Travelling to multiple destinations in one trip… It sounds fantastic, doesn’t it? Exploring new city every day, island hopping from shore to shore and enjoying a myriad of cultural experiences is the stuff that dreams are made of. But, isn’t this sort of adventure would be reserved for gap-year backpackers and millionaire retirees? As parents, have we missed our chance to roam the world? Do we now need to wait until our fledglings have flown the nest before we see the world? Or sell our house and take up home-schooling from the back of a campervan? Absolutely not! Enter, the family cruise.
Why cruising?
No longer the domain of wealthy retirees, cruising is fast becoming a popular holiday choice for families. Even families on tight budgets are able to take their first cruise with an increasing range of affordable mini cruises departing from the UK. Attracted by the all-inclusive nature of cruising, families can relax knowing that once they’ve bought the ticket they can enjoy unlimited food, entertainment and activities on-board. Add to that the chance to see many destinations whilst unpacking once, and it’s easy to see why family cruising is rapidly taking off.
5 family cruise destinations to consider
So, where’s good to cruise with kids? Well, sit back, relax and let these destinations inspire your wanderlust…
1. The Caribbean
The world’s most popular cruise destination, an island-hopping cruise around the Caribbean can be as active or as relaxed as you choose to make it. Young tots need nothing more than a bucket and spade to have a great time on the beach. Meanwhile, families with teenagers can enjoy snorkelling, scuba diving, cave tubing or swimming with dolphins.
2. Alaska
Alaska is a remote and sparsely populated US state which offers incredible scenery and wildlife. It’s not what comes to mind when most people think of a family holiday, but an Alaskan cruise can offer an incredibly wild adventure for children. With opportunities to enjoy close-up encounters with wild animals in their natural habitat and visits to historic frontier towns, an Alaska cruise can be educational for parents as much as children. Luxury cruise line Oceania Cruises offer an Alaska Explorer Youth Program for kids aged 5 to 12 which includes Alaska-inspired games, activities and events.
3. Norway
From the Midnight Sun in summer to the Northern Lights in winter, Norway is a land of spectacular phenomena. This beautiful region is best admired from the sea, and if there’s ever a time to buy your child their first pair of binoculars, it’s they day you embark on a Norwegian cruise. Norway has stunning waterfalls, which can be admired up close from a ferry ride, kayak trip, or how about white-water rafting for an adventure that’s sure to make even the sulkiest of teens brim with excitement?
4. Europe
Families on a limited budget don’t need to head half way around the world to enjoy a cruise. In fact, many opt for mini cruises departing from Southampton, heading to nearby destinations such as Bruges, Amsterdam and the Channel Islands. Even with a relatively cheap cruise, families can enjoy fantastic food, entertainment and an included on-board kids’ club offering fun and adventure for children of all ages.
5. Bahamas
The Bahamas is the place where a whole host of cruise lines have created private island resorts. Whilst some offer relatively unspoilt eco-friendly retreats, others, such as Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay are brightly coloured playgrounds featuring huge waterslides, zip lining and balloon rides. Most of the food and activities on CocoCay are included in the cruise fare, making this a blissful place to spend the day for parents with children who have a never-ending demand for ice cream and entertainment.
If you’ve had enough of the usual aeroplane, hotel and beach holiday, then I do hope that this article has inspired you to consider a cruise as an option for future experiences. Cruising is one of the most misunderstood holiday types, with many people thinking that it’s not for them for various reasons. One thing’s for sure though, cruising is addictive. The first time that you step on-board a cruise ship, is unlikely to be your last.
This is a guest post by Jenni Fielding