iPads on RCCL
Royal Caribbean just installed iPad mobile digital devices in every stateroom onboard the newly revitalized Splendour of the Seas to allow you to access the daily Cruise Compass of events and activities as well as personal daily itineraries including shore excursions. 
You can also monitor your onboard account, order room service, view restaurant menus, access the Internet and watch movies. The program will be extended to all Vision-class ships when each undergoes revitalization in the following two years. The iPads can be used in staterooms, but also through the pervasive Wi-Fi also being installed throughout the ship. When logging on for the first time, you will need to accept an agreement to pay for the unit in the event it goes missing or is damaged. In addition to the iPads, Splendour of the Seas will have new stateroom amenities such as flat-screen televisions, refreshed bathrooms and completely remodeled interiors, including luxurious new linens and furniture, as well as an additional 124 balconies. New dining options include the Asian Izumi restaurant, the steakhouse Chops Grille, the Boardwalk Dog House, the Park Café deli-style restaurant and the Chef’s Table dining experience. Royal Caribbean also will introduce a new à la carte menu in the Viking Crown Lounge that will offer bite-sized portions of their favorite classics. Additional Royal Caribbean signature innovations debuting on the ship will be the Royal Babies and Tots Nursery, a Diamond lounge, a Concierge Lounge, a Britto Gallery featuring works from Brazilian pop-artist Romero Britto, the new R-Bar as well as a reinvented Centrum experience.
Disney Fantasy Entertainment
Disney Cruise Line shows are the best at sea for family entertainment. The Disney Fantasy, due to enter service in April, has scheduled a lineup of five musicals “Wishes,” “Disney’s Aladdin — A Musical Spectacular,” “Disney’s Believe,” “A Fantasy Come True” and “An Unforgettable Journey.” Disney describes “Wishes”, the signature show on the ship, as a musical journey about three best friends who discover the secret to being a grown-up is staying connected to their inner child. Disney characters in the show include Rapunzel and Flynn Rider from “Tangled,” Lilo and Stitch, Mulan, Hercules, Pinocchio and “The Lion King’s” Timon and Pumbaa. The Aladdin production will feature classic scenes and songs from the movie re-created on stage. “Disney’s Believe” tells the story of a workaholic father who reconnects with his daughter. Disney characters in the show include Cinderella, Peter Pan, Mary Poppins, Belle from “Beauty and the Beast,” Rafiki from “The Lion King” and Princess Tiana from “The Princess and the Frog.” “A Fantasy Come True” is the ship’s welcome show described as “a high-energy, multimedia musical production that follows one family’s journey as they discover the amazing experiences and enchanting surprises that await them aboard the Disney Fantasy.” “An Unforgettable Journey” is a farewell production that “allows guests to reflect and savor the experience they have had onboard the Disney Fantasy”. The Walt Disney Theatre will span three decks, with orchestra and balcony seating. In addition to stage productions, the Fantasy will host deck parties with live entertainment. On one night of the cruise, the ship will even transform into a pirate ship with a night of events brimming with buccaneer fun and a fireworks spectacular.
Get Slimed on NCL
Norwegian Cruise Line is extending the Nickelodeon family entertainment to a third ship, the Norwegian Gem, beginning in February. 
Each cruise will feature a live Nickelodeon-themed show in the main theater, Nick Live Poolside! with games and activities by the pool, character breakfast with characters such as SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora’s Dance Party. Other family activities include Nick Jr. Story Time, family trivia and arts and crafts sessions. The ship is sailing seven-day Bahamas and Florida voyages from New York City through September 1. Ports of call include Port Canaveral, Great Stirrup Cay and Nassau. Nickelodeon-themed shows and activities were first introduced in April 2010 on Norwegian Jewel and in July 2010 on Norwegian Epic.
New from Shoretrips
We are excited to announce that Shoretrips, our choice for cruise excursions, is adding shared and guided van tours in Europe for next year. Previously only private tours were available which in Europe can be quite pricey. The shared van tours hold up to 8 people and are perfect for first time visitors. Van excursions are available in Cannes, Marseilles, Nice and Villefranche, France (as well as Paris for non-cruisers); Athens, Greece; Rome, La Spezia, Livorno and Naples, Italy; St. Petersburg, Russia; Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Spain and Kusadasi, Turkey. Shoretrips is also adding tours in Australia, Asia and Dubai as the cruise lines expand service or the size of ships in all of these exciting regions.
