I Like 2 Travel: How to Plan a Cruise for the Family

Overview

Cruises make an enticing choice for a family vacation because they don't entail a lot of packing and unpacking. You essentially take your hotel room with you as the ship travels to various ports of call--a godsend to parents with children--allowing for a complete vacation without the constant sift in hotel rooms. Many cruise lines also have babysitting services and amenities specifically focused on children, which lets mom and dad to relax just as much as the children do.

- Step 1
  
  Think about the best destination for your cruise. While you may be interested in exploring ancient Tuscan ruins or 17th century churches, your kids may be more interested in having fun at a local water park. Beach-based destinations such as the Caribbean work well for families with small children or teens: they can play in the sand or try out activities such as parasailing without feeling like they're being dragged around to places they'd rather not go.
- Step 2
  
  Determine the best time and length of your cruise. Cruises are contingent upon available vacation time and/or your family members' various commitments to work and school. In addition to the length of the cruise itself, you need to plan travel time to and from your embarkation point.
- Step 3
  
  Check different cruise lines and look at the specific details of their ships. Most cruise lines offer daycare facilities in the mornings and early afternoons, although you'll need to pay an extra fee for them. Many cruise lines require children to be potty-trained before they can participate in onboard activities (Carnival Cruises makes a notable exception). If you have grade-schoolers, look for programs that provide activities such as scavenger hunts and computer games. Teens need flexible programs that allow them to be autonomous while still providing activities and/or entertainment areas to keep them occupied. In addition to child-specific accommodations, check on more general amenities your family requires: pools, game rooms, restaurant menus, night clubs and lounges.
- Step 4
  
  Examine your cabin options. If you have children, you want to book an assigned cabin in advance, which allows you to tailor the sleeping arrangements to fit your particular needs. Individual cabins may vary slightly, and if yours aren't assigned, you may find that they don't have what you need. If you're getting multiple cabins, make sure they are located next to each other or across the hall and see if you can get cabins with adjoining doors or larger staterooms. (Norwegian Cruise lines, in particular, offers suites and discounts for large families.)
- Step 5
  
  Check the safety and health codes of the ship you intend to board to make sure it's safe. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintains a list of cruise ships and their health records, and you should consult its website (cdc.gov/nceh/vsp/) before making your purchase.
- Step 6
  
  Pack for the trip carefully. Most cruises include at least one formal night, so you'll need to include a good suit or cocktail dress with your luggage. Pay close attention to the cruise's dress code: slacks, dresses and collared shirts are preferred when you're not in the pool. A second bathing suit for every family member lets you dry one out while wearing the other, and sunscreen and a floppy hat are essentials (the sun gets very hot on the ocean, even in warm climates). Pack a sweater or similar warm clothes for the evenings, and include hand sanitizer to help keep germs away in your cabin.