The popular event has been brought back by Stena Line and is a big hit with families looking for something different to entertain the kids
Finding new and inventive ways of keeping the kids entertained can sometimes be a challenge for parents, especially over half term.
So when we spotted that Stena Line had brought back their Pirates and Princesses Day Cruise we thought it was time we gave it a go as we had heard rave reviews.
Our kids are now aged six-years-old and 20 months old so it’s the perfect age for dressing up and having a bit of fun – and a trip on a boat is a total novelty for them.
So on Wednesday we headed to Stena Line’s Belfast terminal and boarded as foot passengers along with plenty of other pirates and princesses for a day cruise across the Irish Sea.
I wasn’t sure what way it would work but it is actually a normal crossing so there were plenty of regular customers on board, probably very confused by the fancy dress all around them.
Those on the day cruise across to Cairnryan and back were ushered into the bar section of the boat where the entertainment had been set up. There was plenty of room for families to grab a table and set up for the next few hours.
We were on the 11.30am sailing to Cairnryan and would return on the 3.30pm sailing back to Belfast so it was time to get comfortable.
The area isn’t roped off for families but it’s safe to say any other passengers would probably stay clear unless they wanted something from the bar.
Things kicked off with a disco which our pair and their pals were loving and there was a little bit of competition and prizes to hold their attention and keep the dance moves coming.
Over the next two hours as we sailed towards Scotland, the kids had the time of their lives as they ran between the entertainment, the soft play area and looked out of the window to spot ‘sharks’ they were convinced were in the water around the boat.
As well as the disco, there was a puppet show, magic show as well as some Bingo fun. It was amazing watching the delight on the kids’ faces as they tried to work out how the magic tricks worked.
The pair behind the entertainment were brilliant with the kids as well and rarely lost their attention, with the majority staying up with them for the entire trip.
When we got to Cairnryan there is a wait of around an hour and a half but that is when they pulled out the colouring competition and fancy dress parade. For the adults, the view approaching Scotland is stunning so it is worth popping out on the deck to take that in.
The duo in charge of the entertainment didn’t stop the whole time and on the way back there was more dancing, balloon modelling and another puppet show.
The novelty of hopping on the boat and the excitement of that makes the trip a real treat for the kids and something they will always remember.
Our son is six so I would say this was probably the ideal time to take him as I think after that age of six/seven it might not hold their interest in the same way.
The cost of the day cruise is £15 per child and £12 per adult, which for a whole afternoon of entertainment and a quick jaunt to Scotland and back seems quite reasonable. However, like all these things it can add up once you add the whole family in and the kids spot the shop.
As well as the on board entertainment for the trip, there is the soft play, cinema and games area which makes the crossing to Scotland go pretty quickly with the kids.
Overall this is a really fun and different activity to do with the children and cost wise it is quite average for a family day out. I wouldn’t recommend it for older kids but for those who still love dressing up and having a bit of fun on the dance floor, then it’s ideal.
It is easy to see why it sells out so quickly and after two dates this half term being a success, I have no doubt that Stena will be keen to get some more lined up, so keep your eyes peeled.
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