Now is the time to plan that overdue family vacation, so travellers should check out one of the many family cruise deals available. There are numerous cruise lines that are well known for their family friendly environment and a wealth of on-board activities that are sure to keep the entire family entertained. 

Cruise holidaymakers who have never experienced a family-themed cruise before will be pleasantly surprised at the spacious staterooms and themed dining nights. They will also be delighted in the Broadway-type musicals, talent nights, game shows, on-deck pirate parties, first-run movies, family activities and spectacular fireworks.

Other amenities that can usually be found on-board family cruise ships include things such as numerous family pools made for little ones and older ones alike. Passengers can also enjoy large LED screens that are often set up to show major sporting events and movies. Families can participate in festivities under the sun and stars, with live bands and a variety of ship characters during the special on-board celebrations. While out at sea, some cruise ships offer themed deck parties that include stunt performers and exciting mock battles at sea.

There are also numerous places to enjoy full family meals or quick treats, such as pizzerias and ice cream galleries, where passengers of all ages can indulge in delicious cones and sweet snacks of all kinds. These family themed cruise ships also cater for the parents and offer a variety of healthy snacks such as fruits, veggies and salads.

Other family themed ship amenities will often include a variety of live Broadway-style shows. These ships are normally complete with large state of the art theatres where passengers can enjoy shows of extraordinary costumes, singing and dancing, all enhanced by magical special effects.

The beautiful city of Cannes – playground of the rich and famous, and home to the Cannes International Film festival – is a beacon on the French Riviera.  Located at the head of the Mediterranean, this iconic location welcomes millions of visitors every year. The Hotel Majestic Barriere is host to musicians, artists and stars of stage and film from all over the world. The hotel offers magnificent views of the Riviera and the jetty. The U Spa Barrière is a pampering experience that makes a relaxing trip worthwhile. The hotel’s three restaurants include the famed Fouquet Cannes restaurant and the Sud Beach Restaurant.

Rooms and Facilities 

The hotel’s 265 rooms and 84 suites are complemented by two fabulous penthouse suites – the Majestic Suite and the Christian Dior Suite. Designed by Lucien Barrière and Christian Dior, the suite joins the traditional Majestic Penthouse as the hotel’s flagship residences and is usually booked months in advance of the film festival. The hotel’s rooms have an elegant white-and-pastel ambience, with contemporary French paintings and murals.

The Hotel Majestic Barriere enshrines the spirit of Cannes and the French Riviera.

Cape Town is the second largest city in South Africa, and is the most southern city on the continent of Africa.  Called the ‘Mother City’, Cape Town is located near the Cape of Good Hope, and in recent years has been increasing in popularity as a tourist destination.  

The best times to visit this famous South African city include October and November; this is when springtime, with its warmer weather, arrives.  The summer lasts from December through February, with the sun setting as late as 8:30 pm; February days in particular can be very hot.  March through to May offers cool but comfortable autumn weather.

Travellers from the UK will most likely arrive at Cape Town International Airport.  Cape Town is big enough to warrant a visitor having their own transport to fully appreciate its beauty, unless the traveller is using the services of a tour company.  Most Cape Town roads and highways are in excellent condition, and car hire can be arranged throughout the city and at the airport.
 
One of the most popular attractions in Cape Town is The Castle of Good Hope, which is the oldest building in South Africa, having being built between 1666 and 1679.  The Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens showcase beautiful flora, and are open to the public year round.  Robben Island is also open to visitors and is the prison where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, while the Rhodes Memorial is set on the slopes of Devil’s Peak and provides one of the most amazing views of the city.  The Victoria and Alfred (V & A) Waterfront is located at Cape Town Harbour beneath the slopes of beautiful Table Mountain; it is a huge entertainment and shopping complex that is popular with tourists due to the many fashionable restaurants and shops found there.  There are also countless galleries and museums to visit in the city. 

Fun activities include taking the cable car up Table Mountain and soaking in the views from the top; more adventurous visitors can also climb Table Mountain.  A drive through Simonstown and a visit to the colony of African penguins at Boulders is an excellent outing for the entire family.  Wine tours can be arranged which visit a variety of wineries in Constantia Valley and Cape Winelands. 

Cruise ships can differ widely in terms of atmosphere and the kind of experience provided, so if you are thinking about 2012 cruises, then choosing the right ship is a very important consideration.  Thinking about the following questions will help to narrow down your options and choose a vessel that gives you a perfect holiday. 

