Why take a family cruise?

cruise

Let’s be honest, the idea of going abroad with a handful of young, demanding children doesn’t necessarily scream ‘relaxation’. There’s so much to think about. Before they came along you could just whack a few clothes in your bag, make sure you had your passport, some money and anything you forgot you could just get at the airport.

Add children into the equation and suddenly you’re packing everything but the kitchen sink, while they’re unpacking it all again, jumping around with excitement, everything you cleaned is already dirty and by the time you’ve got to the front door you’re thinking ‘Why are we even doing this?!’

Well, here’s why. We all live such busy and hectic lives. Our days revolve around delivering and collecting children, working, extended family commitments, birthday parties, housework, trying to maintain a healthy relationship. When was the last time you spent quality time with your children and partner? Where you just relaxed and laughed and didn’t feel bound up by the countless chores you had to do?

The words ‘cruise’ and ‘kids’ don’t seem compatible. You think of a cruise and things like dress codes, set dinner times and seating plans come to mind. What could be worse than being stuck on a floating hotel in the middle of the ocean with small children constantly trying to jump overboard and refusing to sit still during a formal dinner? Well, luckily for all of us tired and weary parents, times are a changing and a family cruise might be just what the doctor ordered.

cruise

Parenting is hard work and taking the time to reconnect and recharge is so important. The best thing about a cruise holiday is that you don’t have to worry. The kids will have a whale of time making new friends, taking part in exciting activities, exploring new countries and being tired out by enthusiastic kids club reps. You can just relax, guilt free. Read that book you’ve been meaning to for the last three years, visit the spa, go on a date with your partner, watch the sun rise as you approach land or just lounge on deck by the pool.

cruise

cruise

A cruise is a holiday the whole family can enjoy, with cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean offering all inclusive family friendly activities, a multitude of dining venues and incredible entertainment with kids clubs giving parents the opportunity to spend some much needed alone time together. The minimum age for children on a cruise ship is generally six months and you’ll find nurseries and interactive playgroups that cater for them. There are deals out there that make travelling as a family excellent value – such as free places for children and cheaper 3rd and 4th passenger fares.

Disney, Carnival Cruise Lines, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises and Princess Cruises all offer great family packages but each line has small signature differences, so choosing the perfect ship for your family will depend on your children’s ages and interests. Check to see if the cruise line offers clubs and babysitting when docked in port, ask about connecting cabins and make sure you check what’s included in the price. Another money saving tip is to depart from a port near your home, which will save you hundreds on flights and totally avoids the stress of flying long haul with little nippers.

Parenting is hard work and taking the time to reconnect and recharge is so important. The best thing about a cruise holiday is that you don’t have to worry. The kids will have a whale of time making new friends, taking part in exciting activities, exploring new countries and being tired out by enthusiastic kids club reps. You can just relax, guilt free. Read that book you’ve been meaning to for the last three years, visit the spa, go on a date with your partner, watch the sun rise as you approach land or just lounge on deck by the pool.

Rested parents make for a happy home and a family cruise is the perfect way to take some time out and recuperate.

*This is a collaborative post*

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