LET'S be up front. Cruising isn't for everybody.

If your idea of a holiday is travelling across Asia on the back of a vegetable lorry, seeing the world on 20p a day, you'll probably find the safe simplicity of a cruise rather annoying.

For everybody else, I reckon cruising offers one of the most stress-free holidays on the planet.

I've been a fan since an unfashionably young age. I say "unfashionably" because the stereotypical passenger is middle-aged and affluent. I'm neither-I just hate unpacking. So the idea of having destinations come to you always struck me as eminently sensible. Limitless food 24 hours a day, including ice cream on tap, also appeals to my 'big kid in a sweet shop' mentality.

This time it was different. In the past two years, my life has changed dramatically with the arrival of my son Scott. So too have my holiday requirements. I now have my Boy Scout Parenting badge and am an expert in nappy changing hotspots the world over. I've baby-wiped bottoms in more exotic locations than you can shake a rattle at.

My partner Kirsty and I and Scott, nearly two, set off to join the Norwegian Jewel in Miami for NCL's nine-day Southern Caribbean itinerary.

NCL has an enviable reputation, priding themselves on a more informal, relaxed attitude on board. They call it Freestyle Cruising-so there are no set times for meals and you can dine with whoever you wish, whenever you want.

Forget forced conversation with tables of strangers. If you fancy, you could eat room service 24 hours a day and not see a soul. That, however, would be a great shame as there is a huge choice of dining options.

You can pick from the four main dining areas, where all food is included in the cruise price, or eight speciality restaurants where you pay a small surcharge but the food is as good as you'd find in any restaurant on land.

Italian, Tex-Mex, gourmet Chinese and sushi, elegant French-the selection is endless as 210 chefs bake, roast, sauté and griddle their way through 90 tonnes of provisions to create a lip- smacking, stomach-bulging 16,000 meals a day for 2,500 guests and 1,100 crew.

Such variety and availability of food is perfect when travelling with a youngster. Not only is there a children's grub section but ice cream is never more than a two-minute toddle away.

Scott's favourite dining experience was the Teppenyaki restaurant-a Japanese style of cooking where your meal is prepared in front of you on a large griddle.

Typically, the enthusiastic chef juggles knives, salt cellars and cooking utensils while preparing a delicious selection of steak, lobster, chicken and rice.

Eggs, courgettes and other ingredients are hurled, spun, balanced, and thrown into chef's hats before turning into a selection of mouth-watering menus.

Scott remained transfixed-my only concern was the state our own kitchen would end up when he tried to emulate the experience back home.

Dazzled

The minimum age limit for the Kids' Club is a strictly-enforced two, so Scott missed out on the impressive array of events. Up to 17s can be left in the care of a dedicated team who lay on entertainment from 9am to 10.30pm.

Aside from that there are two pools (one with a slide), a huge gym and fitness studio-Kirsty was there at 7.30am doing stretch classes, but that was far too much bending for my liking-a basketball court, golf driving range and enough sun loungers for all.

I've never bothered with the onboard entertainment before, but the variety on offer on this cruise tempted me into the state-of-the-art Stardust Theatre where everyone dazzled, from the hypnotists to a musical review troupe. Scott was mesmerised by the Cirque de Soleil-type show and had his nose pressed against the safety glass on the balcony throughout.

Our itinerary began in Miami and we headed south to Barbados, calling at the Dominican Republic, Tortuga in the British Virgin Islands, Antigua and St Lucia. We chose not to take organised excursions, instead hopping into a taxi for the nearest beach.

While we enjoyed seeing these beautiful islands, we were always happy to return to the ship for a welcoming cup of tea and cake. What can't be underestimated is the safety on board. Scott was never more than a corridor away, with childproof railings everywhere and friendly staff ready to welcome Mr Scott in the restaurants (even the smartest ones), shops, leisure and children's areas.

Cruising is a brilliant choice if you have a young family. All I need to do now is prepare the kitchen for Scott's Teppenyaki reconstruction!

To find out more about Martin, or for property advice visit www.martinroberts.co.uk or www.makingmoneyfromproperty.tv

Getting there

VIRGIN Holidays Cruises offers an 11-night Caribbean Stay & Cruise from £1,099pp.

After one night in Riu Florida Beach, Miami, you sail for 10 nights around the Caribbean islands including the Dominican Republic, British Virgin Islands, Barbados and Saint Kitts.

Prices based on two adults sharing an inside cabin on a full-board basis for departure on November 19 (inc flights. Visit www.virginholidayscruises.co.uk or call 0871 781 9893.

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