Family cruising - all you need to know

Cruising has often been perceived as being for people of a certain age and boy has this changed over the past 10 – 15 years! We took our first Caribbean cruise as a family when my boys were 8 and 11 and they absolutely loved it, so let me tell you a bit more about cruising with family and answer some questions you may have….

1. How do I choose the right cruise to suit the whole family?

This is a really important point as choosing the wrong cruise will affect both your enjoyment and your likelihood of cruising again. As a Travel Counsellor and avid cruiser, I can really help choose the right cruise for you. In order to get it just right, there are a number of questions I would ask you, such as: - i. What activities your children enjoy taking part in when on holiday and whether they enjoy kids’ clubs? ii. Do you like the idea of formal nights on a cruise or would you prefer casual/less formal dining options? iii. Would you dine at set times or prefer flexibility? iv. Do you have an idea of where you would like to visit on your cruise? iv. Do you have a preference regarding the size of ship would you like to sail on? vi. Do you mind flying to the cruise departure point or would you prefer a UK cruise departure point e.g. Southampton?

All of these questions enable me to build a picture of the right cruise lines and itineraries that would be best for your requirements. The good news is that whatever your preferences, there’s always a cruise to suit you and your family.

2. Will there be enough for the children to do on the ship and are they safe?

If I told you that the following activities are available on selected ships would you believe me? Rock climbing walls, outdoor go karting, sky diving, outdoor trampoline park, laser tag, wave simulator, ice skating rink, waterparks, virtual reality gaming, bowling alley, arcade, rollercoaster (Oct 2019)

These are just a selection of onboard activities for children (and adults!) on several cruise ships. From my experience, if anything we were not onboard long enough to take full advantage of all these activities hence booking another cruise as soon as we got back! Just to be clear most of the activities above are also included in your cruise fare! With a small selection at an additional cost.

Safety on-board is paramount to all cruise lines and the cruise industry. The ships are designed in such a way that all decks are safe. One of the best things about cruising is that you can let your children once they are a certain age discover the ship and activities in the knowledge that they are safe. I’ve seen many fellow cruise passengers use Walkie Talkies so they are in constant contact with their children, alternatively your children may choose to stay with you. As soon as you embark the ship your children have a wristband attached which has their information on and there’s plenty of staff around the ship to help with children (and adults!) who get lost.

3. My children are fussy eaters or have food allergies?

Unfortunately, food intolerances and allergies are on the increase and I’m pleased to say that for children and adults most, if not all, cruise lines offer Gluten Free, Vegan and Vegetarian food choices. All menus have an ingredients key which also advises if the dish has milk or nuts in it. Any allergies would be noted in advance of your departure, so the cruise line is aware. Similarly, with fussy eaters there’s a selection of home comforts on the main dining room menus such as roast chicken breast or pasta with a tomato sauce. Most cruise lines will also adapt any meals once they know your likes and dislikes, so you can enjoy the dining experience just like everyone else.

4. How can we enjoy the evening entertainment with the children?

If like my boys they’re not fussed by the evening shows, the kid’s club often run into the evenings where they will lay on activities such as teen disco’s, gaming competitions, science at sea activities to name but a few. Sometimes they might even want to be in the kid’s club at mealtimes which means you can enjoy a nice meal and the evening show without having to worry about them.

5. What if I have a child with special needs?

A number of cruise ships provide the ideal holiday environment for families living with Autism, Down’s syndrome and other developmental disabilities. This includes sensory films and toys and dietary menu options. You will find specially trained staff, extra assistance, specialized respite sessions and private activities available. Here’s just an idea of what to expect: - i. Autism-friendly films – Presented in a low lit, low volume environment where guests are is encouraged to talk and walk freely during the film. ii. Toy lending programme – You will be provided with a tote bag of autism friendly toys to be used in the play areas or in your stateroom. iii. Priority check in – Priority boarding and check in ensures no long queues

Cruising is also a great option for passengers with mobility issues or who are wheelchair bound. There’re several accessible cabins on every cruise ship specially adapted for wheelchair users. The ships are designed to be wheelchair friendly to ensure everyone has a great vacation. Cruising with family is one of the most enjoyable holiday experiences I have had, and this is mainly due to there being something for everyone. You get to have a great time and relax in the knowledge that your children are entertained, happy and safe. Let’s face it – if the kids are happy then everyone’s happy!