Planning your next family vacation? Dreading spending ten hours in the car followed by five days dragging your kids to the beach, the hotel pool and a local restaurant that doesn't offer a children's menu? If you're looking for a vacation that will show both you and the kids a good time, cruising could be it.
To learn about the benefits and drawbacks of family cruise vacations, keep reading to find out the best tips for planning your first or next family cruise.
Why a Family Cruise Vacation?
Because so many cruise ships are targeted directly toward families, you're getting a fully packaged vacation in a safe and contained environment. There are daily, scheduled activities for the children along with parental getaways that both allow you to enjoy time with your children and also have your own private vacation.
Most cruise lines either offer "day camp" options with regularly scheduled, on-board activities or supervised day care facilities. Because your children are on a boat with you and under the care of a well-screened and professionally-supervised staff, you can rest a little easier.
Isn't it Expensive?
Cruising can be expensive, but most family cruise vacations typically cost about $500-$1000 per person per week. Add up the cost of all the hotels, meals, souvenirs and mileage that your last vacation cost you and compare it to that figure. You'll quickly see that a cruise vacation budgets in at about the same rate as a full, family vacation.
How do I a Book a "Family" Cruise?
Most cruise lines offer family-specific
Get Three Free Nights at Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World is offering three free nights and park tickets when you book a four-night package at a Disney Value Resort.
Kids Fly Free on Air Tahiti Nui*
Children ages 11 and under can fly free with two paying adults on Air Tahiti Nui. Travel is valid between November and May.
On Greyhound, Kids Travel For Free or 40 Percent Off
Families can save on Greyhound bus travel with discounted kids' fares. Greyhound is the biggest bus company in the U.S., connecting more than 3,100 cities and towns in North America.
Explore Washington, D.C., From $190/Night
The Embassy Suites' "Homeschooler Package" includes suite lodging, breakfast, an in-room movie, and two Metro passes. Package savings can be up to 13 percent.
'American Girl' Weekends in Chicago From $259/Night
The Wyndham Chicago's package includes lodging, breakfast, and <em>American Girl</em> accessories. Rates start at $259 per night, with upgrades also available.
Get 50 Percent Off an Extra Room or Night at Wyndham Hotels
Get 50 percent off an extra room for the kids, or get 50 percent off a second night when traveling alone at Wyndham Hotels.
Wake up to Breakfast Deals at Wyndham Hotels
Wyndham Hotels gives you a good reason to rise and shine, with two breakfast deals that cater to families and adults.
Kids Stay Free, Single Parent Specials at SuperClubs
Two SuperClubs properties are offering promotions aimed specifically at families on a budget: Kids can stay for free with a minimum three-night stay, and single parents don't have to pay a single supplement.
Save on Nationwide Family Attractions With CityPass
CityPasses offer up to a 50-percent savings on admissions and the chance to skip entrance lines at select family-friendly attractions in ten North American cities.
Save on Orlando Hotels, Attractions, and More With Free Magicard
Orlando visitors can save on attractions, dining, accommodations, transportation, and shopping with the Orlando CVB's free discount card.
Save on Attractions in Nine U.S. Cities Plus 16 Ski Resorts With Go Cards
Go Card attraction passes for Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Oahu, Orlando, San Diego, San Francisco, and Seattle give visitors pre-paid admission to dozens of attractions at a discount.
Save on Universal Orlando Admission With Discounted Online Passes
Universal Orlando Resort is offering a special online ticket deal that allows you seven days of unlimited admission to both the Universal theme parks for $85. That price is just a few dollars more than a regular one-day two-park pass purchased at the gate.
Northeast bus company offers kid's discount of 40 percent
Peter Pan Bus Lines offers a 40 percent discount on fares for kids under 12 traveling with an adult. This Northeast-based bus company serves more than 100 destinations in the region.
Free Bahamas sailings on your birthday
Discovery Cruise Line, a small Florida-based cruise company, offers round-trip sailings to Grand Bahama Island for free during your birthday month, and from $80 per adult and $40 per child age six to 11, for non-birthday boys and girls.
Autumn Disney cruise specials from $389, kids sail from $149
For three- and four-day Bahamian sailings this October, November, and December, Disney is offering discounted rates. Adult prices start at $389 and child fares start at $149.
Experience home away from home with family B&B escapes
Families looking for an alternative to standard hotel accommodations may find B&B stays to be a better value.
ResortQuest Hawaii hotels offer free kids' perks and rates from $91/night
Families staying at ResortQuest Hawaii properties can take advantage of free perks for kids. Kids 17 and under stay for free, and kids ages 12 and under receive a special "Kids Stay, Play & Eat Free" ID card that can be used for free meals and admissions to top attractions.
Kids ride for free on national bus service in the U.K.
National Express, a British bus line that services 1,200 destinations throughout the U.K., sells two family discount cards that allow kids up to age 15 to travel for free.
Free fares for kids on Swiss rail service
When parents purchase a "Swiss Pass" for rail travel in Switzerland, they can request a free "Swiss Family Card," that allows children ages six to 15 to ride for no charge. Kids under six always ride free.
Seven-night Disney Caribbean cruises from $849 adult/$189 child
Thinking about next year's vacation? Disney seven-night Caribbean sailings start at $189 per child and $849 per adult.
or family-friendly cruises that are geared specifically toward families with children. Ideally, you want to choose one of these rather than, say, a Senior's cruise or a Single's cruise.
Cruise lines like Disney or Norwegian also offer themed ships with full youth programs that are targeted to specific age groups from toddlers to teens. Again, this affords you the chance to take a break and enjoy the pool on your own.
When booking a full family cruise, you may want to consider a travel agent. Often, they're able to discuss ship amenities, past client reviews and possible discounts.
However, if you're searching alone and online, try reading past traveler reviews of each individual ship. This will provide you a clearer indication of the ship's facilities and accommodations than the cruise line's promotional website.
Things to Consider Before Departure
Make sure everyone in your family has their passport, travel health insurance and extra medication. Keep all of your documents in a safe and secure place with one person.
