For the next four days follow my ‘tweets’ from Crown Princess as she sails the Western Caribbean. Have a question? Tweet me or post a comment below and I’ll do my best to answer as quickly as possible.

Janice Harding calls the blasting “boom boom music” from the Disney Magic’s Goofy Pool and Mickey Pool too much to take. “My kids love it, but I can only take so much before I feel a headache coming on,” says the Los Angeles native.

She is referring to the loud music, usually accompanied by overexcited children and adults that has become the hallmark of the majority of large cruise liner main pool decks. Although Harding loves her kids she tends to bolt from the loudness; after all she wants to truly relax on her cruise so she escapes to the adults-only area on the Disney Magic.

Adult-only areas are clearly needed on ships that are full of children. When Disney Cruise Line launched in 1998 it recognized the need for adult-only areas when it designed its ships. Both Disney vessels offer several spaces dedicated for adult activities, which includes a pool area, coffee bar and nightclub. “A lot of parents onboard appreciate the adults-only area. It’s our quiet space with no loud music or cell phones ringing. It’s a godsend as we can relax and get into vacation mode,” adds Harding.

No kids allowed

Harding is not alone, and a number of cruise lines are increasingly catering to passengers seeking tranquility with the introduction of quiet, adults-only areas on their ships. Long ago Royal Caribbean International recognized the need for these places when it introduced the adults-only Solarium areas on its Vision-class ships. These peaceful spaces lie under cover of a sliding roof and feature a large pool surrounded by chaise lounges and a hot tub or two, with exotic design motifs including bronze statues, stone reliefs, tile mosaics and tropical foliage. On the Freedom-class vessels there are two large hot tubs cantilevered out 12 feet from the sides of the ship. Suspended 112 feet above the ocean, the hot tubs offer breathtaking, panoramic views. Guests willing to immerse themselves in the experience find music piped in underwater, a photo collage behind glass depicting a coral reef, and a glass wall that allows them to look into the atrium adjacent to the pool while submerged.

In 2006, Princess Cruises unveiled the Sanctuary on the Crown Princess. This adults-only, quiet retreat is located in uppermost forward deck of the ship and is covered by white awnings and populated with trees, abundant plush loungers and massage cabanas. But, this area is not free as Princess charges $15 for four-and-a-half-hour stays. The charge includes chilled face towels and Evian water atomizers dispensed by stewards while guests relax. For an additional charge, guests can order from a menu of healthy food options such as fruit skewers and lettuce-wrapped spring rolls, use an MP3 player loaded with what Princess calls “relaxation music” or get an alfresco massage in one of the private cabanas. The Sanctuary also can also be found onboard the Caribbean Princess, Dawn Princess, Emerald Princess, Golden Princess, Grand Princess, Island Princess, Ruby Princess, Sea Princess, Star Princess. “The Sanctuary has come to personify Princess’ essential philosophy of escape coupled with personal service,” said Jan Swartz, Princess executive vice president. “Passengers have told us they love this opportunity to completely relax in such a peaceful and pampering environment, so we’re delighted to introduce this special Princess feature on all our vessels.”

Carnival Cruise Lines took notice of the success of Princess’ program and launched its own Serenity adults-only area on its newest ships and re-vamped older Fantasy-class vessels. Unlike Princess, Carnival does not charge for use of the area. Located in a secluded aft area of the ship the area features a bar, plush chaise lounges and chairs, oversize umbrellas, and two whirlpools. “Our Serenity areas have been an unqualified success since they were first introduced aboard the Carnival Inspiration in 2007. Although the Serenity retreats were originally intended as part of the renovations for our eight Fantasy class ships, they’ve proven so popular that we’ve added them to our newer ships,” said Carnival spokesperson Vance Gulliksen.

Bigger adult space on the horizon

It’s no surprise the biggest ships launching in the coming months will have the largest adult-only areas at sea.

When the 220,000-ton, 5,400-passenger Oasis of the Seas launches in November it will not only be the largest cruise ship, by far, in the world it will offer the most unique adults-only playground afloat. Adults looking for a retreat will find solace in the Oasis’ Solarium. Boasting a redefined layout, passengers will have the sensation of floating on air from the two-deck high, glass-paneled enclave designed with seating on various “islands” surrounded by water. The adults-only, open-air Solarium will offer a swimming pool, two whirlpools, and four cantilevered whirlpools suspended 136 feet above the ocean. The mezzanine level of the adult-dedicated area will overlook the pool deck below, offering additional chaise lounges and seating.

