by Stacey Schifferdecker
My mother-in-law has been talking about for years – taking my family and my sister-in-law’s family for a cruise. But the timing never worked out until now. This year, for the first time ever, my children’s schools and my nephews’ schools have spring break the same week. So hi-ho, hi-ho, it’s off to Mexico we go. I am a vacation planner junky, so naturally I am hip-deep in research about the best way to enjoy our cruise and keep six kids ranging in age from 7 (the only girl) to 14 happy and healthy for a week. So here is what I have learned – check back with me in March to see how the reality lives up to the research.
- Baltimore
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Cape Liberty NJ
- Manhattan
- Montreal
- Norfolk
- Philadelphia
- Quebec
- Anchorage
- Honolulu
- San Francisco
- Seattle
- Vancouver
- Charleston
- Fort Lauderdale
- Jacksonville
- Miami
- Mobile
- New Orleans
- Port Canaveral
- San Juan
- Tampa
- Galveston
- Long Beach
- Los Angeles
- San Diego
- Your date of departure
- How long a cruise you want to take
- What ports of call you want to visit
- What ages do children need to be to participate in children’s programs?
- What time do the children’s programs run? Is after-hour babysitting available?
- Are children divided into separate groups by age?
- What qualifications do the leaders of the children’s programs have (education, experience, background checks)?
- What security methods are used to keep children safe in the children’s center and to ensure they are only picked up by authorized adults?
- What is the ratio of children to adult staff in the children’s center?
- Is a third/fourth passenger rate available for children staying in the same room as their parents?
- Are family suites or connecting rooms available?
- Is a children’s menu available?
- Is open meal seating available?
- What family activities are available, both onboard the ship and at port?
- Are wading pools available for young children?
- Are facilities such as rock climbing walls and game rooms available for older children and teens?
- Are cribs available?
- Are beepers available if the children’s counselors need to contact a parent quickly?
- Do the children’s programs include activities for special needs children?
- Do the cabins have a television?
- Will there be special movies or live entertainment that children will enjoy?
How do I choose a cruise line for my family?
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Start with your departure port, since unless you have unlimited time and money, you’ll likely choose the one nearest home, and not every line sails from every port. From there, you can narrow your choice by your departure date, how long a cruise you want, and which ports of call you’d like to visit. For families, the children’s programs and onboard facilities a line offers are often the deciding factor.
What should I ask about children’s programs on a cruise?
It’s worth asking plenty before you book. Good questions include what ages can participate, what hours the programs run and whether after-hours babysitting is available, whether kids are grouped by age, what qualifications and background checks the leaders have, and what security keeps children safe and ensures only authorized adults pick them up. Also ask about the child-to-staff ratio, family suites or connecting rooms, a children’s menu, wading pools for little ones, and cribs if you need them.
How much does a family cruise cost?
As vacations go, cruises can be relatively affordable, more than camping at a state park but typically less than a week on-site at Disney World. The price usually covers your room, meals, entertainment and activities, some beverages, use of facilities, and the onboard children’s programs. Plan separately for shore excursions, tips, alcoholic drinks, and after-hours babysitting. To save, book early, or watch for last-minute deals if you can handle a little spontaneity.
Do children need passports for a cruise?
Yes, even youngsters need passports anytime you leave the United States, so be sure to factor that cost into your vacation budget, especially if your family hasn’t traveled much before. Since passports can take time to process, it’s wise to sort them out well ahead of your departure date.
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