Destination Focus: Cruising To A Wizarding World Of Fun

Universal Studios Florida
Universal Studios Florida

Family holidays are becoming harder and harder to plan, not due to a lack of options, new places to visit or adequate entertainment for the whole family, but quite the opposite. You can lay on a beach for a week and let the kids run riot, head on a cruise, where entertainment is bountiful, or you visit one of the world's ever increasing choice of theme parks.

There is another choice of course, which keeps the whole family happy, and that's to do all three! Royal Caribbean have teamed up with Universal Orlando® Resort and a selection of hotels, to offer an incredible package holiday.

The Cruise

You can begin your ultimate family trip with a week long cruise around the Caribbean, taking in the sights and sounds of the islands, the vibrant and friendly culture and, of course, the world renowned sandy white beaches and turquoise ocean. After a relaxing week in the sun onboard one of Royal Caribbean's amazing ships, you can then spend three, four or even five days in Orlando with a ticket to the various resorts and attractions that make up Universal Orlando®. Alternatively, you can begin your holiday with a few days of excitement, rollercoasters and Harry Potter-themed experiences, then recover with a week sailing around the stunning Caribbean.

There is a choice of three of Royal Caribbean's fantastic, family-friendly, entertainment-filled ships: Freedom of the Seas, Monarch of the Seas and Jewel of the Seas. All three boast Royal Caribbean's rock climbing at sea, as well as a huge variety of dining venues, entertainment, lounges and activities. With the three ships varying in size from  2,300 passengers to 4,300 passengers, there is bound to be a ship that suits your need — whether you are looking for a more intimate experience or you are looking for the ultimate in choice and facilities.

There is a choice of three Caribbean cruises to enjoy as part of this incredible holiday. The most popular choice is a seven night cruise, that includes a selection of ports from Royal Caribbean's private beach at Labadee in Haiti, Royal Caribbean's private island — CocoCay in the Bahamas — Ocho Rios in Jamaica, George Town in Grand Cayman, Philipsburg in St. Maarten and Cozumel Mexico. You can also chose from a selection of five, four and even three night cruises to similar destinations, but if you are going to fly all that way, you might as well make the most of the Caribbean sunshine and sandy white beaches on offer.

Universal Orlando®

Whether pre or post-cruise, Universal Orlando® offers an amazing experience, from the world renowned Universal Studios® to their latest creation, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. To make your trip as easy as possible there is a choice of in resort hotels, offering the ultimate access to the non-stop entertainment and magical feel, or a choice of off-site hotels, should you wish to take in the local scenery and culture, but remain within walking distance of the theme parks and attractions.

Here comes the important bit, the theme parks. All of the packages we offer include a four day base ticket, giving you  park-to-park access to Universal Studios Florida® and Universal's Islands of Adventure® theme parks for any four days you choose. Plus, receive admission to the entertainment venues of Universal CityWalk® for any four nights of your choice.

The on-site hotels include the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, a AAA Four Diamond Award® hotel, the Hard Rock Hotel®, located in the middle of Universal Orlando® and the Loews Royal Pacific Resort, which combines one of the world's most famous theme parks with a pacific resort. The bonus of the onsite hotels has to be the free Universal ExpressSM ride access for both theme parks along with the Early Park Admission to Universal's Islands of Adventure.

Off-site you can chose from the Double Tree Hotel, a Hilton run property an the resort's entrance, the Four Points Hotel, a Sheraton run hotel on the world famous International Drive and the Hyatt Hotel, sat across the street from Universal Orlando®.

So, with all of the excitement to deal with, beaches to relax on, theme park rides, new cultures to experience, is there anything else you need on a family holiday? I for one would love to take this trip when I have kids, though the cruise will definitely come second, as I need it to recover from the first four days!

For more information on the Universal Orlando and Royal Caribbean cruise deals and for more information of the Universal Orlando and Royal Caribbean cruise package.