Launching in September, the 133,000-ton, 3,646-passenger Carnival Dream will be the largest “Fun Ship” in the fleet and will offer an amazing 11,250-square-foot Serenity area that will encompass two levels – a first for the line. The area will accommodate up to 200 guests who can select from seven different styles of seating, from plush chaise lounges and chairs to shaded sun loungers and even hammocks. Carnival Dream’s Serenity area will also feature a full bar on the lower level in a shaded area, while the upper level will offer two whirlpools providing magnificent sea views.

In late May of 2010, Norwegian Cruise Line will launch its biggest “Freestyle Cruising” vessel the 153,000-ton, 4,200-passenger Norwegian Epic. Adults onboard are sure to like the party atmosphere at the POSH Beach Club, a first of its kind beach club at sea that offers an exclusive, adults-only setting at the top of the ship.

Its clear guests really appreciate adults-only retreats, which offer a tranquil and peaceful environment for relaxing with a book or just enjoying the magnificent sea view. You can bet more lines will initiate and only increase the concept as it’s a great way to enhance a cruise vacation.

A cruise vacation is a great way to travel as a family, since many elements of the trip are conveniently wrapped up into one stress-free package. From accommodations and meals to entertainment and activities, the almost all-inclusive cruise experience is a tremendous value. The value aspect is precisely why cruising continues to attract more families and keep them coming back for more. It’s no surprise then that cruise lines are investing heavily in more family-friendly features and innovations in their youth programs.

Still, there are ships that stand out more than others. Here are the top ten ships for kids.

Disney Magic and Disney Wonder

Disney Cruise Line is the gold standard when it comes to kids cruising. Both the line’s vessels have nearly a full deck area devoted to the little ones, with activities that are overseen by a large number of counselors.

There are separate areas for each age group. The Oceaneer Club has separate activities for 3- to 5-year-olds and 6- to 7-year-olds. The Oceaneer Lab has interactive activities for kids ages 8 to 9 and others for kids ages 10 to 12. Kids 10 to 14 who don’t want to participate in organized activities can visit the Ocean Quest area, where they can chill out and play video games, create arts and crafts or just watch a movie.

The coolest part is the scaled replica of the ship’s bridge, where youngsters can “steer” the ship in and out of ports around the globe. For teens, there are the Aloft area (on the Disney Wonder) and The Stack area (on the Disney Magic); each area is a combination dorm room and apartment offering music, games, large-screen TV, a lounge area, Internet area and shipboard programs like animation, moviemaking, karaoke, fitness classes and pool parties just for teens. There is also a large arcade area. Outdoor fun includes the popular Mickey’s Pool, which has a winding water slide and a sports deck area where kids can let off steam.

Both ships offer a 3-D cinematic experience in both the Walt Disney and Buena Vista Theatres where guests can enjoy first-run, full-length 3-D films such as Walt Disney Pictures’ “Bolt” and “Jonas Brothers: The 3-D Concert Experience.” This past spring the Disney Wonder premiered a lavish theatrical production, “Toy Story-The Musical.”

Also from July 9 through August 2 Disney Channel stars will be onboard for “Disney Channel Summer at Sea.” Disney Channel stars will participate in onboard deck parties, join guests for Q & A and autograph sessions, preview screenings of Disney Channel programming and participate in live musical performances. Disney also has abundant shore excursions geared toward kids and their families.

Freedom of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, Independence of the Seas

Royal Caribbean’s Freedom-class ships are tough to beat for all their onboard active offerings. All offer rock-climbing walls, ice-skating rinks, in-line skating tracks, basketball and tennis courts, miniature golf, water parks and a totally cool surfing park. Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean Youth Program offers specially designed programs for babies and kids from 3 to 11 and teens from 12 to 17. For the tiniest cruisers, parents and babies 6 to 36 months old can participate in the Fisher-Price Aqua Babies and Aqua Tots programs, interactive playgroup sessions developed by early childhood experts at Fisher-Price. For the older kids, the program is divided into five groups: Aquanauts (ages 3 to 5), Explorers (ages 6 to 8), Voyagers (ages 9 to 11), Navigators (ages 12 to 14), and Guests (ages 15 to 17). Every program blends educational activities with games and arts and crafts for a unique onboard experience for the kids.

