Older kids ages 8 to 12 have a science-themed Oceaneer Lab to themselves. Twinkling starlike lights and giant planetary spheres fill the room along with an oversized Buzz Lightyear figure. Even teens get the Disney magic touch. The Stack aboard Disney Magic and the Aloft aboard Disney Wonder are packed with comfy couches, a soda bar serving soft drinks and smoothies, Internet access, plasma-screen TVs, MP3 players loaded with popular music, board games and other chill-out necessities.

The line also has its own take on kid's cuisine. Kids can learn about one of the most famous Mexican desserts, the churro — a sweet, crunchy delicacy — by experimenting with different toppings of their own creation. Kids also can learn about the history of bread, in part, by creating their own loaves of "pan de muerto."

Other lines team up with specialists in children's entertainment or education to set themselves apart. For instance, in 2006, Celebrity Cruises aligned itself with LeapFrog SchoolHouse, widely recognized for interactive electronic education programs for pre-kindergarten through 8th graders, to provide younger passengers with engaging, multisensory learning tools and instruction.

Kids enrolled in Celebrity's "Fun Factory" will be entertained with hands-on activities, games, crafts and other interactive sessions, paired to itinerary and ship. For cruises south of the border, for instance, Celebrity's kids' programming includes learning about sun-dials, making their own pinatas, identifying the Mexican states, creating a scene featuring Pacific Coast sea life and designing their own mosaic frescoes. As for partnerships, Royal Caribbean International teamed with MTV's enormously successful Nickelodeon channel for a first-ever Nickelodeon cruise sailing from Miami Aug. 10 for a Western Caribbean voyage aboard Freedom of the Seas, the world's largest ship, with more than 4,000 passengers.

The kid-friendly cruise will offer Nick-themed activities such as live game shows featuring the trademark Nickelodeon slime, visits with kids' favorite Nick characters such as Dora the Explorer and SpongeBob SquarePants, appearances by the network's live-action stars and more.

• For details, contact a travel agent or visit individual cruise line Web sites: carnival.com; celebritycruises.com; crystalcruises.com; disneycruise.com; royalcaribbean.com.