Mediterranean cruise with tweens

[Amy Morrison]

We just booked our second Disney cruise, this time to Europe. My kids will be 11 and 13 when we go. I am wondering if the kids will be bored sightseeing all day? I have watched some videos and teens don't look super impressed. Also, my kids aren't the biggest fan of kids clubs and we want to spend the trip together as a family. Should I wait to go to Europe with them and book a different cruise?

 

[ACQUADUCK]

Private tours with a wifi in the car helps.

Let them get involved in the decision in the tours.

It's highly educational and whilst you may not think they look like taking it all in, but then they post it everywhere on social media.

Joining a cruise meets thread gets them friends in advance.

 

[o&smom]

I second letting them be involved with choosing what to do in ports. Ask them what they may want to do or see in the ports you will visit. Let them research what is in the area that is of interest to them. You can even have them look at current Disney port adventures and see if any of those look like fun. We have taken our kids to the Med with Disney in 2010 and 2014 when our kids were 3months & 7 and 3 & 9. I have tried to break up our days into busier and shorter days. If it were just my husband and myself I would have chosen some different things to do, but I do not regret any of the things we have done while in Europe. Take the kids and have an adventure together. You won't regret it.

 

[tlprice]

I agree with letting the kids help choose what you do. My daughter will have just turned 11 when we take our Med cruise this summer. We are mostly doing 1/2 day tours. She really wants to climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa and see Pompeii. We are doing the aquarium on our own in Monaco and the Galata Museo del Mare on our own in Genoa. Neither is super expensive and are the types of attractions she likes with a lot of hands on stuff. Our trip ends in Rome so we don't have to do a rushed excursion there. We will be staying for several days and taking things a little more leisurely.

 

[aggiedog]

There is no rule that you have to do "boring" excursions. We always do private excursions, so we can really tailor what we do. We travel with grandparents and kids, who were 11, 14, and 17 on this summer's Med cruise. We love walking food tours, and went swimming in a hot spring in Spain. We do sometimes do more "educational" excursions as the adults and older teens like them. The youngers know their time will come. My kids don't love the clubs either, but a Med cruise is port intensive and you really don't spend a lot of time on the ship anyways.

 

[o&smom]

I agree with letting the kids help choose what you do. My daughter will have just turned 11 when we take our Med cruise this summer. We are mostly doing 1/2 day tours. She really wants to climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa and see Pompeii. We are doing the aquarium on our own in Monaco and the Galata Museo del Mare on our own in Genoa. Neither is super expensive and are the types of attractions she likes with a lot of hands on stuff. Our trip ends in Rome so we don't have to do a rushed excursion there. We will be staying for several days and taking things a little more leisurely.

My son chose Pisa as well. He remembered it from Little Einsteins. Since he was only 7 we went to the archeological museum and walked to a pizza place for authentic pizza - so good. We then went back to the ship and did an excursion to Herculaneum. I really want to go back for more pizza and to see Pompeii. We also did the aquarium and oceanographic museum in Monaco on our own. I loved watching Jacques Cousteau when I was a kid. I got teased because I took a picture of every fish in the aquarium. Make sure you go upstairs to the oceanographic museum. The building is beautiful and there are some really interesting things to see about the beginning of exploring what was in the sea. I have heard that the park next to the aquarium is lovely. If you have time, take the Little Train that stops close by the aquarium and circles around Monaco. You can even get off at the Casino in Monte Carlo and then take the next on back.

I think your cruise starts in Barcelona. There is a great kids science museum there called Cosmo Caixa with lots of hands on exhibits and both my kids loved it. (My husband and I enjoyed it, too.). My son liked it so much that he has chosen to spend his 16th birthday there before our cruise in 2019. It won out over a day at Thibidabo which is an amusement park outside of Barcelona that overlooks the city and the sea.

 

[tlprice]

I think your cruise starts in Barcelona. There is a great kids science museum there called Cosmo Caixa with lots of hands on exhibits and both my kids loved it. (My husband and I enjoyed it, too.). My son liked it so much that he has chosen to spend his 16th birthday there before our cruise in 2019. It won out over a day at Thibidabo which is an amusement park outside of Barcelona that overlooks the city and the sea.

