17 great family cruise tips!

Cruising is no longer reserved for the rich and famous. In the last ten years family cruises have become an ever-popular choice. More cruise liners than ever are competing to offer you the best facilities. What’s more, with cruising, your meals and entertainment are included in the price.

Before booking your family cruise:

To ensure that you book the most suitable cruise for your family, researching the different cruise liners is vital.

Tip 1: Sign up to websites, like ‘Travel Zoo’, to receive the latest cruise deals picked by a global team of travel deal experts searching for the best deals some of which are relevant to family cruising.

Tip 2: Check the requirements expected of your family when on board. Most ships providing activities for very young children insist that an adult accompany them, and all ships insist that children over 3 are fully potty trained to join the kids clubs.

Tip 3: Check the facilities offered so that you can enjoy some ‘quality time’ as adults. Most ships offer babysitting, but some only look after children of a certain age and until a certain time at night.

Tip 4: Check what medical services are available on board. If your child has a specific medical need, check that it can be tended to. Some ships do not allow heavily pregnant women to travel.

Tip 5: Double-check that the facilities offered will definitely be provided when you embark on your family cruise. Some cruise liners provide more facilities during school holidays.

Tip 6: Consider what cabins are available for families. On some cruise liners you can get free places for children under 18 but you still need to pay port taxes.

Tip 7: Book early to ensure that you get your desired accommodation. You are more likely to get a better value family cabin whilst demand is low. The majority of cruise liners provide 4 berth cabins at a good price, but these are popular. There are more luxurious, but expensive, options. The largest family suite encompasses 5,750 feet of concierge class opulence.

Tip 8: Consider a balcony cabin if you plan to take a baby or young child cruising. A cabin with a balcony would be a great way for a couple to spend quality time whilst their baby has a nap. Cabins with a balcony are popular, so booking early is a must.

Tip 9: Finally read online reviews to survey the experiences of other families.

Before you sail:

After you have booked your cruise there are several things you’ll need to research and book to ensure a smooth family cruise.

Tip 10: Shore excursions, can be purchased after booking your cruise. Some are specifically for children. If you are planning to do your own excursions and leave your children on board, check that this is possible. A fee is sometimes charged for children to remain on board and some cruise liners insist that if young children are left on board, at least one parent stays with them.

Tip 11: It is important to book travel insurance which can be provided by your travel agent upon booking. It’s important to have a comprehensive insurance policy that covers the whole family. What with babies and young children being so venerable to illness, a good policy will cover the whole family pre cruise as well as during.

Tip 12: Check any cancellation fees and fees for changing your cruise dates.

Tip 13: Some cruise liners offer special drinks packages at the time of booking, after booking, and onboard the ships. These vary in cost but they can enhance your cruise experience and help to control costs. Your children can choose from an array of juices and soft-drinks for a fixed price, and you can purchase wine packages for yourselves!

Tip 14: Make sure you know what documentation is required for your children. For example, there are special procedures if you are crossing a border whilst on board with only one birth parent accompanying the children. It’s also very important to remember that all passports for all members of the family must have more than six months remaining from their expiry date. If you don’t have six months or more then your family will not be able to travel.

On your cruise:

On board, endless fun is provided for children up to 17 years. Most major cruise liners run kids clubs in age-related groups throughout the day and evening. Babysitting is also provided so that you can relax too!

Tip 15: Make sure you have checked the kids clubs’ opening times and any other childcare costs whish you think you’ll need. As you can imagine these facilities are in demand and leaving things to the last minute may result in limited places for your children.

Tip 16: Your older children and teenagers have clubs to get involved in, and usually they are based in designated clubhouses. With family cruising, you can give them the freedom they want in a safe on board environment.

Tip 17: Book your next cruise onboard! What better way to start planning your next cruise than booking it whilst you’re away. There are many advantages to this and your booking can be transferred to your preferred agent for peace of mind once you have paid your deposit. The benefits of booking onboard range from receiving bigger discounts to extra on board credit. There’s also the added benefit of getting the cabin of your choice before they sell.

The options for family cruises are endless. Your young thrill-seekers can try surfing on the ‘FlowRider’, go skating in the ice rink, and get a rush in the Aqua Park with Royal Caribbean International. They can enjoy the Aqua Park on Norwegian Cruise Lines and attempt a rock-climbing wall. On P&O cruises, your children can meet Noddy, and can enjoy a children’s tea with a range of foods to suit their young taste buds. With P&O, Babysitting facilities are provided for children from 6 months until 1.30am, so you can enjoy your evening meal in the knowledge that your children are safe, leaving you with a buzzer for contact, whilst your fully-fed children sleep off their fun-filled day.

No wonder family cruises are such an attractive holiday choice!