Enhanced Offerings for Children and Families on Cruise Lines

During this summer, families and kids can enjoy extended activities and enhancements provided by two cruise lines, MSC Cruises and Margaritaville at Sea. These include longer operating hours at the kids’ clubs and additional family-oriented game shows.

MSC Cruises

Several favorable modifications have been introduced by MSC Cruises for parents. Firstly, they have made Doremiland accessible to the entire family during a specific timeframe each day. Parents can now spend quality time with their children in the kids’ club, and there will be a grand family celebration on each voyage.

The cruise company has also extended its services for infants and will now provide specialized baby care for children as young as six months old, departing from the previous age requirement of one year.

Additionally, two new family game shows have been included on MSC cruise ships. “World Quest,” a geographical trivia contest, and “Caravaggio,” an art-themed spy game show, offer an opportunity for kids and parents to engage together.

MSC has also elongated the operating hours at the teen club to 10am – 1pm and 3pm – midnight during sea days, and from 3pm to midnight on port days.

Following a successful trial of the Guinness World Record show on select ships, it will be expanded to additional cruise vessels.

Steve Leatham, MSC Cruises’ Global Head of Entertainment, expressed his thoughts on how the cruise line caters to families:

“Family lies at the core of our operations. We take immense joy in creating everlasting memories and vacations for everyone, particularly families. That’s why we proudly present a comprehensive family entertainment and activity program across our entire fleet, which deeply resonates with our esteemed guests. As a father of three boys, I have personally witnessed the exceptional efforts put forth by our youth team onboard, not only in entertaining children and families but also in crafting exclusive moments unparalleled to any other.”

Margaritaville at Sea

Margaritaville at Sea is also broadening its offerings for families as they introduce the Islander, their second and newest ship in the fleet.

The ship’s new family-oriented amenities will range from an all-ages lounge and arcade to a unique cornhole-meets-mini-golf challenge course.

The family-focused attractions on the vessel will encompass:

• Caribbean Amphibian Play Pad & Slide – Tailored for young children, this playground will include an elevated play area, waterslide, and splash-and-spray “lily” pad.
• Dis and Dat Activity Zone – Housing the first-ever combination of cornhole and mini-golf at sea, this novel fusion of two popular games on the outer deck will test guests’ abilities for exclusive enjoyment.
• Paradise Pickleball at Sea – Engage in the hype of the world’s fastest-growing sport with some friendly competition in the ultimate pickleball match.
• Defying Gravity Experience – A family-oriented endeavor featuring circus-themed workshops, interactive game shows, and scavenger hunts.
• Far Side of the World Arcade and Lounge – Teens can showcase their favorite karaoke tunes and dominate the arcade in this family-centric lounge area.
• 5 o’Clock Somewhere – The primary pool where the music plays endlessly and the ambiance is perfect for relaxation or grabbing a quick meal.
• Coral Reef Lounge – Inspired by an aquarium, this lounge will host mermaids and mocktails, family karaoke sessions, comedy acts, and other delights.

The ship will feature clubs for children aged three to 17. These include:

• Jolly Mon (ages 3-5)
• Parakeets Kid’s Club (ages 6-9)
• The Hang Out (ages 10-12)
• The Far Out (ages 13-17)

Karen Maybury, Vice President of Entertainment at Margaritaville at Sea, remarked:

“The newly launched Islander is packed with a diverse range of engaging and interactive activities for cruisers of all age groups to relish their sunny escapades. The fresh lineup of programs and activities tailored specifically for children, teens, and families will significantly elevate the cruising experience, forging everlasting memories for all our guests.”