THE INTERNATIONAL - International Indian

[ TRAVEL ]
for them. Out at sea, while the children on
board enjoy a crafts session in the supervised
playroom, young couples have many options
like a culinary demonstration, or a lecture
from various specialists, a movie, a variety
of indoor outdoor activities, The older
folks might enjoy a real English tea with
sandwiches, scones, bread pudding etc., in
the coffee shop, or chill out by the poolside
or rejuvenate in the Jacuzzi or sauna.
When male passengers are occupied with
their interests, the ladies can enjoy their
recreation time too. Mothers are at peace
knowing the kids are safe under professional
supervision in the ship’s Adventure Ocean
program. A mobile phone is given to every
parent who leaves a child in the care of the
ship’s staff in case of any emergency. There
is time for a massage and other treatments
at the Brilliance Day Spa and lots more to
do. Some programs are also offered for the
whole family, including bingo for prizes,
various games, karaoke, disco dancing, etc.
Some of Royal Caribbean’s other ships have
ice skating, mini-golf, surfing etc. There
are plenty of activities on board for kids,
the challenge is to balance them all with
sightseeing at ports of call.
Rivkah and Tirzah had a great time joining
the Adventure Ocean complimentary
program of fun and educational activities
open to kids of all ages from 3 – 17. Separated
by age groups the youngsters get to learn
about local customs, do science experiments
and make friends, with special privileges
for the older ones. Adventure Ocean staff
are all certified in CPR and have college
degrees in education, recreation and related
fields with experience in working with
children. Babysitting is also available on a
limited basis in your cabin or as a group,
for minimum 1 year olds. There are also
playgroups for 6 to 36 month-olds who are
designated Aqua babies and Aqua Tots.
Dining is particularly easy, and varied
enough to please different tastes. The only
complaints we heard was that timings could
be a little more kid friendly, a little earlier
for those whose kids were used to sleeping
early. For a typical meal, the youngsters
could opt for basics like burgers and hot dogs
poolside, or join everyone in the informal,
buffet-style Windjammer Café. Options are
quite mindboggling and include a sushi/
salad bar, along with half a dozen stations
with pizza/pasta, tantalizing main courses
including Indian food and a large variety
of desserts and ice cream. In the evenings
a table-service formal dinner is a stylish
option if you are so inclined. Complimentary
room service is another option to be enjoyed
whenever you feel like it. Family dining on
Eating out can be expensive in Europe. Look out for these small cafes when you are sightseeing and feel like
having a bite
A Gondolier in Venice in full regalia. Gondola rides
can cost you 100 Euros or more but they have a cheaper
version similar to the Abra in Dubai
a cruise if great, everyone eats what they
like and if something doesn’t quite hit the
spot, go and try something else! There is
simply too much food available and if you
are health conscious, it is advisable to stick
to light meals and get some form of exercise
everyday even if it’s just a long walk around
the ship on the appropriate deck or use the
excellent gymnasium.
Many cruise itineraries are suitable for
families and the Mediterranean is definitely
one of the best because you can see so
many countries in a relatively short time.
Europe’s old world charm is an experience
hard to match anywhere else and even kids
are unlikely to forget chasing pigeons in St.
Peter’s square in Rome or the Gondola rides
in Venice, the ruins of Pompeii and great
pizza in Naples. That’s just Italy - our 12 day
sojourn took us from Barcelona (Spain) to
Cannes, (French Riviera) Livorno near Pisa
and Florence, Naples, Venice, Civitavecchia
(an hour away from Rome) Malta, and Split
(Croatia); and each destination had its
unique delights. Brilliance of the Seas spent
about 12 hours in each port most of the time,
with two nights in Venice. Everyone had
enough hours to enjoy their preferences,
shopping, and attractions without really
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