Firstly, think about the needs and interests of the people in your party.  You might be travelling with children and require a family friendly ship with plenty of activities for younger guests, or with a group of friends who are looking for a lively atmosphere with plenty of entertainment.  There are ships that cater for all kinds of parties, so look for one that matches your requirements. 

The next step is to examine the itinerary of the vessel, and the kind of activities and facilities that are on offer.  If you want an active holiday, you may like to look for a ship that has a packed schedule of adventure sports, new experiences and excursions.  On the other hand, if you just want to relax and wind down on a leisurely holiday, check for things like a good swimming pool or spa facility.  Some ships offer themed voyages based around a pursuit such as cooking, ballroom dancing or wine tasting; these can be a great way to explore an interest while you travel.  

Finally, decide on the kind of atmosphere that you are looking for.  Some cruise holidays 2012 aim to provide an elegant and sophisticated ambience, while others are more relaxed and casual.  Think about what would suit your party best and make your choice accordingly.

If you have decided that it is finally time to take your family on a cruise, then you have made a popular decision.  More and more families are discovering that they really enjoy cruise deals.

There are a number of reasons for this; one of the main ones is that a cruise offers numerous activities for children. This allows parents to keep their children busy by enrolling them in any of the activities offered by the cruise members.  Many cruise lines offer fitness and sports activities for children on a daily basis.  In addition, they have arts and crafts classes.  Your children can do so many things each day, and of course there is always the on-deck pool for the whole family to enjoy.

To book a family cruise, you’ll first need to find cruise lines that accommodate children, then decide on what time of year you want to take your holiday.  This can affect your budget, but you will also need to work around your children’s school year.

If you can possibly book well in advance, at least nine months ahead of time, you can then secure a really good family cruise rate.  In addition, many cruise lines will provide you with discount coupons to use whilst on board the cruise ship.

Because taking a cruise is becoming more of a family affair than ever before, you really do not have to worry about keeping your children occupied.  They will be safe and secure with staff members and this will allow you more time to enjoy each other’s company.

Mediterranean cruises can be a great way to explore this fascinating area and take in all the sights and culture; they are a very popular choice amongst tourists to the region.  A wide variety of routes and itineraries are available and the following tips will help you pick the one that is best for you. 

Firstly, think about how long you would like to go on holiday for.  One great advantage of the Mediterranean is that it is possible to see quite a lot in a fairly short space of time, so even a week long cruise is likely to be an exciting and interesting experience.  If you have longer to spare, there are plenty of routes that take a fortnight or even longer, which will allow you to explore further and visit more places. 

If you are only going for a short trip, you could consider something like island hopping in Greece, sailing from Cyprus to Egypt or visiting the various Italian ports.  Longer voyages could allow you to take in more countries, or even do a grand circuit of the entire region.  You should also think about how long you wish to stay at each port – do you want to spend more time at sea, or have plenty of opportunities for sightseeing and exploring on land?  Knowing how long you want to go for will allow you to focus on specific routes that fit in with your time frame, so you will then be able to consider which option would suit you best. 

When planning Mediterranean cruises, it is important to consider what you want to do on your holiday to ensure that you pick the right ship and route for your needs.  Think about whether you want to spend your time relaxing and doing some leisurely sight seeing, or whether you want an active holiday with plenty of nightlife and things to do.  You can then pick an itinerary and a ship that suit your requirements to help you have the best holiday possible.

Part of an archipelago situated in the south west Indian Ocean, Mauritius provides a carefree luxury holiday destination ideal couples, families or the single traveller. Protected by the surrounding coral reefs, the coastline has pristine white sands and crystal-clear azure-blue waters. Offshore, dolphins and turtles can be found.  The interior boasts contrasting scenery of mountains and rainforest, containing waterfalls, tropical fruit trees and exotic flowers; deer, tortoises and monkeys can also be spotted here.   

Mauritius holidays offer more than relaxing beach getaways – the popular Pereybere Beach boasts lively shopping, bars and restaurants overlooking the ocean.  With its world-class hotels and resorts, coupled with the romantic charm of the island, Mauritius is an exclusive luxury holiday destination for honeymooning couples.

Mauritius has a rich multicultural heritage, resulting from European, African and Asian influences throughout its history. Visitors are able to appreciate the diverse religious festivals by exploring the capital, Port Louis, and other towns. 

