Going on a cruise with your children can be one of the most memorable trips you ever enjoy as a family. It can provide all of you with unforgettable memories and broaden your horizons as you explore new countries that would otherwise be difficult to see with children. However, cruises also come with their own challenges. Keep these tips in mind when planning your children's first cruise.
Choose Cruises That Are Designed with Kids in Mind
Tours and cruises that are designed especially for families may be the best way to go. Not only will they offer you planned activities, but they tend to prepare for worst-case scenarios, too. Better yet, they prepare ways to prevent the worst from happening.
For example, if you cruise with Disney Cruise Line, they offer excursions designed to be family-friendly from start to finish. That can mean everything from anticipating your need to change a baby's diaper to including things that will be interesting for kids of all ages.
Talk to Your Kids About the Cruise for Weeks Before It Happens
Discuss the upcoming cruise with your kids for weeks before the big day of your departure. That not only helps build excitement, but it also gives your children time to process the concept of having a fun adventure at sea. Ask open-ended questions to gauge their excitement level and whether they may have worries about the trip. Some things you may ask include:
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Have any of your friends gone on a cruise, and did they like it?
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How do you feel about where we are going?
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What do you want to do on the cruise?
Once your kids answer the questions, you may be inspired with a few follow-up questions to get at the heart of what they're thinking and feeling. Once you know any worries your kids may have, you can easily reassure them and help them get over their concerns before you go on the trip.
Pencil In Some Grown-Up Time
One of the cool things about family-friendly cruises is that they are equipped with a high-quality kids' club. Even children who have separation anxiety will soon be having so much fun that they may not even notice when parents leave. The kids' clubs are staffed with counselors who engage kids in groups and on a one-to-one basis.
Plan to leave children at the kids' club for some time alone with your spouse. Schedule a fancy dinner for a date night or just enjoy spending time together without the responsibility of looking after kids. You can do this without worry on a cruise ship because, if your kids really need you, you will only be a short walk away from checking on them.
Finally, choose a cruise that you will enjoy, too! Don't leave all the fun for the kids. Your family's first cruise together should be as much fun for you as it is for the kids. Pick destinations that enthrall you and have fun with it. Contact a local travel company that offers tours and cruises to learn more.
