A cruise-whether it's to Alaska, Hawaii, the Mediterranean or the Caribbean-is an awesome, hassle-free way to take a family vacation. With multiple ports of call, you have the opportunity to explore a corner of the world and only have to unpack once. So many of the arrangements are already made for you: Your accommodations, meals, entertainment, and most activities are paid for in advance, so you just show up at the dock with your suitcases and your camera, ready to make some incredible family memories.
With so many cruise lines operating different itineraries to various parts of the world (did I mention Antarctica?), it can be a bit overwhelming trying to decide which cruise company, which itinerary, and which ports of call would be best for your trip. Here are some tips to help you decide on your family cruise vacation:
- Get a feel for what's out there. Of course, the Internet is a wealth of information when it comes to cruising with kids. To start your research into the different cruise line and itinerary offerings, you might take some time to peruse these sites: FamilyCruises gives a rundown of the different cruise ships that have specific youth programs, where kids are supervised and participate in fun activities in their own onboard "clubhouse." CruiseDirect lists the amenities for kids on each of the major cruise lines, and has a nifty "Family Cruise Wizard" which allows you to plug in your travel dates, destination and intended cruise company, giving you some specific rates and availability on different cruises. CruisesforFamilies is a travel agency that specializes in, naturally, cruises for families; there's a load of information here, including family cruise FAQs, and tips on cruising with infants, teens and grandchildren.
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Author: Kara Williams