Choosing the right family vacation to keep both parents and children happy can be a challenge. For families seeking an alternative to the traditional summer road trip or week by the shore, a cruise vacation is just the solution.

Amazing value

Cruises are the best family vacation value. In addition to a sea of destinations to choose from, today's cruise ships offer a mind-boggling variety of amenities and activities for passengers of all ages. Destinations include popular ports in Alaska, Caribbean, and Mediterranean as well as lesser-known destinations in Scandinavia, Russia and South America. Best of all virtually everything is included in the cost of a cruise – accommodations, entertainment, children’s activity programs and much, much more – family members need not worry about additional out-of-pocket expenses.

Fun and convenience for all

Today’s families are less likely to vacation alone and many family vacations now include grandparents and parents; step-parents and – children; plus cousins, aunts and uncles, and even family friends. Fortunately, the innovative facilities, amenities and services aboard today’s cruise ships are designed to satisfy just about everyone.

Multigenerational family groups will find specially designed adjoining staterooms and suites that can accommodate up to 14 people aboard some ships. Families can also divide members among stateroom and suite categories, based on their budgets. For example, while grandma and grandpa enjoy a suite and all its amenities, parents can reserve a balcony stateroom, while kids are accommodated across the hall in an inside stateroom. Moreover, cruises uniquely provide both family together-time and alone-time. Families vacationing aboard ships can spend as much or as little time together as they want. Amenities and activities include state-of-the-art spa and fitness facilities, exercise classes, golf instruction, art auctions, sports bars, video arcades, cooking classes, enrichment lectures, computer classes and more.

Although family groups typically choose to take their meals together, the diverse dining options on a cruise offer new and appealing alternatives. Grandparents might savor a quiet meal at an elegant supper club featuring menus that have been created by celebrity chefs. Parents can enjoy romantic dinners on their stateroom balconies. Kids can feast on pizza and pasta at a buffet.

Kidtopia

Children are thrilled to discover that today’s cruise ships dedicate thousands of square feet to facilities designed specifically for them. Ships combine facilities and amenities for toddlers, young children and teenagers with a comprehensive program of supervised, age-appropriate activities, plus the excitement of traveling from port to port on the high seas. In addition to organized activities with highly trained youth counselors, kids can enjoy Internet access, water parks and video games in dedicated private clubs. Some cruise lines even provide beepers so counselors can contact parents at any time. During the day parents can stretch out on adults-only sundecks and in relaxing hot tubs, or take in a couples' massage or enrichment class. In the evening they can enjoy high-energy shows, roll the dice in the casino, dance cheek-to-cheek, or simply enjoy in a moonlit walk on deck. Meanwhile, kids are safely corralled in colorful play areas that were specially designed for them.

On land, optional sightseeing tours blend education, fun and adventure for the whole family. Some cruise lines even have excursions designed specifically for kids, enabling older family members to embark on their own land adventures.

Cruising has truly reinvented the family vacation. With all the onboard activities and exciting ports of call families are sure to disembark with memories that last a lifetime.

Anita Dunham-Potter is a Pittsburgh-based travel journalist specializing in cruises and cruise vacations. In addition to writing pieces for Princess Cruises, Anita is a weekly travel columnist for MSNBC.com and Tripso, and she is a contributor to Fodor's "Complete Guide to Caribbean Cruises 2007.