As summer vacation draws closer, I’ve been thinking a lot about how different my vacation mentality has become since having a child. I used to pride myself on traveling light and not over scheduling so that there would be plenty of room for spontaneity. Trying new activities and foods always topped my list. Unfortunately, this level of uncertainty does NOT agree with small children. In this case familiar sights and foods may be the only thing between you and a hunger and fear fueled meltdown. (I feel extremely annoyed that none of those parenting books warned me that about 75% of my happiness would forever be tied to my child’s) And no matter how great your packing skills, somehow this small person will double your previous luggage needs.
So, is it possible to find common ground? A way for the adults to visit new places and try new things without overwhelming the kids? A place for the kids to have that all important free play time without leaving the adults with nothing to do but sit on the sidelines? A place for all their stuff?
For us, part of the answer has been cruising. Yes, I know, but please hear me out before rolling your eyes and hitting the back button. Cruising today is not what it was back in the day. Many cruise lines have realized how easy it would be to adjust their business to accommodate families and have done so with gusto. The sports decks now include activities other than shuffle board: basketball, rock climbing, golf simulators, surf simulators, and splash pads. There are age specific kids’ clubs where kids can play with other kids, do science experiments, make crafts, and attend special themed parties. These clubs are kept separate from the rest of the ship for the kids’ safety, but parents are, of course, welcome to stop by to check on their children. With the exception of the nursery (the age of what is considered kids club vs nursery varies by cruise line), these activities, like most cruise activities, are included in the price of your cruise. Some of the lines that have their own private island also provide activities in a special area designed just for kids while the ship is in port. While the kids are playing, there are plenty of things for the adults to try: the spa, the gym, shows, parties, and most lines have adult only sections, which, unlike what you may be imagining, are basically where they keep the nice furniture and the fancy pool and bar. As I’m a nerd, I love these spots because I can catch up on my reading while sipping a fancy cocktail in the sun.
There are also many family activities, including games, arcades, crafts, family shows, and even movies under the stars. Our last cruise took place during Halloween, and, in addition to a costume party, the crew threw a special candy scavenger hunt for the children. Meal times are stress free as many cruises now include buffets, allowing children to pick and choose for themselves (the chicken nuggets) while the adults can sample cuisines from around the world.
Cruising also lets you visit several different places without having to schlep all your stuff from plane to hotel to hotel and back again. You can leave your luggage at the drop off in port, and someone brings it aboard for you where you can unpack until the cruise is over (when someone will transport it off the ship for you as well). If you don’t know anything about the ports of call, you can choose from the cruise line’s recommended excursions and know that, at the very least, any necessary equipment will be in good working order, and they’ll get you back to your ship in time for departure.
Perhaps best of all, you’re never too far from your room. So, when the inevitable tantrum happens, you can ever so gracefully carry your anima…ahem…precious gumdrop down the stairs for some quiet time in your cabin. At this point, I’ll point out that, if you can, the upgrade to an ocean view or even balcony cabin is worth it when traveling with younger children since you’ll definitely be spending more time there.
It takes a little bit of research to find the lines catering to families, but the results are totally worth the effort. A good general rule is to book a cruise on the line’s newer ships as these were designed for the family demographic from the very beginning. So far, our favorite line has been Royal Caribbean. Our son loved the kid’s program, the ship was lively without feeling overcrowded, the food was great, and the price was extremely reasonable. If you’re willing and able to splurge, however—and the sight of a certain mouse doesn’t send you into a seizure—Disney Cruise Line matches the parks’ reputation for high quality service and nonstop entertainment.
