Introduction

Planning a vacation used to be simple and exciting, pick a destination, pack your bags, and go. But once kids enter the picture, vacation planning can quickly turn into a complicated juggling act. From finding kid-friendly activities to coordinating meals and schedules, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

If you're wondering why cruising is the best way to travel with family, the answer lies in its all-in-one convenience, built-in entertainment, and ability to satisfy every age group. In this post, we’ll explore why a cruise could be the perfect choice for your family’s next adventure.

Convenience and Ease of Planning

Planning a cruise is one of the most convenient types of vacations you can experience. You can book directly with the cruise line of your choice, through a travel agent, or use platforms like Expedia or Booking.com to find great deals.

Cruises offer an all-in-one package that includes lodging, food, tours, and entertainment. The best part? No need to plan for multiple hotels, meals, or transportation. Just unpack once and relax on board, no logistics headaches involved.

Kid-Friendly Amenities and Activities

Cruises offer a wide range of activities for children: pools with slides, game rooms, kids' clubs, movie nights, and arts and crafts. Some ships even feature ice skating rinks, zip lines, bowling alleys, mini-golf, race car tracks, and sports courts.

Want to add more excitement? Look for cruises that include character meet-and-greets. On my Oasis of the Seas cruise with Royal Caribbean in 2012, I encountered DreamWorks characters like those from Madagascar and Shrek. Even though I didn’t have children yet, I enjoyed it as much as the kids, I still love looking at the photos!

In 2023, our friends invited us on a Disney cruise, and it was an unforgettable experience! The children had the chance to take photos with Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Donald, Daisy, and many Disney princesses. They even got to join a dance party with the characters. Watching their faces light up with excitement made the entire trip worth every penny.

Entertainment for All Ages

Cruises offer entertainment for everyone. There are Broadway-style shows suitable for the whole family, as well as age-appropriate dance parties, parades, and poolside activities. You'll also find live music and comedy shows to enjoy.

My favorite part of cruising is visiting multiple destinations and checking off places on my travel bucket list, all in one trip.

Adult Time & Relaxation

Thanks to kids' clubs and child-friendly programming, parents can enjoy some well-deserved downtime. Whether it’s a trip to the casino, a relaxing lounge, the spa, the gym, or an adults-only area, there's something for everyone. For active parents, many cruises also offer exercise classes to help you stay on track with your fitness goals.

Dining Options to Suit Everyone

Get ready to eat! Cruises offer a variety of delicious dining options, including buffets and specialty restaurants. There are kid-friendly menus and flexible mealtimes to suit your family’s schedule. Most cruise lines accommodate dietary restrictions, but it’s a good idea to notify them in advance. I also recommend informing your server when placing your order, just to be safe.

One of the most memorable dining experiences on a cruise is Captain’s Night (also known as Formal Night). This is a special evening where guests are invited to dress up for dinner. It’s a great opportunity to take formal photos with your family and enjoy an elegant meal. Many kids enjoy getting dressed up too, and some cruises even offer themed photo backdrops for the occasion. At our Disney cruise, even the characters were dressed up!

So whether you prefer to go to the buffet or want to experience a formal dinner night out at sea, cruises offer dining options to match every mood and moment.

Safety and Security

Cruises provide a controlled onboard environment with trained staff and well-established safety protocols. If anyone gets sick, there are medical facilities on board. On every cruise I’ve taken, I’ve noticed a strong emphasis on cleanliness and sanitization, which helps keep everyone safe.

Exposure to New Cultures and Destinations

Cruising allows you to visit multiple countries or islands in one trip. Many cruises offer educational excursions and cultural activities. I’ve booked amazing tours to private beaches and historic landmarks like Chichen Itza in Mexico (as seen below) and the Colosseum in Rome. Booking excursions through the cruise line adds peace of mind, you’re less likely to be delayed or miss the ship's departure.

Traveling helps broaden your children’s horizons. Even spending just one day in another country can be a valuable learning experience in geography, wildlife, and history.

Disney tour to Paris France where we visited different landmarks (Arc de Triomphe in photo)

Cost-Effective Value

Cruises can be more affordable than planning a traditional trip that includes flights, hotels, meals, and tours. Watch for deals like "kids sail free" or family packages.

While pricing depends on room type and added packages, you can customize your vacation to fit your budget. My husband and I usually book interior rooms so we can splurge on excursions, we don’t go on cruises to stay in our cabin! However, if you prefer more space or need a window or balcony, there are options for that too. You can also add drink packages, since alcohol is typically not included in the base fare.

Memorable Family Bonding

If you are looking for a unique family bonding experience, a cruise is a fantastic choice. You'll share new adventures, explore amazing places, and come home with a camera roll full of cherished and lasting family memories. Your children will have a blast, and chances are, you’ll be planning your next cruise before you’ve even unpacked.

Tips for First-Time Family Cruisers

If you’re considering a cruise for the first time, start by choosing the right cruise line and itinerary for your family. Disney Cruise Line is ideal for families with younger children; it’s like a magical escape without the theme park lines. Royal Caribbean is perfect for families with a mix of young kids and teenagers, offering exciting activities for all ages. I’ve personally cruised with both and had wonderful experiences with each. I’ve also looked into MSC Cruises, which offer fun onboard activities, though reviews on food and dining experiences have been mixed.

Before your trip, prepare your kids for the experience. Explain that a cruise is like a hotel on water. Walk them through the activities and destinations ahead of time to build excitement. We’ve cruised during both summer and winter holidays and planned accordingly. For a Christmas cruise, we brought a mini tree and decorations for our cabin and added some festive door magnets to personalize our space.

Final Thoughts

A cruise vacation truly shows why cruising is the best way to travel with family. It combines convenience, fun, and the chance to explore new destinations, all while creating unforgettable memories. Whether it’s your first cruise or your fifth, the experience brings something new every time.

Best wishes,

Mel