A cruise can be tough when you have kids with you. Below are tips to enjoy your cruise with your children, based on a Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas experience. Bear in mind that cruises differ with each other so make sure to research on them before you go and set sail.
1. Instead of two adjoining staterooms try booking a family suite. Suites come with expedited boarding (and disembark); special menus; reserved pool-deck and theater seating; and other promos to be able to make your travel with kids painless.
2. Sign up your kids in at least one children activity offered by the cruise to give them chances on making friends that they have as company all throughout the trip. This will also give you some adult time while they indulge in these activities.
3. Discuss briefly the safety precautions of the ship and basic stranger danger precautions on the first day.
4. Setting limits and ground rules should be given in advance.
5. Consider the formal nights to be spent on the ship, and plan for their overalls. Also, discuss briefly some dining etiquette. Exposing your kids with this can give them introduction on fine dining and dress ups.
6. Pack books, games, and DVDs for your kids to give them some calm and quiet time at night after the long day of fun and activities in the cruise. Although some cruises have libraries, there may not be a lot of books for children so bring your own.
7. Do not forget your sunscreen and bug spray to keep the children’s comfort.
8. Consider bringing a white board for directions and meeting times for the family, especially the kids since you’ll be going to different parts of the ship.
9. Expose your kids to tours around the ship if one is offered to let your kids explore. They may even grow interest in navigation, the hospitality industry or travel in general.
10. Arrange for a parent’s night out to indulge in and discuss them with your kids. Older kids can be left independent for a cruise ship is relatively safe, while baby-sitting or kids’ clubs are offered for the younger kids.
Published on 2013-11-08 10:53:19
