Destinations
The Best Cruises For Every Family Type
Cruises get a bad rap these days. We’ve all heard the horror stories of cruises gone terribly wrong. But those cases are incredibly rare. And cruises are still a wonderful vacation option. Especially for families! But be careful when looking for the right one for you and your family, because some of them aren’t right for everyone.
That’s why we made this list breaking down the best cruise options for all family types. Read through to find the one that’s best for your family!
THE BEST CRUISE FOR FAMILIES WITH A BABY
Most cruises have a minimum age limit of six months. And let’s be honest, that’s a good thing. But even babies in that 6-12+ month range can make travel pretty complicated as you’ll be spending so much time tending to them. Especially when considering that most cruises with a kids’ area have their own age minimum of two years or older.
That’s why Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas is the absolute best option for any family looking to take a cruise with a young baby. That’s because their Royal Babies and Tots program includes beautiful nurseries that cater to babies from 6-36 months. And they have all the safety requirements and activities you (and your baby) could ask for.
You’ll be charged by the hour, with higher rates at night, and everyone that works in the nurseries have been properly certified. So you won’t be worried because you’re leaving your baby with someone inexperienced. They work in pairs, can bottle feed, and can change as many diapers as need changing.
THE BEST CRUISE FOR FAMILIES WITH YOUNG KIDS
As your children get older, the troubles of traveling with a baby disappear, and all new problems arise. Keeping your kids (and, let’s be honest, yourself) in a good mood is suddenly a very difficult task. And it can become nearly impossible to provide your kids with consistent activities to keep them occupied and happy.
So, with all that in mind, the Carnival Vista cruise is the best cruise out there for any family with kids ages 5-11. From the Dr. Seuss based entertainment to the slide-heavy waterpark to the IMAX theater to the bike and ropes courses, your kids will have plenty of things to keep them busy and having fun while you and your partner can find your own fun.
They also offer a babysitting service and plenty of nighttime entertainment geared towards adults. So you can certainly have some adult fun of your own on this great cruise.
THE BEST CRUISE FOR FAMILIES WITH TEENS
Teenagers. Sometimes it seems like there are few things more frustrating! And trying to have a fun family vacation with a few moody teens can be a downright nightmare when done wrong. But the Anthem of the Seas cruise from Royal Caribbean is a fantastic option that has clearly been catered to keep your angsty teens happy.
They have awesome activities that teens can enjoy by themselves, or you can do as a family. This list is amazing: daily scavenger hunts, karaoke nights, skydiving and surfing simulators, a rock-climbing wall, circus school (what?!), a DJ academy, multiple sports courses, and nightly outdoor movies. I mean… how much more could you possibly need?!
THE BEST CRUISE FOR FAMILIES WITH ADULT CHILDREN
It’s tough to still pull off family vacations once the kids are all grown up and have their own lives. And even if you do manage to get everyone together, it’s hard to keep anyone excited and having fun. But cruises can still be a great option in that department, and the Norwegian Escape is one of the best cruises in the world for families with adult children.
For one, your children can get their own rooms. Because – don’t kid yourself – your kid hasn’t wanted to stay in the same hotel room with you since they hit puberty. This progressive cruise even lets guests under 21 drink alcohol as long as they’re under the supervision of a parent and the parent signed a release form. That’s pretty dang cool if you ask me!
But that’s not all there is to it. This cruise also offers plenty of fun activities for anyone and everyone. They have a ropes course, a lot of awesome live shows, a casino, and even a Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville at Sea.
THE BEST CRUISE FOR FAMILY REUNIONS
Honestly, cruises are probably one of the best ideas for family reunions. They can so easily become awkward as you’re spending so much time with people that are family, sure, but technically you barely know them! So a cruise is a great way to keep things rowdy and fun and make sure the reunion isn’t a bore.
