The Best Thing You Can Spend on the Grandkids is Time... On a Cruise!

Discover the extraordinary value of holidaying with P&O Cruises' Pacific Sun - cruise the South Pacific on an amazing floating resort.

The latest trend in family holidays is grandparent cruising. That’s where you can connect with the grandkids spending some quality time with them and still have a great holiday yourself. The added bonus is that your popularity will also soar when they hear you are taking them on your cruise holiday!

A cruise makes a great family holiday with all the advantages of a resort including kids clubs, plenty of activities and entertainment, all your meals included plus multiple destinations.

Between March and July 2010 P&O Cruises have their ship Pacific Sun cruising from Auckland back to Auckland nine times. That means no flying and 30 minutes after arriving at Princes Wharf in Auckland, you’re on the ship and already on holiday. It couldn’t be simpler, particularly when travelling with kids.

The real beauty of a cruise holiday is that there are multiple activities available for all age groups. One could be in the kids club, another could be in an educational programme while you are in the show lounge about to win at bingo!

Beth Kingsley from Cambridge has booked a Pacific Sun cruise with Bon Voyage Cruises & Travel.  She’s excited about sharing this adventure with her granddaughter:

“I want her to experience the novelty of being on board a ship and the sights – an amazing experience for a child.  Also I know there are lots of exciting things for a child to do on board.”

Grandpa could be sunning himself poolside, Grandma at a sarong tying class, the granddaughter could be at face-painting and the grandson at a blockbuster movie. They can all meet poolside at lunchtime for the big buffet lunch. In the afternoon they can all go their own ways or do any of the huge range of activities together.

Let’s look at the activities for kids:

There is everything from arts and crafts, game tables, movies and dance parties through three separate activity programmes for all the kids from 3-17 years. Turtle Cove (ages 3 to 6), Shark Shack (ages 7 to 12) and Teen Lounge (ages 13 to 17). Youth Centres are fully supervised by a staff of experienced counsellors. Younger children are provided with toys, educational games and lots of fun activities, all under the supervision of qualified staff. There are also pagers available to facilitate communication between grandparents and staff. A full list of activities is printed each day in the children’s own daily newsletter.

Teen Lounge staff provide a variety of exciting activities for passengers aged 13-17. They have their own lounge, complete with video games, movies and music. It’s a great place to hang out and meet new friends.

View more information on cruising with children.

Accommodation:

The ensuite cabins on Pacific Sun are roomy with double or twin beds for adults and bunk beds for kids which are folded away each morning by your cabin attendant for maximum space. If there are more than four in the party a second cabin can easily be arranged (additional fares apply).

Dining:

For mealtimes ‘Your Choice Dining’ is currently available on board P&O Cruises, providing flexibility to dine whenever and wherever you wish. Children are seated with grandparents during meal times and children’s menus are always available. Breakfast and lunch can also be taken buffet style on Lido deck. Throughout the day there also snacks, pizza or ice creams available (at extra cost).  

Great cruise prices:

 
Kids 2-12 are from just $279. Adults are from just $1578 for an 8 night cruise. That fare includes all meals and entertainment. So that’s amazing value.

View Pacific Sun itineraries.

• 11 cruises; 9 from Auckland back to Auckland - no flying!

• 2 one-way Trans-Tasman quick cruises with airfare included

• 2 brand new itineraries

• AUD$300-$400 onboard credit

• Just $250 deposit per person to secure your booking

For great cruise deals and information about cruising worldwide visit www.bonvoyage.co.nz, or call our travel experts on 0800 266 869 or 09 368 6800

* Special conditions apply and limited availability

Published 9th Jul 2009

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