Lois : 𝙽𝚘 𝙲𝚛𝚞𝚒𝚜𝚎 𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚛𝚘𝚕

 Parents under pressure to make holidays count, as Celebrity Cruises’ study shows they’re seeking meaningful family time

• UK families enjoy a mere 11 quality days together on holiday each year 
• 69% of parents with ‘tween-agers’ believe holidays contribute to a well-rounded education and a third (30%) see them as a chance to broaden everyone’s outlook
• Behavioural psychologist, Jo Hemmings, explains the emotional and developmental benefits of family travel and provides advice for families looking to maximise their holiday time 

A recent study by Celebrity Cruises has revealed that the average family will spend just 11 (11.3) days of the year on holiday together – that’s a mere 26 weeks in total before a child finishes their time at secondary school. Comparatively, a parent working full-time will spend 752 weeks at work*, before their child turns 16.

With such limited days dedicated to family holidays, 72% of parents believe that there is a responsibility to make them count and maximise their time together.  The award-winning cruise line is combating this head on by offering holidays, specifically targeted for tweens and teens, that make the most of the limited time together and create life-long memories.   

Discussing the wider benefits of family travel, behavioural psychologist Jo Hemmings explains: “Holidays present an opportunity for family members to bond and connect on a deeper level – away from the distractions of daily life they have the time to connect and share thoughts and feelings. Experiencing new environments together can also help reduce stress and produce positive emotions that will benefit all the family.  

“Family travel is particularly beneficial for ‘tweens’ – at their most impressionable age, holidays enable them to experience different cultures and embrace new horizons, positively opening their minds and sparking debates. Family travel will not only broaden their outlook but gives them fresh perspectives that can improve their education and classroom experience too.” 

This sentiment is shared by parents of ‘tween-agers’** – with 80% of parents whose children are going through those formative years recognising that family holidays help them forge closer relationships with their kids. Almost half aim to do group activities, like playing sports and family excursions (47%), while more than two fifths (42%) seek the opportunity to explore new places together.

The majority (69%) of parents with tween-aged children believe these trips contribute to their well-rounded education. Not only do 30% deem family travel as a chance to broaden everyone’s outlook, but importantly to learn more about each other too (25%). 

Commenting on the findings, Giles Hawke, VP and MD of  Celebrity Cruises EMEA adds “Our research shows that the majority of parents are committed to making family holidays more meaningful and we offer unrivalled opportunities to do just that. Families can participate in everything from onboard art classes, silent discos and movie nights under the stars, animated dinner experience with Le Petit Chef, to shore excursions including cultural tours through the Mayan ruins, action-packed activities like water sports or glacier climbing in Norway – and even come face-to-face with wildlife like-no-other in the Galapagos. We offer itineraries to over 300 destinations plus tailored programming both onboard and ashore specifically for families of tweens and teens – so whatever their interests we’re here to help families make their limited time together count and create once in a lifetime memories together.” 

Jo Hemmings add her top three tips for families looking to maximise their holidays: 

1. Embrace shared adventures and activities: Plan and participate in activities that everyone in the family can enjoy together. Whether it’s exploring new destinations, trying global cuisine,  going on hikes, biking, swimming, or trying out new experiences like cooking classes, or wildlife safaris, shared adventures create memorable moments. 
2. Disconnect from technology: One of the biggest barriers to quality family time is the constant distraction of smartphones, tablets, and other devices. Consider implementing some downtime such as during meals or in the evenings. This encourages more face-to-face interaction, meaningful conversations, and the opportunity to be fully present in the moment.
3. Create traditions and memories: Establishing traditions or memories specific to your family trips can make them even more special and memorable. These could be as simple as wandering around a local market, using a little bit of the national language or a particular activity you do every year. These traditions create a sense of continuity and nostalgia, making the holiday experience more emotionally significant.

For families looking to book their 2024 holidays, Celebrity Cruises is currently offering up to 40% off all guests on selected cruises booked before 9 November 2023 including:

For the adventure seekers there’s the 7-night Norwegian Fjords Cruise with experiences for the whole family to enjoy. Departing 16 August 2024, families can set sail on a magical journey through the stunning scenery lining the Norwegian Fjords. Excursions include a ride on the world’s steepest train journey and admiring the breathtaking views of mountains or kayaking through the calm waters of Aurlandsfjord; Flam. Prices start from £1,090 per person, based on two adults and two children sharing a balcony room.

Explore somewhere new in October 2024 half term with Celebrity Beyond on a 6-night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day cruise. Starting on 27th October 2024 from Fort Lauderdale, set sail across the crystalline waters of the Caribbean to George Town where children can run and explore the seven-mile beach before sailing to Cozumel in Mexico. Families can immerse themselves in nature, exploring the largest coral reef in the west as well as exploring Perfect Day at Cococay – a private island offering the Caribbean’s largest freshwater pool. All this from £2,080 per person based on two adults & two children sharing a room with a balcony, including return flights from London Heathrow, 1-night pre-cruise hotel stay and transfers.

To book, or find out more, visit www.celebritycruises.co.uk, call 0800 240 4286 or contact your travel agent.

Survey by Opinium of 4,000 UK Adults conducted between 22-26 September 2023* Based on an adult working 47 weeks of the year **1,218 parents of children aged 7-13