And the Carnival Triumph cruise is definitely the best cruise option for a fun family reunion. It’s cheap, which is always good, and they definitely bring a party atmosphere. There are two pool areas, plenty of good restaurants that can be included in your rate, fun options for kids, a pool with a waterslide, and some great, nightly live shows.
Destinations
Admiring California’s Super Bloom!
On average, California is gifted with a “Super Bloom” once every 10 years. Miraculously, this 2019 super bloom is the second within the last three years!
If you’re unaware, a super bloom is not some sort of apocalypse-type-flowering event. Rather, it’s the name of the phenomenon in which there is an outbreak of flowers that greatly exceeds the norm. The only chaos you’re bound to find during this naturally-occurring affair is the thousands of other locals, tourists, and travelers seeking out this nearly once-in-a-decade experience.
Colors Of The Rainbow
However, that nearly “once-in-a-decade” experience is changing. The last super bloom in Southern California took place in early 2017. Californians only had to wait a mere two years for the mesmerizing bloom to take place again. This year, an abundance of early spring rain and mountain snow have allowed these valleys to show their true colors. The cooler temperatures are also allowing the bloom to last longer than usual. Nonetheless, photographers and Instagrammers alike are capturing fields of desert dandelions, pink sand verbena, purple lupine, and vibrantly energetic poppies.
How Far Do I Have To Go?
Those located in California or travel near its borders don’t need to go far to enjoy the state-wide beauty. Traces and patches of the super bloom are visible from areas north of San Francisco all the way down to San Diego – over a 500-mile stretch. We recommend you do all your own research if you plan on making the trip of one the various parks and locations to enjoy the lovely flower but we wanted to include to give you a head start in research. If you’re near Southern California, we suggest you look into Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Desert Lily Sanctuary, Mojave Trails National Monument, & Diamond Valley Lake.
Tips To Make Every Trip Worthwhile
Additionally, we’re providing a few tips to make each planned adventure as organized and fulfilling as possible.
- Before you bother driving or hiking to these locations, consult with the Theodore Payne Wildflower Hotline. The bloom report is released every Friday.
- If possible, visit during midweek to avoid traffic congestion on weekends.
- As parking is not a given at any of these locations, be sure to pack the essentials: water, snacks, sunscreen, hats, and hiking boots.
- Cellphone coverage may be questionable. Always bring a physical map if you plan to separate yourself from your vehicle.
- Many state parks, dogs are simply not allowed on trails & in wildflower fields. You are welcome to walk them in campgrounds and on designated roads. Leashes are a must.
Destinations
Check Out The Next Generation Of Theme Parks
From Disney’s new Star Wars Land to Universal Studios Beijing, there is something for everyone in these fantasylands.
The world of theme parks is about to get really exciting in the next few years. A whole slew of awesome new parks are slated to open soon and each one has something exciting. From Disney’s new Star Wars Land to Universal Studios Beijing, there is something for everyone in these fantasylands. Let’s check out the newest crop of theme parks and see why you should be so excited.
Pandora – Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Disney is set to unveil their latest creation, Pandora; the World of Avatar is an expansion to their Animal Kingdom in Florida. This groundbreaking theme park puts visitors into the world of Avatar and sets them on the planet of Pandora. James Cameron, the director who brought us Avatar has been deeply involved in the planning and execution of the new park. Expect lush forests of bioluminescent creatures and out of this world technology.
Disney’s Star Wars Land
Disney is doing it again but this time in both Florida and California, wherein 2019 it will debut the Star Wars land. Disney purchased the Star Wars rights in 2009 for a record 4 billion dollars and has been steadily exploiting the franchise. From the concept drawings, you can tell it’s going to be massive in scale and should fully immerse fans in the Star Wars universe. I know people will start lining up for these parks early so be prepared to wait a little bit.
Paramount Park, London
The long-anticipated London theme park has gone through some setbacks but it seems on track for a 2022 opening. Expect rides from Paramount icons like Star Trek, Indiana Jones, and Iron Man. This 3 billion dollar theme park better live up its enormous hype or there will be some salty Brits.
