Travelling with your family can be a fun and rewarding experience that yields a lifetime of memories. Cruises offer the perfect opportunity to get the most out of your getaway, as you can avoid frequent hotel changes and planning what activities to do and where to eat. Our Personal Vacation Managers have compiled a list of the top tips to help make your next family vacation a success.
Choose Family Friendly Destinations
Keep timing and destination in mind when picking a cruise with children. Spring break, summer and holidays when the kids are off from school are the most popular times to take a family vacation. Caribbean cruises are popular for families as they are easily accessible without a long flight and the ports typically offer a variety of activities for younger crowds. However, most destinations around the world offer itineraries with a variety of amazing attractions that visitors of all ages are sure to love.
Pack Smart
Bring along essential items such as water bottles, sunscreen and first-aid kits. It may also be wise to pack an extra set of clothes or diapers if needed. Luckily, many cruises offer snacks, activities and other things that would usually take up space in your suitcase on a typical vacation.
Keep Kids Entertained
Bring along specific games, books and other activities to keep kids entertained during flights or car rides to the ship if you please. Onboard, a variety of ships offer age-appropriate games, competitions and craft lessons. Certain ships also have clubs and kid-only zones that allow your family to spend time with cruisers their own age in a fun setting while you explore the boat or relax by the pool.
Plan Ahead for Meals
Most ships offer breakfast, lunch, dinner and even late-night snacks for you and your family. However, it is beneficial to let your Personal Vacation Manager or the cruise line know in advance if you have any cuisine preferences or need to avoid any food allergies. If you have picky eaters in your group, check out the buffet or the main dining restaurant on the ship. Often, these places offer a variety of course options that are sure to please any palette.
Be Flexible
Many choose cruise vacations because they allow you to explore at your own pace. You get to decide what you do each day, whether it be roaming the ship or exploring whichever port you docked on that day. This can be ideal for families because you don’t have to worry about strict timelines if something unexpected arises. Enjoy, relax and make the most of this family time.
Overall, cruise vacations are a great option for families. They allow ease and accessibility for your group while offering opportunities to explore new destinations, enjoy new cuisines and try activities they don’t have at home. Most of all, cruises allow you to maximize your time together and create enduring memories.
