Your travel specialist on: Making the most of your family cruise

Cruising is an excellent choice for family gatherings. Regardless of where you sail, cruises allow you to spend quality time together, or go off on your own and regroup at your leisure. This is an ideal gift for grandparents to give as a Christmas present, or a graduation gift.

We recommend connected suites that keep the family close together. Some cruise lines have a three bedroom connected site for up to ten people. You can get a family suite which sleeps up to six people.

Onboard activities are an important part of the experience. There is a Discovery at Sea program that brings your favorite shows to life as well as youth programs. While they are entertained at a kids only dinner, we would love to reserve you an anniversary or special occasion meal at the Chef’s Table. One cruise line has experiences like child friendly cooking classes and offers after hours babysitting services so you can spend an evening at the theater or go dancing.

You can enjoy hands on art classes and pool time, or might slip away to the Canyon Ranch Spa while the younger members of the family compete in an Xbox tournament.

We can suggest a family river cruise. There are several European cruises that are scheduled during school breaks, packing with kid friendly activities and with exclusive butler service to cater to everyone’s needs. Designed for the active traveler, we can offer you complimentary bicycles for guided tours or to explore Europe at your own pace. Adventures by Disney has paired up with Amawaterways for a family river cruises along the Danube. We are getting rave reports about this program. We have a Disney expert on staff.

One client said he would like to celebrate his 50th anniversary with his family of eight people, ranging from ages 8 to 80 and we recommended a cruise. He was delighted with our recommendation, and the family all asked, could we do this again.

One destination which is great for a family is to go to the Galapagos Islands. Go on our website www.allhorizonstvl.com and see offer M12583 to give you an idea of the 9 night itinerary. The group could also be eligible for a discount.

Antarctica is another choice, and National Geographic has teemed up with Lindblad Expeditions to offer an 11 night itinerary. Offer M.13368.

Alaska is a great choice for a family cruise, and Hawaii which goes to several different islands.

There are so many options around the world. We can fit your dream trip to your budget and make it an easy adventure for you

If you don’t want a cruise, then I would recommend Club Med., There most inclusive program is wonderful for a family. Very popular destinations are in Mexico, Ixtapa, and Cancun which are very reasonably priced. Offer 1225610 and Offer 1225611. On our website. Children under four stay free, and the baby sitting capabilities give young parents a chance to relax and enjoy time together.

We have several dude ranches we use in the Western States, and a visit to a National Park is also highly recommended.

Where do you want to go this year? You should be planning now. Family cabins get booked up very quickly. Travel like an insider. We have access to global connections which means we can do a lot for you. We know what’s in, what’s out, and what’s on.

Maureen Jones

Maureen Jones is president of All Horizons Travel at 160 Main Street. Members of her staff are experts in business travel, cruises, and all types of leisure.