A family cruise is always at the top of my list of recommendations when my clients are looking for the following:

• Fun for the Whole Family Vacation
• Lots of Activities for the Kids
• Relaxation Time for Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, and Other Extended Family Members

Cruises are an excellent way for families to see the world. Plus, everyone will have a ton of fun along the way. Today’s cruise ships have become a destination unto themselves, yet they take you to some pretty exciting and scenic locations.

There are so many fantastic family friendly cruise ships and itineraries out there that it can be hard to pick just the right one! Today, I am sharing everything you need to know while choosing a family cruise everyone will love.

Family Cruise: Choosing One Everyone Will Love

Get the Kids Involved in the Planning

I recommend finding out what your kids feel is the most important part of a family cruise vacation. What’s more important to them?  The activities on the ship or the family friendly adventures they can have in port? Are there specific things they want to experience or are looking forward to? There is something for everyone but knowing where everyone’s priorities lie will help you sort through the options.

Check out my favorite European cruise lines! 

Does the Size of the Ship Matter for Your Family Cruise? 

When it comes to choosing the right cruise ship for your family, size does indeed matter. Smaller cruise ships feel more intimate, and your family may have an easier time finding your way around on board. Plus, you will have more interaction with the crew as well.

With that being said, the larger “mega ships” have more activities for everyone to take part in and more dining options to satisfy everyone’s tastes. The larger ships also have a more extensive kids’ program for the younger kids in the family.

Considering an Alaskan cruise? Choosing between a small ship and big ship for this family friendly adventure. 

Short Trip or Longer Escape for Your Family Cruise?

Whether you are looking for a long weekend or a two-week holiday, there are family cruise options to fit the bill. Consider the amount of time you have for your family vacation.

Longer cruises allow for more sea days in addition to your days in port. However, don’t underestimate the importance of having some time to explore and enjoy your cruise ship. Sea days often provide the relaxation you are hoping to get from your family vacation.

How Important are the Dining Options?

For many of my clients, dining is a huge part of their family cruise vacation! Cruise lines vary widely in their approach to dining. From cuisine to atmosphere, the options are endless.

Do you want traditional cruise dining with an assigned dining time, dining room and table where you get to know your waitstaff and table mates? Or would you prefer a system with multiple dining options where things operate more like a restaurant where you can either make a reservation or show up when you are ready to eat and wait for the first available table?

Do you want a ship where all of the dining options are included in the price of your family cruise, or do you want the opportunity to pay a nominal fee for specialty or premium restaurants on board (free dining options are always available)?

I recommend choosing your dining options carefully and consider what your family likes to eat. Or you may find yourself spending more time fighting with picky eaters instead of enjoying all your meals.

Cruise from Burgundy to Provence and taste amazing cuisine along the way. 

What Type of Accommodations Do You Want?

A cruise ship may feel like a floating hotel, but the type of rooms available are much less flexible. Many staterooms are only set up to accommodate 2 or 3 people with a limited number of rooms designed for 4. Families of 5 are even more limited in their choices. While some ships have a handful of larger rooms for groups of 5, others do not have options for more than 4 people.

Are you looking for rooms that connect with a door between them? Those can be limited as well. I recommend booking early to make sure you can get connecting rooms.

Also, stateroom considerations go far beyond just occupancy. How important is the view outside your room? Are you okay with sacrificing a view at all for your family cruise?

For some families, the ability to relax on your balcony while you have breakfast is non-negotiable. For others, an inside stateroom with no window at all is perfectly fine.

And where do you want to be on the ship for your family cruise? Is proximity to the “action” like the dining rooms, kid’s clubs, and other activities important to you? Is anyone in your party susceptible to sea sickness? If you said yes to any of these questions, your cabin location becomes very important.

Top Tip: Get Help from an Expert!

An expert travel advisor knows the right questions to ask to match your family to the perfect cruise ship and itinerary. They will guide you through the process of selecting a stateroom that meets all of your needs and expectations. Plus, they will assist you with planning activities and shore excursions that will be fun for all members of your travel party.

Travel professionals often have access to special pricing or amenities that are not available to the general public. I can advise you on your best options for everything from pre or post cruise hotel options to travel insurance and shore excursions.

You could spend hours and hours researching every possible choice for your cruise, or you can contact an expert. If you do the latter, you can then sit back and relax as you watch your perfect vacation come together almost effortlessly!

Ready to start planning your family’s next cruise?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family vacation planning session with me. When you click this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

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