Cruising With Kids: Tips And Tricks – Cruising with kids is a convenient and fun way to explore the world. Many new cruise ships are like floating resorts with seemingly endless options to keep all seniors entertained. Meanwhile, your family is transported from destination to destination, unpacking only once. Like any vacation, however, a cruise can go terribly wrong without proper planning and preparation. From how to plan a family cruise to the best cruise lines for kids, these 12 tips for a cruise with kids will help ensure smooth sailing.
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Cruising With Kids: Tips And Tricks
Research your cruise options thoroughly before booking your vacation. The pros and cons of each cruise line, including childcare options, family activities, meal options, cabin size and layout, and, of course, price. When choosing an itinerary, consider the number of days at sea, ports and shore excursions.
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Please note that children’s amenities vary between cruise lines. Additionally, kids clubs differ in age requirements. Also, non-potty-trained children are not allowed to swim in cruise ship pools, but Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Cunard and Royal Caribbean offer splash areas on select ships with special screening for babies in diapers.
I organize and book all of our trips myself — unless I’m planning a cruise. A good travel agent who specializes in cruises can make the whole process seamless. The agent will have more knowledge about individual ships and cabins. Additionally, an agency may have access to better deals than you or may be able to get credit on board or other special amenities for your family.
The agent will complete most of the online registration for you and make sure all the paperwork is complete. A cruise specialist will facilitate your boarding by ensuring that your luggage tags are delivered correctly. An agent is also there to help you in case something goes wrong in the process.
None of these extra services cost you a penny because the travel agent’s compensation comes from the cruise lines. For your next cruise vacation, I recommend working with our partner, Ciao Bambino.
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Children, especially teens and tweens, will want to be involved in choosing where your family will cruise and what the best activities are. Incorporating some of their wishes will make the cruise a better experience for all family members.
CruiseCritic.com maintains message boards filled with a wealth of information about ports of call, cruise lines and specific ships. It’s especially fun to connect before you leave home with other cruisers who will be traveling with you.
Check out Cruise Critic’s Roll Call to do a search to find the cruise line and sailing dates. If you can’t find your specific cruise, you can start the thread yourself. These groups often have meetings during the cruise so you can meet face-to-face with your cruise buddies if you choose.
One of the biggest advantages of joining a rolling call is that you can find other families in advance who will be on your cruise. This saved the day on my family’s Mediterranean cruise when my teenager was having trouble meeting anyone on board. We were able to connect with a family I had met at roll call with a daughter the same age. The teenagers hung out together for the balance of the cruise and my stress levels went way down.
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I can’t even imagine the stress of flying on the same day my family’s cruise departs. I would worry endlessly about a flight delay or misdirected luggage.
You don’t need to start a vacation with such levels of stress. If you are able to fly the day before, then do so.
When flying a long distance, consider arriving a few days before departure. This will give your family time to adjust to the time zone before the cruise and explore the embarkation port.
Book a room in the middle of the ship where there is less traffic to reduce the chance of seasickness. Open ocean sailing has caused problems for both my daughters and I, while we did well on our Alaska cruise and a Mediterranean cruise.
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Before you leave home, you may want to discuss motion sickness prevention options with your doctor. Even if your family isn’t prone to motion sickness while traveling, consider bringing along some Dramamine…just in case!
Washing your hands frequently and using antibacterial gel or baby wipes to clean your hands can help keep your family healthy while you travel. Read What to do when you get sick on a cruise to learn more about preventing and treating illness on a cruise ship.
With older children, set clear rules about how much freedom they will have during the cruise and family commitment expectations. For example, if you want everyone in the family to eat dinner together every night, make that clear before you board the ship.
Once you’ve checked in and boarded the ship, it may take several hours before you have access to your room or luggage. Be sure to bring a carry-on bag filled with anything you might need on that first day. Examples include ID, cruise documents, swimwear and sunscreen.
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If you’re traveling with a baby or toddler, you’ll want to pack plenty of diapers, baby food, wipes, and formula. Many cruise lines (even some family-friendly ones) do not offer these items anywhere on their ships. If your boat doesn’t offer a large water area, then bring along an inflatable pool to let your little one in on the fun going on.
Power outlets can be scarce in cruise cabins, so you may want to pack a power strip to charge electronic devices. Some cruise lines may not allow this or disconnect them, so ask before you go. Cell phone coverage can be non-existent or expensive at sea. Instead, pack portable walkie-talkies to keep in touch with your travelers.
You want to wear versatile cruising shoes and comfortable shoes for port days. Breathable clothing is essential for the steamy summer. For colder destinations like Alaska, be sure to pack gloves, hats and jackets. Mattresses are a good idea, no matter where you’re traveling with kids.
Cruise lines make it easy to schedule mom and dad time while the kids enjoy the youth facilities. Whether it’s an afternoon couple’s massage, dinner for two at a specialty restaurant, or a stroll on the deck at sunset—take the opportunity to spend some time together.
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Be sure to inquire about babysitting options before booking your cruise, as times and availability may vary by ship and cruise date.
Disney Cruise Line offers childcare for babies as young as 6 months (12 months for 10-night+ cruises) and Cunard accepts children from 1 year old.
Most lines only offer group childcare instead of in-cabin babysitting. However, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity offer private babysitting services in cabins for an hourly fee.
Kids can explore Andy’s room from “Toy Story” at the Disney Cruise Line Kids’ Club (Photo: Jimmy DeFlippo, Disney)
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Even if you think your child won’t be interested in attending the ship’s kids club, bring your child to the club on the first day. Most cruise lines host a children’s camp orientation party on the day of embarkation.
This allows parents to control the facilities and gives children a chance to make friends. Kids start making friends that first night and it can be hard for shy kids to join in a day or two later after friendships have already been formed.
I love formal nights because it’s a rare opportunity for us to dress up and take a professional family photo.
Don’t worry too much about what you or the kids are wearing. Balls and tuxedos are not the norm. You will see a wide range of formal evening cruises. Just make everyone feel good about how they look…and have fun!
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You may want to hire a private guide to explore a port during your cruise (Photo: Lisa Goodmurphy)
Many people avoid cruises because they like their independence when they travel. Just because cruise lines offer plenty of shore excursions doesn’t mean you can’t explore on your own.
Shore excursions can be expensive and are often not particularly child-friendly. On the other hand, these organized tours are convenient and provide access to interesting sights and activities.
On the best shore excursions for kids, Cruise Critic editor-in-chief Carolyn Spencer Brown says, “Disney Cruise Line offers the best family-friendly shore excursions in the country.”
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There are three options for touring the ports: book a shore excursion with your cruise line, book a private tour, or just get off the ship and go on your own. There is no one right way!
Bumper cars on Royal Caribbean Anthem of the Seas keep kids and parents entertained on days at sea (Photo: Colleen Lanin)
The most family-friendly cruise lines offer fun activities for kids (like bumper cars!), kids’ clubs, age-appropriate shore excursions, and kids’ menus.
Cruise Critic’s Spencer Brown says, “Some cruise lines are better for kids of different ages.”
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