Debunking the myths of family cruising - and why it is for you...
Quite a loaded question, and everyone will have their reasons and/or fears, however, let me dispel some of these myths and get you considering a cruise as a viable option for your next family holiday.
Myth # 1: I don’t want to be on a ship with thousands of people
The reality is not like this at all, in fact you will probably feel less like you are surrounded by hundreds of people on a ship, then if you were in a hotel. These ships are so cleverly designed and the staff so well trained, that you will in reality not find this an issue at all.
Sure, there will be times when you are all together, like at a show, but that happens at resort hotels too, and on a ship, they put the show on at least twice, so you will never miss the entertainment because you are eating, or still at the pool!
If this reason is the main reason for you not fancying a cruise, then I can recommend several companies that have either smaller ships, or a lower guest ratio ensuring your personal space at all times.
Myth #2: I’m worried my child will fall overboard
The minute you step foot on a cruise ship, you will realise that this is just not possible. There are feet high glass panes all around the ship which provide both protection from the elements and also prevent potential ‘Man Overboard’ situations. To go overboard, you would have to move furniture to climb on to and literally catapult yourself over. Do not worry, your small people will be perfectly safe. And on that note, the often complimentary children’s clubs, babysitting services and entertainment for the children is so vast and brilliantly done, that you can sip your sangria safe in the knowledge that your children are having a whale of a time meeting other children and getting involved in all sorts of exciting fun and games!
Myth #3: I like All Inclusive and I don’t want any scary bills to be presented at the end of my holiday
Full board is always included, and you will also have a wide array of alternate dining options, and with a lot of the cruise companies drinks and gratuities are included too.
However, where drinks are not included you can usually purchase a drinks package before your holiday so that you know exactly what you are spending before you depart. I can also help you with alerting you to the campaigns that cruise companies will offer to include your drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities etc. These do come around and sell like hotcakes when they do so it pays to have someone in the know!
So, these are some of the reasons I hear when I suggest a cruise as an alternative as to why they don’t want to give it a try. Here are some reasons why you absolutely SHOULD consider taking your family on a cruise of a lifetime on your next trip away.
Reason #1: No-fly zone
Aside from unpacking once and seeing lots of destinations to keep everyone amused, you can also cruise from the UK eliminating the need to fly and be restricted to the amount of luggage you can take, not to mention the hassle of airports and costs associated. When you are travelling with a family with small children, as I well know as I have 3, this has to be a massive consideration. Flying with toddlers is never fun!
Reason #2: Unrivalled variety
There is entertainment for all the family, from kids clubs, amazing dining options, swimming pools, go-kart tracks, water parks, ice skating rinks, bowling alleys, cinemas, ‘Go Ape’-style activites, zip lines, virtual reality, amazing spas, casinos, sports bars, robotic bars, mini golf - I could go on and on.
On the flip side, if all this fills you with dread, then are lots of companies out there where there are no bells and whistles and you can simply be together as a family, eating, playing games and visiting the amazing destinations on your itinerary. Basically whatever ‘floats your boat’ (see what I did there?), we can tailor a cruise to you and your needs and requirements.
I hope I have gone someway to possibly, maybe, help you consider a cruise for you next family holiday. If you have any other concerns, please do get in touch and hopefully we can lay to rest some of your fears.
I can’t wait to take my brood on a cruise, my son is happy wherever there is a buffet and a water slide, and quite frankly I’m happy when they are happy.