how to Planning Cruises with Children

Plan for Activities as Well as Down Time : There are tons of fun things for kids to do on cruise ships, from climbing a rock wall to playing bingo, tennis, or swimming in the pool. Many ships feature a theatre where you can see plays, comedians, and concerts. And don't forget about all the options opened up to you at each location you stop at: snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, shopping, building sandcastles, eating at local restaurants, touring historic sites, and more.

Make sure you balance all of these fun activities with enough down time so that your kids don't get burned out. If they are used to nap time every day, and they don't nap once on the trip, it can begin to take a toll. Sitting down to relax with friends and family some each day can be a stabilizing influence that helps them get the most out of their trip.

Know Your Meal Options : Many kids are picky when it comes to food, so don't count on eating in the dining room every night unless you're sure of what the meal plan consists of. Most cruise dining halls tend to be more formal, so if your children would rather let loose and stay casual than don dresses or collared shirts then you may want to look around at other options.

You can find cafes, restaurants, and room service on any cruise ship—just be sure to check out what their hours are so that there aren't any unwelcome surprises. Before beginning any excursions to different stops on your trip, make a note of different restaurants and vendors that are somewhat close to the ship so that you won't be stuck with a hungry family in an unknown part of town. Bringing along some quick snacks is always a good idea, too!

Check out Children's Programs : A variety of family-friendly cruise lines offer children's programs that provide safe and fun activities for your little ones to enjoy. You can rest at ease knowing that your infant is in good hands with babies' daycare, which usually includes: snacks, naptime, toys/books, and careful observance of guidelines set by parents
Older children can enroll in cruise camp, where they interact with counselors as well as other kids while partaking in wholesome activities like crafts and games. Teens can participate in cruise clubs that typically include a number of fun and interesting activities, from karaoke and arcades to fitness programs and dancing. Letting your children be a part of cruise-sponsored programs will give them a chance to meet new friends while giving you some alone time on your vacation.

Fun for the Whole Family : Invest some time in researching what kind of activities your ship has to offer for the whole family. Spending time together doing something new and exciting can be some of the most fun and rewarding experiences you'll ever have. From trying out whirlpools and water slides to playing a game of basketball or golf, there are many options available to the whole family on every ship.