How to keep your cruise travel with kids fun and safe

Cruise trips are popular with families and it’s obvious why – they get to experience a unique travel vacation and nothing is ever the same. The package is amazing since meals and lodging are almost always included in the fare. Plus, your family can visit multiple destinations without checking in and out of hotels and wrestling with luggage.

Cruise lines are perfect for a family holiday as it offers something for everyone: fine dining, luxurious spa options, hot tubs, pools with waterslides, video game competitions, rock-climbing, pubs, and much more. Even multigenerational families will find ample activities to keep both grandpa and toddler occupied and thrilled.

Bringing your kids with you? Here are the ways to keep your cruise travel with the little ones fun and safe.

Check age requirements. Most cruise lines do have age requirements for guests. Some will accept children of any age while others also welcome babies who are at least 12 weeks old. Most companies draw the line at six months though, so check with the cruise management before committing.

Be mindful of onboard age requirements too. Some lines won’t allow pool access to any child in pull-ups or nappies. There may also be age restrictions for access to children’s programs and some shore excursions. Review the cruise line’s website for detailed information.

Pick a good cabin. Perhaps the most crucial aspect of cruise planning for your family with kids in tow is selecting the appropriate accommodations. You need to compare amenities and crunch numbers to determine if it’s best to book a family stateroom or adjoining cabins. Base your decision on the ages of your children, plus the layout of the various cabins, and its cost factor.

Prepare your kids.  Ask your kids to take part in the planning of cruise trip. Provide them books about the destinations you’ll visit and show them the cruise line’s brochure/website. It’s crucial to prepare your little ones so they know what to expect. Take note that their routine will change instantly and this can be upsetting. You can help them adjust better by letting them know in advance what to expect.

Packing for your kids. Parents who travel often with their kids will have no trouble here. As a bonus when packing their clothes, essentials, and toys, don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, bug spray – bring a complete first aid kit in essence.

Sign kids on the kid’s club. Most cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Disney, Norwegian, and Carnival offers amazing kid’s clubs. You should try signing them up for the day. They’ll get to meet other kids their age plus participate in cool activities that range from outdoor pursuits to cooking or video game competitions.

Provide kids with their own camera. Buy an inexpensive and robust camera for your kid/s and encourage him or her to document the vacation. It’s a nice touch to get kids to look at their environment and capture the experience through their own eyes.

Keep safety a priority. Way before the trip, acquire a cruise travel insurance to safeguard yourself from any travel hiccups leading to and during your entire cruise vacation.  Apart from the basic insurance safety, cruise add-on provides you with an extra premium for medical costs, lost luggage, or if for some reason you can’t go on the cruise.

Once onboard, talk with your kids about the importance of following rules onboard. Explain that ships are safe but they still need to pay close attention during drills.

There you have it. Remember, not all cruise lines and holidays are the same, so be flexible while keeping fun and remember that safety is your priority.

*This is a collaborative post