Teens in Adventure Ocean have their own area called the Living Room that offers a place to relax or take part in games, sports, theme parties and movies. When teens want to boogie, they have their own nightclub called Fuel.

One ship that is sure to be on the list next year is Royal Caribbean’s new vessel, Oasis of the Seas. Launching in November, Oasis will be the largest and most revolutionary cruise ship in the world. It will also offer a huge Youth Zone neighborhood covering a massive 28,700 square feet. The ship will also launch the cruise line’s first nursery for infants and toddlers (six months or older). Oasis will also introduce the first zip line at sea stretching 82 feet in length and suspended nine decks above the exciting Boardwalk area and the first beach pool at sea, featuring a true-to-form sloped entry and colorful beach chairs and umbrellas — the ultimate beach experience!

Ruby Princess, Emerald Princess, Crown Princess

Princess Cruises has one of the best children’s programs afloat and the line continues to add even more fun to its already terrific list of kids’ activities. Princess Pelicans (ages 3 to 8) have their own play area that offers a small rock-climbing wall, beanbag chairs, crafts area and a splash pool. The Shockwaves program, for 8- to 12-year-olds, also has its own area, which includes plenty of table games and lots of space for sitting and chatting, making crafts and playing games. Shockwaves kids can also participate in the Junior Chefs@Sea program, which takes kids to the ship’s galley to learn cooking from the executive chef and staff.

The Remix area for teens is a mature living-room setting similar to a coffee shop. It comes equipped with air hockey tables, foosball and PlayStation2 consoles. Teens also have an outside whirlpool (no adults allowed) and a small arcade room across the hall. A bonus is the teen makeover program, run by youth counselors and boutique staff in conjunction with Clinique, which teaches skin care to both girls and boys and makeup techniques to the girls. Princess also has a Youth Security Program, in which staff in their early 20s watch over the teenagers. These highly trained personnel continually monitor the hallways and public areas to make sure kids don’t get out of hand.

Outdoor fun includes great pools and a sports court, where kids can play basketball or tennis, and a nine-hole miniature golf course. Lastly, there is “Movies Under the Stars” where kids can lounge on a deck chair, eat popcorn and watch movies on the giant 300-square-foot screen.

Carnival Freedom and Carnival Splendor

Camp Carnival offers morning-til-night activities in its expansive indoor play areas, which are stocked with a wide variety of games, toys and activities that focus on art, reading, science, geography and physical fitness. Kids are divided into four age groups: Toddlers (ages 2 to 5), Juniors (ages 6 to 8), Intermediates (ages 9 to 11), and Teens (ages 12 to 14). Outdoor play areas offer mini-basketball hoops, jungle gyms and other playground equipment, as well as game rooms offering the latest video and arcade games.

Kids who like to have fun in the sun also enjoy acres of deck space for outdoor games and activities such as ping-pong, volleyball and shuffleboard, along with many swimming options, including children’s wading pools and main Lido Deck pools, which have cascading water slides. Also poolside is a giant 300-square-foot screen lights up with a variety of programs throughout the day and night, including first-run movies. Carnival also offers YSPA, a youth spa program that offers teen-specific body and beauty treatments. Club 02 teen program is for kids ages 15 to 17 and has dedicated facilities and energetic counselors.

Over the next several months “Laser Tag” will be implemented onboard the Carnival Freedom and Carnival Splendor. The game is played in a large inflatable arena that is over 50 feet long. Inside the arena kids can battle among obstacles and go through a maze lit by glowing black lights. Laser guns use “sensors” that are worn around the player’s arm, which makes it easy for players to move throughout the arena’s maze.

Another ship that will be on next year’s list is the Carnival Dream. Slated to launch on September 21, the Carnival Dream will be Carnival’s biggest ship and will offer more than 19,000 square feet of space catering just to kids, ’tweens and teens. There will be expansive indoor and outdoor play areas to a sprawling aqua park housing the 303-foot-long, four-deck-high corkscrew water slide — the longest slide at sea!

