Now that the kids are settled back in school, it’s time to look forward to spring break! Do you have plans? Are you craving a beachy getaway with your family, yet want to steer clear of the college spring breakers?
A family-friendly cruise may be the perfect answer. As Texans, we have more choices than ever this year, with several family friendly cruise lines departing from either Houston or Galveston.
This means no costly airfare to get you to your departure port.
With port stops in places like Cozumel, Belize, Montego Bay, Grand Cayman and others, Texas is a great place to affordably hop on a cruise, visit some islands, relax and smell the ocean breeze!
Never been on a cruise? Once you go, you will be hooked! They truly are fun for the whole family, but read this post for the Top 5 Reasons We Love Family Cruises.
The following cruise lines sail during spring break 2015 and depart from ports in Texas. These lines have the top kids, pre-teen and teen programs at sea. And guess what?
They are all included in the price of your cruise.
So, Mom and Dad can have some alone time too!
The following are the current rates for the spring break week of March 7-15, 2015 (if your spring break falls during a different week, I’ll be happy to send you a quote).
Rates are not guaranteed until the reservation has a deposit applied.
We have a group from DFW/Flower Mound area sailing for Spring Break 2015, so we have great rates and every stateroom will receive a $100 onboard credit for being a part of this group. My family and I will also be accompanying this group.
When – March 7-14, 2015 (7 Nights)
Where – This itinerary departs from Houston and includes 3 days at sea and port stops in Cozumel, Mexico; Belize City, Belize; and Banana Coast (Trujillo), Honduras.
Description – Norwegian Jewel has recently undergone a major refurbishment with new restaurants, bars, lounges and more. She has 16 dining options onboard (7 are complimentary, along with room service) and 14 bars and lounges. Norwegian is known for “Freestyle Cruising®”. This allows you to dine when you want, with whom you want, and proceed at your own pace. There are no required formal nights on their sailings, “resort casual” is the attire each night of the cruise, simplified tipping and a more leisurely disembarkation procedure. Norwegian offers a more relaxed, resort-style cruise with complete flexibility and non-intrusive service of the highest standard.
Kids will love that Nickelodeon is onboard with characters, Slimetime Live! and Circus School. Tweens and teens have their very own space in Entourage that they will think is way cool.
How Much – Based on a family of 4, rates start from $690 per person.* As part of our group, each stateroom will also receive a $100 onboard credit.
Royal Caribbean Navigator of the Seas
When – March 8-15, 2015 (7 nights)
Where – This itinerary departs from Galveston and includes 3 days at sea and port stops in Cozumel, Mexico; Belize City, Belize; and Roatan, Honduras.
Enjoy one-of-a-kind features like an ice-skating rink, the Royal Promenade, FlowRider surf simulater and a rock-climbing wall just for starters. On the 142,000-ton, 3,114-guest Navigator of the Seas, there’s more space for every guest, enhanced staterooms, expanded dining options and exceptional recreational facilities.
Kids will enjoy supervised programs by age groups and their own separate spaces. Shows and parades, Barbie Experience, Royal Babies and Tots Nursery, family events, and theme nights will be other family favorites.
How Much – Based on a family of 4, rates for Navigator of the Seas start from $669 per person. This rate is possible due to the current Friends and Family Sail Free promotion which ends on October 1, 2014.*
When – March 9-15, 2015 (6 Nights)
Where – This itinerary departs from Galveston and includes 2 days at sea and port stops in Costa Maya, Mexico; Cozumel, Mexico; and Progreso, Mexico
Description – Voted “Best Waterpark of the Texas Ships” by our 8 and 11 year old daughters, Magic is Carnival’s newest ship that sails from Texas (her inaugural sailing was in 2011).
Carnival Cruise Lines has become the world’s most popular cruise line, carrying more passengers than any other cruise operator. From the moment you board a Carnival “Fun Ship,” you’re treated to a seemingly endless variety of on-board dining, entertainment and activity options while enjoying friendly and attentive service that has become the company’s hallmark.
New in 2014 is Seuss at Sea. Dr. Seuss’s timeless tales are the kind kids memorize, and Seuss At Sea is the kind of vacation they’ll remember for a lifetime. Kids ages 2–5 and their families will enjoy an extra-special experience as the world of Dr. Seuss comes to life around them, featuring their favorite characters, books and other fun surprises. The fun includes a special onboard character parade, interactive story time, arts & crafts activities, character breakfast and more. Seuss At Sea truly brings some of their favorite Dr. Seuss books to life.
How Much – Based on a family of 4, rates for Carnival Magic’s 6-night spring break cruise start from $630 per person*
When – March 7-14, 2015 (7-nights)
Where – This itinerary departs from Galveston and includes 3 days at sea and port stops in Montego Bay, Jamaica; Grand Cayman Island, Grand Cayman; and Cozumel, Mexico
Description – Carnival Cruise Lines is Texas’ number one cruise line. They will add a third year-round ship in Galveston when Carnival Freedom launches a seven-day cruise schedule in February 2015, marking the first time that a cruise line has deployed three year-round ships in Texas. This is a great ship for families with small children.
Prior to its arrival in Galveston, Carnival Freedom will undergo a previously announced makeover that will add an array of innovative new features that are part of the line’s fleetwide Fun Ship 2.0 product enhancement initiative including new restaurants, entertainment, and the new Seuss at Sea program which will include a dedicated Seuss-themed play space featuring decor, colors, shapes and furniture straight out of the world of Dr. Seuss.
How Much – Based on a family of 4, rates for Carnival Freedom’s 7-night spring break cruise start from $682 per person*
So there you have it. Our top recommendations for family-friendly cruises departing from Texas ports.
Grab your families and Anchors Away!
*Keep in mind, the above “starting from” rates are the lowest rates at the time. These rates include all port charges and miscellaneous fees, but do not include gratuities. These prices are non-binding quotes and are subject to change at any time prior to payment of deposit. Prices based on availability of each category.
If you would like a personalized quote for your family’s spring break cruise, please fill out our Vacation Request Form, email me at info@CruiseTherapyTravel.com, or call 817.946.0438, and I will help you and your family sail away!
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