Whether it’s your first cruise or you’re an experienced cruiser, cruising as a family certainly has its challenges. However, with the right preparation, you’ll have the perfect family cruise vacation!
I’ve been cruising with my brother and parents since I was four years old. Based on 20 years of family and multi-generational cruise), I’ve learned both great cruise tips as well as mistakes you’ll want to avoid!
With that being said, here are some things not to do for families cruising with kids. By being aware of these cruise mistakes, you’ll be well-prepared for a successful family vacation.
10 Biggest Family Cruise Mistakes to Avoid
1. Choosing the Wrong Cruise Line
Choosing the wrong cruise line can make or break your vacation. Before booking your cruise, it’s a good idea to research the different cruise lines and cruise ships. This way, you can book the right cruise that fits your needs and vacation style.
Since you’re sailing as a family, you’ll want to choose a cruise line with a family-friendly atmosphere. Cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, MSC, Disney, and NCL are known for being family-friendly and offering plenty of activities for young kids and teenage cruisers.
Furthermore, it’s essential to choose the right itinerary as well. If you’re sailing with younger kids, it’s a good idea to do a Caribbean itinerary as it will be a slower pace.
In contrast, going on a Mediterranean cruise with children may be challenging as European cruises tend to be more port-intensive.
It’s important to research the cruise line and itinerary before booking your cruise. This will help you choose the right ship for your vacation needs.
Related: 10 Best Cruise Lines for First Time Cruisers
2. Not Taking Advantage of the Kids’ Club
One of the main reasons cruise lines are such a good travel option for families is the kid’s club. On cruise ships, the kid’s club is a place where your children can make new friends and participate in activities in a safe and secure environment.
As a kid who grew up cruising, the kids’ club was my favorite part of a cruise vacation. Over the years, I made plenty of friends, participated in amazing activities, and made lifelong memories.
If you’re cruising as a family, it’s a good idea to enrol your child in the kid’s club. The kid’s club is complimentary and it’s a great way to enjoy yourself, while your children are having fun in a supervised environment.
Cruise tip: Enroll your child in the kid’s club on embarkation day. The first day of the cruise is crucial for your children to make friends and fully enjoy the kids club, so it’s best to get them started early.
3. Not Arriving the Day Before Your Cruise
If you’re traveling as a family, please don’t make the mistake of flying or driving in on the same day as your cruise.
An essential cruise tip for new cruisers, you’ll want to arrive at least a day before your cruise. The last thing you want is to stress about making it from the airport to the cruise port on time, especially when traveling with kids.
By arriving a day early, you can settle down and relax before your cruise vacation begins. Once it’s embarkation day, you can make your way from your hotel to the cruise port and your cruise vacation can officially begin.
Related: 17 Rookie Mistakes First Time Cruisers Should Avoid
4. Avoiding the Safety Aspects of Cruising
Before cruising with children, it’s important to brief them on the safety aspects of cruising. Although cruises are safe vacations, parents and kids do need to be aware and exercise caution as with any travel experience.
Some things to go over include general behavior guidelines like not climbing on railings and not going into anyone else’s cabin. Remember to attend the muster station check in and watch the cruise line safety video on boarding day together as well.
5. Not Being Flexible
Whether it’s a sea day or a day in port, you’ll want to have flexibility so you can make the most of your cruise vacation.
When sailing as a family, different family members may want to attend activities and events at different times. For instance, you may want to see a show in the evening, but your children may want to attend the kids club.
Instead of making a schedule and sticking to it, be prepared to go with the flow and remain flexible. This way, every family member can have a great time on the cruise.
6. Not Establishing a Form of Communication
If you’re cruising with a teenager, you’ll want to set up a form of communication for when they are not with you.
Nowadays, most cruise lines offer complimentary or low cost messenger services through their mobile app. This is a great way to stay in touch with your children, and it’s free or cheap.
Another option is to purchase the cruise Wi-Fi package. This way, you can stay in contact with your teenager throughout the day, and they can always reach you if there’s an issue or an emergency.
