’s the deal. Special discounts are available for 3rd and 4th passengers in same cabin, children, and passengers 55 or older.
Make it happen. For additional information and reservations, contact any travel agent, call toll-free 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit
www.carnival.com