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SmartCruiser
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 When
we started cruising 8 years ago, we never thought we would see the popularity of cruising extend to families the
way it has in the last few years. On our first cruises it was pretty rare to see a lot of children onboard, even
during vacation periods. For many families, cruising has now moved into the forefront of vacation plans.
Why? For starters, virtually all of the cruise lines have become more and more "family friendly." The
major cruise lines are happy to accommodate--and in most cases have numerous activities for--cruisers from toddlers
to teens. As bigger and bigger ships come online (and the need to fill them), cruise lines continue to add to and
expand their programs targeting families. With the exception of a few of the "luxury lines. " virtually
every cruise line has programs available for children and teens. These programs are designed to keep kids happy
and involved throughout most of the day. They will be supervised by dedicated staff or "youth counselors"
well trained for their job and responsibility.
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Onboard Children's Programs
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Line
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Ages
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Notes
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| Carnival |
2-17 |
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| Celebrity |
3-17 |
Must be toilet trained |
| Costa |
3-19 |
Must be toilet trained |
| Disney |
3-17 |
Must be toilet trained |
| Holland America |
5-17 |
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| Norwegian Cruise Lines |
2-17 |
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| Princess |
3-17 |
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| Royal Caribbean |
3-17 |
Must be toilet trained |
In addition, it is unlikely that the family will get bored with the facilities that have been added to many of
the ships--water slides, rock climbing walls, miniature golf, ice skating rinks and more. Depending on your family's
wants, do some research to find the line and ship that will best meet them.
Advantages of a family cruise vacation
- Lots of activities--and everyone does not seem to do the same thing
- Cooking, cleaning up and housekeeping are all down for you
- Entertainment is provided for all ages
- "Kid's friendly" cruises (which are most, these days) will provide
playmates for the kids
Cabin choices
When choosing a cabin or cabins for your family you will have a number of choices.
In general, most cruise ships have cabins available that can sleep up to 4 people (although there are some that
can accommodate one or two more). The additional sleeping accommodation is generally either in a sleep sofa or
pull down beds. Other choices for cabins include:
Connecting cabins. You can book
connecting cabins on most cruise ships. Your room steward will open the door between the two cabins.
Outside/Inside. You can often
reserve cabins across the hall from one another. One cabin would be an outside cabin and the other an inside.
Suites or "Family" cabins.
Cruise lines have added more and more suites and cabins designed specifically for families as family cruises become
more and more popular.
See additional information in the choosing a cabin
section.
Family Reunion Cruises
More and more families are taking the opportunity to combine a family reunion
with a cruise. The advantages are numerous: All cooking and cleaning is handled for you. There are tons of activities
available. And, you can wake up each morning in a new port! Plus, depending on the number of cabins you book, you
may be able to get a concession on the total price of the cruise.
Hint: If you are planning to do a family
reunion cruise, look well in advance to get the best prices and for maximum cabin availabilty.
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