Three Top Tips for Booking the Perfect Family Cruise
There are few among us who haven’t dreamed of enjoying a cruise. We imagine blazing skies, lines of sun loungers, and the sound of gently lapping water against the hull of a great, oceangoing leviathan.
For lots of mums, taking the children along is an added bonus. As much as we might joke about how happy we are to see the end of the summer holidays, most of us enjoy vacationing with the kids in tow. We like those hectic family meals, the sound of tinkling laughter, the noise, the energy, and the fun.
However, taking the children along does carry its complications. Adult holidays are easy, but finding a trip that will amuse the kids as much as you can be a challenge. To help you out, here are three top tips for booking the perfect family cruise…
#1: Look for Deals Early
One of the great disadvantages of family holidays is that they cost more. The money you’ll spend is multiplied ten fold, with the price of flights, the trip itself, the spending money you’ll need, and your new holiday wardrobe all boosted by the presence of your little ones. Luckily, there are lots of family discounts available to keep these costs in check, but bagging one for yourself is no easy task. The best way to do it is to book early. Late minute specials rarely arise, so you’re going to need to plan well in advance. Nine months to two years beforehand offers the ideal window for finding the perfect family deal.
#2: Check Out Kids Camps and Programs
Although family holidays are all about spending some quality time together, you need to have a break too, and this makes kids camps a godsend. Not only will they give you a little spare time, but they’ll also help to keep your tiny ones occupied and enjoying themselves. It’s best to check out what’s available beforehand, as different ships will have different programs to choose from. Some will carry age restrictions, so you’ll want to check that your children are catered for before booking, in order to ensure that they have the best possible time on your holiday.
#3: Make Sure that Your Fellow Passengers are Like You
One final consideration is what your other passengers are going to be like. Some cruise ships choose to cater to a younger crowd, and although they’ll allow families on board, you’ll find that the entertainment and noise levels on a night aren’t ideal for children. A little bit of research, a discussion with your travel agent, and a quick look on Trip Advisor should be enough to clarify what your intended cruise ship is like, helping you to secure the perfect family-friendly experience.
Book your dream cruise today with these three top tips.
