Family cruises have been growing in popularity in recent years, with cruise lines such as P&O Cruises, Celebrity Cruises and Disney Cruise all catering to families.
With pools, water slides, game rooms and more, there is plenty to do to keep the kids entertained. Not only that, but a family cruise has never been easier as plenty of sailings now embark from the UK, meaning you can skip the airport altogether.
With that being said, the Chief Commercial Officer of Iglu Cruise, Dave Mills, has revealed five things that you should be aware of before booking your first family cruise.
1. Book Early to Avoid Disappointment
Family cruises get booked up quickly, so it’s best to book way in advance. We recommend booking at least six months before your planned departure date. For summer cruises during the summer holidays in peak season, it’s best to book a year in advance.
Booking early also has a wider range of advantages. You’ll be able to get the first pick of your cabin, including the location of your cabin on the ship. If you want to travel with a bigger group, you’ll be more likely to be able to book all members of your party onboard. You’ll also have more time to plan your trip and activities.
Some cruise lines also offer lower deposits when you book early, meaning you’ll be able to secure your cabins at a lower rate. This is also sometimes refundable, meaning that if for any reason your plans change, you’ll be able to get it back.
2. Check the Daily Cruise Schedule
When you embark on a cruise, you will receive a schedule of what is going on around the ship, including entertainment, activities, and timings for port days. This can help you plan your children’s activities both on and off the ship.
Have a look at this every morning so you can work out what you want to see to ensure you make the most of your holiday and don’t miss out on the fun. You’ll usually find scheduled daily shows catered especially for children. However, space can sometimes be limited, so make sure you know what will be available once you are on board, and book if need be.
Sometimes a schedule can be found on the cruise line app before you embark, and you may be able to book seats for an event or show on your cruise. It’s therefore a good idea to download the app ahead of your voyage.
3. Do Some Cabin Research
It’s no secret that some cruise ships are huge. So it’s important to decide where you want to stay with your family ahead of time, to ensure that you’re in the part of the ship that suits all your preferences. Bigger ships will have a variety of amenities, from swimming pools to theatres, games rooms, a range of restaurants and more. And whilst some people will want to be close to the action, others may prefer to be in a quieter location.
If you have younger children, having a quieter cabin may be a better option. This means you’ll still be able to access all the fun, but you’ll be able to get the kids to sleep easier in the evenings. Either way, you’re going to want to look at the deck plan and book a cabin that’s right for you. An inside cabin is almost always cheaper, so this is a great option if you have older children and don’t plan to spend a lot of time in their room.
Have a browse for the type of cabin you’d like and if you aren’t sure which cabin is right for you, an expert cruise agent will be able to help you choose the best cabin at the best value.
4. Plan Onshore Activities
Before your cruise departs, you’ll have a good idea of the destinations you’re going to visit during the voyage. You can book onshore excursions before you embark, meaning you’ll get to visit some of the most amazing attractions in the city or location you are visiting. Plus, you have the peace of mind of knowing that your activities are all planned with a trustworthy professional (and you won’t miss your port times).
Child-friendly shore excursions are available for all ages. Everything from snorkelling, scuba diving or kayaking, to trips to a beach, child-friendly museums and sightseeing. There will be plenty to do with children of all ages, meaning you can make memories that last a lifetime. However, it’s advisable to be wary about the length and activity level involved in an excursion. Some excursions can require lots of walking, often through narrow streets, steep hills or staircases, so be realistic about your family’s abilities.
On the other hand, you may wish to not partake in many excursions at all. The ships are usually quieter when docked in a port, and some families enjoy using this time to make full use of the ship’s fantastic facilities such as the pool or games room. Either way, make sure you plan ahead.
5. Pack Appropriately
There are many factors to consider when planning a cruise holiday with kids, but one of the most important is what to pack. Fortunately, you won’t need to worry about packing lots of devices and toys, as most of the onboard entertainment is typically included in the price of your cruise.
However, there are a few must-have items that you’ll want to bring along to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone. Firstly, you’ll want to pack clothing which is appropriate for the climate and time of year. Depending on your itinerary, you may find yourself in warm or tropical weather, so be sure to pack light and airy clothing that will keep you cool.
If your cruise includes stops in colder climates, make sure to pack some layers to stay warm. In addition, comfortable shoes are a must, as you’ll likely be doing a lot of walking during shore excursions, especially if you have older children. Finally, don’t forget to pack any essential toiletries, including a high-factor SPF sun cream.