Mauritius Holiday Choices

Mauritius holidays will appeal to discerning travellers looking for adventure such as water sports, diving or deep-sea fishing, hiking, trekking on horseback or cycling.  Mauritius is the place to relax, whether on one of the island’s pristine white sandy beaches or by the hotel pool soaking up the sun with a traditional cocktail.
 
Leisure Activities Include:

•    Golf or tennis.  
•    Snorkelling the coral reefs.
•    Inland activities include zip-lining, skydiving and quad biking.
•    Spa and pamper.

Mauritius Features:

•    Market at Flacq.
•    Blue Bay glass-bottom boat.
•    International cuisine from world-class chefs.

Located in South America, Uruguay has much to recommend it as a travel destination.  Those who appreciate traditional holiday activities will enjoy Punta del Este, which might well be called the “Riviera of South America” due to its miles of beautiful beaches and party atmosphere.  This area comes alive in the summer when hordes of visitors descend to enjoy the all-night clubs and never-ending beach activities. 

Just five minutes away from the Punta del Este zone is the Casa Pueblo, where the masterpieces of Carlos Vilaro are on display.  

To continue enjoying a more artistic atmosphere, travel to the city of Montevideo to admire the art deco architecture constructed by both Spanish and Italian expatriates.  Between February and March, however, the party atmosphere arrives here as well, with people actually dancing in the streets. 

For a trip back in time, a visit to Colonia del Sacramento is recommended.  This city overlooks the famed Rio de la Plata (Silver River). Visitors should take the chance to stroll down cobblestone streets on their way to the historic lighthouse, drawbridge, and bullrings that formed much of the culture during colonial days.  The historical museum in Colonia del Sacramento brings the city’s rich past to life.

There are many reasons why people travel to the Maldives in the Indian Ocean, and relaxation is one of the most popular of them.  Visitors seeking to indulge in relaxation will often find that the need is fulfilled through the many therapies that are available.  The various spas linked with the different hotels and resorts make it easy to find the type of relaxation package suitable for you.  There are many components that make up a Maldivian spa and rejuvenation luxury holiday, and this is predominately decided by the type of therapies that you wish to try.

Maldivian therapies differ because of the type of natural and native products that are used.  Common treatments include aromatherapy sessions and spa wraps, all of which use products and ingredients native to the Maldives.  Sea salt is another component that is often used to create the natural exfoliating creams that are used during therapy sessions.  The use of fresh fruits, Indian herbs, vegetables and pure essential oils derived from the atolls is the reason why you are able to differentiate the treatment you receive from a Maldivian spa from some of the more chemically-enhanced treatments available elsewhere.

Yoga, meditation and Thai massage are other natural therapies that are used to engage the entire body.  This allows your body to thoroughly relax, while the sea breeze helps to clear your mind.  Maldives holidays allow you to enjoy this escapism so that you can return to normal life feeling recharged and ready to tackle 21st Century life head on.

Route 66, which is also known as The Will Rodgers’ Highway is in the United States, and is one of the best road trips that you will ever experience.  Starting in California, it takes you through Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri and finally to Chicago, Illinois.  Where you start and end is entirely up to you, but rest assured you will do plenty of sightseeing along the way.

Some of the most famous attractions include the Petrified Forest and the Grand Canyon.  Both of these destinations in Arizona are a must see.  Former President Abraham Lincoln was from Springfield Illinois and if you stop along Route 66 you can see his home and his final resting place.  The Meramec Caverns is near St. Louis Missouri and the locals claim that it was Jesse James hideout.  Also in Missouri is the famous Vacuum Museum where you will see the history of the world’s best cleaners. 

Texas is the Longhorn state, and if you are into strange and interesting attractions stop in at the Devil’s Rope Barbed Wire Museum.  As you leave Texas along Route 66, stop in Glenrio; sitting between Texas and the New Mexico border it is known as the forgotten ghost town.  All that is left of this small community is a deserted post office and motel. 

If you are into fast food, stop at the first McDonald’s restaurant which is located in San Bernardino, California.  Another must see attraction is the California Route 66 Museum which is literally a time machine that will transport you back to one of the most travelled highways in the United States.

Finish your trip at the Santa Monica pier where you can dine on seafood, watch the sunset and talk about the best road trip that you have ever had in your life.