Cruising with Kids -- It's not always Chaos
(TRAVPR.COM) UNITED STATES - December 7th, 2014 - Imagine going on a vacation with your children and returning home relaxed and refreshed. Think it’s impossible? It’s not if you choose to cruise. Here are ten reasons to consider making a cruise your next family vacation destination.
1. It’s easy to relax – Cruise ships offer entertainment, food, activities for all ages, shopping and much more; and the best part is that no matter where you are on the ship, you are always within walking distance of your room. This makes spontaneous naps or breaks for kids and grownups alike that much easier.
3. Unpack once – Visiting multiple cities without children is an adventure, but repeatedly packing and unpacking suitcases when traveling with children can be overwhelming. Unpack once when you arrive in your stateroom and enjoy a new port each day without the hassle of lugging suitcases around and worrying about what you’ve left behind at the previous hotel.
2. Childcare options – Although childcare options vary from one cruise line to another, many of the major cruise lines have specially designed programs that will keep younger guests ranging from tots to teens busy and happy while mom and dad relax. Don’t be surprised if your children enjoy the group activities so much that they don’t want to leave. Make sure to ask your travel agent about age restrictions, program hours, and availability before you book your cruise.
3. Food, food, and more food – Whether traveling with a picky preschooler or a perpetually hungry teen, there are a multitude of options to choose from including buffets, casual eateries, room service, poolside fare, traditional evening dining, and even specialty restaurants. The best part is that in most cases you can eat as much as you want and as often as you want.
4. Family friendly entertainment & activities – Disney Cruise Line is famous for their family friendly entertainment and activities, but don’t forget about Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Lines, and Carnival. Kid friendly stage shows, karaoke, mini golf, family scavenger hunts, and silly games will engage kids and parents alike. Availability varies from ship to ship, so be sure to ask for details in advance.
6. Incredible pools – Smaller guests will enjoy special kiddie pools just for them, while older kids can enjoy in pool scuba lessons, surf simulators, and onboard water parks. Make sure to ask your travel agent about the onboard water activities available on your ship. Public health laws prohibit the use of pools and hot tubs by children wearing diapers, including swim diapers.
7. Amazing shore excursions – The cruise lines offer a variety of shore excursions at each port. Shopping, exploring historic ruins, sampling local cuisine, playing in the water or just laying on the beach are just some of the options available to families. Onboard childcare may be available on port days, but make sure to check with your travel agent in advance for more details.
9. Cruises are a great value – Similar to all-inclusive vacations, cruises bundle transportation costs, lodging, meals, entertainment, and most onboard activities into one price. This is especially important to families who want to stick to a budget.
10. Easy to plan – Cruising takes away some of the more difficult aspects of land based vacation planning. There are no hotels to choose and no worries about transportation between multiple destinations. Do you know where you want to go, but aren’t sure which cruise line will best suit your family’s needs? Your travel agent can help you pick a ship, a cabin, find a departure port, or even arrange airfare.
If you would like more information or are ready to plan your own family cruise, please contact me for a free quote. I can be reached by email at lydia@worldofmagictravel.com.
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