Princess Cruises Revamps Activities for Children

Princess Cruises has expanded its programs for children, adding science and wildlife activities, spa services for teenagers and more age groups. The program is free except for spa services, priced from $10.

The line began testing the program on six of its ships and plans to expand it to the rest of the fleet by May 1, said spokeswoman Denise Seomin. Staff from the California Science Center in Los Angeles will offer stargazing, reef-habitat studies and other hands-on activities, depending on the destination. The National Wildlife Federation is providing materials on conservation.

The Teen Spa program has the usual facials and manicures but also offers face paint, henna tattoos and body and hair glitter. Also new is a schedule of free activities in port; formerly, kid-sitting charges were levied during port stays.

In another change, Princess is allowing younger infants aboard. It has lowered its age limit for passengers to 6 months, except for some cruises in Asia, South America, Africa and India, for which the minimum is now 12 months.