Cruising with the kids

If you’re after a value-for-money family break this October half term, look no further than Italian cruise line, Costa Cruises. With 11 ships sailing in the Mediterranean this autumn, Costa Cruises offers excellent choice at competitive prices.

For families, Costa Cruises offers superb value with children under 18 years cruising for free on selected cruises even in school holiday periods such as half term*. The range of accommodation onboard the Costa fleet has something to offer all families including three and four berth cabins or cabins with balconies and suites. Families can even bring the grandparents along and make the most of the inter-connecting cabins.

Relax amid stylish surroundings while the children have a ball with onboard entertainment from treasure hunts to Latin dance classes. There are children’s pools and slides plus supervised activities for young guests aged three to 17 on all ships and most have specific ‘Squok Club’ areas which are geared towards children of four separate age groups: Mini (3-6 years), Maxi (7-10 years), Teen Junior (11-14) and Teen (15-17). Parents can even enjoy a shore excursion in the knowledge their children are safe in the hands of experts.

Below are some of the exciting itineraries available for October half term:

Costa Fortuna, Riviera Highlights, 7 nights – from only £539

Join the Costa Fortuna this October and experience some fascinating examples of Italy’s rich history, sailing from Savona to Naples and Palermo. From Palermo you’ll cruise to Tunis, a French influenced city with a strong Arabic flavour and then onto sunny Palma in Majorca, where you’ll have plenty of time to explore the picturesque views and spectacular monuments, by foot or by bicycle. The next port of call is bustling Barcelona, followed by Marseille, gateway to Provence, before arriving back in Savona.

The Costa Fortuna is equipped with a variety of facilities for all the family. There’s a Squok Club, three swimming pools, a library, video games, a theatre and a large selection of restaurants and bars.

Prices start from £539 per adult, fly-cruise, for seven nights, including all meals. For a family of four, sharing a cabin, prices start from £1,608 per family, fly+cruise (based on two adults and two children aged between two and 11 years). Departs Savona, 21 October 2007.

Costa Concordia, Mediterranean Magic, 7 nights – from only £864

Sail in style aboard the Costa Concordia on this magical Mediterranean cruise starting from Civitavecchia, the port of Rome, followed by Savona and then onto Barcelona with its striking architecture. The next stop is Palma in Majorca, a real gem of the Balearic Islands before reaching enchanting Tunis. The last two ports of call are La Valletta, Malta's colourful capital and Palermo in Sicily with its impressive archaeological sites and old-world charm. Whilst sailing, make the most of the onboard facilities including the Samsara Spa, one of the world’s largest floating spas, the Grand Prix racing car simulator, children’s Squok Club and wide range of restaurants and bars.

Prices start from £864 per person, fly-cruise, for seven nights, including all meals. For a family of four, sharing a cabin, prices start from £2,326 per family, fly+cruise (based on two adults and two children aged between two and 11 years). Departs Civitavecchia, 21 October 2007.

Costa Serena, Ancient Treasures, 7 nights – from only £619

Set sail aboard Costa Cruises’ latest ship, the Costa Serena, and discover the vast array of features this magnificent vessel has to offer. Launched in May 2007 as the sister ship to the Costa Concordia, Serena boasts the same spectacular features including the Samsara Spa and Grand Prix driving simulator, but even grander furnishings and décor. The ‘Ancient Treasures’ cruise takes you from enigmatic Venice to the old town of Bari in southern Italy, then onto Katakolon where you can visit Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games, followed by Izmir and Istanbul in mystical Turkey. The final stop is Dubrovnik, a magical city steeped in history and culture, before returning to Venice.

Prices start from £619 per person, cruise-only, for seven nights, including all meals. For a family of four, sharing a cabin, prices start from £1,416 per family, cruise-only (based on two adults and two children under 18 years). Departs Venice, 21 October 2007.

For more information or to book go to Costacruises.co.uk.

*Children under 18 years pay just the port charges if booking a ‘cruise-only’ package and flights if booking a fly+cruise package. The promotion is valid for a maximum of two children per cabin sharing with two adults and cannot be combined with any other promotions. Excludes selected departure dates.