Real Clever Moms

A cruise can be a great family vacation. There are even cruise companies which cater particularly to families, and there are plenty to choose from.

You should take your time and look around for the right cruise company. Look for family friendly companies that offer built-in kid’s play areas and programming. These are child friendly areas where you can leave your kids with qualified child care staff while you take a little time out to pamper yourself and relax. The great thing is, the kids won’t mind since they will have plenty of activities to keep them entertained.

Another great thing about a family cruise is that you stop at many different destinations but don’t have to worry about airport checks or finding your luggage. Also, if you are caring for aging parents, a cruise can be a great way to get them out and have fun. You simply stop for the day and enjoy the sites with your family. In the evenings, you go back to your cruise ship, and the fun doesn’t stop there. There is always plenty to do and see on board.

Ask friends and family members for recommendations of a travel agent who specializes in family-friendly vacations. Before you meet with the travel agent, jot down a few important questions. Here are a few to get you started:

Does the cruise line allow your children’s age groups? Make sure the cruise ship you choose is family-friendly and allows children of the same age as your kids. Some cruise ships allow children over a certain age only or at certain months of the year. Also, ask about child discounts. You may also want to ask about child care staff qualifications and ratio of carer-to-child and so on.

What activities are designed specifically for children? Find out about activities on-board, child care centers, play areas, baby sitting, details and rules for putting your kids in the child care center. You will also need to get additional information about vaccines, potty training and health precautions.

What about cabin facilities? Find out if cribs and cots are obtainable for younger toddlers in your cabin room, and if so, is there an extra fee? Do you need to reserve them in advance? You should also be sure of the size of the cabin, because you don’t want to cramp your family into a small space.

Does the cruise line have a kids’ menu? Unless your children eat a large variety of foods, you’ll want to find out if they cater to children or special requirements. If your kids are very picky, ask about foods or snacks you can purchase on board. Most cruise ships have one or several formal evenings during the duration of the cruise. Plan ahead for this if you’d like your children to attend, and if you don’t feel comfortable taking a toddler and baby along to a formal evening, find out about other dining facilities on board. Most cruise ships offer casual dining as well as the formal dining room.

By preparing ahead and asking relevant questions, it will be easier to choose the right cruise vacation for your family. Most cruise companies are happy to offer additional advice on their website or call center.