The cruise lines have responded to this trend by integrating into their cruise packages activities catered for young children on board plus facilities like playrooms, video game rooms and fun-filled activities to keep children entertained while their parents get some rest and relaxation.

Most cruise ships also provide baby-sitting services (for an extra charge of course) at night to give parents a chance for a romantic night together. Most cruise lines offer reduced rates for children.

If you plan to take a vacation cruise with the family and you have children with you, inquire in advance if the particular cruise you are interested in offers activities to entertain the children on board. Inquire if a supervised program will be operated as quite often there is such a program only when there are a certain number of kids aboard the cruise. The program can vary from toy rooms, game rooms and story telling time for younger kids and computer games, arts and craft, volleyball and pool games for older kids. A video arcade and parties are catered for the teenagers.

Check also for baby-sitting services. Normally, charges for group baby-sitting can be around $4-$5 per child per hour. Private baby-sitting inside the cabin may also be available but for a steeper price.

Find a cruise that provides family friendly cabins. Some cruise ships have cabins which a family of four can share for it is equipped with bunk style berths. While when you come to think about it, four people in a cabin will be a bit cramped, it is still doable as you won't be spending much time inside it. Of course when you share the cabin you are sure that the price is attractive.

The rate for a third or a fourth person whether a child or an adult who shares with two full fare passengers in a cabin can be somewhere between half of the lowest rate. There can even be special discounts and promotions at times. Some cruise lines don't even charge children under a certain age (usually toddlers) any fare at all. But if you have the money to spare, you can consider splurging on a suite for more room space. If you are traveling with older children or teenagers you can opt to reserve two cabins with connecting doors. In this way, you won't be that far from each other. Most cruise ships have this.

The new and big cruise lines nowadays are gearing more towards family cruises.