Behind the Scenes with Celebrity
Celebrity Cruises is the latest line to offer a behind-the-scenes tour of areas not usually visited by cruise ship passengers called See How It’s Done Tour and the Bridge Sail Away Experience. The See How It’s Done Tour visits the bridge, mooring deck, crew gym, theater, engine control room, prep rooms and the main dining room galley. The Bridge Sail Away Experience lets you join the navigational team on the bridge as the ship sails from port. Beginning 30 minutes before and concluding 30 minutes after departing, you are given a tour and an overview of the bridge by a senior Celebrity bridge officer. You also can meet and take photos with the captain. The tours include a lot of staff interaction and each tour is followed by a wine-paired lunch hosted by an officer in the main dining room. The program is offered on all ships and available for purchase onboard.
Children Save on Lindblad
Children 18 and under can save $500 on Lindblad Expedition’s sailings throughout the world. 
Families will appreciate the Panama and Costa Rica sailings on the 62-passenger expedition ship, National Geographic Sea Lion, which can reach places inaccessible to larger ships due to her small size. A sturdy fleet of Zodiacs and virtually untippable kayaks allow you to be off the ship and out exploring within a moment’s notice. Launch your kayak from a picturesque beach, hike with naturalists into the rain forest or walk easily along a sandy dune. And if you book by December 15, you also receive a complimentary 3-day Montverde extension on select 2012 departures. Special family sailings are also available for 9-night trips to the Galapagos on June 15, July 16 and August 3 on the 96-passengers National Geographic Endeavour. Book early for the best availability on these very popular sailings.
Ship Inspections
Lauren attended the CruiseWorld trade show in Ft.Lauderdale in November and had the pleasure of inspecting both RCCL’s Allure of the Seas and the Norwegian Epic with cruise line staff. 
The Allure of the Seas was most impressive especially for families looking for that wow factor when cruising. There is more to do on this ship that you can possibly accomplish with just one week of sailing! New infant care has been added to the array of childcare options and is available for babies as young as 3 months. Unique highlights of the ship include the Aqua Theater for high diving water shows at night, a new jazz club and comedy club, zip line, carousel, Dream Works character meals, lots more shops and several new dining venues. On the Norwegian Epic, there are tons of great dining venues that you should book in advance or on arrival day on the ship. The Haven’s upscale ship-within-a-ship provides passengers who want an intimate and luxurious cruising experience with the amenities and recreation of a larger boat. The waterslides, bowling alley, massive screen TV’s in the sports bar and adult-only area of the pool deck create a festive and fun atmosphere. Our families thoroughly enjoy both of these ships. You can see photos from the inspection at https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-Family-Traveler/171941736154828. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page for regular travel related tips and information.
Children Sail Free On Disney
Children 17 and under sail free on Disney Cruise Line’s 2012 sailings to the Mexican Riviera when booking two full fare guests in the same stateroom (available in categories 4A-10C). The offer is valid on most Mexican Riviera sailings from January 8-March 4. The Disney Wonder sails from Los Angeles to Puerto Vallarta and two stops in Cabo San Lucas. This fun ship sails with about 1,800 passengers and features magical deck parties with your children’s favorite Disney characters, separate pools for children, families and adults and a rotational dining plan where you eat in a different venues, but keep your wait staff. Plus great baby, kids and teen clubs, fantastic entertainment, spa, gym and more.
Luxury Sailing
Want to experience luxury on the high seas with your children in tow? Regent Seven Seas, a family-friendly luxury cruise line, is offering 2-for-1 fares, free air, excursions and hotel packages along with additional bonus savings if you book your 2012 or 2013 cruise by December 30. 
Not all sailings apply. In addition, Windstar Cruises, a wonderful option for families with older children, gives you 15 percent off for bookings made at least 180 days before departure and you can also save up to $600/person on select Caribbean, Costa Rica and Panama Canal voyages if you book by November 15. Other lines with excellent incentives for 2012 include Azamara, Oceania, Seabourn and Silverseas.
New NCL Ships
Norwegian Cruise Line has announced the names of its upcoming 144,017-ton, 4,000-passenger Project Breakaway new-builds: Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway. The two ships will launch in April 2013 and 2014, respectively. 
The Norwegian Breakaway, now open for bookings, will homeport year-round in New York, sailing weeklong cruises to Bermuda. Pop artist Peter Max, whose omnipresent work has appeared on everything from postage stamps to Grammy Award posters, will design the ship’s hull. He called the assignment his “largest canvas ever.” Max is creating four designs, from which NCL will make the final selection. Breakaway will become the largest ship sailing out of New York and feature 20 two bedroom family suites that sleep up to 6 people. These cabins will have access to the secluded Haven Courtyard Area with poolside valet service, hot tub and fitness center; private dining and lounge as well as ’round the clock butler and concierge service.
