Disclosure: My recent Royal Caribbean cruise aboard Liberty of the Seas was part of a press trip. My thoughts and opinions are always my own.
Taking a cruise could seem intimidating to parents who feel like a vacation for the family is less than relaxing. Thousands of people in a single area, lots of pools, and plenty of places to get lost. There are a lot of reasons for families to avoid cruises. But for every potential negative there are plenty of positives as well. Taking a cruise with your children can be one of the most enjoyable vacations you’ve ever had!
Childcare is included for those times you really just need some time away, lots of on-board entertainment for all ages, and more dining options than you can shake a stick at! Many cruises are even geared towards families with children. So what are some things you consider before cruising with children?
1. Size Matters
Parents and cruise directors know that kids get bored easily and need lots of things to do. By choosing a larger ship there are likely to be more options onboard. This could range from a variety of water attractions like Royal Caribbean’s Flow Rider surf simulator, onboard 9 hole miniature golf course, special kids shows and fun classes, like cupcake decorating classes. Sure this also means there’s more places to get lost but even the largest ship is enclosed. Should you be separated from your child the staff are expertly trained to handle the situation.
2. Childcare
If it’s important to have childcare options then be sure to check with the cruise before you book. Some offer childcare programs during the day and babysitting services at night while others don’t. Royal Caribbean offers sitter service that allows parents to enjoy an evening show without any distractions. There also may be age requirements in place. Some cruise lines like Royal Caribbean offer an early dinner time where your kids can eat dinner in the dining room and then are picked up by kid’s club staff. Small things like this can make the vacation a lot more enjoyable for everyone.
3. Traveling with Teens
Just as important as keeping little kids happy is keeping older kids happy. They might not be old enough to enjoy “adult” activities or entertainment but they’re too old to want to attend a character breakfast. Make sure there are plenty of “older” activities onboard. Internet café’s, video games, and teen friendly dance clubs like Royal Caribbean Fuel Teen Disco or night activities are a few offerings some ships have. Know what interests your child and make sure the ship meets their needs too.
4. Selecting Cabins
When choosing a cabin it’s important to be realistic while considering your budget. If you are trying to save money, it might seem like a great idea to cram your family of five into a small, interior cabin. But, take heed and don’t’ make your family miserable to try and save money.
Consider a family room or two adjoining rooms instead. If you have small children that still nap or are light sleepers, avoid booking a cabin near any night activities or below sundecks. The scraping of chairs and pounding of music late into the night won’t lead to a peaceful night’s sleep for anyone. Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas offers 1,817 various staterooms: 1,084 Ocean View (842 with balconies), 733 Interior (172 Promenade View) and 855 Staterooms with third/fourth berths.
5.Choosing Destinations
Most people take a cruise for the destination stops. Get your kids (if they’re old enough) in on the planning. What would they like to do when the ship docks? Present them with the options that fit into your budget. Also keep in mind you can book excursions that aren’t affiliated with the cruise line. Do some research ahead of the planning meeting to discover all that is available in the port stop. If kids are involved in the vacation planning from the beginning they’re likely to have more fun during the trip.
Have you enjoyed a family cruise? What are your reservations regarding bringing your family on a cruise?
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Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
I have to be honest, I wouldn’t cruise with kids. That’s what Disney World is for, right? If I go on a cruise, I want to chillax
Jamie H says
With everything Royal Caribbean offers for kids you can chillax while they have fun. My friends who have taken their kids on RC cruises said that they rarely saw their kids because they were always busy doing the kids activities! It’s the perfect family vacation because you can be together without being together!
Tough Cookie Mommy says
These are some great tips. I’ve never been on a cruise but I want to take my children on one and I am glad to learn the best way to do so.
Jennifer Williams says
I think it has gotten a lot easier for taking a cruise with kids, the cruise ships have so many fun activities for just the kids it is great. You have so many activities shown here I bet my youngest would love them.
Ronnie says
Wow, that looks amazing!!! My mom wants to take us all on a cruise. After seeing these pics, I’m inspired!
Terry says
I love to go on a cruise, but I try to look for one that will have as few kids on it as possible. When I do cruise, I have to have a room with a door leading to a patio.
Mandy@ TheHouseholdHero.com says
I have been on 14 cruises, the last 3 had my babies. Great tips. Royal is definitely the best for taking kids!
Rosey says
I get lost (a lot). I’d be scared to venture too far away on a stop, but I would want to explore for sure!
Amber Edwards says
I had no idea there were so many options to cruising with kids! I always thought most people just left them at home. Now this makes me want to take my kids on a cruise!
Curby Aardvark says
I have never been on a cruise in my life but I want to really badly; I’ll keep these tips in mind whenever I plan on going one. 😀
Theresa says
I think that families that want to cruise together are great! However, my husband and I are going to wait until the kids move out to book one of our own. Unless, a fabulous deal comes along for a Disney cruise, then we are all going!
Amy Desrosiers says
I am really loving the child are options on this cruise ship. That has always been am issue for my husband and I.
Pam says
Great tips! I have never been on a cruise with kids- or any cruise- but I will remember this if I ever get a chance!
Grandma Bonnie says
I always wanted to take a cruise with my children but never had the time. Maybe we should take the grandchildren some day.
Mel Cole says
Wow! I wish we could do ship cruising someday. That is one grand family bonding out of home/town.
becca says
It’s on my bucket list to take a cruise one day. Hoping maybe next year.
Sarah Bailey says
I would love to go on a cruise one day they sound amazing, though I do worry I may get claustrophobic not being able to get off.
Veronica says
I would love to take my kids on a cruise on of these days!
Amber NElson says
I would love to take my kids on a Disney cruise.
Annemarie says
Great tips, I have done this with my children and they loved it!
Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly says
I have never been on a cruise, but that is great advice about not being below the decks, the scraping of the chairs would probably scare me awake! LOL
I have been curious about Cruise travel, I’m more of a plane girl, but maybe I’ll try a singles cruise sometimes soon!
Aisha Kristine Chong says
Nice tips – these are definitely essential for cruise travels.
Ashley Gill says
These are great tips! I had no idea that cruise lines offered babysitting! And getting the children involved in planning is smart!
Natasha Mairs says
I have never been on a cruise and never thought about going on one with my kids. But this actually sounds pretty good
Marielle Altenor says
Great tips! I don’t know if I would want to take my son along on a cruise lol But if it’s a nice one like the one you went on then I would consider it. It looks like a huge playground, kids wouldn’t be bored there for sure!
Liz Mays says
I haven’t gone on one yet, but I do want to cruise one day. I’m looking forward to the chance to do it. I would love a Disney cruise!
Dawn says
All of these cruise posts are making me really really really want to go on one. That room looks amazing – way different than what I expected.
Bella Vida Letty says
These are really great tips for traveling with kids. It’s so great you included teens too.