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Whether this is your first cruise or you’re a seasoned cruiser, cruising as a family certainly has its challenges. But with the right preparation, you can have the perfect family cruise vacation!
I have been cruising with my brother and parents since I was 4. Based on 20 years of family and multi-generational cruising experience, I have learned a lot of great cruising tips as well as mistakes you should avoid!
That being said, here are some things not to do for families with children. By knowing these cruise ship mistakes, you’ll be better prepared for a successful family vacation.
10 Biggest Mistakes to Avoid on a Family Cruise
1. Choosing the wrong cruise line
Choosing the wrong cruise line can make or break your vacation. It is best to research different cruise lines and cruise ships before booking a cruise. That way, you can Book the right cruise To suit your needs and holiday style.
Since you are traveling with your family, you need to choose a cruise line that has a family-friendly atmosphere. Cruise lines include carnival, Royal Caribbean, masterDisney and National Chemical Society Well-known for being family-friendly, it offers plenty of activities for the little ones. Teen Cruiser.
In addition, choosing the right itinerary is also important. If you are sailing with young children, it is best to make a Caribbean The pace of the trip will be slower.
on the contrary, Mediterranean Taking a cruise with children can be challenging because European cruises tend to be port-intensive.
Before booking a cruise, it is important to research the cruise line and itineraries. This will help you choose a ship that fits your vacation needs.
Related: The 10 Best Cruise Lines for First-Time Cruisers
2. Not making full use of the kids club
One of the main reasons why cruises are such a great choice for families is the Kids Club. On a cruise, the Kids Club is a place for your children to meet new friends and participate in activities in a safe and secure environment.
As a child who grew up on a cruise ship, the Kids Club is my favorite part of a cruise vacation. Over the years, I have made so many friends, participated in so many wonderful activities, and made memories that will last a lifetime.
If you are travelling as a family, it is a good idea to enrol your children in the Kids Club. It is free and a great place for you to have fun while your children are supervised.
Cruise Tip: Enroll your child in the Kids Club on the day you embark. The first day of the cruise is crucial for your child to make friends and fully enjoy the Kids Club, so it’s best to get them started early.
3. Not arriving one day before the cruise departure
If you are traveling as a family, please do not fly or drive on the same day as your cruise.
essential Tips for New Cruise Passengersyou need to arrive at the cruise terminal at least one day in advance. The last thing you want to do is worry about whether you can get from the airport to the cruise terminal on time, especially when traveling with children.
Arriving a day early allows you to settle in and relax before your cruise vacation begins. Embarkation Dayyou can go to the cruise port from the hotel and your cruise vacation officially begins.
Related: 17 Rookie Mistakes to Avoid on Your First Cruise
4. Avoid safety issues in cruising
Before taking your children on a cruise, it is important to brief them on the safety precautions of a cruise. While a cruise is a safe vacation, parents and children need to be vigilant and exercise caution as with any travel experience.
Things to keep in mind include general rules of conduct, such as not climbing railings and not entering other people’s cabins. Remember to attend the muster station together and watch the cruise safety video on the day of embarkation.
5. Lack of flexibility
Whether Sea Day or a day in port, you’ll want the flexibility to make the most of your cruise vacation.
When the whole family is sailing together, different family members may want to attend activities and events at different times. For example, you may want to see a show in the evening, but your children may want to attend the Kids Club.
Instead of making plans and sticking to them, be prepared to go with the flow and be flexible. This way, every family member can have a great time on the cruise.
6. Not establishing a communication method
If you are cruising with teenagers, you will need to establish a way to communicate when they are not with you.
Most cruise lines today offer free or low-cost instant messaging services through their mobile apps. This is a great way to stay connected with your kids for free or inexpensive.
Another option is to buy a cruise Wireless Internet PackagesThis way, you can stay connected with your child throughout the day and they can always reach you if there is a question or emergency.
Keep in mind that normal cell phone service is not available at sea. In fact, it is very important to keep your phone in airplane mode (instructions will be provided on board, so don’t worry).
That’s why it’s so important to establish communication before you board a cruise ship.
7. Not being prepared for toilet breaks
Cruise Ship Bathroom Unlike hotel bathrooms, most standard cabins have showers but usually no bathtubs. Cruising with Babies and Toddlers or younger children, this may require adjustments.
If you are cruising, you need to be prepared Contemporary Family Cruises Like a line carnival, Royal CaribbeanMSC Cruises or Norwegian Cruise Line.
However, if you’re traveling on a Disney cruise, bathrooms have shower and tub combinations to accommodate younger children. There are also some exceptions for larger family staterooms and suites, so plan accordingly.
If your cruise cabin doesn’t have a bathtub, it’s a good idea to get your child used to bathing ahead of time. That way, you won’t have to worry about bathroom issues throughout your cruise vacation.
Tip: There is one more thing Cabin Hacker Perfect for home use. Bring a small inflatable mini pool and place it on the floor of the shower.
Related: 12 Multigenerational Cruise Mistakes to Avoid
8. No toys
When sailing with children, especially younger ones, it’s a good idea to bring toys and games. Although there are kids clubs on board, sometimes you still need to keep your kids entertained.
Whether it’s at dinner, in the cabin, or at a cruise port of call, having a wide variety of toys can be a lifesaver. Not only are they fun, they’re also great tools to keep your child engaged and entertained.
In addition, if you are Caribbean Cruises. This way, your children can have fun playing with sand at the beach.
9. Not packing the essentials
Packing for a Family Cruise It can be difficult, especially when traveling with a child who has special needs and preferences. Remembering important items can lead to unnecessary in-flight charges.
Make sure you have First aid items It is also essential to carry enough prescription medication for the entire trip. Also important is over-the-counter headache medicine. seasickallergies and colds, as well as a small first aid kit. These will give you peace of mind and ensure you are prepared for any health issues during your cruise.
For families with babies or young children, it is important to bring plenty of diapers and wipes, as the supply of diapers and wipes on cruise ships is limited and the price is high. In addition, if your children will be playing in the water, it is recommended to bring swim diapers.
You will also need to bring enough sunscreen to last the entire trip, as the variety provided on board is limited and expensive.
Related: 50+ Cruise Essentials on Amazon
10. Failure to prepare for embarkation day
Be well prepared when you travel by boat with your family Embarkation Day If this is your first cruise, learn Boarding process Make sure your cruise vacation starts off smoothly before you arrive at your cruise port.
Finish Boarding During the process, it can be helpful to have a rough plan for your first day. Since you will be boarding the plane at lunch time, you will need to plan where to grab a bite to eat after boarding.
If you are planning to send your children and teenagers to the Kids Club, it is a good idea to sign them up immediately. The registration lines can get busy so it is best to sign them up as soon as possible.
You may want to explore the ship and its onboard attractions and check out your stateroom. Once you are familiar with the ship, you will want to attend the departure party to begin your Family Cruises holiday.
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Summary of cruise mistakes families with kids need to avoid
A family cruise is a great way to see a new destination while you only have to unpack once. With activities for all ages, there’s something for every family member to enjoy on board.
Just avoid these family cruise mistakes and you’ll have a great cruise vacation and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Are you planning a family cruise? Let me know your questions and suggestions in the comments below.
Have a great cruise!
Ethan
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About the Author: Ethan Schattauer has been on cruises with his family since he was four years old and has been on over 30 cruises to date. As a frequent traveler, Ethan shares his unique perspective on cruising from a young person’s perspective. Ethan also writes about men’s style, travel, and college advice on the website WhatToWearMen.com.
