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In addition to these reasons for
considering a cruise for your family
holiday, here are other things families
cruising with children should know.
Kid’s Programs
Family-friendly cruise lines offer
on-board children’s programs staffed by
certified youth counsellors.
Participation in these fun and
educational opportunities is optional,
but most parents find that it’s
sometimes hard to get the kids to leave
them! Activities are offered on both
days at sea and while the ship is in
port.
Typically, you’ll find the children
organized by age into three or four
different groups, each offering
appropriate activities in separate
playrooms. Some cruise ships even have a
teen clubhouse. The minimum age to join
the program on many ships is 2 or 3
years, and the children are expected to
be potty trained. However, some lines
require that children be age 5 or older.
While some cruise lines, like Disney
Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line,
guarantee children’s activities on every
sailing, in every destination
year-round, others offer the program
seasonally or only when there are a
certain number of children booked on the
cruise. In these instances, we can
usually learn if the children’s program
will be in effect inside of 60 days of
sailing.
Stateroom and Suites
Cruise ships have a number of
different types of staterooms for any
budget including Suites, Balcony
Staterooms, Ocean view Staterooms, and
Interior Cabins. Each family can choose
which type of stateroom best fits their
budget. Some cabins can sleep four or
five guests in one room so families with
small children do not have to buy more
than one cabin.
Depending upon your family, here is
what you should know about cruise ship
cabins:
- Triple and Quad Occupancy
Cabins
If you have young children and want them to stay in the room with you it’s possible to find a cabin that can hold more than two people. A portion of the accommodations on most ships have a third or fourth bed that either pulls down from the wall or drops out of the ceiling. These full-size beds can then be retracted during the day so they’re out of your way. Your cabin steward will take care of making up the bed at night and putting away for you the next morning.
- Connecting Cabins
Newer ships have a variety of cabin
configurations that can accommodate
families. One of the most popular
options is cabins with interior
connecting doors, just like at hotels.
This gives you the added convenience
of having twice the amount of space as
well as a separate bedroom and a
second bathroom. And, just like in
hotels, you will pay for two rooms.
- Family Suites
Family suites are a popular way
for parties of five to eight
passengers to share accommodations.
These suites usually have at least two
bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as
large common areas and balconies
conducive to family gatherings. Since
there may be only one or two of these
rooms on the ship, families interested
in pricing these accommodations may
have to book as much as a year in
advance.
Infants
Some cruise lines allow infants
under age 2 to sail for just the price
of port charges and taxes. Norwegian
Cruise Line has historically offered
this option, but today, most lines
charge the same amount for an infant as
they do a teenager. Cribs are also
available on board and can be made
available in your cabin by making a
request in advance. If your child is a
little too large for a crib, inquire
about bed rails that can be installed
for you.
Babysitting
Babysitting may be available and can be
arranged on board the ship.
Family-friendly cruise lines with ample
space in the children’s playrooms
usually create a slumber-party style
environment during the evening hours and
may keep the children as late as 1:00
am. Other lines without extensive
children’s programs can often find
female crew members willing to volunteer
their time; but if this is the case, the
availability of babysitting cannot be
guaranteed. Either way, there is a
nominal charge for babysitting services.
Kids Menus
Some cruise lines offer menus with all
your kid’s favourite foods, so you can
travel conveniently with even the most
finicky eaters. Of course, children are
always welcome to order off the main
dining menus if they’d like to try
something new. And since all of the food
is included, you don’t’ have to worry
about sending it back if you get a
wrinkled nose.
Shore Excursions
Shore excursions can provide fun,
educational and high adventure
experiences for the entire family. Most
cruise lines have age guidelines to
assist you in making choices, so when
appropriate, you should definitely bring
your children along on your shore
excursions. Some cruise lines, such as
Holland America Line, have shore
excursions specifically for the kids.
And if your itinerary includes a private
island, you may find the children’s
program in effect there, as well.
Children’s Supplies and Needs
Although there are a few exceptions,
cruise ships in general do not supply
baby food, formula or diapers. So plan
on bringing enough of these supplies to
get you through the entire cruise. You
should also plan on bringing your own
stroller or other form of transportation
for your children, including car seats
that can fit on the plane or in shore
excursion vehicles. Carnival Cruise Line
is now offering stroller rentals in some
cases, so if you’ve decided to take a
Carnival cruise we’ll be happy to find
out if your ship offers this service.
Limited Access to Children Onboard
Cruisers under the age of 18 are
prohibited from entering the bars,
lounges, the casino, the hot tubs and
the spa and salon facilities and the
exercise rooms. Children may also be
prohibited from attending certain shows
designed for adults only.
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