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 Here's one conception of families on cruises: Parents doze in poolside loungers while their belligerent kids scare the bejeezus out of other passengers by doing cannonballs off the side of the pool.
Here's another: Kids are checked into designated age-based activities. Parents go do their poolside dozing with the kids out of sight, out of mind (and out of splashing range).
But how about this wholesome snapshot: families actively enjoying cruise activities together. Imagine dad and son building a model ship poolside; mother and daughter lounging together giggling at their just-manicured toenails; son and mom cooking up a chocolate cake with the help of a ship chef in the galley; dad and daughter joining forces in a basketball tournament. Later, the whole clan tag teams at the karaoke contest.
As cruising has rapidly gained popularity with families as a more exciting (and vastly more indulgent) variation of the classic family vacation, they want to know what they can enjoy together on and off the ships.
Here are a few good reasons families might want to seek out cruises that offer ample opportunities for togetherness:
 Keeping the flock together keeps parents in charge. And when you find cruise activities to do with your family, you don't have to wonder where your kids are or what mischief they're making.
The lament of many American parents -- particularly those of us who work -- is that we don't see enough of our kids. So why separate during vacation? Indeed, vacations are a way to help make up for lost time.
Shocking revelation: Some parents and children actually enjoy each other's company. Despite being as exhausting, distracting and challenging as any 4-year-old, my own son makes me laugh more than many of my adult friends do. I like that when I'm with him I look at things differently, and talk about them in different ways. I delight in his delight. And when we're on vacation, a lot of the time, a lot of what we really want to do is be together.
I don't mean to overstate the case. There's definitely something to be said for time away from the kids. And obviously the kids shouldn't be part of certain more "grown up" cruise activities, like barhopping, casino action or late-night discos. But a relatively recent trend in cruising -- offering activities for parents and kids to participate in together -- is catching hold and there can be great joys in the experience.
So far, mega lines Disney, Royal Caribbean and Carnival are nautical miles ahead of the pack in terms of the programming for families. And we've included in our picks below one of the luxury lines -- Regent Seven Seas Cruises -- which has begun to offer distinctive programs for older children and their parents.
Of course, the challenge for the cruise lines is to find the right balance in their family programming: to not only offer activities that can suit specific age groups, but also deliver choices with broad appeal. It's relatively easy to develop activities that appeal to a narrow band of ages: the toddler set or teens or whatever. But it can be a tricky business to try to excite youth sensibilities and energy levels without infantilizing the adults -- or, conversely, to keep the adults engaged but not bore the kids silly.
Here are some questions to ask if you're planning to cruise with your family -- and want to make the most of your time together:
Are there specific programs for families (as opposed to just kids)? What are they?
Are children welcome at traditional "grown up" activities? I heard about one mother whose 10-year-old really loved High Tea, for example (and he was the only kid in the room). Kids also might like cooking demonstrations, Bingo, or evening cabaret or magic shows. Just make sure you understand what's appropriate to attend with the kids.
Can parents get involved in kid zones and kid-designated activities? Some cruise lines specifically restrict parents from entering areas where the children's programming takes place; others require parental supervision, and still others invite parents at specified times or for specific programs. It's a good idea to check the policy before booking to avoid separation anxieties (your child's, or your own).
Shore excursions can present a special challenge for families. Parents fret about whether to leave the kids onboard in kid-specific programming, or bring the kids along for shore excursions with fingers crossed that energy levels and patience will hold out. And with the added expense of shore excursions, parents understandably want to maximize the enjoyment and minimize the risk.
A few lines are beginning to eliminate the guesswork by developing and marketing family-themed shore adventures, as Carnival's done on its new European cruises. In some ports of call on its Mediterranean itineraries this year, the line offers Family Fun Tours; shore outings are purposely designed to target families with younger kids and others families with older kids. Examples? In Istanbul, the "Ancient Past & Modern Istanbul" family outing starts with visits to the city's most historic attractions, such as the 17th-century Blue Mosque, St. Sophia Museum and the city's legendary grand bazaar with more than 4,000 shops -- but winds up with a stroll along Istklal Street for a sampling of local culture with galleries, bookstores, and cafes. Lunch and a ride on an old-time trolley round out the day's excursion.
