Family Cruising
Over this past year I have been privileged to have spent time on three cruise ships, all slightly different but with one thing that will just lure you in time and time again – freedom. It seems a strange word if you have never cruised before, but cruising does give you a lot of it. You have freedom to eat in different restaurants, drink at an array of bars, have time away from your children while they play and meet new friends in the kids clubs, freedom to watch stage productions or pop to the casino, to eat when you choose, pop to one of a few swimming pools or the spa and probably one of the most important features of cruising is it gives you freedom to disembark at your destination port and explore or just relax onboard.
Cruising has very much been stereotyped but times are changing, and cruise lines are offering more and more facilities and catering more for the needs of families. It is a place where multi-generations can all holiday together but can spend time apart to join in with activities and meet like-minded people of their own ages.
When you have a family and start to think about organising a land holiday the thought of getting the scales out and knowing you don’t have enough baggage allowance for everything you need to take with a family is quite stressful. The advantage of cruising with a family is that if you so choose you can embark in the UK and take as much luggage as you can physically carry as you are not restricted on the amount of luggage you take so you can ensure you have everything you need for the children. With the added bonus of your luggage being taken and delivered to your stateroom so that you can start to enjoy your holiday straight away! The unpacking can wait!
A cruise ship offers exciting facilities for families to either spend the time together or have some time apart making new friends! Your children can choose to eat with their friends in the kids club while you have a romantic meal for two, perhaps in one of the speciality restaurants or you can all eat together in main dining restaurant or at the buffet which always has plenty of choices. If you have certain dietary requirements don’t feel embarrassed to let the staff know, remember they are there to make sure your holiday is perfect in every way!
Family friendly ships come with kids’ clubs which are well run and often educational too! They start with creche facilities and range right through to teenage chill out zones with X-Boxes and their own discos! Some allow you to leave your children on board for a small cost whilst you disembark the ship to explore the port you have docked in, there are also babysitting services for a small charge so if you fancy a night out you know your children will be looked after well.
No matter how much you have in common with your family there are always times when one member does not want to join in, on a cruise you can all choose something different and everyone is still happy!
Larger cruise ships are best for families and come with climbing walls, ice rinks, sports courts, bowling alleys, waterparks, one has a rollercoaster, another a go kart track, you can go sky diving, trampolining and have a go on the bumper cars plus so much more. There are also dedicated and well-trained staff to help with children who have special needs.
One of the most exciting developments with Royal Caribbean is the launch of their new exclusive island in the Bahamas Coco Cay, aptly named Perfect Day. This is a fantastic island which has the most amazing water park, restaurants, chill out areas and Maldives style over water cabanas, I believe other cruise lines are following suit so watch this space!