With all the inventive program offerings on board these top 10 cruise ships, you no longer have to listen to the kids complaining, “I’m bored!” These ships are hip — and that’s something family cruisers can stand up and cheer about.

Many couple’s wedding ideas are culminated by a honeymoon on the high seas, but how many get to actually tie the knot as part of a cruise ship christening? California couple Kip Hickman and Danielle Vurpillat had the opportunity to do just that, after winning a contest sponsored by Princess Cruises and USA Today.

The bride was given away by “The Love Boat” television series captain Gavin MacLeod (aka Captain Stubing) and Trista and Ryan Sutter of reality television’s “The Bachelorette” served as attendants. The Sutters were also the godparents of the 113,000-ton, 3,080-passenger Ruby Princess and did the honor of breaking the traditional bottle of champagne to mark the ship’s launch, and their own fifth anniversary.

Refined Ruby:

Those who have sailed on Ruby Princess’ sister ships, Crown Princess and Emerald Princess, will find familiar, elegant surroundings; nevertheless, there have been some upgraded options added.
Among the new options is a pub lunch, an exclusive breakfast in Sabatini’s for suite passengers, unique enrichment programs from astronomy to mixology, two new stage shows, plus expanded wireless Internet and cell phone connectivity.

The company’s new customer service mantra is “consummate hosts” and a number of new services reflect that concept. Waffle stations for breakfast and lunch, evening canapés in several of the ship’s public lounges, chilled towels for passengers arriving back from shore, and by the pool, “misting stewards” will offer a quick refreshing spritz with Evian to cool off.

Staterooms:

Like its sister ships, the focus on Ruby Princess is on balcony staterooms, which account for about 60 percent of the 1540 staterooms. Standard balcony staterooms range from 233 to 285 square feet; more spacious digs can be had the ship’s suites, which range up to 687 square feet. Mini-suites (a good size at 324 square feet) have a private sitting area, two TVs, a tub in the bathroom, luxury mattresses and a choice of pillows (feather or non-allergenic). The 28 full-size suites (including two family suites) offer such extras as a walk-in closet, whirlpool tub in the bathroom, DVD player, one-time free bar setup, fresh flowers and plush bathrobes and slippers. All balconies are outfitted with reclining loungers and a table.

The smaller, ocean-view and inside staterooms range from 163 to 182 square feet, and 31 staterooms (in several categories) are handicap-accessible. All staterooms are outfitted with twin beds that convert to a queen, a telephone, hair dryer, safe, mini-fridge, closet, bathroom with shower, and television.

Dining:

Princess’s flexible dining plan allows passengers to choose assigned tables or open seating in two of the three dining rooms: Botticelli, Da Vinci and Michelangelo. Buffet-style dining is offered in the Horizon Court and Café Caribe; both have excellent breakfast and lunch entrees, and Café Caribe offers themed dinner menus. Suite passengers aboard Ruby Princess will have the opportunity to enjoy an exclusive breakfast in Sabatini’s. For fabulous fast food, hit the poolside venues of Trident Grill and Pizza and Ice Cream bar.

There are two casual dining venues in the Piazza Atrium: The International Cafe, offering pastries and sandwiches along with coffee drinks (some for a fee) and Vines, a wine and seafood bar, where for a nominal charge you can indulge in artisan cheeses, sushi and cocktail-style shellfish, along with premium wines.

On sea days, the Wheelhouse Bar is transformed into an authentic English-style pub, serving a selection of traditional fare and pub brews. Pub lunch meal service is free of charge, but the pub brews are extra.

Looking for something special? Check out the four pay-as-you-go dining options: The Crown Grill, an upscale New York-style steak-and-seafood restaurant ($25 per person), and Sabatini’s, on Deck 16 with dramatic top-of-ship views, where you can dine on terrific regional Italian cuisine ($20 per person). The Chef’s Table offers a galley tour during dinner service and a five-course dinner, paired with wine and dessert with the executive chef ($75 per person). The “Ultimate Balcony Dinner” offers four courses and a bottle of Champagne, served by your personal waiter ($50 per person).
Those who love a cocktail before or after dinner won’t be disappointed by a choice of a dozen bars (but the view from Skywalkers Nightclub on Deck 18 can’t be beat). Lastly, there’s always 24-hour room service.

