Three Secrets for Summer Family Cruises
What to do with the kids while on shore excursions.
June 22, 2010— -- As any kid can tell you, the end of the school year is rapidly approaching -- which means family vacation season is about to begin.
Indeed, summer is often the only season parents and children have to travel as a family. And yes, together-time is wonderful, though sometimes kids and parents have different ideas about how to spend a vacation day, which can lead to holiday tension. But when cruising is part of the equation, vacationing together does not necessarily equal spending every waking moment together.
Though you may need to do a little legwork to choose the best family cruise for your family, mainstream lines (and some luxury ships as well) have one common denominator: onboard programs that allow your kids to hang out with others their age. It's a massive benefit on sea days, but did you know that this perk is also available when the ship is in port -- sometimes for no extra cost? Or that some lines plan targeted excursions meant to entertain even the peskiest of age groups (teens)?
Whether you've already booked a cruise with the gang this summer or are contemplating one (there's still time to snag last minute deals), here are three secrets for planning your time ashore -- with or without the little ones.
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You don't have to take your kids ashore (unless you want to). Yes, that's right -- kids' clubs are open for business on port days. Lines like Carnival, Celebrity, Costa, Holland America, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, P&O Cruises, Princess and Royal Caribbean all offer onboard programming (think camp with more high-tech toys) for kids and teens ages 3 and up when the ship is in port.
This gives parents the choice of taking the kids out to explore the various destinations -- or leaving them in competent hands while the adults do more grown-up excursions, like museum or winery visits. Or, you can split your day and do both. Cruise Critic is an online cruise guide, featuring cruise reviews, news, deals and advice on all aspects of cruising.
