Most family vacations take a lot of planning. Fortunately, many cruise lines have gone out of their way to integrate children’s needs into the designs of their newest ships. Water slides, video-game arcades, kids’ clubs, movie nights, flexible dining, babysitting services, and more have become commonplace on the newest ships of almost every major cruise line. With all the sleeping, eating, and entertainment arrangements taken care of, parents can relax and enjoy the experience.
Accommodations
As more families are choosing cruising every year, cruise lines have responded by providing a larger selection of staterooms. Leading companies, including Norwegian, Carnival, and Royal Caribbean, have cabins that sleep five or six people. Disney even provides one-and-a-half-baths in many cabins, so families can get ready for their outings quickly.
Entertainment
Families come in all sizes and ages, so it’s important to consider whether a ship has facilities that will appeal to teens or younger kids, as well as to parents who might want to get a way for a few hours. With his in mind, most modern ships offer a range of entertainment options suitable for kids of all ages. Many cruise lines have partnered with favorite children’s brands, and can offer fun shows and activities involving SpongeBob SquarePants, Disney princesses, or Dr. Seuss. Most ships also provide clubs where younger passengers can mingle with other kids, in supervised environments with age-appropriate activities. Tons of other options like bowling alleys, arcades, sport courts, movies, and more round out the fun options available to kids.
Food
With so much to eat on board every ship, it’s no surprise that a ship’s restaurants can usually provide a menu for even the pickiest kids. While the parents enjoy their steak and asparagus, the kids can still have their mac-and-cheese and jello. Special diets are usually not a problem either.
Multi-generational Cruises
Of course, kids aren’t the only ones on the cruise! Mom and Dad are there, too—and in a growing trend, Grandma and Grandpa come along, as well. For this reason, cruise ships, especially bigger ones, provide plenty of adults-only events and spaces, including reserved decks and serene spa facilities. After all, the grown-up kids need some fun, too!
