Forget resorts! If you want to plan a carefree and fun trip, there is nothing like a cruise! From toddlers to grandparents, there is something for everyone on board. Booking a cruise for your family will allow you to see far-flung destinations without all of the hassles of planning.
So how do you decide the best option for you? Here’s everything you need to know about planning a dream cruise for our family.
Cruise for Your Family on Royal Caribbean
There are a couple of different things to consider when you are planning a cruise for your family. While the destination is often the first factor to consider for a family vacation, cruises are a bit different. On top of the thing where you will go, you will want to think about the ship that you will be traveling on.
Royal Caribbean has a handy option where you can choose which ship appeals to you then see where it goes. The Independence of the Seas has great options for teens like laser tag, escape rooms, a bungee jumping trampoline, and boogie boarding. Ice skaters will love the Oasis of the Seas’ rink while Quantum of the Seas has cool robo shows. Families looking for an escape will flip for the family rooms of the Symphony of the Seas where you can have your own private game room. And that is just the tip of the ice burg! There is a wide range of Royal Caribbean ships that are catered to the needs of cruises for families.
Carnival Cruise for Your Family
If you are starting off in
Miami, you will find a vast array of options with
Carnival Cruise Lines. TheÂ
Dream and Vista boat options are perfect options for a family cruise. One thing I especially love about Carnival Cruises is that they offer a
diverse selection of kids camps. They are broken down into Penguins (for 2 to 5-year-olds), Stingrays (for 6 to 8-year-olds) and Sharks (for 9 to 11-year-olds) so kids can be with other kids close to their age. You will also find some of the
biggest water parks in any cruise ships!
With destinations everywhere from Mexico to China, there are incredible family cruise options for traveling the most beautiful seas and rivers on the planet. Trips range anywhere from three days to three weeks.
Norwegian Cruise Line Options
The biggest complaint that most people have about cruises is that the schedules tend to be rigid. You eat meals at a set time. Your entertainment schedule is inflexible. It can start to feel like you are being herded through your trip. But not with Norwegian Cruise Line! This is the company that came up with the idea of going “freestyle”.
This means that you can do what you want when you want it.
Freestyle Cruising is perfect for families and generally just creates a more relaxed experience. Their
Norwegian Jewel,
Epic,
Gem and
Breakaway ships have Nickelodeon character themes along with incredible options for kids. Whether your little ones are into arts and crafts, video games, or sports, they’ve got you covered.
Disney Cruises for Kids
It goes without saying that
Disney Cruise Line has fab picks for kids! Young ones are going to love meeting their favorite characters and experiencing the wonder of Disney up close and personal. There is a good
selection of kids’ clubs where young ones can break up into different groups depending on their interests and what they feel like doing for the day.
It is probably more noteworthy though that Disney Cruises can be a great time for the whole family. Cabins are bigger than in most ships and (attention, foodies!) they offer a cool added component where you can eat at a different restaurant every night. Parents can drop off kids for a fun excursion then head off the adults-only restaurants, nightclubs, and lounges, or unwind at the spa.
How to Book
It’s not easy to get a good deal on cruises. Some offers look tempting initially, but in the end, they lack certain features that you need to buy later, while onboard. Pay attention especially to your food options and which meals are included – or not. Also, watch out for your mobile phone fees. Check this link for the best available cruise deals.
Before You Go
Cruises seem like an easy option for family vacations and they definitely can be. BUT that doesn’t mean you can just show up and have a great time. Kids of different ages have different needs. This is especially true for
very young kids who have unique concerns. Fortunately, cruises for families are extremely popular so it’s easy to find info. Not only will you be able to find tons of other former passengers online, but the cruise companies themselves can be very helpful. They are very used to meeting the needs of
young kids, so if there’s anything that pops into your mind, just reach out to them.
And, above all else, pack the Dramamine! Even if you’ve never been motion sick before, it is better to be safe than sorry.
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