I have to admit that I was anti cruises. I’m not great at resort stay-in-one-place style travelling so the thought of being stuck on a boat at sea – how boring ! If I was going to be bored, imagine entertaining a child on board a ship. No thanks. Not to mention, is it even safe for a child? My husband had cruised before we had met, and he was adamant that we’d all enjoy the experience as a family. After many years of persuasion from my husband I caved in. I’ll try ONE cruise. One cruise only. Haha, 6 cruises later and counting. We have been fortunate enough to have travelled to quite a few destinations now that we wouldn’t have, if we had not been on a cruise. We’ve travelled to Fiji, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong and some local cruising to Broome, Geraldton.
We LOVE cruising as a family. There is truly is something for everyone.
Most Kids clubs open 9am to 12noon, break for lunch and re-open 2 – 5pm. Each evening you receive a daily plan in your cabin for the following day. This lists out what activities are planned for them in their age appropriate kids clubs. Upon signing your child into their kids club you may or may not, (depending on the child’s age) be given a buzzer to keep with you, in case at any time the carers need you to return to your Kidsetter before you had planned (which is extremely comforting). They have so much fun it’s difficult to extract your Kidsetter. The carers are always developing new and inspiring ways to keep their focus and direct their energy.
Meanwhile, you can indulge in a day spa treatment, shop, watch a movie, attend informative destination talks, enjoy a cocktail, attend a gym or dance class, or simply spend quality time with your partner with no interruptions (what a novelty).
We also make the most of cruise photo packages. It’s a cheaper and fun way to have some family portraits taken then if you were paying for them at a professional studio back home.
Other elements we love about cruising; room butler, no cooking or grocery shopping, fabulous all-inclusive restaurants, absolute ease of arriving at your new destination without having to pack or repack and cart your luggage everywhere. The on-board doctor’s facilities are world class. Separate adult and kids swimming pools. The cruise directors do a fantastic job as the entertainment is phenomenal; we have seen some exceptional performers that are awe inspiring.
We enjoy the social aspect of cruising and meeting new people that are sharing the same types of experiences and are always learning from them too.
Each ship and cruise line we have travelled on has been uniquely different with their own processes and facilities offered on board. No matter what stage of life you are at as a family, there is a cruise waiting for you.
