Cruising can be a daunting task for some people, but really it is the perfect family vacation! Everything you could ever need and want is all in one place and included in one price. (most of the time) When you Cruise, your room, transportation, food and activities (most) are all included in your vacation! They include every member of your family as well from the youngest traveler to the grandparents, nobody gets left out! Planning a Cruise can seem stressful since there are hundreds of ships and thousands of sailings but you don't need to stress because you called Fairytale Journeys by Bethany! I have gone through my list of best kept cruising secrets and picked out the top 5 for family's. I would love to hear what you think! Need Help planning your family's cruise? Click Here to begin your stress free Planning! |
Do you like to enjoy first class service with butlers at every meal? Do you want a fun ship with several pools and water slides? Broadway shows more your style? Worried about how eco friendly your vacation is? There are hundreds of ships, and just because your friends down the block had a ball on the xyz ship to abc does not mean it will be the perfect trip for your family. So how do you choose the ship that is right for you? Be completely honest with yourself with exactly what you want out of your trip! Do you want lots of family time? Or would your rather the kids play in a fun supervised area while your free to have adults only time...there is no wrong answer!
2. Spring For the Balcony
Room options are typically either Inside (no windows), Outside (window/porthole view to the outside), Balcony (a room with a balcony on the outside of the ship), and Suite (a larger cabin often with separate living and sleeping areas and more amenities). If you plan on taking advantage of in-room dining, have kids who will be taking naps or typically get seasick, you will really appreciate the extra space (read privacy) and view you get from a balcony room or suite.
3. Explore your Ship!
Most ships have miles and miles of area to walk! There are more things to do then you will probably have time for! Take the time to see what the ships have to offer! Don't just spend time by the pool the whole time! You are paying to be on the ship and use all the amenities included! Many times there are rooms, and activities on the ships that most people don't even know about! You defiantly don't want to miss out on anything the ship has to offer!
4. Don't Over Pack and Make Sure to Un-Pack
I know its tempting to bring every single thing you may think you need but remember those rooms, even the spacious balcony rooms are much smaller then you think! If you don't bring something and you absolutely need it once on board you are sure to find it in one of the many stores! My tip is make a list of everything you think you will need then cut that list in half! I am not joking! Most people tend to over pack for any vacation not just cruises but with a cruise you need to remember that those rooms are SMALL!! Going along with not packing much is making sure to stay organized and un pack once you board! You will not have room to be living out of your suitcase once on board and you will want to use the space under the bed to put your empty bags.
5. Take advantage of the Kids Clubs!!
This is my biggest tip to first time family cruisers! Don't feel like you have to spend the entire trip with your children! Let them go to the Kids and Teen Clubs! They will have so much fun and they will experience so much and you will get to have some adults only time and relax. You don't have to worry that they will feel neglected, truth is most of my family's who cruise say its hard to get there children to leave the clubs they have so much fun! So on the first day when there is an introduction to the kids club, GO!! Enjoy your vacation too!
Want more great tips? Want to make sure your vacation is the most stress free and memorable you have ever taken? Why not take the next step and get my FREE Deluxe Family Vacation Planning Guide? Click Here to get it!
Ready to take the next step and start planning your vacation right away? Why not set up a complementary getting to know you session where we can go over all your family's needs and wants in the perfect Family Vacation! Click Here to schedule your complementary session today!