A family cruise is an incredible option for your next vacation with the kids. It opens up a world of possibilities for traveling together as a family, offering a unique blend of convenience, practicality, and adventure.
A cruise lets you explore multiple destinations on one trip, without having to pack up your bags every time you move on to the next stop. You can wake up in a new destination every morning if you like, making a family cruise an unbeatable way to add excitement and variety to your trip.
Whether you are living the Alaskan adventure sailing from Seattle or setting off from Miami on an exotic island-hopping voyage around the Caribbean, a cruise is an ideal getaway for families with kids of all ages. Here’s why, and how to make the most of a family cruise.
Convenience and Comfort: Unpack Once
Being able to explore the world without having to continuously unpack and pack your bags every time you want to visit a new destination is one of the greatest advantages of a cruise vacation, particularly for families. Once you are settled in to your stateroom, you can unpack and relax, knowing that while you might be visiting a number of different ports and destinations, you don’t have to worry about moving rooms, checking in and out of hotels, or navigating new accommodations every few days. Your entire room moves with you, giving you a comfortable and convenient base from which to explore the world.
Diverse Destinations: A New Adventure Every Day
Another of the best things about a cruise is the ability to pack so much adventure and variety into a single trip. A cruise will take you to a range of different ports and destinations on your itinerary, which for a family is an absolutely wonderful way of keeping the kids entertained and distracted. You could be exploring ancient Mayan ruins one day, then snorkeling, scuba-diving, or lying on a deserted beach the next in the Caribbean, or taking in archaeological sites of the ancient Greeks and Romans, before exploring the cobbled streets of Dubrovnik or Barcelona.
Onboard Activities: Fun for All Ages
Cruise ships are incredibly family-friendly places, with loads of things to do for people of all ages. Most cruise ships have kids’ clubs and activities specifically catered to teens and young adults, while parents can enjoy time by the pool, relaxing spa treatments, and Broadway-style shows in the evening. Even when you aren’t exploring exotic destinations, there will be a huge range of things to keep you all entertained, all trip long.
Tips for Planning Your Family Cruise
- Choose the Right Cruise Line: All cruises offer something different, and there are a bunch of cruise lines that cater specifically to families. Companies like Disney Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival are known for being particularly family-friendly.
- Book Early: Making your plans in advance is a great way to get better deals, save money, and have access to the full choice of cabins and activities.
- Pack Smart: Bring everything you need with you, as you can’t guarantee to find things in foreign ports, and the cruise shops, while comprehensive, are expensive! Don’t forget sunscreen, swimsuits, and anything your kids will want or miss while they are away.
- Plan Excursions Ahead: Shore excursions can get busy quickly, so it is worth booking the ones you really want to do in advance, to ensure you can take part!
A family cruise is one of the best ways to travel with the kids, offering a wonderful combo of convenience, comfort, and excitement. A vacation that lets you visit various different exotic destinations without ever having to pack and unpack your bags is an incredible opportunity and opens up a world of adventure for you and your family!