Thanks for the suggestion. We won't have too much time in Barcelona. Our only two must sees are La Sagrada Familia and Park Guell. Maybe we can fit in the science museum too. I'm sure my daughter would love it. She's never met a science museum she didn't love!

 

[anjuan]

I'll be taking my DD who is 13 in less than 2 months. Like others I let her help pick the excursions and she's really excited!! In Barcelona we're seeing the aquarium at her request. She's taking Spanish this year and had to do a review of a restaurant in Barcelona so we're actually going there for dinner one night. She also learned about Pompeii in school last year and is excited at seeing it in person.

I did let her know that this trip will be different than that Caribbean cruises we've taken in order to set her expectations.

I think it will be a great cruise to take tweens on!

 

[ldo]

my tweens/teens preferred less over more--meaning shorter excursions and lots of DIY, which left us free to alter the plan. Tried and True:
Pisa: DIY train and climbing the tower (get advance tickets), eating gelato, and walking leisurely back thru town to the train and getting back on the ship, having a quick lunch ad watching a movie or swimming--vs. taking the train into Florence to see a bunch of famous art and sculpture stuff.
Naples: DIY tram/train to Pompeii, gelato, back to ship for late lunch-movie, swim.
Monte Carlo: We (no kids) DIY bus to Eze and then bus to Nice back for late lunch. But kids would have liked this just fine. Little gardens to explore in Eze with fantastic views. It's fun hopping on a local bus.
My tweens/teens LOVED climbing towers--many churches have them.

 

[o&smom]

Thanks for the suggestion. We won't have too much time in Barcelona. Our only two must sees are La Sagrada Familia and Park Guell. Maybe we can fit in the science museum too. I'm sure my daughter would love it. She's never met a science museum she didn't love!

They are both worth a visit! Make sure to prebook your times to visit each. Google Cosmo Caixa and check out images. It is definitely worth the time?

 

[mmmears]

It really depends on your kids, and you know them best. When my DD was 13 we toured Europe for a few weeks and she found it all fascinating and interesting. We were able to split up some of the all-day touring with some lighter days.

 

[Mommb]

Maybe we can fit in the science museum too. I'm sure my daughter would love it. She's never met a science museum she didn't love!

If you will be in Florence near the Uffizi, you can visit the Galileo Science Museum. It has a lot of displays of the science of Galileo's time (as well as before and after), and even a preserved piece of Galileo's finger. My 10-year-old science-loving daughter was entralled. We took the ship's Florence on your Own excursion to ensure we'd make it back to the ship on time (or have help catching up), then walked to the science museum and the Uffizi. We didn't quite have time to go into the Duomo, but we walked around it. It was a long time on the bus, but I couldn't stomach being so close to Florence and not seeing the main sights.

 

[tlprice]

If you will be in Florence near the Uffizi, you can visit the Galileo Science Museum. It has a lot of displays of the science of Galileo's time (as well as before and after), and even a preserved piece of Galileo's finger. My 10-year-old science-loving daughter was entralled. We took the ship's Florence on your Own excursion to ensure we'd make it back to the ship on time (or have help catching up), then walked to the science museum and the Uffizi. We didn't quite have time to go into the Duomo, but we walked around it. It was a long time on the bus, but I couldn't stomach being so close to Florence and not seeing the main sights.

Thanks for the suggestion. We do not plan to go to Florence though because of the long time there and back. I have wanted to go to Florence since I was 16, but this won't be the trip for it. I think we will plan a land based trip in the future for that. We will definitely check out the science museum if we end up doing that. Thanks again.

 

[MUN]

We just booked our second Disney cruise, this time to Europe. My kids will be 11 and 13 when we go. I am wondering if the kids will be bored sightseeing all day? I have watched some videos and teens don't look super impressed. Also, my kids aren't the biggest fan of kids clubs and we want to spend the trip together as a family. Should I wait to go to Europe with them and book a different cruise?

Let them stay on the ship on some of your sightseeing adventures. Just be sure to get back on the ship on time.

 

[aggiedog]

I always vote for a quick stop in Pisa, then on to Lucca just 15 minutes by train away. You can ride bikes along the park that is the top of the old wall, and within the old city center is a manageable maze of old streets, shops, and good food.

