Cruises have always been the trendy way of travelling, millions of families  pay for the hassle-free travelling option every year. All of your worries are  taken from you as soon as you immerse yourself in the activities, hospitality  and the entertainment onboard the luxury ship. If this wasn’t enough, you get to  travel to some of the most fascinating places the world offers. One family  cruise location gathering speed is Jamaica, but why is it such a well kept  secret?

The Caribbean island is a spot you certainly don’t want to miss out on. The  crystal clear waters, sublime sandy beaches combined with its rich culture and  history makes it a popular favourite with tourists. Your cruise would  undoubtedly moor up and Ocho Rios; considered the cruise capital of the island.  The sweeping bay is protected by natural reefs, naturally making it some what of  a Mecca for diving enthusiasts.

If your not one for lying on the beach soaking up the sunshine, must see spot  in the bay is Dunns River Falls. The waterfall, cascading a staggering 600 feet  down to the beach remains one of the most photographed and visited attractions  on the island.

With its extensive array of shopping centres and restaurants, Montego Bay has  always been a favourite with tourists. The city gives an incredible insight into  the island’s history. Greenwood Great house in particular is a beautifully  restored plantation home of Barrett family; containing antiques, paintings and  furniture dating back to the 1800s.

The capital of the Island, Kingston, is largely overlooked by tourists  because of the age old notion of violence and crime. People who come to actually  come to visit realise the complete opposite. Come and visit the museum of  probably islands most famous resident, Mr Bob Marley. The infamous reggae artist  was born in the capital and his museum is the original family home, converted  after the singer’s death in 1981.

The city of Mandeville was originally built by the English, in attempted  getaway from the hot tropics of the island coastline. At 2000 feet in elevation,  the city sports one of the best climates Jamaica offers, making a great area to  witness the islands wildlife.

Here are just few reasons why you should visit, but this guide hardly  scratches the surface. Why not book yourself a family cruise and explore the  country yourself. The only problem you will find, deciding what to do  first.

This article was written by Thom Sanders on behalf of NCL Cruises. For great  freestyle family cruises try NCL for a wide range of cruise deals.

The Disney Cruise Line ship, The Wonder, is the second in the Disney Cruise  Line fleet. This beautiful and family friendly cruise ship takes everyone to  ports in the Bahamas. This Disney Cruise Line is constructed and designed with  families in mind. This is the reason that everyone loves Disney Cruises.

Staterooms:

A number of rooms feature split plan baths that allow multiple family members  to get ready at the same time

More space than on other cruise ships

Plenty of storage

Concierge Royal Suite with Verandah – sleeps 7

Concierge 2 Bedroom Suite with Verandah – sleeps 7

Concierge 1 Bedroom Suite with Verandah – sleeps 4-5

Deluxe Family Ocean view stateroom with Verandah – sleeps 4-5

Deluxe Ocean view stateroom with Verandah – sleeps 3 or 4

Deluxe Ocean view stateroom with Navigator’s Verandah – sleeps 3

Deluxe Ocean view stateroom – sleeps 3 or 4

Deluxe Inside stateroom – sleeps 3 or 4

Standard Inside stateroom – sleeps 3 or 4

With a verandah of your own, your cruise line stateroom becomes a little  piece of Disney Heaven where you can be alone, or with members of your family,  reflect on the day. Enjoy watching the beautiful ocean and check out the land in  the distance. If your room has a sea view but no verandah, you will have a large  port hole through which to view the ocean as you travel it. Those who have an  inside room or a standard room, have their view of the sea using a “Magic  Mirror” that plays real time video from the bridge to your room. There are also  connecting staterooms available for larger families. Special water, spa and bath  items are located in all stateroom baths. All staterooms have nautical  decorations. In 2011 a new category of standard room which only sleeps 3 will  become available.

Youth Clubs

There are activities for kids, adults and families on the Disney Wonder. The  Youth Clubs are age appropriate and are managed by trained Disney crew  members.

Aloft – found on deck 11, mid ship, where kids ages 13 – 17 can hang out,  watch TV, play video games, surf the internet and generally have fun. Aloft is  open from Noon until 2 A.M.

Oceaneer Club – available on deck 5 and open from 9 A.M. until Midnight for  kids 3 -12. There are supervised activities, Princess and hero opportunities,  games and fun. Think Peter Pan and Captain Hook’s pirate ship. There is a  computer lab, multiple TV’s, and playgrounds for exploring and climbing.

Flounder’s Reef Nursery – located on the Disney Wonder for ages 3 months to  three years. The nursery area has baby swings, walkers, games, toys, cribs, a TV  and a DVD player playing Disney movies.

Quarter Masters – What every kid loves; an arcade filled with the newest and  best video games, air hockey and more from 8 A.M. until 12 AM everyday.

Studio Sea – The family hangout that parents and children can enjoy karaoke,  shows, games, dancing and having a great time.

There are so many things to do on board the ship; parents can enjoy their  time together and apart from their children with no worry about whether or not  their children are being supervised. The on board activities are age oriented  and the groups are segregated age appropriately.

Selecting options for dining, state rooms, and entertainment, your vacation  can become overwhelming. Make sure this doesn’t happen to you!

Herb likes to write about Disney World. Please check out his website that  contains information on Disney Cruises as well as Walt Disney World Information.