Which shore excursions are appropriate for kids and/or families? Some shore excursions -- glass-bottom boat tours, beach days, visits to aquariums and other animal-themed attractions -- may be great for children. With others, particularly those involving long boat or bus rides, limited amenities, or lots of walking, you may be asking for trouble. Also, pick your cruise region carefully. In the Caribbean and Hawaii it's easier to find kid-friendly outings than in Europe or Asia.
To kick-start your deliberations, we've rounded up some examples of how cruise lines are introducing new activities (or recasting existing ones) to appeal not only to specific age brackets, but also across them. And we're interested in your experiences, too! If you've participated in a parent-child onboard activity, tell us what it was -- and how you liked it (write to editor@cruisecritic.com; put "Kids and Parents" in the subject line).
Disney
 Why: This is far from new terrain for Disney -- family-friendly cruising is why the line was created in the first place. By bringing many of Disney's theme park sensibilities (including the classic characters) to the high seas, Disney has hit its intended audience square on and sparked a revolution in the cruse industry. The big news is that Disney has moved into European waters, which means a new option for families wanting a European vacation.
Which Ships: Disney's two ships, Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, both offer extensive family programming.
Special Programs for Families: Oodles. The ships' live stage shows -- "Hercules, the Musical" and "Twice Charmed: An Original Twist on the Cinderella Story" are two -- speak to the budding princess or hero in kids, and perhaps the princess and hero nostalgia in their moms and dads. Disney's themed deck parties are family extravaganzas with costumes, dancing, and fireworks (a Disney cruise exclusive; no other line offers fireworks at sea.) The ships' Studio Sea is a nexus for family entertainment, ranging from Superstar Karaoke to the Disney family disco and from "Who Wants to Be a Mousketeer?" to "Walk the Plank Game Show." Other activities include "animation fun," where families can learn how to draw Disney characters; "eco quiz," showcased on the Ariel View screen above the family pool; and a magic workshop.
Just Hangin' Together: Families hang out and goof off together at the Studio Sea (on the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder) -- a movie-set themed lounge where there are karaoke and game shows.
Shore Excursions: The strongest contender here is the excursion to Castaway Cay, Disney's private island; there's a family beach (in addition to a teen beach and an adults-only beach) with water sport equipment, and a snorkel lagoon that offers a chance to swim with stingrays. While there are not "family excursions" identified as such, Disney's shore menu offers an extensive range of possibilities ranked by recommended age levels, exertion levels and length. In the Carribbean, favorites include a visit to Grand Cayman's Butterfly Farm, a relaxing day at St. Thomas's Megens Bay and a slightly more adventurous afternoon viewing Coral World Marine Park from the semi-submarine Nautilus VI.
Even more exciting if only because of the newness are Disney's plans for European shore excursions aboard Disney Magic this summer. Lucca, a city in Italy's Tuscany, will be the site of the "Lucca Treasure Hunt"; teams search for clues to treasure hidden around the medieval city's sights and monuments. In Civitavecchia, the port for Rome, there's a Narnia tour to the medieval Italian city of Narni (that's where C.S. Lewis penned the famous "Chronicles of Narnia").
Carnival Cruise Lines
Why: Carnival's approach centers on "fun" (as opposed to, say, "luxury," "serenity" and other buzz words of lines attracting cruisers sans children!) For families, this means plenty of crowd-pleasing, high-energy activities.
Which ships: Go big: Carnival's Conquest-class ships, including the new Freedom, offer the largest facilities in the fleet -- and for families this translates to bigger spaces to play (including a 1,800-square-ft. teen club).
Or, go small. The Fantasy-class ships that do shorter cruises (read: a more affordable option for families) are also catering to family audiences by expanding the children's areas. In March, Carnival announced major kid-friendly upgrades for these ships, including water parks and revitalized facilities for young and older teens.
Or, go Europe! Carnival's Freedom introduces the line's first Eastern Mediterranean itineraries. This creates opportunities for families to do cultural tours by day -- and return to familiar shipboard comforts by night.
Special Programs for Families: To start, there's a special family afternoon on every seven-day voyage; a highlight of that is an ice cream eating competition (and if ice cream isn't a great age leveler, I don't know what is). Carnival also offers a boatload of activities that parents, grandparents and children can enjoy together. Among these: family parties in the disco, family scavenger hunts, karaoke, and "Name that Tune." A mother-and-daughter manicure, anyone? How about a father-and-son foot massage? Carnival offers a youth spa program where children ages 12 to 14 and their parents can enjoy body and beauty treatments together on port days. For budding stars and their stage parents, ships offer a Kids' Talent Show.
