Will kids get bored after boarding the ship? Star Cruises lets them become little sailors.

▲Martial arts classes led by Shaolin monks are very popular with both kids and parents. (Photo by reporter Chen Ruizhong, same below)

Reporter Chen Ruizhong / Keelung Report

Families who have never taken a cruise often wonder, "What will the kids do on board?" In fact, cruise lines have set up many educational and entertaining facilities onboard to ensure children have fun. There are also theme-based activities during the summer vacation to help kids enjoy their cruise holiday.

▲Cruise ships usually have children’s playrooms where kids can have fun to their heart’s content.

To help children learn more while playing, Star Cruises has launched the “Little Sailors” series of activities, covering various themes such as art, chemistry, magic, and martial arts. Kids can create projects with instructors and grow through peer interaction.

▲A recording of the Shaolin monks teaching.

The most popular activity among kids is making glowing star bottles. Using the principle of glow-in-the-dark powder absorbing light, these hand-painted glass bottles can emit light in the dark. Once they receive the materials, the excited kids start drawing various patterns on the bottles with glow powder. Some kids who had never worn rubber gloves before smelled them and exclaimed, "It smells like the dentist!" Their amusing comments kept everyone laughing.

▲Star bottles that glow in the dark.

Besides star bottles, there are also squishy slime bracelets and handmade amber necklaces. Each finished product can be taken home and also demonstrates simple chemical principles, perfect for learning through play. Chen Baixian, the chief editor of the life chemistry team serving as an instructor, said that these chemistry courses would cost 300–550 yuan per session on land, but are free for kids on the cruise—great value for parents.Chen BaixianThis means that these science courses cost 300 to 550 yuan per session on land, but are all free for children to participate in on the cruise, making it quite a bargain for parents.

▲In addition to martial arts and chemistry classes, there are also arts and crafts activities like mask painting onboard.

Additionally, instructors teach kids how to make windmills and paint masks. The most special part is when Shaolin monks, who perform on the ship, personally lead the kids in practicing real martial arts moves. Watching the kids throw punches and hold stances, many parents couldn’t resist joining in to learn Shaolin kung fu.

▲Flying fish schools and seagulls encountered onboard offer real-life biology lessons.

Compared to traditional travel modes, taking a cruise not only takes you to your destination, but also allows you to plan your journey according to your preferences along the way. Onboard, besides outdoor facilities like swimming pools and basketball courts for active kids, there are also indoor children’s playrooms with supervision, and tabletop games available. Strolling on the deck may even offer chances to spot rare sights like flying fish and dolphins, turning it into a unique eco-education experience.

▲Kids who actively participate in activities can also receive certificates and souvenirs.

Lin Yuru, Deputy Manager of Star Cruises’ Marketing and Product Development DepartmentLin Yurusaid that this year’s “Little Sailors” activities will be held on the SuperStar Aquarius from June 28 to August 30, and parents can sign their kids up. Kids who meet the course goals will also receive certificates and souvenirs to add memories to their cruise trip.