Kids Cruises

How to Book Kids Cruises

Children are full-fledged family members who delight in having a vote in vacation plans. Involving children in cruise planning sparks their enthusiasm and helps them learn that a cruise ship really is a floating city, so they don’t feel like they’ll just be in a big hotel during the voyage. To keep kids involved…

• Let them research destinations to learn about the culture, history, and attractions they will see. Port guides, websites, and tourist bureaus are great information resources.
• Offer them a brochure or deck plans to learn their way around. Kids will be thrilled to become experts before the vacation begins, and they can help navigate the way to the cabin or public areas of the ship.
• Let them help choose shore tours for the whole family to enjoy. By giving them some control over vacation plans, they will feel more ownership and involvement in the trip.

Before booking kids cruises, parents should…

• Investigate passport and documentation requirements for minors, particularly if both birth parents will not be on the cruise.
• Determine the cruise line’s requirements for babysitting or group activities, such as whether the child must be potty trained or if diapers must be provided.
• Check cabin size and number of berths. Many ships offer adjoining cabins and lower rates for younger passengers traveling with their parents.
• Ask about safety precautions for young cruisers. Most ships require children to wear I.D. wristbands, and pagers or walkie-talkies may be available to contact parents in case of emergency.
• Find out the age range for organized programs. Some ships feature activities for children as young as 2 years old, and parent-and-child play groups may be available even younger. Always ask about specific sailings, however: some ships only offer programs during summer and holiday cruises when more children are on board.
• Determine what facilities may be available for children with special needs.

What Cruises for Young Passengers Need

Young passengers are active and energetic, and cruise ships that cater to their sense of fun will be the best match for these kids cruises. Great items for young travelers include:

Oversized games can be fun for the whole family.

• Dedicated children’s areas with pools, play rooms, and age-appropriate equipment.
• Trained counselors familiar with the needs and behavior of young children.
• Babysitting services that include evening options to give parents time alone.
• Children’s menus of familiar food items and dining options outside formal dining rooms.
• Daily organized activities including games, contests, face-painting, scavenger hunts, arts-and-crafts, pizza parties, etc.

What to Avoid

Depending on their child’s specific needs, parents may want to avoid…

• Too-large ships if their children are shy or uncertain about the vacation.
• Older ships with smaller facilities and limited options, particularly if the children have a wide age range.
• Itineraries that feature multiple days at sea in a row that may lead to boredom or restlessness.

What Cruises for Teen Passengers Need

Teens can be demanding family members, and a surly teenager can dampen an entire vacation. By choosing a cruise that caters to teens, families can enjoy a spectacular getaway that will be memorable for everyone. The best features for teens include:

Night clubs are great teen attractions.

• Dedicated teen areas such as video arcades or discos.
• Teen-only activities including mocktail parties, dances, and contests.
• Dining options that include teen favorites such as pizza, burgers, and shakes.
• Organized activities revolving around teens’ interests, including computer classes, dance lessons, sports competitions, and trivia contests.
• Teen-and-parent activities such as mother-and-daughter spa treatments.
• Discount beverage cards that allow teens to purchase sodas and non-alcoholic beverages.

What to Avoid

Teenagers tend to push the envelope of permissiveness, and while a cruise ship is a relatively safe environment, in order to help their teens enjoy the vacation parents should avoid ships that...

• Have lenient alcohol policies or visit ports of call with lower drinking ages that teens may be tempted to take advantage of.
• Offer limited activities or music options that may not appeal to teens’ changing moods and preferences.
• Have smaller cabins with no adjoining options that may make teens uncomfortable if sharing rooms with siblings or parents.

Best Lines for Kids Cruises

While most cruise lines offer at least some attractive options for kids, the best lines to choose include:

• Disney Cruise Line: Younger passengers, especially, will delight in the magical themes of these vessels as well as the extensive children’s programs. Many Disney cruises can also be combined into packages with visits to Walt Disney World.
• Royal Caribbean Cruises: This line is well known for its extensive sports activities, including rock-climbing, miniature golf, ice skating, in-line skating, and more. One of the line’s newest ships, the Freedom of the Seas, includes a water park and surfing simulator to appeal to children of all ages.
• Carnival Cruise Line: With more than 20 Fun Ships to choose from, there are many ways to take advantage of Carnival’s elaborate children’s programming and overall enjoyable atmosphere.
• Princess Cruises: Many Princess ships feature an entire deck dedicated to children and teens, giving them a wide array of options and activities to choose from throughout their vacation.
• Holland America Cruise Line: With extensive educational options, kids and teens can learn about ports of call and ship-related topics on this upscale yet still approachable line.
• Norwegian Cruise Line: The relaxed freestyle cruising atmosphere aboard Norwegian’s ships is perfect for families with multiple children who need greater flexibility with their vacation plans.

Cruises are a great family getaway, and parents have many options when planning kids cruises. By choosing the best ship and itinerary based on their child’s age and needs, parents are sure to create a once-in-a-lifetime vacation the whole family will enjoy.

By Melissa Mayntz.