I cruised once in the past with my dad and sister when I was 21 years old (a while ago now!) and back then I would say there was a bigger stigma that cruises were more for the older generation.
Since being part of my travel business and getting inspiration from all the other agents in our community plus having insights into what cruise lines have to offer, from our amazing trainings and supplier conferences, I realised how much is actually available for all ages onboard a cruise.
In November 2023 just a few weeks back from writing this, me and my family experienced our first Royal Caribbean cruise on the Wonder of the Sea's ship, and Im now a converted cruise lover like the rest of the cruisers out there.
So I want to share just how family friendly cruises are, and encourage you to add going on one to your bucket list.
So why did we decide to cruise with our 2 and 4 year old?
As mentioned, the travel community definitely had an impact on my initial thoughts of even considering a cruise. We also have a BA Amex card and we had a voucher and points to use, and we found a bargain to Orlando return for the 4 of us at £600 total. So everything aligned and our cruise idea came to reality.
I used my own systems to book our cruise, and got an amazing price for a Balcony room with the kids sailing for just £95 each. The total cost of our 7 night Caribbean cruise was £2920 without any additional's like gratuities and other add ons.
I had heard the Wonder of the Sea's was an amazing ship, so that drew me to booking this particular one and at the time it was also the largest ship in the world (now the largest is also owned by RC called the Icon of the Sea's - contact me for a quote - UK residents only). After seeing some reels and pictures of the ship and all that it has to offer we knew it was the right cruise for us, as well as the stops it had on its itinerary.
Our cruise Itinerary:
Day 1: Embarkation day
Day 2: Coco Cay, Bahamas - RC Private Island
Day 3: Sailing Day
Day 4: St Thomas, USVI
Day 5: Phillipsburg, St Maarten
Day 6: Sailing Day
Day 7: Sailing Day
Day 8: Disembarkation day
So whats available on a Cruise and why should I consider it?
In my opinion, a cruise has everything you need all in one place (ship dependant). Our cruise ship had everything we could think of for an action packed holiday for us and the children, plus more which we weren't even expecting.
Facilities
Swimming pools / sun decks / jacuzzis
Water slides
Splash park pools for the kids (a baby one where babies in swimming nappies are permitted, and a toilet trained only section where older toddlers and children can go in)
Play area
Mini golf
Sports facilities (basketball court, ping pong tables)
Surf Machine
A carousel ride - yes a ride on a ship!
Rock climbing
Huge dry slides
Ice Skating (6 years plus)
Kids clubs (Clubs for different ages: 0 - 36 months / 3 - 5 years / 6 - 12 years, and even a teen "hangout" for ages 13 - 17)
Restaurants (some with additional fees)
Gym / wellness activities / running track
Adults only area
Nightlife / Entertainment
Royal Caribbean have thought of parents and children well in their set up. They offer the kids club free of charge until 10pm, after which there is an additional babysitting night time fee up until the hours of 1am. This means parents can go off and enjoy the nightly jam packed entertainment schedule throughout their cruise. We ourselves managed to have an hour each evening after dinner to enjoy a few things too as our children definitely enjoyed the kids club.
The shows on board are of high quality, unlike some of the entertainment which is experienced in hotel resorts. The shows are captivating and dramatic, as well as entertaining. Each ship will vary with their entertainment schedule
Comedy club on board - we managed to visit in our hour off and really enjoyed ourselves
Karaoke bar - with family karaoke time and adult karaoke time, both which were extremely entertaining
Various bars - Latin bar, Pub, Fancy themed Alice in wonderland bar (which is also a culinary experience restaurant) Deck bars, Floating bar in the middle of the ship which elevates slowly between floors, Bionic bar (where a robotic arm prepares your drink!)
Casino
Nightclub for the party people
Would I recommend a Cruise for a family?
Absolutely! I am now a converted cruise lover, and I would definitely recommend families to try a cruise with any age children. Of course you have to factor in the ship facilities and your children's ages to ensure the ship you go on suits all of your families needs.
If you feel overwhelmed with where to start, then Id be happy to help. Just pop me a quote enquiry from my webpage www.travellingharts.com
I hope you found this helpful! Click on my poll below on whether you would consider a cruise with your family!
Kasia xx
After reading this blog, would you consider a Cruise for your family?
Yes! Looks amazing
No, Still doesn't appeal to me
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