Cruising is such a fun way to travel the world. It gives you a simple way to visit different countries in a short amount of time. My first cruise was in the Western Caribbean and it was the best family vacation I have had. Read Western Caribbean Cruise with our Toddler. If you’re looking for a fun family vacation I highly recommend taking a cruise. Here are some helpful tips to plan your family cruise.
Tips for taking your family on a cruise
1. Do your research before hand
Cruisecritic.com is an amazing website for helping with planning a cruise. They have awesome review and tips to help with everything to do with cruising. Their are ship reviews, cruise destination reviews, excursion reviews and more.
2. Find a ship that fits your families needs
There are so many different types of ships available to cruise on. Do your research before had and find one that is family friendly. We cruised on the Royal Caribbean Liberty of the seas and we loved all the different things for kids. This ship offered water slides, a kids water park, rock climbing wall, basket ball court, ice skating rink, Dream Works Experience, arcade, kids day programs and more.
3. Book ahead of time
Cruises can book up especially if your booking during a busy season. Try to book your cruise at least nine months in advance. While you can save money on last-minute cruises you will have many different choices like rooms, dinning time and more if you book in advance.
4. When to go
Depending on where you are wanting to cruise to there are certain times that are better. Consider when hurricane season is and holidays. Caribbean cruises are best between December and March. Where cruises such as an Alaskan cruise are better June through August. Prices are cheaper during the off-season. When we took our cruise in February prices were low and the ship was not over crowded.
5. Choose a 7 day or longer cruise
Short cruises can be cheaper but when you consider a longer cruise you will have more time to explore the ship and enjoy your vacation. These ships are huge and there are so many different things to do. When taking a 7 day or longer cruise you have a better chance of becoming familiar with the ship and doing everything you want to do.
6. Travelers Insurance
I highly recommend purchasing a travelers insurance for your trip. Chances are you wont need it but there is always a chance of something happening such as delayed flight, cruise ship difficulties, or illnesses.
7. Choosing Ports and Destinations
Cruises leave from many different places depending on destinations. Choose the port that best fits your need and wants. These ports include Ft. Lauderdale Florida, Miami Florida, Galveston Texas, Baltimore Maryland, San Diego California and more. Choosing your port will depend on your wanted destinations.
Choosing your destination can be difficult. Cruises go so many different places. We like to chooses cruises based on places we have not been and places we would like to visit.
8. Rooms
While choosing the perfect room for your family cruise saving money where you can is extremely helpful. Interior rooms are the best cost efficient choice. For larger families you may need to choose rooms with a conjoining door. Keep in mind the state rooms can be a little tight but you don’s spend very much time in them. If you’re looking for a room that you can enjoy the view I recommend the balcony rooms. Its nice being able to sit in your room and enjoy the view without having people all around you. Just keep in mind when you choose an ocean view or balcony room they will be more expensive than an interior room.
9. Excursions
Like mentioned above do your research on the best excursions. I recommend booking excursions early on before they fill up. Doing excursions at different ports gives an opportunity to see the country you’re visiting. You have the chance to explore on your own but it can be safer booking an excursion through your cruise instead of doing it on your own.
10. Safety
Safety is a big thing while traveling. While on the cruise there is a chance that using cell phones is not an option since you are in another country. Create a system of checking in on each other so you know where your children and others in your group are. A great way to do this is have a place in your room for notes. Or have certain times where you meet up at a certain place. Using the buddy system is another great way to practice safety.
Family Vacation on a Cruise
If your planning on taking your family on a cruise remember the number one tip is to have fun! Cruising can be such a lifetime experience filled with fun. Take the chance and try it!
If you enjoyed this check out Western Caribbean Cruise with our toddler