 

[one princess]

We just tried to do a combination of sightseeing and fun days. We had 4 tweens on an 11 night and some of the fun things we did were the Fat Tire Bike Tour in Barcelona, beach day in Corsica, the little train ride in Monte Carlo is totally hokie but so fun. In Villefranche, we had a late lunch at a cafe on the beach. We did a few days of touring but tried to keep the cathedrals and museums to a minimum. We also did a combo of guided tours as well as on our own. If you are in La Spezia, take the train or ferry to The Cinque Terre. Things like that are interesting yet fun. Walled cities as well. At that age they will appreciate seeing and doing things they are not used to doing like eating in cafes or hopping on and off trains between cities. It's all an adventure and easy to do. Have fun. You will love it.

 

[one princess]

Also I agree with the poster above who recommended food tours. They are so fun. We have done them all over and my daughter loves them. (so do we!)

 

[kylaura]

Get some kids Renaissance books before you go so they will be ready for the sightseeing. Prepare them with some history so they know the significance. Percy Jackson books work well with the Greek and Roman gods too!

 

[WaywardMemphian]

I' ve been told by several to get Pisa checked off the list and do Lucca. Rent bikes and ride the old city wall.
I'll.have full blown teens when we do Barcelona to Rome in 2019, a 17 and 15 year old.

We'll be in Barcelona for several days prior and al ready booked a rental poetry in Salou, the kids will do Port Aventura and we'll check out the Aquaduct and other Roman Ruins in and around the area. We'll move into the city a day or two before departure, do a Guadi tour consisting of Familia, Casa Batllo, and Park Guell and end the day at Tibidabo.

I have a coworker that's married to a Spainard and they have a home in Valencia that I could use if I wanted to get there earlier. He tells me I just need to do Spain for a month.

Our Cuise stops at Cannes but I think we'll enjoy Eze and get back for the Picaso Museum in Antibes.

We are torn on Genoa. We we to get to Milan and view the Last Supper with advance tickets and with the train station being so close to the port with directs in to Milan and hit the glitzy Emmanuel mall as well.

I don't have to worry about Florence, we will go there after a couple of days in Rome and then on to Venice.

We are kinda torn on Naples, Pompeii is a must but I'd like to follow on with a trip to the Archeological Museum in Nantes and also to view The Veiled Jesus. That cuts out the Amalfi Coast. The Milan trip at Genoa cuts out Cinque Terre. We'd like to get one of those in , if only briefly. Likely add Milan on after Venice.

 

[GPaLarry]

We did the Med. cruise over a year ago out of Barcelona...no kids or grandkids. A couple of things to consider:
1. I got pickpocketed in a gift shop across from the entrance to Park Gruell. Didn't lose much $$ in my pocket, the serious stuff was on a belt inside my shirt. However, beware of scams and kids (small hands) that make Barcelona the pickpocket capital of Europe. There are YouTube videos on this business.
2. Monte Carlo is a tendering port. The day we were to stop the water was too rough and we had an "at sea" day instead. The next day, formerly "at sea", became a port stop at Marseilles, France. DCL whipped up about a dozen excursions there. We went to Avignon and to a winery...bit of rain, but awesome.
3. Pisa is a long bus ride from port and be prepared for loads of venders near the entrance. People were everywhere doing the obligatory hand pushing the tower upright photo. We did not have time to climb inside, although we had a pass for the church next door and the tower. It is what it is, however. If that is a high priority for one your kids you gotta do it.
4. The DCL excursions to the Coliseum and the Vatican worked like fast passes to get us in ahead of long, long lines. Perhaps the on shore companies also offer this advantage. A lot of these Med. sites are loaded with visitors, and security is tight at some. While they can be a hassle to get through, they are the only real deals. Las Vegas copies are just not the same. Try to take your time because a lot of history was made at each venue. With the increasing tourists, it won't be long before these sites will be timed and or restricted to drive-bys.
We loved this cruise, even though the port days were nearly 8am-5:30pm. DCL allows for that with your dining. You might tell your wait staff what time you are coming back from your excursions (for early seating only), so they can plan accordingly. Have a great trip and be sure to check out the characters' outfits.
This cruise was the last of the season for the Magic in the Med., so we made it a B2B with a WBTA...a vacation from our Med. vacation.