Why cruises are the best vacations with kids
You heard me right, friends. In my opinion, one of the best family vacations with children is a luxury cruise.
1. One of the best facts is that some cruise lines allow young children to travel for free or at reduced rates. Between January 22 and May 28, children travel free on most Disney Cruise Line 3-night cruises when accompanied by two full-fare paying adults. Lines like Norwegian and Carnival also offer shorter cruises with kids for free or at deep discounts.
2. Typically, for many cruise lines, cruises of 10 days or more attract a larger crowd, cruises of 2 to 3 days attract adults who enjoy partying, and cruises of 6 to 7 days include more. children’s and children’s programs. So choose accordingly (unless, of course, you sail on Disney).
3. Most cruise lines offer programs for children and teens. Lines include Disney, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Holland America, Celebrity, and Cunard. Check with other cruise lines about their offers. Most ships therefore offer a parent-child orientation with the youth supervisors on the first day of the cruise. Take advantage of the crucial information they offer. The quality of the program may differ to some extent, and it may be important to ask exactly what each program offers and if it keeps children busy all day and nights. (Also, if you have kids in diapers or newly potty trained, make sure the ship offers a program for them in advance.)
4. What about accommodation arrangements? Some cruises have cabins that are large enough to accommodate five; others have adjoining cabins. But, if not, keep in mind that mobile phones do not work on ships. If your cruise line doesn’t offer larger or adjoining cabins, it’s probably crucial that you buy walkie-talkies that your family can use. Walkie-talkies can also be very useful whether in the cabin, separate on the boat, or for shore excursions.
5. The ocean liners are even bigger than you probably imagine, so walk the entire ship with your kids when you board to make them feel a little more comfortable. Take your youngest children to the children’s program every day and pick them up when you’re done. There is a great chance that they will get irretrievably lost if they try to navigate the ship alone. Also, it is a good idea, if your older children roam the ship, to have them write in a notebook in the room where they are at any given time.
6. Show a little consideration. Don’t let your children squeal, run, bang on doors, jump on beds, hit walls, etc. Other guests also deserve to enjoy their cruise.
7. Some shore excursions can bore children to tears (or pout). Children love fish and animals. A visit to an aquarium, an underwater tourism exhibit, a wildlife park, or even a submarine ride will be fun. And you may want to insist that everyone get together for dinner. In addition to possible field trips, it may be the only time the family is together.
In view of the programs offered for all ages, a cruise can be one of the best family vacations you can enjoy.