Cruise with Kids
Nowadays modern cruise lines (Disney, Carnival and Celebrity) make a special effort to be kid-compatible. They have child-centric activities available many hours of the day. They also have supervised play areas where kids can play.
Keep in mind that most cruises don’t provide activities for kids under the age of 4. Moreover, the kids won’t be allowed in any pool unless they are toilet trained.
The guard rails on most ships are not designed to be child safe. Unlike Disneyland where guard rails are vertical and less than six inches apart, nothing separates toddlers from the sea on a cruise ship except widely spaced horizontal bars.
Babies under the age of 1 year may almost be cruise-compatible, if they sleep easily and are generally even tempered. Cruise ship cabins are small. And a crying baby may create a great deal of discomfort for parents and fellow travelers who have paid hundreds or thousands for the perfect vacation. The stress of trying to keep an unhappy child quiet may not be the most restful vacation for mom.
It’ll be a perfect vacation for every member of your family, if you travel with five to twenty of your closest relatives, kids included. There’s always someone to hang out with and stuff to do. Kids and adults can mingle freely. Everyone has their own cabin to retire to and no one has to clean up.
Cruise Ships Requirments
But it can be difficult if a small family takes a cruise and there are fewer adults than children. A mother and father, taking care of three young kids can have a tough time keeping everyone happy and well cared for. Remember, that a cruise ship requires constant monitoring of children in order to keep them safe and happy. So if parents have a chance to take along an extra adult oreven two, they may have a great time.
No doubt that every family should take a cruise with kids, because it is the unforgetable adventure of a lifetime. You’ll be surprised, when you find out what an amount of information your children can learn every time you go ashore. You’ll certainly love the relaxed days you can spend playing on the ship.
However if you have children under the age of 4, think twice before taking a cruise. If you have more young children than adults in your traveling party or can’t afford to get a family cabin or connecting cabins, you may want to hold off taking your cruise for a year or two. It’ll be really a good idea!