A Guide to Family Cruises
A Guide to Family Cruises
There’s a popular misconception that cruises are just for adults or older generations, but with so many family cruise deals out there to take advantage of, there’s no reason why your little ones won’t enjoy a cruise as much as you do. If you’re worried that children will be bored on a cruise, this guide is here to show you just how much there is to do on a cruise holiday for a family – including time for the parents to relax a little too!
So, if you’re looking to learn more about planning the perfect family cruise, here’s everything you need to know.
What to expect from a family cruise
Firstly, it’s important to remember that some cruise lines will have an age restriction when it comes to babies and smaller children. On typical sailings, your baby must be at least 6 months old, and in most cases children must be 1 year to board a transoceanic sailing.
The majority of cruise ships are well-equipped for families including children, with a whole host of entertainment, dining options, cabin types and more to suit your preferences. In short, a cruise ship is like a floating resort packed with things to do, to keep everyone entertained as you travel from port to port.
Booking a family cruise can be really straightforward too, as in most cases everything is included in the price. This means once you embark, you don’t have to worry about a thing, knowing everything is already paid for.
While there are some areas that will be designated for adults, such as the bars and casinos, there are ample parts of the ship that children can take advantage of.
Are family cruises worth it?
A cruise is an incredible way to see more of the world, with many cruise itineraries stopping in different countries. It’s a brilliant way of introducing your children to an array of diverse destinations and helping them to explore the world, all while spending quality time together.
A family cruise offers great value for the whole family, with great service, a wide choice of dining options and a ship-load of activities and facilities – all in one place.
The most important thing is to do your research across the cruise lines and find the right one of your family, as some will be better equipped than others when it comes to keeping the little ones occupied. From kids’ clubs to early dining options, each cruise line will offer its own features to help make your family cruise a relaxing and seamless trip for everyone.
Best cruise lines for families
When it comes to choosing the right cruise line for your family, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Here we take a look at some of the best child-friendly cruise lines and lines that offer free kids places, which can make all the difference when booking your trip!
Child-friendly cruise lines are becoming more prevalent, with lines such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line offering specific activities and itineraries geared towards both adults and children.
Kids go free cruises
Here are some of the cruise lines that offer promotions on children’s places aboard their ships. It’s important that you check your chosen cruise line’s current promotions and when they end, as some can be time limited.
Norwegian Cruise Line: NCL regularly run promotions that include children, for example if a child is staying as a 3rd-8th guest in a stateroom, they will sail for free.
Royal Caribbean: Royal Caribbean offer a limited time offer that allows guests under 12 to sail for free if they are travelling with 2 other guests, but it’s only active during certain dates.
Celebrity: Celebrity also offer promotions that allow for children to sail free, but there are restrictions. Look out for offers that enable 3rd, 4th and 5th guests to sail for free.
As well as sailing for free, many of these cruise lines also offer entertainment and facilities that are included in your fare, including the kids’ clubs and entertainment programme.
Parent date night
Remember, just because you’re on holiday with your kids doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some quality time with your other half too. A lot of activities onboard are also geared towards adults, as well as the bars and lounges.
Kids’ clubs and child-minding services can offer a great opportunity for you to have a break and switch off from parenting for just a short while!
However you choose to spend your next cruise holiday, here at Cruise Nation we’ve got a family cruise deal that’s suited to you.