Cruises are the ideal family holiday. You get to unpack just once, explore multiple cities in one trip, and avoid the stress of airport security! Whether you’re at the first stages of considering a cruise or you’ve been hovering over the ‘book now’ button for weeks, this guide to family cruising will give you all the tips you need to make the most out of your holiday.
Choose your destinations
You can travel all over the world on a cruise, but when you’re travelling with a family you need to think about the amount of time you want to be away for and, more importantly, where you all want to go! Sail across the blue seas of the Mediterranean and you could enjoy a number of stops in some of the most beautiful and exciting European cities such as Lisbon, Barcelona, and Marseilles. A Mediterranean cruise is an ideal family-friendly trip with just the right mix of culture, good weather, and beaches for adults and children of all ages to enjoy.
Do your research
Once you’ve settled on your cruise destinations, start researching! Grab a notebook, look at the tourism websites for your destinations and take a note of all the museums and tourist attractions that interest you. If you’re travelling on a budget, then you should also write down the total cost of admission. Show your family some of your findings and see what gets them the most excited about your trip! This will help you to cut down your long list of must dos.
Make an itinerary
Creating a schedule lets you get the most out of your stopover, however long or brief it may be. Pre-booking excursions and planning ahead means that no one misses out, and leaves the whole family feeling satisfied that they’ve seen everything they wanted to. Leave extra time in between activities to account for travel and taking a wrong turn or two, and you’ll have plenty of time to see the local attractions at your own pace.
Think about food
One of the best things about going on holiday is getting to try delicious local delicacies, so start thinking about food! The Mediterranean is famous for its light dishes and regular use of olive oil, tomatoes, and fresh herbs. Delve into Italy’s best pizza, Spain’s tapas plates, and France’s breads and cheeses. If your children can be fussy about food, then you can always pick out some local treats for yourself and have your meals aboard the cruise instead.
With a little forward planning, you and your family can have an unforgettable cruise experience. Start making your plans now and you could be sailing across the open seas sooner than you think!
I would love to go on a cruise so much! It probably won’t be a family cruise but we’re hoping to do a European one for our 15th anniversary. Maybe we’ll fit a family one in there at some point 🙂
I would certainly try a River Cruise – a wine one would be great
Cruising would be a wonderful family adventure.
Great tips, we are planning a family trip to go visit my brother in Alberta next summer. Its a 3 day drive so some of these tips will really come in handy.
Good suggestions. it is definitely important to do your research before a vacay. I am not a cruise person, I am afraid of the water but these points would work for any family vacay 🙂
My husband would love to do a cruise. I am not so sure I would want to.
We would love to do a European cruise.
I’ve never been on a cruise but it would be a great family holiday.
Weve never cruised but lots of our friends love it!
I’ve wanted to do a Disney cruise for years but my hubby isn’t a fan and my wallet isn’t a fan either. I’m not sure I’d be interested in any other cruises and the horror stories sometimes do scare me!
My hubby would love to go for a cruise, however me being scared of water, eeek not so much..my wallet isnt a fan of cruises, or any trip to be honest haha!
There are so many places I would love to because the possibilities are endless and that pizza looks so delicious
It would be lovely to go on such a trip.
we love to go cruising,i have taken my teens and they loved it so much
A cruise would be awesome to do! There’s so many options and lots of couples or even families cruises
It would be awesome to go on a cruise with the family, I didn’t realize all the activities and everything else there is to do on a cruise ship
I would love to do a cruise with my family some day. Thanks for the tips
I’ve always wanted to go on a cruise! Must be beautiful!
A friend of mine just went on a cruise with her family and loved every minute of it! It really peaked my interest with all the activities aboard and beyond
great tips for family cruising, have only gone with hubby but will be taking the grandkids soon
Would love to go on a cruise one day. Good to know that they are family friendly! That pizza looks really good!
I love the idea about “thinking about Mediterranean light dishes” mmmmmm…..
I like the idea of a cruise with my family. I agree Research is very important when choosing a cruise for different ages and personalities.
One day we’ll get to go on a family cruise……the mediterranean looks so beautiful!
I have never been on a cruise but I would love to go! I’d love to take an Alaskan cruise.
Cruising would be a wonderful family adventure.
I always wanted to go on an Alaska Cruise! Maybe I will be lucky enough to go one day!
I’ve never done a cruise but definitely think it would be neat.
I agree. When I vacation, I like trying different cuisine.
We haven’t done a cruise, but we’re seriously considering it.
I love the idea of a cruise but I get bad motion sickness…I dont think it would be my thing. I would like to try it one day though 🙂
I’d love to cruise as a guest I worked on celebrity cruises for 6 years and it was an amazing experience
We have looked into a cruise for awhile now. hopefully soon
I dream of going on a cruise someday!! They sound like a dream 🙂
I would love to go on a cruise with my family!
I’d love to go on a cruise with my family. A cruise with something for everyone would be a perfect getaway for us.
This is a great way to travel as a family!
I’d love to go on a cruise with my family! Thanks for all of info!