Set sail for a nautical family adventure

If you’re after a value-for-money family break this October half-term, cast a look at Italian cruise line, Costa Cruises. With ten ships sailing in the Mediterranean this autumn, Costa Cruises offers excellent choice at competitive prices.

Accommodation onboard the Costa fleet is designed to suit all and includes three and four berth cabins. Families can even bring the grandparents along and make the most of the inter-connecting accommodation.

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.

Costa’s ships have special ‘Squok Club’ areas for children in 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 Costa’s expert team.

Below are details of Costa Cruises’ October 2008 half-term voyages:

Costa Serena – Greece & Turkey
Seven nights from only £605.50 per adult & £89 per child, cruise-only
Step back in time and explore the colourful history of Greece and Turkey. Art and culture will influence the start of your adventure as you visit the Italian cities of Venice and Bari. Next, you’ll set sail to some of the oldest cities in the Mediterranean as you retrace ancient steps at the ruins of Olympia and in the Turkish cities of Izmir and Istanbul. You’ll then visit the charming port of Dubrovnik located on the wonderful Dalmatian Coast before returning to Venice.

Departs Venice, Italy, on 26th October 2008. Prices start from £605.50 per adult and £89 per child (one child fare allowed per paying adult), sharing an inside cabin, cruise-only, for seven nights, including all meals and port taxes.

Costa Magica – Italy, Spain & Provence
Seven nights from only £588.50 per adult & £89 per child, cruise-only
The stylish Costa Magica is the perfect ship to discover the contrasts of the Mediterranean. From Savona you’ll cruise to lively Naples and vibrant Barcelona, and then there is the opportunity to visit the fascinating city of Palermo, renowned for its wonderful cuisine. Sail on to Tunis, where you can walk around the white and blue painted town of Sidi Bou Said. Cosmopolitan Palma de Mallorca is the next port of call and then Marseilles will enchant you with its vitality as you visit the romantic region of Provence, before the Costa Magica cruises back to Savona.

Departs Savona, Italy, on 26th October 2008. Prices start from £588.50 per adult and £89 per child (based on one child sharing with two adults), sharing an inside cabin, cruise-only, for seven nights, including all meals and port taxes.

Costa Concordia – Spain, Tunisia & Malta
Seven nights from only £591.50 per adult & £89 per child, cruise-only
This delightful itinerary departs from the Italian port town of Civitavecchia and provides a thrilling combination of history, culture and natural beauty. The unique architecture and artistic culture of Barcelona will enthrall you, before you cruise onwards to the beauty and fine nightlife of Palma de Mallorca. The dramatic ruins of Carthage await you as you stop in Tunis, then you will spend your next days in the colourful Maltese capital of La Valetta before enjoying the laid-back charms of Palermo. As you cruise back to Civitavecchia, you can enjoy the excellent onboard facilities of the Costa Concordia for one more night.

Departs Civitavecchia/Rome, Italy, on 26th October 2008. Prices start from £591.50 per adult and £89 per child (based on one child sharing with two adults), sharing an inside cabin, cruise-only, for seven nights, including all meals and port taxes.

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