Top 10 Reasons to Take a Cruise with Your Family

Planning a family vacation can be tough.  Simply deciding where you will go and what type of vacation will make sure everyone is happy and ensure everyone has a good time can be a challenge.  The kids want excitement and fun, you just want to read a book and relax and no one wants to be stuck in a car for hours on end trying to get to the vacation destination.  This summer we discovered that a cruise is the perfect vacation that can satisfy the whole family!  After spending a week on board the incredibly fun Carnival Magic Cruise Ship, here are our Top 10 Reason to Take a Cruise with Your Family.

Affordability

You can get a lot of bang for you buck on a cruise.  Carnvial offers great value for your vacation dollar because practically everything you’ll need for a memorable vacation is included, food, accommodations, on ship entertainment and child care are just some of the things you can expect when booking a cruise.

Activities for the Kids

Not only are there lots of on board activities to keep the keeps busy like the water park, mini golf courses and basketball courts there are three age-specific programs for them to enjoy.  Camp Carnival caters to kids 2-11 with activities like karaoke, pool parties, face painting and arts and crafts.  Since the kids are most likely looking for non-stop entertainment, and unlike you aren’t content to lounge with a book by the pool, the kids club is a fantastic option for families.  The kids get to meet new friends and are entertained by a friendly and well trained staff member while you get to relax, uninterrupted and that alone is worth a cruise vacation!

Dinner with a View

Where else can you enjoy 3 meals a day with an incredible view?  The dinning options on board cruise ships have certainly come a long way with all sorts of different dining options from casual dinning, fast food options, room service and gourmet reservation all which can be enjoyed with a beautiful view.  One of the best things about all of the dinning options on board are the opportunities for your kids to try all kinds of different types of food without any risks….if they don’t like it just get something different.

See Multiple Destinations 

You only have to unpack once and each morning you’ll wake up to an exciting new destination, how cool is that. My kids loved waking up first thing in the morning and peeking out the window to see what new place our floating hotel had brought us too.  On our 7 day cruise we had 3 port stops and were able to experience different cultures, activities and food.  On a cruise you have the opportunity to visit destinations you wouldn’t normally pick to travel to for a family vacation and when you are traveling with kids this is a great way to introduce them to new things.

Memory Maker

A cruise is a great way to make vacation memories with your family.  With so many things to do and see there are lots of opportunities for learning, laughing, discovering and relaxing.  Keeping a Cruise Journal is a great way for you and your kids to record special memories from each day on board the ship, a special keepsake that will preserve the fun for a long time to come.  With so many options and activities to choose from there truly is something for everyone and it’s guaranteed that everyone will walk away with special memories from an amazing family vacation.

Fun for All Ages

From kids to grandparents there is something for everyone.  While the kids are splashing at the water park, you can be lounging on the deck reading and soaking up the sunshine.  And when we got tired of the water we could play mini golf, maneuver the ropes course, play bingo or catch a show.  So whether you are looking for a relaxing vacation or one packed with adventure, there truly is something for everyone on a cruise!

Outstanding Service

One of the things you can look forward to on a cruise is outstanding service.  From housekeeping to culinary to entertainment the staff understands hospitality and go out of their way to make your trip enjoyable.  All of the staff members on board our Carnival cruise were extremely friendly and helpful, but our cabin steward and dining room attendant went above and beyond and really made our kids first cruise experience memorable.  From the over the top towel animal decorations from our cabin steward to the table-side entertainment from our waiter in the dinning room the attention to detail was first class and something my kids still talk about.

Rooms

Ok, this probably isn’t the first thing you think about when you are trying to decide on whether or not to take a cruise.  Small, cramped spaces are probably more likely to come to mind, but surprisingly there are some great room options for families now days on cruise ships.  Many cabins allow for families of five or six to stay in the same cabin for a more affordable option.  And unlike hotel rooms for a family of 5 (someone is always left to sleep on the floor because there are never enough roll away beds…even when we request one at the time of booking!) the cabin comfortable sleeps everyone.  Our cabin also featured two bathrooms which made getting everyone ready a much easier task.  For families looking for more privacy you can also request adjoining cabin options.

Comfort and Relaxation

Cruise ships are like floating hotels, with lots of different options for everyone from the smallest guest to the oldest.  They are designed to make your stay as comfortable and relaxing as possible.  From the friendly, attentive staff to the luxurious spa facilities there is plenty of time to relax and unwind on a cruise.  On Carnival Magic the Serenity Deck  was a peaceful, adults only area where you could escape from the chaos and take in the beautiful ocean view.

Simplicity

Planning a cruise is simple, and once you are on board, nearly all expenses are pre-paid which means you don’t have to worry about hidden vacation “extras.”  The on board staff can easily help you plan everything from shore excursions to dinner reservations at specialty restaurants…talk about hassle-free.  And unlike other vacations where you are constantly on the go and trying to fit everything in you don’t come back from your cruise vacation needing a vacation.

Have you been on a cruise with your family, what did you like most about your vacation?  What would your top tips be for taking a cruise with your family?