Taking the Kids — on a cruise, when you never thought you would

Those aboard the Mariner chose Regent, they said, because the ship was smaller than others (635 on this trip with 457 crew catering to their every need), upscale, known for its food and most important, all inclusive, including drinks (all the cocktails, mocktails and smoothies,) specialty restaurants, tips and most important, the excursions. While Regent is more expensive than other cruise lines, (but with kids’ pricing as low as $499), it’s not so much when you figure that tips, drinks and most excursions, especially in a place like Alaska or the Mediterranean where they can be $100 per person or considerably more, are included.