Cruising WITH Kids!

 Most people who are concerned about bringing kids onboard a cruise ship probably have never been aboard one themselves.  This article will try to point out things that may be on your minds when you think of cruising with kids.

Will they get bored?

Take into account the numerous activities there are onboard and you will soon see that their days at sea will be full..... besides, YOUR time and attention is what they really crave and what better way to share and make memories than at sea.  Each cruise line has a supervised kids program that usually allows 2 years - 17 years to participate.  As soon as you book your cruise, and the website allows, go ahead and pre-register your kids for the program.  Registering doesn't mean that they have to stay in the clubs all day.... and keep in mind, although each age level has their own designated space onboard, the counselors usually have the kids out and about the ship utilizing the many things that most ships have onboard.  On several ships you will find full court basketball, miniature golf courses, water slides and aqua areas, ropes courses and even surfing pools on some, they will not get bored, trust me.

How long/short do the kids stay in with the counselors?

Cruise lines vary, however most kids programs start as early as 10:00am and go till 10:00pm.  Most days at sea these do take meal breaks, here is a sample of how Carnival Cruise Lines does it: Sea Days: Scheduled activities run from 10:00am-10:00pm. Programming is complimentary until 10:00pm.   Keep in mind that most lines allow for you to choose who can check the kids in or out.  Under 8 years cannot leave the club without an authorized adult (over 18) who is on the sign out sheet accompanying them from the club. Those who are 9 - 11 years old have an option, if their parent allows, for them to check themselves in or out of the club.   ALL kids will be given an identification wristband to wear for the duration of the cruise for identification purposes, which also lists their Muster Station. 

Meals

From my experience with Carnival, 'Kids Only' dinners were preferred by my kids when they were younger, which were each evening from 6:00-6:45 except for the first evening. They are at the Lido Restaurant and include anything from Mac & Chees, pizza, hamburgers, veggies, fruit and Jell-O! My kids never stayed onboard the ship when we arrived in port... however on port days the kids are provided lunch at the Lido Restaurants when their parents are ashore.  

Eating dinner as a family in the main dining room allows for you to share great food and make memories.  The dining room staff cater to the little ones and will develop a quick bond with them, always having their favorite drink or roll ready when you walk in.  The kids menu always has chicken nuggets, pizza and all the other kids favorites, all listed on a special kids menu that features a color/activity book to keep them busy using the crayons your waiter will quickly provide.

I have heard traveling outside of the U.S. is not safe with children so why do it?

Around your own block might not be safe these days, and while I don't suggest you travel to places where there are unrest, I highly promote traveling outside your kids "bubble" to heighten their understanding for this big world we live in. While traveling, of course stay safe and the best thing about cruising is that the ship has numerous shore excursions to choose from. You depart the ship on charter buses, with fellow passengers, and head off to visit Mayan Ruins, Waterfalls, swim with dolphins and even horseback riding to name a few.....  When traveling with your children, no matter how young, if they are old enough to speak, point out the difference in the houses, the roads, the schools, the food.... most times the things you see will be inferior to what they are use to.  Seeing how others in the world live is extremely educational to young minds, and also will give them a better appreciation for what they have. A cruise is the safest was to visit exotic ports in my opinion.

People have told me I am crazy taking the kids on a cruise, they could fall overboard!

Well, considering that CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) reported that of the 100 million passengers that passenger ships around the world carried between 2005 and 20010 only 16 deaths were reported --less than 16 fatalities per million...looking farther into this statistic I found that of those 16 fatalities only 3 were not of natural causes.  With each Lifeboat these days carrying 150 people each, and more than enough for the ships capacity, along with enough emergency supplies and life jackets onboard.....don't worry about the safety of your kids when it comes to the ship itself. 

As for allowing them to meander around by themselves.... that of course a personal choice.  In the years of cruising with my own 4 kids, which we died since they were 3 years old (an age I find is best to begin their sea adventures), I have found that 9 or 10 is the magic age to allow for free roaming, with some restrictions of course (always stay with a sibling or a new friend and stay in the public areas of the ship).  The Unbehagen kids, who were under 9 would be checked into their age group in the kids club.  Those who were 9 and older would be brought to the spot on deck where we would mark as our base camp for the day.  They always knew where they could find me.  They also knew that if they went back to our room, there would be a note written on the mirror, using a DRY ERASE marker, telling them where they could find me or their dad.... and they were expected to do the same for us. Carnival Cruise Lines now has The Hub App, which once downloaded to your phone, allows you to keep in touch with your family through messages, just like you text when at home.... and it does NOT use data or cost you more than the $5.00 download fee.  So give them an old phone and download the app, Whala...... you can keep tabs on them!

All in All, you know your family.....Cruising is stress free, you know where you are going, where you are going to eat, everyone can get what they want to eat, do what they want to do..... and above all...... everything is included and already paid for!  I vote YES, TAKE THE KIDS!