The family that sails together . . .

It’s a totally selfish view, but I have been delighted to discover that Azura is relatively child-free on this cruise to the Baltic. The few pre-school children on board have enjoyed their afternoon teas with Noddy and Mr Bump, and I guess they have a wealth of staff and activities to keep them entertained in the kids’ club.
But cruise holidays are becoming increasingly family-friendly. In the P&O fleet Azura’s sister-ship, Ventura, has most facilities directed at children and teens, and Oriana and Aurora welcome multi-generation groups. Only Arcadia and Artemis are designated adults-only (and have become popular with teachers, for some reason !)
Now rival cruise line MSC, an official supporter of National Family Week which began today, is offering a 15 per cent discount on all of its 2010 and 2011 departures booked from now until July 31.
To take advantage of the offer, passengers should call MSC Cruises on 0844 561 1955 and quote code ‘MSC/NFW’ at the time of booking.
MSC Cruises Managing Director UK and Ireland Giulio Libutti said: “MSC Cruises is delighted to be supporting National Family Week. Our cruises are created with families in mind and offer endless family fun in a world of discovery and excitement in a safe, self-contained environment.”
The deal is for cruise-only fares, excludes the top-end MSC Yacht Club on Splendida and Fantasia, and disappointingly, also excludes bookings on MSC Opera which will be sailing from Southampton and Dover in 2011.