With activities for all ages and a diverse mix of destinations, cruising is the ideal platform to plan a multi-generational family getaway
With the freedom and flexibility to enjoy an unrivalled choice of dining, entertainment, accommodation and activity options for all ages, Norwegian Cruise Line is a firm favourite with families looking for new, unforgettable experiences.
Norwegian Cruise Line has a range of family-friendly itineraries to choose from for your next holiday, including destinations in Europe, Alaska, Hawaii and more. If you're looking for something closer to home, Norwegian Jewel's forthcoming Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific sailing season is also not to be missed, providing an excellent opportunity to discover the local region and celebrate the festive season with the whole family during the school holidays.
Returning to local waters fresh from a bow-to-stern refurbishment in December, Norwegian Jewel's 16-Day Australia & New Zealand itinerary, departing from Sydney on 20 December 2018, sees her explore the beauty of destinations including Eden, Burnie, Napier and Auckland. Or, if an island getaway is more your speed, Norwegian Jewel's 13-Day South Pacific sailing from Sydney, departing on 5 January 2019 and taking in the sights of Noumea, the Isle of Pines, Cairns and Airlie Beach is just the cruise for you.
Looking to travel a little further afield this Christmas? Why not take in the breathtaking sights of Hawaii from on board Pride of America, the only cruise ship that sails round-trip from Honolulu year-round. With Norwegian's unique 7-day Hawaii itineraries, you can stay overnight in both Maui and Kauai as well as visiting Oahu and the Big Island of Hawaii.
"Whether it's to celebrate Christmas or New Year with the whole family, or just to escape the daily grind and re-connect during the school holidays, we're seeing a surge in families taking advantage of a holiday that can include everyone from the grandchildren to great-great-grandparents," explained Steve Odell, Senior Vice President and Managing Director Asia Pacific of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.
So why should travellers choose Norwegian for their next multigenerational cruise? Here are our top five reasons:
1. Awesome Accommodation
Experience first-hand why Norwegian Cruise Line won the 'Best Suites' award at the Cruise Critic® Australia Editors' Picks Awards for 2017. Each Norwegian Cruise Line ship offers a wide range of spacious staterooms and configurations to suit different family groups, including interior, ocean-view and balcony staterooms. For larger groups there are also mini-suites, multi-room suites and interconnecting staterooms or studio cabins for solo travellers. The Haven by Norwegian®, an exclusive sanctuary accessible by private keycard, is ideal for multi-generational groups looking to travel in style and is available on a range of Norwegian Cruise Line ships.
2. Award-winning entertainment
From a family fond of mini-golf to dance classes, water slides, race tracks and laser tag, there is no shortage of action on board Norwegian Cruise Line. Renowned for delivering some of the best, award-winning entertainment at sea, guests can choose from famed Broadway productions and musicals, acrobatic and circus shows through to comedy performances.
3. Delectable Dining
Let your inner foodie out with Norwegian Cruise Line's renowned 'freestyle' dining concept, where guests can eat wherever they want, whenever they want - choosing from up to 27 dining options, including Japanese, Italian, Texas steakhouses and more. Kids under three always eat free, with those aged 4 to 12 able to order from complimentary kids' menus at specialty dining restaurants – making family mealtimes delicious and affordable.
4. A Club for All Ages and Babysitting Services
An enduring favourite with kids and parents, the onboard Splash Academy is a complimentary program for kids aged from 6 months to 12 years, with children divided into age-based activity groups supervised by trained staff.
Teenagers, often the trickiest group to entertain, will love the cool hang out lounge, Entourage, and the option to join other teens to watch a film, shoot hoops high above the sea, play video games, tackle a rock climbing wall, race their mates on multi-level waterslides and dance to the latest tunes under the stars at the White Hot Party.
Parents and Grandparents can take advantage of group babysitting services for those aged 3 to 12, or the specialised 'nursery at sea' service for little ones between six months and two-years-old.
5. Family-friendly Shore Excursions
From an unforgettable family experience such as dog sledding in Alaska to being immersed in the crisp blue waters of the Isle of Pines in New Caledonia, there are plenty of options to create on-shore memories for the entire family, whatever your Norwegian Cruise Line itinerary.
Explore the beauty of Australia and New Zealand this summer holidays on board Norwegian Jewel, with family-friendly shore excursions including snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef, wading near the waterfalls of New Zealand's South Island or visiting The Hobbiton movie set in the North Island.
Making it even more enticing to plan your next multi-generational holiday on board Norwegian, book now and take advantage of a range of flexible Free at Sea offers including a free beverage package, specialty dining and more!
For further information on Norwegian Cruise Line visit www.ncl.com; contact us in Australia on 1300 255 200 or in New Zealand on 0800 969 283