Question:
Di, I am hearing more and more about cruises as a good family vacation option. Is this something I should look into for my next family trip?
Di Patterson:
Cruising is just a great way to travel for families! The all-inclusive prices are great for budgeting, because most of the costs are covered up front. Souvenirs and adult drinks are the exceptions, as soft-drink packages can even be purchased prior to or during the cruise. There are child and teen programs that allow parents to have “just us” time. Lots of family activities— like rock-climbing, pool parties, golf driving range off the back of the ship, board game contests, video games, and family movies and live shows—are offered throughout the day and evening. Depending on the ports, daytrips can be pre-planned and paid in the cruise package. Even special occasion packages for birthdays, wedding anniversaries and other celebrations can be pre-planned and pre-paid. Most information can be obtained on the cruise liner’s website, and calling the customer service department with your list of questions can fill-in the details. Giving the younger people in your family the special adventure of “sailing the ocean blue” is a vacation they will never forget!
Here are a couple other great cruising ideas:
- Reunions and Special Events at Sea: More and more organizations are utilizing cruises as the preferred site of conferences, reunions, and educational experiences. Let’s face it, both the planning committee and the attendees look forward to such a fun and easy solution to mixing business and pleasure! As noted above, cruising is budget-friendly.
- Extended Cruising for Seniors
Helpful Products
Wraparound Sunglasses, Comfortable Walking Shoes, Lightweight and Easy Packing Clothes, Luggage: wheeled luggage a must! (Guard your backs, necks and knees!), Vitamins and Supplements, RXs and sunscreen; and always take a bathing suit! Rubber-soled sandals for the shower and the beach, Family photo in a lightweight frame, a few travel-worthy snacks: unsalted nuts (travel usually makes us swell, so no salt!), crackers, dried fruit……the things that you would need if:
- You get stuck in an airport and you have to stay near the gate for an extended time
- You get an upset stomach and need to calm it down
- Your travel plans get “readjusted” and you have to “stave off starvation”
- You feel like staying in your stateroom while you get your “sea legs”
- You want to go “adventuring” and need some trail mix!
Be sure to read my Travel Guide
