Cruise: Setting Sail for Fun—What’s New for Family Cruises

Recommend Standard Image TemplateSetting Sail for Fun—What’s New for Family CruisesBy Lydia GregoryWhether your clients are seasoned cruisers or just considering taking the plunge, cruise lines are stepping up their game with a slew of new amenities and activities designed to delight across generations.Disney’s Heroes and VillainsDisney Cruise Line has announced an array of exciting developments aboard the 4,000-passenger Disney Destiny, slated to set sail in November 2025 from Port Everglades. This “heroes and villains”- inspired ship draws from Disney, Pixar and Marvel characters to create a variety of themed venues and entertainment. The Grand Hall, for example, takes inspiration from “Black Panther,” while an “entertainment parlor” channels “Doctor Strange.” Marvel fans will love the “Iron Man”-themed tower suite, and foodies of all ages can look forward to dining experiences (because calling them “restaurants” would be too pedestrian) inspired by “The Lion King,” “Hercules” and more. And don’t discount the villains. Cruella de Vil, Hades, Maleficent, Captain Hook and other baddies feature in themed piano lounges, pubs and even haunted parlors. The ship is also introducing a new storyline to AquaMouse—its 760-ft.-long water ride—where Mickey and Minnie fend off villains in fun animated shorts.NCL’s ThrillsNorwegian Cruise Line is making a splash with its 3,571-passenger Norwegian Aqua, the first of its Prima Plus Class vessels, set to debut in 2025. This innovative ship introduces the world’s first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide, the Aqua Slidecoaster, guaranteed to thrill both kids and the young at heart. More fun awaits at the Glow Court, a digital sports complex with an interactive LED floor, which transforms into a nightclub after dark. Adrenaline junkies can brave The Drop, a 10-story free-fall slide, while gamers will find their paradise in the expanded space called The Stadium. Families will appreciate the brand’s first-ever 3-bedroom Duplex Haven Suites in the expanded “ship within a ship” complex, The Haven by Norwegian. This exclusive area boasts its own public spaces with sea views, 24-hour butler service and a dedicated concierge team.Carnival’s Bahamian ParadiseThe latest from Carnival Cruise Line—three new nearly 8,000-passenger LNG-powered ships on the drawing board for 2029, 2031 and 2033—is aimed at putting it over the top in fun guest experiences and technological advances. In the meantime, the brand is at work creating a new playground destination on Grand Bahama Island. Opening in summer 2025, Celebration Key will span 65 acres and feature five distinct “portals”: Paradise Plaza, Calypso Lagoon, Starfish Lagoon, the adults-only Private Club Portal and Lokono Cove. This tropical haven will offer white-sand beaches, restaurants and shops with Bahamian flair, freshwater lagoons, tours, music, sports and endless entertainment options both on land and in the water.Explora Journeys’ Luxury for Multi-gen GroupsExplora Journeys is redefining luxury ocean travel with a focus on experiences for every generation. Family-friendly features aboard EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II (sailing its inaugural journey this month) include 80 connected suites, the high-tech, digital-friendly Nautilus Club for 6- to 17-year-old travelers and curated Destination Experiences. The brand has also introduced pioneering digital activities, including strategically placed QR codes, daily pop-up moments by performers and wellness teams and new hosted events. Of note: The ample entry-level Ocean Terrace Suites can accommodate two adults and one child under 18. To make family travel more accessible, Explora Journeys offers significant savings for kids aged 2-18, with babies and toddlers sailing free (restrictions apply). Contact InformationCarnival Cruise Line: goccl.comDisney Cruise Line: disneytravelagents.comExplora Journeys: explorajourneys.com/int/en/travel-advisors/loginNorwegian Cruise Line: ncl.com

COVERSANDALSTable of ContentsSANDALS SPREADEditor's NotesEDU HOUSE ADIndustry Insights: Luxury Travel Continues to SoarAdvisor Speak: Virtuoso Advisor InsightsMexico/Caribbean: Mexico and the Caribbean Redefine ‘Family-Friendly’CAYMAN ISLANDS SCTHE CAYMAN ISLANDSSAINT LUCIA SCSAINT LUCIAOnsite Review: Upscale Sandals Opens Its Doors in St. Vincent and the GrenadinesOnsite Review: “New” Discoveries in Saint LuciaNorth America: What's New—Florida Family AdventuresLEE COUNTY SCFort Myers Islands, Beaches & NeighborhoodsOnsite Review: Quebec City—History, Culture & CuisineMGM RESORTS SCMGM RESORTSCruise: Setting Sail for Fun—What’s New for Family CruisesOnboard Review: Margaritaville at Sea Islander One-of-a-Kind ExperienceOnboard Review: 10 Reasons to Book Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the SeasEurope: Onsite Review—Travels in AndalusiaTURKISH AIRLINES