Thinking of your next holiday but want something a bit different? Why not try a cruise with your family? Here are some great reasons why a cruise is a perfect holiday for kids.
This is a collaborative post
Gone are the days when cruising was just for wealthy, retired people. More and more families are now going on cruises, and the kids absolutely love it. I reckon you’ll never look back!
Here are some reasons why:
Onboard activities
Cruise ships have the reputation of being filled with utterly amazing activities for passengers aged from 9 months to 99, so you’ll never hear ‘Mum, I’m bored!” from your children. Kids will love the waterslides, climbing walls, laser tag, surfing simulators, cinema, soft play, ice skating, arcades, and trampolines – to name but a few. The MSC Grandiosa even has a sportsplex, bowling alley and F1 simulator!
Whatever age they are there will be loads for them to do. And most of it is usually free as part of your package. They’ll never want to do a ‘pool’ holiday ever again!
Cruise Kids Clubs
Kids clubs on cruise ships are renowned for being the best in the holiday industry. And that’s what us parents want to hear, right? It won’t be a case of forcing your children into the kids club so you can get a couple of hours’ peace. It’ll be more like having to bribe them to come OUT of it to spend some time with you!
Family-friendly cruise companies split their kids clubs into age categories from toddlers right up to teens, so there will be something age-appropriate for everyone. Looked after by qualified staff, the young children can take part in arts and crafts, soft play and cookery, whilst older children battle it out in sports tournaments or games console events. And all the while, parents can chill out and soak up the sun with a cocktail, take a trip to the spa, or make the most of the evening kids clubs to have a romantic meal. The best bit? They’re all free!
Family-friendly evening entertainment
Evening entertainment on a cruise is fantastic and perfect for all the family. You’ll have your kids disco and children’s entertainers, but above and beyond that are full-on theatre shows and musicals to rival anything on Broadway. If your kids aren’t into musicals, then they’ll no doubt love the acrobats or magic shows, or what about a movie night? Cruises ships aim for their evening entertainment to be just as awesome as their daytime offering, so you and the children will be spoilt for choice.
Cruise ships offer lots of dining options
Nowhere caters for fussy eaters better than on a cruise. You’ll find world-class food and dishes inspired by the destinations you’re visiting. But you’ll also be able to easily find the kids’ favourites in abundance. So no need to worry about your fussy eaters. There are always lots of restaurants on a cruise, so the choice is insane. Whether you go for the buffet offering where children can pile their plates with everything they know and love, or try out some of the specialty restaurants for those more adventurous youngsters. There are snack bars aplenty so nobody will ever go hungry. And if you fancy staying in your cabin, then just order room service. The options are endless when it comes to food perfect for families on a cruise.
Visit multiple destinations in one holiday
One of the biggest joys of doing a cruise is the number of places you can visit within one holiday. If you want, you can pretty much see a new place or even country every day. You can’t do that when you’re on an all-inclusive in Greece! Whilst you’re enjoying all that the ship has to offer, whether that’s high-adrenaline activities or relaxing in a hot tub, you’re also travelling to your next destination. Just without the hassle of actually travelling!
Most of us wouldn’t want to drag our kids on multiple flights, trains and bus journeys to cram in several destinations within one holiday. But with a cruise you don’t have to worry. You can easily explore the coastline of France, Spain and Italy all within the space of a week. Or go to sleep in Florida and wake up in the Bahamas. Without all the travelling that comes with it. Particularly handy when we all know travelling with kids can be a nightmare.
Choice of accommodation
Think of a cruise and you automatically think it’ll break the bank. But that doesn’t have to be the case at all. There are so many options when it comes to accommodation on a cruise ship it suits all tastes and budgets. Families on a budget might want to go for an inside cabin with no window which is the cheapest option. Or there are cabins with windows and balconies, interconnecting rooms ideal for larger families, right up to luxurious staterooms, and even lavish multi-storey suites with private hot tubs. So whatever your needs there will be something to suit all families.
If you’re thinking of booking a cruise, need some tips on cruising, and aren’t quite sure whether to go for it or not, these reasons must have reassured you. There’s no luggage limits so you don’t have to worry about fitting all the paraphernalia in for babies or toddlers, and if your teenagers are partial to a spot of shopping, there’s plenty of room to bring home all their purchases. With no flying on a cruise straight out of the UK, it’s a hassle-free type of break. And with the most awesome activities onboard that the kids will love, it’s a perfect holiday for families.
What are you waiting for?
How did I do?
Did you enjoy this post? If so, it’s most unlike me to be so useful and you should check out the ‘usual’ type of stuff I write. Honest, relatable rants about parenting three young boys. With a touch of swearing and a lot of sarcasm. You’ll like it! Check out my Mum Life section or head to my Travel Section for some UK family holiday and days out inspiration.
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