Summer cruises can be an excellent option for families who want to get away during the summer break. Choosing the right cruise means you’ll have a whole host of activities ready for you and the kids to enjoy.
But, planning your first ever cruise can be a little bit daunting for those who have never done it before. Here is a quick guide to get you started.
Use a Travel Agent
If you are really unsure of how to go about finding the best summer cruises then using a travel agent could be your best option.
They will be able to talk to you about your requirements and match you to a cruise that caters to the whole family. However, travel agents do take a commission so your cruise will end up costing you more this way.
Arrange the Cruise Yourself
If you want to arrange things yourself as a way of saving money then you’ll need to do quite a bit of research beforehand.
First things first, you’re going to need to find summer cruises that cater for children. Although some cruises are adult-only, some will allow children on board. But they are not all created equal! You’ll want to find one that not only allows children, but also offers a range of activities catered specifically towards them.
Cruise websites and brochures that feature children in their pictures are a good place to start. You can then delve deeper and find out:
- What age range of children they cater to (young children, teens),
- Whether your children will like the ports of call,
- Whether there are specific playrooms for children,
- Whether there are food options your children will like,
- Whether there is a kids’ pool,
- Whether there are any specific activities planned for kids,
- Whether there is babysitting on board,
- How long you want to go for – 7 days or less is a popular family option,
- Does the ship include facilities for teenagers?
- And anything else you can think of that’s relevant to your family.
Finding Cruise Discounts
One of the good things about traveling on summer cruises as a family is that you can often find discounts either for the younger children or simply because you’re traveling in a larger group. It’s always worth asking what’s available to your family. However, on the flip side, you need to ask whether there are any extra costs, such as for renting a crib for your room.
