Family cruises have become incredibly popular in the last several years as cruise lines have advertised so many affordable vacation packages. Between the holiday season, spring break, and summer time, there are plenty of opportunities during the year for a family to get away from it all and enjoy the resort-style fun that a cruise ship has to offer.
Before booking an ocean voyage, savvy cruisers consider each ship individually to make sure it really fits their family’s ideal vacation style and expectations. Here are a few things to think about when planning a cruise for the whole family.
Kids’ Entertainment
While most ships offer programs for children and teens, some go beyond the basics. Some ships pay special attention to family groups, and provide evening kids’ programs in addition to daytime activities, live shows that appeal especially to youngsters, or special club areas where younger passengers can mingle.
Babies and Small Children
Parents should understand policies concerning very young travelers before booking. For example, cruise ships generally have a minimum passenger age, typically somewhere between twelve weeks and six months. Likewise, some ships restrict young children’s participation in certain programs or may page parents to change diapers. On the other hand, some ships cater specifically to younger cruisers, and provide full nursery care, toy exchanges, in-cabin babysitting, and other helpful services.
Eating
The largest classes of modern ships offer a huge range of dining options. Usually at least one or two of those will have a menu, atmosphere, and serving hours suitable for even the pickiest eaters. Still, it’s a good idea to check out a ship’s eating selections before boarding, to avoid a week of complaints about the food.
Family Fun
Most ships offer children’s play areas as well as quiet places for parents to relax on their own. However, it’s also important to make sure there are things for the family to do as a group, such as suitable shows, dining establishments, or sports and activity centers.
Excursions
Different ports of call offer very different onshore experiences, some of which may be more suitable for families than others. Many parents might opt for a vacation that includes a stop at a private island resort, which will often have many planned activities hosted by the cruise line itself, such as horseback riding or swimming with dolphins. These highly organized onshore excursions are often easier for a family to manage without having to worry about navigating an unfamiliar city on their own.
