(16) Family Cruising

Family cruises offer something for all ages and interests. There is time for togetherness and time for separate kid-fun and grown-up fun. Parents relax while the kids are entertained and even educated in creative shipboard programs. Evening in-cabin babysitting or group babysitting is available on most family-oriented cruises. Cruise lines with high scores from families include: Disney Cruises, Carnival Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Lines and Princess Cruises. When considering a family cruise, look for:

• Family-friendly staterooms like suites or connecting cabins. Some cruise cabins sleep four in a standard cabin, but think crowded.
• Kids’ programs differ from one cruise line to the next. Look for cruises that offer multiple age groups rather than combining tots and pre-teens. Newer ships typically have larger centers designated for different age groups from tots to teens.
• Request a typical daily kids’ activity schedule for each age group.
• Check the ratio of kids to cruise counselors. Ask about what training youth program directors have?
• How are port days handled? Do kids always go ashore with parents or are there onboard programs allowing parents freedom for shore excursions?
• What are family dining options? Are families seated with other families for traditional dining? Are there kids’ dining nights?
• How are evening babysitting services handled and what is the cost?
• How do parents stay in touch with cruise staff and their kids? Are pagers provided for emergencies?
• What are kids’ program restrictions and rules? Most cruise lines require that tots in group programs be potty-trained. Chronic behavior problems may result in dismissal from organized programs.

Check www.cruisecritic.com and www.familycruises.com for family forums and reviews of family-friendly cruise lines and cruise ships.