Every parent knows that a huge part of a ‘family’ cruise is making it kid-friendly. While some ships are great for infants, others are perfect for teens; also, some itineraries are simply designed for kids, while others aren’t really fitting. In fact, not even the ships within the same fleet are identical; they may vary greatly in terms of onboard activities, which are the essence of any cruise. With this in mind, I've rounded up some of the top tips for a fantastic family vacation time at high seas.
Don’t miss out on diving and snorkeling in the South Pacific
If you want your kid to get in touch with water from young age, while simultaneously tackling your fear of water and sea life, snorkeling and diving might be a perfect fit. After learning about all the dos and don’ts and about what to look out for (yep, sharks), your group led by a professional will hit the water and, before you know it, you will already start getting used to your surroundings.
Some South Pacific cruises offer kayaks, canoes and windsurfing boards, in addition to free-to-borrow snorkeling equipment.
This is a great idea for some family adventure time as long as you make sure there’s a dive master on board.
Turtles, clown fish, urchins, triggerfish, and eels are only a few of the species that you and your family are likely to see here.
An onboard aquapark
The main thing that makes a cruise kid-friendly is the amount of activities that they can engage in. Kids love onboard aquaparks! Water slides, sprayers, soakers and dump buckets are only some of the sources of infinite fun for the young ones on a cruise ship. This, of course, is very much an outdoor activity, and the best part here is that some ships are equipped with mini-golf courses, basketball courts and even foosball tables, which you can use while your children are having their own fun at the aquapark.
Watch movies on your cruise
Dream-class ships offer a movie experience outside with a 22-feet-tall jumbo screen! Some are even equipped with 3D-movie theatres with, get this, “multidimensional effects”. If you don’t know what these are, well, let’s just say that you can expect a seat-moving, wind-blowing, water-splashing film experience in a movie theatre.
Cabin choice
Of course, not all fleets and ships offer the same capacity and cabin size, which means that you’re going to have to find a perfect one for your family. Some cruises feature family lounges and free meals for kids, so looking into this should be your number one aim.
Don’t forget about yourself
Going on a family cruise with kids means a lot more responsibility than going by yourself or with your partner. On the other hand, you should never disregard the importance of actually enjoying your vacation time. There are many cruises that offer date activities onboard, such as midnight strolls on deck, couples’ massages, gigs, dancing events, and romantic dinners, so check them out. Paying attention to this part of your Pacific journey planning is an essential factor in making sure that your entire family enjoys the vacation; and that includes you, too!
Bonus: onboard nursery
This bonus tip is dedicated to families with babies. If you are going to travel with a baby, you will need to have some time for yourself, so opting for a ship with an onboard nursery can go a long way in making sure that you remain as relaxed as possible during your journey.
If you don’t want to leave your kids at home and want them to be able to add “a Pacific cruise” to their achievement list, by all means, go for it. On the other hand, knowing what to look for on a cruise ship can go a long way in making the entire vacation more enjoyable for you and your entire family.
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