Just Hangin' Together: Carnival's ships offer plenty of ways to make adrenaline levels soar. Among the latest: the 214-ft.-long "Twister Waterslide" on Carnival Freedom. Parents who want to bring their kids down from energy peaks might coax them toward the Freedom's 270-square-ft. poolside LED screen for movie. To ratchet things down even more, families can check out books from the library to read together on all Carnival ships, or borrow board games to play on deck or in cabins.
Shore Excursions: A number of Carnival's excursions are suitable for families, including (in the Caribbean) a day at the Sea Life Park Vallarta, with its sea lions, "Royal Dolpin Swim," and hot dog or pizza lunch. But the really big news is Carnival's "Family Fun Tours" that have been announced for its new Mediterranean itineraries. These cultural tours for families include a private yacht cruise on Turkey's Bosphorus, with views of ancient temples and palaces -- and the world's seventh-largest diamond. Or, while calling at Izmir, take a tour of Ephesus (one of the seven wonders of the world) that ends with a visit to train museum featuring the largest collection of steam engines in Europe.
Royal Caribbean
 Why: Royal Caribbean began promoting family activities a couple of years ago in response to the increase in families cruising together. On most voyages there are at least two activities that are especially for families.
Which ships: Family programming is offered on all ships, year-round.
Special Programs for Families: Imagine 4-year-olds strutting their moves along with their 40-year-old moms at Family Disco Hour, an opportunity they probably don't otherwise have outside of family weddings. Other family activities include karaoke, family sports tournaments, pool games (such as a relay in which family teammates switch out of and into a wet T-shirt between legs of the race) and beach "Olympics" (the competition includes classic -- and goofy -- events like the three-legged race).
Architecturally inclined parents and youth can team up in the Loews-branded "Build and Grow" program, outfitted with goggles, aprons and all the tools they need build their own wooden ship. That ship -- and the merit badge they earn -- just might win their hearts more than souvenirs from the gift shop! For families that enjoy games (and competition for the sake of silliness), there are versions of "Family Feud" and "Parent Trap," a game that tests parents' and kids' knowledge of each other.
Just Hangin' Together: Royal Caribbean's family-friendly amenities range from ice rinks to rock-climbing walls. And listen up surfer teens and dads: the line's newest Freedom family of ships boasts a new high-tech amenity: a wave simulator. Surf's up, dude!
Shore Excursions: Royal Caribbean doesn't identify specific excursions for families -- but does give parents plenty of from leisurely days at the beach to more adventurous fare like jet skiing or zip-lining.
Luxury Choice: Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Why: Regent Seven Seas is worth considering if you are looking to book a cruise during summer or winter holiday season, if you don't want to get fully into the hubbub offered by the mega ships, and if you (and your budget) are in for a more upscale, smaller, and exotic family experience. Most of the time, kids are scarce on Regent's ships (and most of the adults like it that way). But the line is creating some really interesting programming to cater to the family audiences that swell slightly during the holidays. Even during the holidays, there may not be swarms of kids -- but those onboard tend to get more personalized attention (ship staff that know your kids' names or remember their favorite drinks, for example).
Which Ships: Paul Gauguin, which sails the South Pacific, has long operated the Ambassadors of the Environment Program for children ages 9 to 17. New for 2007: Seven Seas Mariner, which is cruising in Alaska, will feature a Pacific Northwest twist on the program, though this is not as parent-child focused.
Special Programs for Families: On Paul Gauguin, Ambassadors of the Environment -- presented in conjunction with the Ocean Futures Society of Jean-Michel Cousteau (son of the legendary Jacques Cousteau) -- features special eco-excursions for parents and kids to try together, tied in with the nature aspect of the program. Among them are naturalist-led snorkeling, night snorkeling and a rainforest trek in Moorea with an anthropologist.
Just Hangin' Together: Family-friendly isn't the focus (remember, kids and families are still in the minority here) but older kids and teens, and their parents, can try waterskiing, kayaking or windsurfing from a retractable water sports platform on the Gauguin. Also a plus: Both ships offer open-seating dining. And on Seven Seas Mariner, all staterooms are suites-with-balconies.
Shore Excursions: Other options in French Polynesia include a chance to play with stingrays and night snorkeling.
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