9 Awesome Cruise Tips for Your Family

This was originally a sponsored post but with Spring finally, here I thought some of you would like to use these cruise tips when booking your next trip. I like to save money when it comes time for those family vacations. I don’t know about you but I do like to save my money and with a big family, I am always looking for deals.  Below is a list of great tips for your next cruise. Any of you going anywhere for Spring Break or Summer Vacation? 

Cruising was once thought of as something only ‘older’ people do, but in the last few years, family cruises have become a very popular choice of holiday. Many cruises lines are often competing to offer families the best deals – some even offer kids travel for free! Your meals and entertainment are often included in the price too, saving you money over the course of your trip. If you’ve never been on a family cruise but it’s something you’re interested in, here are 9 awesome cruise tips:

1. Look for Deals

By signing up to websites like Travel Zoo, you can get the latest cruise deals. These deals are often picked by a worldwide team of travel deal experts! You can also take a look at sites like Cruise 1st who offer some great deals for families, find out more here.

2. Check Requirements

There will be some requirements expected of your family when you board the ship, so make sure you check these. Many ships will give children plenty of activities to occupy themselves with. However, all ships request that children over 3 are toilet trained to go to the kids’ clubs.

3. Check the Facilities

If you’ll want to enjoy some quality time as an adult, make sure you check the facilities to see what’s available. Some ships offer to babysit, but they may only look after children of a certain age until a certain time.

4. Check the Medical Services

Make sure you know what medical services are available onboard. If your child has a specific medical need, make sure that it can be tended to in an emergency. Bear in mind that some ships won’t let heavily pregnant women travel.

5. Consider Cabins

Are the cabins suitable for families? You might only have a small cabin just big enough to fit your partner and child, or you may need a suit/double cabin.

6. Book Early

If you’re sure you’ll need a certain type of accommodation, you’re more likely to get a better value family cabin while the demand isn’t so high.

7. Read Reviews

Make sure you read reviews online to get the point of view of families who have actually traveled with that cruise line.

8. Shore Excursions

Shore excursions can be booked after you’ve booked your cruise, and some of these are specifically suited to children. If you want to do your own excursions and leave your children on board, check to see if this is possible. Sometimes a fee is charged, or the ship states that at least one parent should stay with them.

9. Travel Insurance

You’ll want comprehensive travel insurance that covers the whole family in the event of an emergency. Babies and young kids are so vulnerable to illness, so travel insurance will protect them pre-cruise and during the cruise.

These cruise tips will make sure that the whole family has an amazing time aboard the cruise ship. Now you can go ahead and have a wonderful, stress-free holiday!

Image Source: Flickr

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.