As you search for your ideal summer (or winter) vacation, what comes to mind? If you’re traveling with children, chances are their needs will figure prominently into your planning. Most families look for a place where everyone, regardless of age, can have fun and enjoy each other’s company. They search for a destination that will entertain all their children, even if their ages vary significantly. And along the way, if there’s something cool for Mom and Dad to do, that’s an added bonus!
It’s not always easy to please everyone. However, cruising can do just that. A vacation on a cruise liner – if you choose carefully – offers something for nearly every member of the family.
Advantages of Choosing a Cruise Vacation
A cruise ship is like a floating all-inclusive resort. For one price, you can enjoy just about everything on the ship, except for shore excursions, gratuities, and some beverages. Nearly everything is paid for upfront, so surprise charges are rare. That means there’s no need to carry lots of extra cash with you. All three meals (plus numerous snacks, like the midnight buffet!) are included, as are shows and other activities. Even if you choose not to participate in any of the shore excursions, there’s still plenty to keep everyone busy.
Another distinct advantage of cruising with a family is that, if desired, your kids can be entertained by trained staff while you enjoy adult-oriented pursuits. Not everyone opts to leave their children in a kids’ program, but for those who do, it’s a wonderful option. Plus, your kids will likely enjoy it, too! Most children love the kids’ programs and will be up early each morning, eager to start the day with their new friends.
Cruise lines offer several children’s programs geared toward different age groups. The youngest participants usually start at 3 years old (or possibly younger if potty-trained). Most ships have at least three categories: 3-7 year olds, 8-12 year olds, and teenagers up to age 17. Staff members, who have experience with children and teens, organize age-appropriate activities for each group. Teens, of course, are given a bit more freedom, while younger kids enjoy more structured activities.
You can also rest assured that your kids will be safe while onboard a cruise ship. Many ships provide beepers or phones for parents of kids aged 3-5, so they can easily be reached if needed. Older children must be signed in and out and will only be released to you unless you grant permission otherwise.
On cruise lines like Disney, many activities are appropriate for the whole family, so there are plenty of events that can be enjoyed together, both on board and at various ports of call.
Choosing the Right Cruise Line for Your Family
Every family is unique. Some have lots of younger children, others have teens, and some have a combination of both. The key is to choose a cruise line that offers something for every age group.
Additionally, you’ll want a cruise line that wholeheartedly welcomes children. While no cruise lines turn kids away, some are certainly more suited to families than others. It’s best to avoid luxury lines like Radisson Seven Seas, Crystal Cruises, Cunard, and Seabourn. While they’ll be nice to your kids, they don’t offer as many activities geared specifically toward children.
- Disney Cruise Lines – Mention family cruising, and Disney is the first name that comes to mind. Disney’s customer service is top-notch, and their popularity with children of all ages is unmatched. Disney offers three standard levels of kids’ programs: The Oceaneer Club (3-7), Oceaneer Lab (8-12), and the Teen Club (13-17), which has its own private space where teens can hang out, enjoy video games, surf the Internet, watch movies, dance, and more. Another great feature of Disney cruises is that they also pamper the adults. Parents can take advantage of a first-class spa and fitness center, check out the adults-only Quiet Cove Pool, or simply lounge on the deck while the kids are entertained.
- Carnival Cruise Lines – Known for their “Fun Ships,” Carnival Cruises provide plenty of entertainment for kids. These cruises tend to be fast-paced and energetic, so if you’re looking for something more tranquil, this may not be the right choice for you. However, kids will have a blast aboard a Carnival ship. Carnival offers five levels of kids’ programs, known as Camp Carnival. Age categories are as follows: 2-5 years old, 6-8 years old, 9-11 years old, 12-14 years old, and 15-17 years old. The energetic staff keeps kids engaged, while parents can enjoy the casino, spa, or other adult-oriented activities. Like Disney, Carnival also offers plenty of family-friendly activities.
- Royal Caribbean Cruises – Royal Caribbean goes above and beyond in entertaining children, with programs for kids as young as 6 months old. The Aqua Babies (6-18 months) and Aqua Tots (18-36 months) programs feature activities designed by childhood experts at Fisher-Price. (Note that not all ships offer these programs, but many do – and at least one parent must attend.) Other programs include Aquanauts (3-5), Explorers (6-8), Voyagers (9-11), and Navigators (12-14). Older teens are given more freedom, but most ships offer special spaces just for the 15-17 year olds. The whole family can enjoy the sports deck (including a rock climbing wall on some ships), family-friendly shows (including ice skating performances on certain sailings), and exciting shore excursions.
- Costa Cruises – For a more international experience, consider booking a cruise with Costa, the European arm of Carnival. Costa offers a number of unique activities for kids, including Italian language and cooking classes. The kids’ programs are divided into Minis (3-6), Maxis (7-11), Teen Junior (12-14), and Teen (15-17). Costa also offers themed dinners for kids, talent shows, karaoke (your chance to embarrass your kids!), and bingo. Costa Cruises travel to both the eastern and western Caribbean, as well as several European destinations.