Entertainment:

Ruby Princess offers abundant and diverse entertainment options for all ages. Lavish, high-tech production shows play throughout the cruise in the Princess Theater – the best showroom at sea where every seat has a great view.

Smaller productions are mounted in the various lounge venues. The heart of the ship is the Piazza Atrium, which hosts all kinds of acts day and night, including a pianist, singers, jugglers, clowns, and a crazy guy on a unicycle. When Ruby is at sea the casino offers tons of gaming action. Taking its cue from the popularity of TV reality shows, Princess has developed a number of audience participation shows. The newest addition is “Love Boat Legends,” where guests are actually transformed into a famous artist of the past.

For those who can’t sing or dance, there are complimentary “edu-tainment” options such as guest lectures and Princess’s “ScholarShip@Sea” program, which offers learning courses in art, entertaining, culinary, and computers. New classes are “Mixology@Sea,” a hands-on course taught by the ship’s bar manager, and “Astronomy@Sea,” where passengers explore the night sky through a telescope on the top deck, with the expert guidance of a ship’s bridge officer.

Passengers willing to shell out $150 can take the “Ultimate Ship Tour” offering guests a unique opportunity to explore beyond the public areas; participants will receive a variety of themed mementos at many of the stops along the tour.

There is an Internet center onboard, and for guests lugging laptops, Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship. An excellent photography department offers both formal and informal portrait opportunities — great for those hard-to-get family pictures.

Another highlight: “Movies Under the Stars.” The giant 300-square-foot screen lights up with a variety of programs throughout the day and night, including old-time classics and first-run movies.

Sportier pursuits include mini-golf, basketball, tennis, jogging and golf practice (with a swing simulator or with the onboard golf pro; there is a fee). There is also a huge gym with weights and every cardiovascular machine you can think of. Aerobics classes are free, while yoga, meditation, Spinning and Pilates classes cost $10 each. The four pools and seven whirlpools offer abundant wet fun.

The line’s “Escape Completely” theme really finds its mark at The Sanctuary – a relaxing adults-only outdoor deck area above Lotus Spa pool. Additionally, the Asian-inspired Lotus Spa, operated by Steiner Leisure, offers a tranquil environment and many exotic therapies.

For kids and teens:

Princess offers a strong children’s program arranged by age, each group with its own facility and counselors. New this year is Wizards Academy, a program from the California Science Center that lets children explore the connection between science and magic. Also, activities and projects from popular arts and crafts company Klutz are offered along with Yoga for Kids, a healthy and fun course. Teens have their “Remix” area with fun indoor activities and a cool outdoor area with their own whirlpool.

Ruby Princess is the last new ship for Princess for awhile. With that in mind Alan Buckelew, president and CEO of Princess, says the company will continue to “innovate to raise the bar” on the line’s existing vessels. That’s great news for current and future “Love Boat” fans.

If you go:

Ruby Princess will sail 7-day Western Caribbean itineraries from Fort Lauderdale starting November 8. April 18, 2009 the ship transitions to Europe for Grand Mediterranean and Greek Isle sailings. The ship will return to Fort Lauderdale in late October 2009 to do 10-day Southern Caribbean sailings. Prices for the 7-day Caribbean sailings begin at $562; 12-day Grand Mediterranean begins at $1,998 per person; 12-day Greek Isle fares begin at $2,228 per person; 10-day Southern Caribbean sailings begin at $998 per person. All aforementioned prices are based on inside staterooms, double occupancy. Visit Princess Cruises Web site for more details.

Princess Cruises said a wedding will be incorporated into the naming ceremony for Ruby Princess when a California couple exchanges vows on Nov. 6.
The ship’s godparents, reality television celebrities Trista and Ryan Sutter, will serve as attendants and former Love Boat captain, Gavin MacLeod, will give away the bride. An official from Princess’ Department of Romance, Phil Roberts, a minister, will perform the ceremony.

The couple, Danielle Vurpillat and Kip Hickman from Dunsmuir, Calif., were invited to share their nuptials with passengers on board after entering the Princess and USA TODAY ‘Romance on the Ruby’ contest. In their submission they said it would be their dream to wed on the new ship.

ExpertCruiser will be blogging live from Ruby Princess starting next week.  Send in your questions here.