If you have young children, you’re doubtless familiar with the exploits of Thomas the Tank Engine and even Budgie the Little Helicopter.
But how come there isn’t a series of children’s books about that other great form of transport, the cruise ship? Given that cruises are increasingly family friendly, catering for children of all ages, this seems a serious omission.
Well it’s something I mean to put right. Welcome to my new adventure series starring Lenny the Liner and his close friend, Chrissie the Cruise Ship.
Action-packed adventures
With so many youngsters now cruising with their parents, there’s a huge market out there crying out for this kind of reading experience.
What they want are stories about lovable ships with whacky personalities going on action-packed adventures. And that’s exactly what I believe Lenny and Chrissie can offer them.
In a moment I’ll give you an extract from my new series and you can see for yourself the literary treat your children could be in for – assuming I can find a suitably forward-thinking and broad-minded publisher.
Simple philosophy
But first let’s just remind ourselves of why the time is ripe for this new addition to children’s literature.
Over the past decade or so there has been a noticeable change in the industry’s approach to families and younger cruise passengers. The philosophy now is quite simple.
Provide a safe environment for youngsters, together with the right mix of age-appropriate facilities and entertainment, and you have the makings of a perfect family holiday.
Best of both worlds
Mum and dad can relax and enjoy themselves, knowing there are plenty of fun options available for the little ones. Not to mention the ones who are not so little.
In this environment, you get the best of both worlds. When you want to, you can join in some of these activities with your kids and enjoy quality time together.
On the other hand, when you need a break, you can go off and do your own thing, safe in the knowledge that the kids will be well supervised and superbly entertained.
Vital market
Most of the large ships and cruise lines now go to great lengths to cater for this vital segment of the market. For example, P&O has been leading the way for some time with its onboard family-oriented features, not least those available on the Ventura.
Other cruise lines that have plenty to offer families include: Royal Caribbean, Carnival and of course Disney. But don’t dismiss any of the major lines. Nowadays almost every ship provides some special facilities for non-adult passengers.
Key features to look out for when booking for a young family are whether the ship provides kids clubs, child minding services and child-friendly menus. It’s also worth checking how family-focused the shore excursions are.
Sound choice
Provided you can find a suitable package that takes into account the needs of junior members of your party, you can rest assured that a family cruise will be a sound choice.
Modern youngsters who can have low boredom thresholds will find there’s always something happening or just about to happen on a cruise.
What’s more, seeing the world beyond the white cliffs of Dover and meeting people from other cultures will be highly educational for them.
And while your kids are chilling out on deck or tucked into their beds, getting ready for a good night’s sleep, you may want to read something special to them. Something like this . . .
Lenny the Liner saves the day
One day Lenny the Liner was sailing across the Pacific, racing against his old friend Chrissie the Cruise Ship. Chrissie was winning and Lenny didn’t like that.
So he rammed into the side of her and she sank to the bottom of the ocean, never to be seen again.
Just then Lenny heard a sound to the side of him and was amazed to see his old friend Warren the Warship approaching at a rate of knots.
Something serious
“I need your help,” said Warren. “Something serious has happened.” He pointed to a tiny creature swimming behind him.
“Poor Libby the Little Lobster has got separated from her mummy and daddy. I’m leading her back to her home in the south.”
Lenny looked down into the sea behind Warren and saw Libby gazing sadly up at him.
Dangerous waters
“These are dangerous waters,” said Warren. “I’m guarding Libby at the front, and I need you to protect her from the back. You must stop what you’re doing and help this poor little lost lobster.”
Lenny wanted to say no, but he glanced down again and saw the scared look on Libby’s face. “OK,” he said, changing course even as he spoke.
So off they went: Warren the Warship, Libby the Little Lobster and Lenny the Liner.
Sudden thought
They’d only gone a few nautical miles when Warren suddenly had a thought.
“We’re protecting Libby here on the surface,” he said, “but what if a creature from the bottom of the ocean were to attack her from below?”
Lenny let out a sigh. “If only Nellie the Nuclear Submarine was here. She’d travel beneath us and keep Libby safe.”
By sheer good luck Nellie suddenly surfaced from the deep.
Heading east
“Hi guys,” she said cheerily. “Can’t stop. I’m heading east to deal with a major international crisis that could threaten global peace.”
“Not so fast,” said Lenny the Liner. “There’s a little lobster here that needs your help.”
Nellie took one look at Libby and her heart melted. “World peace will have to wait,” she said.
And so the three of them headed south on a journey that would lead Libby Lobster to safety.
Hail and hurricane
Through wind and rain, through hail and hurricane, they voyaged day after day. Fortunately Lenny – like any other modern cruise ship – had stabilizers which meant the sea wasn’t so rough for him.
Along the way they collected other helpers – Aaron the Aircraft Carrier, Milly the Minesweeper and Debbie the Destroyer – all determined to ensure Libby’s journey was as safe as it could be.
Finally they arrived at Libby’s home port where her mother and father were anxiously waiting.
Fine vessels
“We’re so happy to see you,” said Libby’s mum.
“And who are these fine vessels you’ve brought with you?” she said, pointing to Lenny, Warren, Nellie, Aaron, Milly and Debbie.
“Oh them,” said Libby. “Just some bloody creeps who’ve been in my face for the past 1,000 miles.”
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