If you dream of a Christmas where someone is serving you food and drink and entertaining the kids, consider taking a cruise.
Now is to the time to plan a cruise for Christmas 2007. The earlier you decide on your cruise and the earlier you book it, the larger discount you are likely to get. P&O Cruises, one of the most popular cruise lines with Australian families, is already taking bookings for Christmas 2007 on Pacific Dawn, Pacific Star and Sun Princess.
Imagine sailing the Pacific while someone else prepares the turkey, seafood and salads. The kids will see Santa arrive at sea on Christmas Day and after Christmas dinner, the crew will clear up while you relax by the pool.
Pacific Dawn, the largest liner based year-round in Australia, departs Sydney on 17th December and heads to Vanuatu and New Caledonia for a 10-night cruise. Fares start at $1469 per person in a four-berth cabin. Pacific Star departs from Brisbane on 18th December for a nine-night cruise. It also takes in Vanuatu and New Caledonia and fares start at $1319 per person in a four-berth cabin. Australia’s newest premium liner Sun Princess will cruise to New Caledonia from Sydney on 19th December for nine nights. Fares start from $2040 per person in a twin cabin with discounts for children sharing cabins.
 On all P&O ships, kids’ clubs are included in the fare. There are three levels of activities in the kids' club, aimed at three to six year olds, six to 12 years, and 13 years and up. Activities range from paintings and craft to movies and pyjama parties, team sports and video games. But cruises are not all about eating and relaxation. The ships call at fascinating ports where you can explore local cultures, snorkel in turquoise lagoons or swim off pristine beaches.
If you fancy the idea of a Northern Hemisphere destination, consider family friendly MSC Cruises. This Italian cruise line is offering fly/cruise and cruise-only prices that include all meals and entertainment on board, port charges, kids’ clubs, the Captain’s cocktail party and a gala dinner. MSC ships offer kids’ clubs with an extensive range of programs including sports tournaments, treasure hunts, pool games and dance classes. In fact, the company’s brand new flagship, MS Musica, and her soon-to-be-launched sister ship, MS Orchestra, has two dedicated children’s swimming pools and interconnecting cabins on certain itineraries.
MS Musica departs Genoa, Italy on 16th December for an 11-night cruise that takes in Italy, Greece, Egypt and Libya. On board you’ll find Christmas decorations, a traditional English Christmas feast, a visit from Father Christmas, midnight mass and a Christmas entertainment program.
MSC has other cruises during the festive season on MS Lirica, MS Armonia and MS Opera. The line is offering an early bird special of $500 off per person on all itineraries (conditions apply) and under 18s cruise free when sharing a cabin with two adults (children pay port charges).
 Imagine what the kids would say if you told them they were spending Christmas on a Disney cruise ship. Goofy and the gang will be spreading Christmas cheer on board festive season sailings on Disney Magic and Disney Wonder. A nearly three-deck-tall tree will dominate the atrium lobby on both ships. There will even be “snow” flurries and a tree-lighting ceremony. On Christmas Day Santa Goofy will bring surprises for all the kids, and the crew members will sing carols. Other activities include a family session of designing and decorating gingerbread houses, a reading of The Night Before Christmas by Mrs Claus and a traditional Christmas feast.
Even if it’s not Christmas, Disney Cruise Lines ensures all children have a great time. There are video games, animation workshops, a virtual theme park, junior detective school and Disney-themed shows. Teens have their own spaces on board, including a dance floor. A free kids’ club will keep children of all ages occupied from 9am to midnight.
If you want to stay closer to home, Coral Princess Cruises is planning a New Zealand itinerary aboard its purpose-built luxury expedition vessel, Oceanic Discoverer. Departing from Auckland, the five-night cruise allows you to explore the spectacular coastline of the North Island. You can take guided walks within nature reserves and learn more from guest lecturers. Prices for the December 2007/January 2008 itineraries start from $3150 per person twin share. Voyages depart from Auckland on 21st December. Special child rates are available.
 Also visiting New Zealand around Christmas is Holland America Line’s child-friendly MS Statendam. The ship has excellent facilities for youngsters including a great play room for littlies, a club area for children aged between eight and 12 and a funky teens-only lounge called The Loft. Aimed at 13 to 18 year olds, this leads to a teens-only sundeck with a waterfall and wading pool.
MS Statendam has departures from Sydney and Brisbane. The ship departs Brisbane on 18th December for a 16-night cruise to Auckland. Fares start from $3999 per person, and includes all meals, entertainment and activities whilst cruising.
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