How to Plan a Cruise for the Family
- 1
Choose a cruise destination.caribbean map (caribbean dollar close up) image by Nikolay Okhitin from Fotolia.com
Choose your destination. Before you begin researching possible cruise companies for your family cruise, it's important to choose your destination so you don't waste time with cruise companies that don't sail there. Take into consideration places your family has always wanted to go. Visit WeJustGotBack.com and FamilyRnR.com for helpful information on choosing the right destination for your family (see Resources below for links). - 2
Determine the best cruise length for your family.calendar with bow image by Photoeyes from Fotolia.com
Decide how long you want to be on board. Most cruise lengths vary from three to 14 days depending on where they're headed and the ports of call. Figure out what length would most suit your family. If you have babies or very small children, you may opt for a shorter cruise. Older children might be fine for one to two weeks as long as there is plenty to keep them actively engaged. Cruising during off-peak times may result in better prices, but consider how long you want to be away from work and how much school your children can afford to miss. Pay attention to the season in which you travel, as weather may play a role in how long you want to be on your cruise. - 3
Research cruise companies to find the one that suits your family.notebooks image by Liz Van Steenburgh from Fotolia.com
Do your homework. Research cruise companies to find cruise choices that offer on-board activities for the ages of your children and qualified child care. Inquire about references if they provide individual child care or babysitters. If you have tweens (children between the ages of nine and 12) or teens, verify the cruise has kids' clubs or activities for these age groups, too. Carnival Cruise Lines caters to families by breaking kids' activities into five different age-specific groups. Children can choose from kids' dance parties, talent shows, and the younger ones will enjoy finger painting and story time. Disney Cruise Line is another kid-oriented, family-friendly cruise line. On board, children can participate in Character Meetings, live Disney shows, and hands-on activities in the Disney Oceaneers Lab. Two websites available to assist you in finding the right cruise company for you are CruiseCritic.com and Frommers.com (see Resources below for links). - 4
Call if you have any questions during the booking process.telephone image by Aditia Patria Warman from Fotolia.com
Select and book your cruise. Some cruises can be booked on short notice, say a month in advance, but the more you plan ahead, the more cabin choices you will have. While booking, reserve any "extra" items you need, such as a crib or baby food. Take advantage of cruise company customer service and ask questions rather than guessing or making assumptions. - 5
Pack important items to prevent problems.luggage in hotel room image by Albert Lozano from Fotolia.com
Pack important, essential items. Bring along any medicine you or your children might need on your cruise, particularly prescription medicine, inhalers or allergy medicine. Remember passports, driver's licenses, travel documents, credit cards or traveler's checks. By being proactive in your packing, you will be able to prevent any cruise vacation mishaps or disasters.
