Why Cruising is Great for Families
With many cruise lines sailing from Southampton it is so easy. You turn up at the terminal, a porter will take your luggage (you will next see it in your cabin on the ship) and your car is parked for you. Straight into the terminal, check in and within 30 minutes you are usually on-board having lunch and a well-earned drink – what could be easier?
As first-time cruisers many people have worries, such as will I get seasick, will one of the kids fall overboard, what if the kids get bored?
Cruise ships have medical officers on board to help with any ailment, so in the event that you do feel a bit queasy they will be able to help with something to ease your stomach.
Falling overboard is impossible. All balconies are of sufficient height to ensure this does not happen, and your children will not have time to get bored there is so much to do.
What will the kids do?
Most cruise ships will have kids’ clubs for every age, from 6 months (not all take them this young but I can let you know which ones do if this is a priority) to 17 years. There are cruise ships with bumper cars, ice rinks, water slides (Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas has the Ultimate Abyss, the tallest waterslide on the ocean), trampolines, rock climbing and zip lines to name but a few.
What is there for us adults?
A cruise ship has plenty for the adults, whether you just want to relax in the spa, attend an exercise class or attend a cookery class or perhaps have a meal in a speciality restaurant followed by a show, the adults can relax knowing their children are safe and happy in the Kids Club.
Which cabin is right for us?
There are inter-connecting cabins for families, inside cabins, balcony cabins, accessible cabins and suites. Royal Caribbean has the most amazing “Ultimate Family Suite”, this is a 2-storey suite with its very own in-suite slide, and air hockey table and table tennis on the balcony! It also comes with its very own Royal Genie (butler). Norwegian Cruise Lines have their Haven suites, which feature 2- and 3-bedroom villas, penthouse suites and spa suites. They all have a 24-hour butler and a sundeck reserved exclusively for The Haven guests.
What is the food like?
There is always plenty of choice where food is concerned, and if you have special dietary requirements the chefs will do everything possible to meet these requirements. Full board is included in all cruises, and some will be fully inclusive or have special drinks packages and speciality dining. One of my favourites is Sabatini’s which features on Princess cruises. Most cruise ships will have a buffet restaurant and the main dining rooms. Many will have a pizzeria, an ice cream parlour and a burger bar.
There is definitely a cruise for every family. If you are now enticed to find out more about family cruising please give me a call and I can go through everything with you to take away the hassle and concerns.