What Every Family Ought To Know About Finding Cruise Deals
Vacationing with your kids sounds like a great idea to create more meaningful family
memories and engage in activities that can increase the amount of quality time you spend together. But in reality, finding a venue that keeps kids engaged and active and lets parents enjoy the vacation experience, too can be daunting.
Fortunately, todays cruise lines offer a wealth of vacation opportunities for families of all sizes, and for kids of all ages, from distracted and energetic preschoolers to hard to please teens. With a predictable pricing structure, exciting on-board activities, and unique shore excursions, cruise lines that cater to families and their individual and group needs abound.
Whether your child loves art, lives for videogames, or enjoys movies, videos and music, theres something for everyone on todays cruise lines. Onboard swimming pools and other activities keep kids engaged many cruise lines even offer water parks, surf pools and rock climbing activities, all without leaving the comfort of the ship.
Cruise lines that cater to families also offer a variety of food and drinks, and usually have flexible dining schedules and all-inclusive package deals that keep kids satisfied without emptying mom and dads wallet. In addition, many kids activities are supervised, age-regulated, and for kids only meaning mom and dad are free to enjoy other activities while knowing their kids are being cared for and watched over.
For these reasons and a lot more many families are turning to cruises when planning their family vacations. If you think a cruise could be ideal for you and your family, consider the following tips when selecting and booking your cruise.
Check the Cabin Layout
Some cruises offer large rooms that can accommodate up to five or six people, while others offer adjoining rooms, allowing both kids and parents a modicum of privacy. If youre traveling with teens, ask your travel agent about cruise lines that offer discounts on separate rooms for them. Many cruise lines today are offering family suites, which feature sleeping rooms and a common living room area, all in one suite layout.
Ask about Cruise Lines that Are Specifically for Families
While Disney Cruises may be best known for catering to younger kids, Royal Caribbean and Carnival go all out to please kids of all ages, especially teens, with Internet cafes, dance clubs and videogame arcades that encourage socializing. Other cruise lines may be less well known for their family themes, but may still offer a strong component of family activities, and may also feature specific cruises featuring family-themed fun and activities. A travel agent with strong cruise connections can be an invaluable resource here.
Find the Right Travel Agent
Speaking of travel agents, be sure to choose one that is familiar with family cruises and all they can offer. You want to choose an agent or agency online or in person that can find you deals specifically tailored to the entertainment needs and budget needs of your family. Choose an agent that is well established and has a good reputation among travelers.
If youre working on expanding your family that is, if youre pregnant ask about medical restrictions. Many cruises will not book to parties including a woman in the third trimester of pregnancy.
Also, be sure to ask you agent if your kids need a photo ID? Even if it isnt required, it can be a good idea. Also be sure to have proper identification for all members of your family for international border crossings.
Ask about Cancellation Policies
Unfortunately, kids are prone to illness and injury, and it may be that just as you and your family are packing to go on a fabulous cruise, your son or daughter breaks out in chicken pox. Be sure to ask your travel agent about possible cancellation penalty fees, and consider purchasing trip cancellation insurance (your travel agent can help you get the best rates for this invaluable service, too).
Research the Fees
Unexpected or inflated costs and fees are one of the prime factors parents worry about when embarking on a traditional land vacation. Many cruises offer all-inclusive or nearly all-inclusive package deals that take the financial worry out of the picture, and are one of the major reasons why cruises have become so popular among families in recent years. Ask about whats included in the cost of your cruise, and be sure to ask about tipping policies. Some cruises include gratuities, and some do not.
With a full array of on-board activities and shore excursions, coupled with predictable pricing and exciting experiences for all, its no wonder cruises have grown to become one of the most popular vacation options among families today. A little preplanning and an understanding of the options available to you and your family will ensure your cruise is the best it can be
by: Christopher Hardaway
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