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Cruise holidays can be exciting, romantic, adventurous, or a combination of all of these. There are so many different options, ranging from ultra-luxurious to intrepid, with every option in between. Being spoilt for choice is one of the things that makes a cruise holiday such a great option for families, so if you’ve been thinking about taking the kids on a cruise, here are our top six reasons to make it happen.
It doesn’t matter where you’re headed: chances are, there’s a cruise option to suit you. Whether it’s exploring the islands of Hawaii, the beaches of the Caribbean or the rivers of Europe, a cruise holiday is a great way to do this. Imagine tucking the kids into bed each night, knowing that they’ll wake the next morning to another new destination just waiting to be discovered. Better yet, you only have to unpack once, and someone else will do the driving (and navigating) for you!
In destinations like the Mediterranean, there are dozens of options to choose from, so you can focus on what will best suit the needs of your entire family. If you’re travelling with younger children, you may prefer an option that offers a great kids club and babysitting service, whilst those with older children may prefer a “floating resort”: everything from rock climbing to wave pools to bowling alleys can be part of their cruise holiday if you choose the right ship. Bowling alleys, bungy trampolines and talent shows are just a few of the reasons your kids will be begging to return again and again.
Whether your family group is small and compact or includes everyone from Great Uncle Bob to cousin Fred, there’s an option to suit. Those on a tight budget can opt for a quad share cabin and still enjoy all the amazing activities that are included in the cost of their cruise, or for a little extra, they can choose a room with a balcony so they can watch the sunrise each morning. Those who need plenty of space or who prefer a more luxurious experience can treat themselves to a suite, but everyone can still come together to dine and enjoy time together.
Most cruise ships offer a range of dining options that will take care of even the fussiest little eaters, at any time of the day or night. From seemingly endless options available at the buffet-style restaurants to a pizza or burger for those who simply can’t bring themselves to leave the pool, to a late-night room service snack – no-one will ever go hungry. Parents may also like to take advantage of the in-room babysitting service and treat themselves to a kids-free meal at one of the speciality dining restaurants that are an option on most cruise ships.
The duration of your cruise will be dictated somewhat by your choice of destination, but if you want to try the cruise experience without committing to a ten-day Atlantic crossing, why not consider a long weekend as a taster? A cruise may be just one component of a longer holiday or you may decide that it’s a great way to explore a destination you’ve always wanted to visit but haven’t been ready to do with the kids in tow.
Your average day on board may look something like this: wake up in time to watch your ship sail into a new port before heading to breakfast, with no need to negotiate over waffles vs pancakes vs fruit salad – they can have it all! Now it’s time to head ashore and either join an organised shore excursion or spend the day exploring under your own steam: be sure to ask the crew for their local recommendations. Maybe you’ll return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon nap, or remain ashore until the time of departure. Once back onboard, you’ll head to the pool deck for a swim, followed by an evening cocktail as the ship slips anchor and heads to its next port of call. After an early dinner, the kids head off with the babysitter to watch a poolside movie on the big screen while the adults steal away for dinner and a show. As you settle into your comfy bed later that night, you peruse the next day’s activities and consider whether there might be time for a massage or spa treatment. However you choose to spend your day, you can do as much or as little as you like.
If this sounds like your kind of family holiday, contact your personal travel manager here about finding the right cruise to suit your needs.
We at Travel Managers Australia recognise the traditional owners of the country where we live and work. We recognise and celebrate the diversity of Indigenous people and their enduring cultures and connections to the land and waters of New South Wales.
