This is a collaborative post.
If you are looking for a family holiday and have never considered going cruising before, please read on. We were lucky enough to go on a cruise to Norway in 2016 and earlier in 2015 we went to Bruges. To say we enjoyed ourselves is an understatement. The whole family had a great time, so I would say that cruising with children is a good idea. However, there are a few things you need to be aware of and consider before you book.
Be sure to do your own research
It is important to do your own research before booking. There is no harm in asking a travel agent for suggestions or looking at sites like mine to get some ideas about where to go and who to travel with.
However, before you actually book, take some time to find out as much as you can about that particular cruise. Every ship is different. So, if your kids love climbing walls you want to be sure the boat you book has one. Doing your own research ensures you pick up on the little things that you know are important for you and your children. No matter how good your travel agent is they do not know your kids like you do.
How welcome will your kids be?
When looking for a cruise it is important to book yourself onto a ship that specifically caters for children. This is the best way to ensure that you and your family will be welcome on board rather than just tolerated. You want your children to be able to relax and not to have to keep them quiet all day long when you are at sea.
It is always nice for your children to have someone their own age to play with. Choosing to travel on a ship that specifically caters for children is the best way to make sure that there will be other families onboard.
Book early
If you can, book early. Family-friendly cruises tend to sell out fast, so leaving it too late could lead to disappointment. Booking early has the added benefit of keeping the price down. Most cruise firms offer the best discounts when they first release the cabins for sale.
Get your children involved
Once you have narrowed down the options, see what the kids think. Getting them involved in the final choice is a great way of making sure they have a good time.
Try a mini-cruise first
Booking a short cruise is the ideal way to work out whether this type of holiday is really right for you and your children. It is a relatively inexpensive way for you to put your toe in the water (pun not intended).
Tips for enjoying your cruise
The above covers booking your cruise. If you want to find out more about how to get the most out of your shipboard holiday, click this link. When you do you will be taken to an article that contains 9 further tips that will ensure that you and your children can relax and have a good time once you are onboard.
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