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Do a little research and planning before you gather your family for a cruise, to help create an enjoyable experience for everyone going on your cruise. Considering the ages of your family cruisegoers is an important fact to note before booking. Different cruise lines offer assorted amenities and atmospheres, which is important to consider when planning your family’s comfort. Packing tips can add to a positive experience onboard. Knowing what to expect on embarkation and debarkation days, will help avoid frustration and trouble. Cruising with your family can be a great experience, especially if you know what to expect when cruising for the first time.
Picking the Right Cruise Line
There are as many cruise lines and experiences as there are personalities. Matching your family’s approach to experiencing vacations with a cruise line reputation is important for the best experience. Disney has a great reputation and is a great choice if your family wants to dive in for the Disney experience. This cruise line caters to families but does have some features for the parents to take some time to themselves by trusting kids’ clubs to entertain their children while they make their memories. Disney, Seabourn, and other lines are more of a premium-price cruise vacation. Carnival, and Princess, among others, offer less expensive vacations. Destination, time of year, and cruise sales are all things that can affect the price you pay.
Extended Family
If grandparents are joining the family cruise, you might want to consider their needs and wants when choosing the cruise line and ship for your vacation. Some older people live active lives and will want to participate in onboard activities with the family. If they need a break or prefer quiet times, there are usually libraries or quiet out-of-the-way spots for them to enjoy. Depending on the ship, families will have fun at the pool, on water slides, wave surfing areas, zip-line and rock climbing, or arcades. Check out the kinds of shows or entertainment available onboard.
Offshore Excursions
While most food and onboard entertainment are included in the price of your cruise, you should see which onshore excursions and opportunities are available. Some families cruise and never get off the boat, or only go sightseeing with little cost. Others like to have as many experiences as they can afford to fill their bucket list. Your cruise line can provide onshore excursions, or you can book with independent companies for adventures.
Planning Ahead
Once you’ve booked your cruise, there are many other things to consider. Pinterest and the internet are full of tips and products to make your before, during, and after cruise experience the best. Facebook and other platforms have cruise line or destination-specific chat boards that you can join to get information and tips from experienced cruisers. Experienced cruisers have suggested bringing magnetic hooks to clip to the wall to organize maps and belongings, and another helpful tip is to use packing “blocks” to organize your suitcase for quick packing and unpacking.
Safety Considerations
While cruises are generally considered safe vacations for families, some common injury causing hazards include, slippery surfaces, lack of proper lighting and handrails, and lack of lifeguards or security. You should take a few precautions to assure everyone in your party stays safe. Always supervise your children unless you are utilizing one of the ship’s kid’s clubs. When using pool areas, remember to assign a sober adult in your group to keep an eye on children at all times. Make sure to supervise children on balconies. If you allow older teens to wander the ship alone, be sure to set regular times for check-ins. Do not allow your children to run or rough house while moving around the ship.
Embarking on Your Family Cruise
Embarkation day, the day you get on the boat can be a crazy and hectic time. Check that you have passports and important paperwork ready for every family member when you get in line to embark. Debarking, or leaving the ship at the end of your vacation, may also be hectic. Pack the night before and follow all instructions given to you by the crew for a smoother experience. Understand where you and your family should go when you leave the ship to find your car or transportation home. Researching and planning for these two days can provide a happier experience for everyone.
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