Universal Studios Beijing
Disney recently opened up in Shanghai so of course, their bitter rival Universal Studios had to open a park in the region. So enter Universal Studios Beijing, the mega-park set to open in 2020. There are plenty of fun parks in China but none are expected to be as grand as Universal Studios Beijing. They are attempting to build a park with heart and soul, so expect something huge and grandiose.
Warner Bros. World, Abu Dhabi
Expected to rely heavily on the brands biggest stars, Looney Tunes, and DC Comics. The completely indoor theme park will open in 2018 and is expected to dominate the landscape of Abu Dhabi. The UAE (United Arab Emirates) is a little overloaded with theme parks as of recent but this one is expected to be massive.
Wanda Theme Parks
China’s richest man owns Wanda Theme Parks and his goal is to make his theme park company bigger than all others. There are ten mega-theme parks expected to open in the next 5 years in China and that sounds crazy. These theme parks will put all other Chinese parks to shame as they are investing in Hollywood franchises and other huge budget trademarks.
Expect huge things from these mega parks in the next few years as the technology and budgets just keep growing and getting bigger.
Destinations
Float Up To These Top US Swim Up Bars
Spend your vacation wet from the waist down and full of booze from the bar up.
What’s more Spring Break than drinking a stiff cocktail while floating in a swimming pool? I can’t think of anything, so why throw on your swim trunks and saddle up to the best swim up bars in the U.S. with help from us at Jetlaggin. We found the top swim up bars around the nation and wanted to tell you why they’re so awesome. Spend your vacation wet from the waist down and full of booze from the bar up.
REHAB BEACH – HARD ROCK VEGAS
Do I even need to continue with this list after we talk about the ultimate pool party? Forget a swim-up bar, this is a full-on swim up a nightclub in the middle of the day. The pool party at the Hard Rock casino in Las Vegas is so awesome I’ve stayed in on a Saturday Night in Vegas because I wanted to really enjoy Rehab. In the summer they throw this ultimate pool party every Thursday to Monday, so tie your suit tight and get ready for the time of your life.
SERENITY POOL – FOUR SEASONS MAUI
Quite the opposite experience from Rehab, Serenity Pool at the Four Seasons in Maui is a classy and sophisticated swim-up bar for the vacationer who wants some peace and quiet with their Pina Colada. Lucky for you, there are three different swim-up bars in three completely different pools at the Four Seasons, so if you want to party, just head over to the Adult’s Only pool.
MUD HUT SWIM-UP BAR – KALAHARI WISCONSIN DELLS
Maybe you can’t make it to the coasts, fear not my friend, and check out the Mud Hut bar in the Kalahari resorts at the wonderful Wisconsin Dells. Imagine a swim-up bar and insane water slides mixed together, yes, it is heaven. This place has it all and it’s half indoors so even when the weather is bad, you can enjoy a stiff cocktail then head down a badass waterslide. Checkmate, sorry Maui, you lose to Wisconsin again.
HOTEL BLUE – MYRTLE BEACH
Myrtle Beach is what happens when NASCAR heads to the beach so expect plenty of cutoff jeans shorts, Lynyrd Skynyrd T-Shirts, and Budweiser being slung at this hotel pool bar, but it’s a great time. These country folk knows how to get down and if the adults only pool is a rocking please do come a-knocking, you won’t regret it.
AMA BAR – THE FAIRMONT KEA LANI MAUI
This is the fancy swim up bar we all have fantasized about but never really thought was possible. This hotel is a real fancy joint so expect an upper-class type of clientele so no beer bongs dudes.
DIP AQUA BAR – NEW YORK
New York City’s only swim-up bar is obviously a hot spot, there’s only one. The Room Mate Grace in Times Square has an indoor pool that is open 24/7 but the bar is only open from 10 am to 8 pm. They host a very popular gay night on Wednesday and there is a cover charge every day of the week.
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