Examples: Finger painting and Play-Doh for ages 3-5; pirate night, pajama night and autograph hunts for ages 6-8; karaoke, thunder races and sports tournament for ages 9-11. Teens (12-14 and 13-17) can opt for dancing, pool parties and a Battle of the Sexes. Activities on the line's private island, CocoCay, include beach volleyball, hermit crab hunts and sand-castle building.

BABIES, TODDLERS

TOP CHOICE: Royal Caribbean's Majesty of the Seas, three- and four-night cruises out of Miami, $239 for three-nighters, $249 for four-nighters.

Why: One-hour programs are offered by the Fisher Price toy people: For ages 6 to 18 months, Musical Inspiration and Everyday Early Learning programs. For ages 18-36 months, Fun on the Farm and Crayola Beginnings. Parents must be present.

Also, Royal Caribbean is the only line that offers baby-sitting in guest staterooms for children (at least one year old), freeing parents to enjoy time out on their own. Sitters are volunteer crew members, the service is subject to availability and costs $10 per hour in cash for up to two children in room.

Note: Although Majesty is an older ship, it underwent an extensive renovation less than two years ago, so facilities aboard are up to date.

Drawback: The in-cabin baby-sitting cost is higher than on ships that offer group baby-sitting in a designated venue.

ALTERNATIVE: Disney Wonder, three- and four-night cruises from Port Canaveral; $499 for three-nighters, $569 for four-nighters.

Why: Founder's Reef Nursery cares for kids from 12 weeks to 36 months of age on a limited basis -- a maximum of 10 hours per cruise -- at cost of $6 per hour for the first child, $5 for each additional. (It books up fast, so reserve online before your cruise.)

Diaper Genies, cribs and playpens are complimentary and available on request, and at Castaway Cay. On Disney's private island (a day stop), wagons are availsble to navigate the island's beaches.

A new service called Babies Travel Lite allows guests to order baby supplies in advance (for a fee); they'll be delivered to their stateroom.

Drawbacks: Nursery care is limited and a fee is charged. For South Floridians, Port Canaveral is a four-hour drive away.

PRE-SCHOOLERS

TOP CHOICE: Carnival Imagination, three- and four-night cruises out of Miami, $339-up for three-nighters, $349 for four-nighters.

Why: Carnival carries more kids than any other line -- and with good reason. The line's Camp Carnival features expansive indoor play areas; programs for this age include arts and crafts, climbing mazes, story time and finger painting, plus programs on reading, art, music, geography and physical fitness. Activities for all age groups run 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Group baby-sitting is offered 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. for $6 per hour.)

The recently-renovated Imagination now features a ''Waterworks'' area with a three-story-high water slide, a spray park and new mini-golf course.

Children's menus offer typical kid favorites such as hot dogs, chicken nuggets and pizza as well as healthier choices such as fruit and fresh veggies; a ''Junior Special'' changes daily.

Drawback: Carnival's liners are known as ''fun ships'' for good reason; the lively atmosphere isn't for those looking for total quiet.

ALTERNATIVE: Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Sky, three- and four-night cruises out of Miami, $299-up for three-nighters, $369-up for four-nighters.

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