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

Make the Most of Family Time - Celebrity Cruises Offers Unique Experiences for Tweens and Teens

In a fast-paced world where parents are continually balancing work and family life, a recent study by Celebrity Cruises has shed light on the limited time families get to spend together on holidays. The study found that, on average, families in the UK enjoy just 11 quality days together on holiday each year. This means that parents have only 26 weeks of holidays with their children before they grow up and finish secondary school, a stark contrast to the 752 weeks spent at work before a child turns sixteen.

The limited time dedicated to family holidays has left 72% of parents feeling the responsibility to make these moments count. Celebrity Cruises, an award-winning cruise line, has taken the initiative to address this challenge by offering vacations tailored for tweens and teens. These vacations aim to maximize the precious time families have together and create lasting memories.

Why Family Travel Matters

Behavioural psychologist Jo Hemmings emphasizes the emotional and developmental benefits of family travel. She highlights that holidays provide a unique opportunity for family members to bond, connect on a deeper level, and share thoughts and feelings. Escaping the distractions of daily life allows families to experience new environments together, which can reduce stress and generate positive emotions that benefit everyone.

Family travel is particularly valuable for "tweens" - children at their most impressionable age. Travel exposes them to different cultures, broadening their horizons and sparking meaningful discussions. It not only broadens their outlook but also provides fresh perspectives that can enhance their education and classroom experience.

For parents of "tween-agers," 80% recognize that family holidays help them forge closer relationships with their children. Nearly half aim to engage in group activities, such as playing sports and family excursions, while more than two-fifths seek opportunities to explore new places together.

Giles Hawke, VP and MD of Celebrity Cruises EMEA, notes, "Our research shows that the majority of parents are committed to making family holidays more meaningful, and we offer unrivaled opportunities to do just that." Celebrity Cruises offers itineraries to over 300 destinations and tailored programming both onboard and ashore specifically for families of tweens and teens.

Top Tips for Maximizing Family Holidays

Jo Hemmings provides three key tips for families looking to make the most of their limited holiday time:

1. Embrace shared adventures and activities: Plan and participate in activities that everyone in the family can enjoy together, creating memorable moments.

2. Disconnect from technology: Implement downtime without smartphones and other devices to encourage face-to-face interaction and meaningful conversations.

3. Create traditions and memories: Establish unique traditions or memories specific to your family trips to make them more special and emotionally significant.

Special Offers from Celebrity Cruises

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. Here are two exciting options:

- Norwegian Fjords Cruise (7 nights) departing on 16 August 2024. Prices start from £1,090 per person, based on two adults and two children sharing a balcony room.

- Western Caribbean & Perfect Day Cruise (6 nights) starting on 27th October 2024, with prices from £2,080 per person based on two adults and 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 the Celebrity Cruises website, call 0800 240 4286, or contact your travel agent. Make your family time truly memorable and count those precious days together on unforgettable vacations.