It’s important to remember that regular cell phone service is not available in the middle of the ocean. In fact, it’s important to keep your phone on airplane mode (you’ll get instructions on the ship, so don’t worry).
This is why it’s important to establish communication before getting on the cruise.
7. Not Being Prepared for the Bathroom Situation
Cruise ship bathrooms are different from hotel bathrooms because most standard cabins have a shower but usually won’t have a bathtub. If you are cruising with babies, toddlers or younger children, this might be an adjustment.
This is something to be prepared for if you are cruising on a contemporary family cruise line like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises or Norwegian Cruise Line.
However, if you’re sailing with Disney Cruise Line, the bathrooms have a shower and bathtub combination to accommodate younger children. There are also some exceptions in larger family staterooms and suites, so plan accordingly.
If your cruise cabin does not have a bathtub, getting your children used to showering in advance is a good idea. This way, you won’t have to worry about the bathroom situation throughout your cruise vacation.
Tip: There is also a little cabin hack that families may use. Bring a small inflatable mini-pool and place it on your shower floor.
Related: 12 Multi-Generational Cruise Mistakes Families Make and Must Avoid
8. Not Bringing Toys
When sailing with kids, especially young children, bringing toys and games is a really good idea. Although there is a kid’s club onboard, there are times when you will need to entertain your children.
Whether it’s during dinner, in the cabin, or in a cruise port of call, having a variety of toys can be a lifesaver. They’re not just for fun, they’re a great tool to keep your children engaged and entertained.
Furthermore, consider bringing beach toys if you’re on a Caribbean cruise. This way your kid can have fun and play in the sand at the beach.
9. Not Packing the Essentials
Packing for a family cruise can be challenging, especially when traveling with young children who have specific needs and preferences. Remembering important items can lead to unnecessary onboard expenses.
Ensuring you have first-aid items and enough prescription medications to last the entire trip is essential. Equally important are over-the-counter remedies for headaches, seasickness, allergies, and colds, as well as a small first aid kit. These will give you peace of mind and guarantee you’re prepared for any health issue during the cruise.
For families with babies or toddlers, packing plenty of diapers and wipes is a must, as cruise ships may have limited supplies and higher prices. Furthermore, swim diapers are recommended if your child is going to play in the water.
You’ll also want to pack enough sunscreen to last for the duration of the trip because there will be a small selection of sunscreen onboard, which will be pricey.
Related: 50+ Must-have Cruise Essentials from Amazon
10. Failing to Prepare for Embarkation Day
When you’re cruising as a family, being well organized for embarkation day is a must. If this is your first cruise, understanding the boarding process before showing up at the cruise port will ensure a smooth start to your cruise vacation.
Once you’ve completed the embarkation process, having a rough plan for your first day will come in handy. Since you’ll board around lunchtime, you’ll want to plan where to grab a bite to eat once onboard.
If you plan on sending your children and teens to the kid’s club, signing them up immediately is a good idea. The registration line can get busy, so you’re better off doing the registration as soon as possible.
You’ll probably want to explore the cruise ship and its onboard attractions and check out your cabin. Once you feel for the ship, you’ll want to go to the sailaway party to begin your family cruise vacation.
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Final Thoughts On Cruise Mistakes Families Cruising With Kids Need to Avoid
Cruising as a family is a great way to visit new destinations while only having to unpack once. With activities that cater to all age groups, there’s something to do onboard for every member of the family.
You’ll have a great cruise vacation and make lifelong memories by avoiding these family cruise mistakes.
Are you planning a family cruise? Please let me know your questions and tips in the comments below.
Happy Cruising!
Ethan
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Author Bio: Ethan Schattauer has been cruising with his family since he was four years old and has been on more than 30 cruises. As a frequent traveler, Ethan shares his unique perspective on what cruising is like from a young person’s perspective. Ethan also writes about men’s fashion, travel and college advice on the website WhatToWearMen.com.