Cruising With Children
Cruises are a perfect vacation for families and the cruise lines have recognized this and now offer a wide range of programs and amenities for children of all ages. When starting to think about a cruise with children there are some guidelines you can follow.
What are the age restrictions of the cruise line? Some cruise lines control the number of children onboard or restrict how young they will accept children.
Do you see any pictures of children in the cruise lines promotional materials? If you do not see any children most likely that particular cruise line does not welcome children.
Are the ports of call interesting for my children and will they enjoy visiting the ports?
There is no sense in doing an Alaskan cruise with children if they only want to swim in the ocean and play at the beach or do they offer special shore excursions for the children.
Does the cruise line offer a discount for 3rd and 4th passengers in the cabin or will I need to take 2 cabins? This is important when determining your budget.
The Cabin
How big are the cabins? Important if you like to spend time in your cabin together. You need to ask if they offer special family suites or if you have small children do I really want a balcony.
Are adjoining cabins available? If you need to take 2 cabins due to the size of your family and need to be near each other.
Are there guardrails for the bunk beds? Most cruise line cabins when sleeping 3 or 4 persons have bunk beds.
Dining
Will the cruise offer foods my children will like? Most can accommodate many food tastes if you do not see it on the menu just ask.
Do my children have to eat in the main dining room and is there a child’s menu. Cruise lines offer a casual dining area that will offer casual fare such as pizza, hot dogs and ice cream.
What time is dinner? Traditional cruise dining is most often in 2 sittings early or late. It is best to check when booking your cruise to see what dining is available.
Child Care Center or Teen Center
Is there a special area for children or teenagers and is it open during my cruise? If it is not open when you are planning your cruise, this will tell you that there are not many children onboard.