Cruising With Kids

Families have a tendency to get into a rut for vacations.  It’s easy to do.  You find a beach, camp ground or city that you like to visit and go year after year, often staying in the same hotel or resort.  There is nothing wrong with that.  Everyone knows what to expect.  You enjoy where you go.  You know how to get around and what to avoid.  But, if you want to broaden your children’s horizons, you need to try something new.  Something you might not have considered as a stellar experience for children is a cruise.

 

Cruising is one of the best vacation values around, and the ships cater to all ages.  Some lines and even ships within lines are more kid focused, but with a few suggestions from your travel professional, you are certain to find the best balance for you and your family.

 

The new megaships are built with families in mind.  Parents can sit by the pool while their kids are enjoying the water slides and fun activities, and the best part is there are no extra charges for the fun.

If your kids are more adventurous, why not check out the many other activities available onboard.  How about rock climbing, surfing, zip lining, basketball, putt-putt golf, bungee jumping, ice skating, game rooms, bowling and more!  Yes, you can do all these activities on a ship!

 

But wait, there’s more!  Are you looking for a few hours to chill by the pool, get a massage or simply want to take a spin class?  While you do that, your children will be occupied with learning and enriching activities.  There are programs for children of all ages.  Examples of some of the fun in store at the kids’ camps on cruise ships include:

 

• Toddlers (ages 2-5) – splash pool, fun family games, cartoon time, toys, learn your colors, counting games, sponge painting, indoor beach parties, pizza pig out, drawing contests, sing-alongs, bingo, face painting, arts and crafts, cookie decorating

 

• Juniors (ages 6-8) – talent show, face painting, cartoon time, indoor fair, sea animals, trivia, ice cream sundaes, cookie decorating, button making, puppet show, beach party, outdoor fun and games

 

• Intermediate (ages 9-12) – t-shirt painting, photography, jewelry making, board games, dance class, video game tournament, ping pong, talent show, volleyball, show time, scavenger hunts, meet the entertainers back stage, breakfast fun

 

• Teens (ages 13-15) – ping pong, pool party, teen dance, dance class, talent show, pizza party, indoor beach party, skin care and hair-dressing demonstration, photography

 

• Teens (ages 15-17) – video games, pool parties, teens only clubs in the evenings, teen lounges during the day, scavenger hunts, the list goes on and on

 

 

These are just things you can do on the ship as you travel from port to port.  Depending on the itinerary and your family’s interests, you can expose your children to a wealth of different cultures.  History, art, activities like hiking, learning about the local ecology, visiting ancient ruins await you every time the ship docks.  The list of new experiences is nearly endless.  There are always activities on shore that would fit any age group, you can choose things that seem as though they are custom made for just you.