Here it is:
How to Choose the Best Cruise for Your Family Vacation in 2023 !
Cruise Snitch •
Onique Campbell
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How to Choose the Best Cruise for Your Family Vacation in 2023
In this post, we'll share tips on how to choose the best cruise for your family vacation in 2023 and make your journey a memorable one.
Choose Your Topic:
- Consider the size of your family: a smaller ship may be better suited for an intimate family vacation, while a larger ship may offer more activity options.
- Consider the age of your family: pick a cruise line that specializes in family-friendly activities for all ages, or a more adult-oriented option for a child-free vacation.
- Choose a destination: decide where you want to go before committing to a cruise. Popular destinations include Alaska, the Caribbean, and Europe.
- Consider the duration: choose a shorter (3-7 days) or longer (7-14 days) cruise depending on how much time you want to spend at sea.
- Compare rates: compare rates for different cruise lines, packages, and offers to find the best deal.
- Research extra amenities: some cruise lines offer extra perks like spa packages, alcohol packages, and childcare services so take time to compare.
- Check the reviews: look online or ask friends and family for reviews of different cruises before making a decision.
- Try a trial cruise: if you're unsure about a cruise, book a short trial cruise on a smaller ship to get a feel for what to expect.
- Pick a travel insurance: look into different travel insurance options and pick one that meets your specific needs.
What are the best family-friendly activities to do on a cruise?
- Interactive Team Challenges: Teams of family members can join forces to compete through a variety of challenges. These can range from trivia contests to scavenger hunts around the ship, and from friendly sports tournaments to sing-a-longs at the karaoke lounge.
- Movie Nights: Nothing beats an underwater-themed movie night on the deck of the ship. All aboard can settle down to watch family-friendly, classic movies with the sea breeze blending night into day.
- Dancing lessons: Put your dancing moves to the test with a lesson in salsa, swing, or other genres. Get the kids involved and bring their enthusiasm to the sea air.
- Swimming and Water Sports: Spend your days kayaking, jet skiing, snorkeling, and swimming. Find a deserted beach and enjoy the cool waves with family members.
- Craft Sessions: Get creative on the cruise ship with craft sessions. Gather passengers of all ages to build art, design jewelry, and participate in other activities and games that are sure to beat boredom.
- Sightseeing Tours: Get a double dose of fun and education when you sign up for an organized sightseeing tour. Learn about the history and culture of your destination with fun-filled facts.
- Bingo: Everyone loves playing bingo and the cruise ship makes for the perfect tournament. Gather players of all ages for a bingo session on deck.
- Mini Golf: If a casual 18-hole course sound appealing then you’re in luck. Golfers of all skill levels can enjoy friendly competition and cheer each other on as they compete for the best score.
- Karaoke Nights: Enjoy singing along with karaoke nights on the cruise ship. From Elvis classics to contemporary hits, the cruise ship provides the perfect atmosphere for a night of singing.
- Cooking Classes: Enjoy a family cooking class designed to bring the chef in all of us to the front. A full kitchen on board is the perfect way to learn how to create the perfect meal with family and friends.
How to keep kids entertained on a cruise ship during sea days?
- Take the kids to the supervised playroom: This is often located near the gym and offers activities like board games, arts and crafts, and other fun activities.
- Attend the fun family activities on the ship: You can find these on the ship's daily activities schedule, and they'll keep the kids entertained with games, arts and crafts, talent shows, games, and movies.
- Participate in the interactive pool games: On most cruise ships, the pool staff will hold family-friendly events like water gun fights or pool races. Even if your kids aren't great swimmers, they can still be involved in some of these games.
- Sign the kids up for themed activities: Cruise ships often offer exciting programs like character breakfasts and scavenger hunts.
- Explore the ship's dedicated kids club: Often these special areas are designed just for children, and they offer video games, special play areas, and movie nights.
- Visit the ship's arcade: Most cruise ship arcades offer classic favorites like pinball and air hockey, as well as modern video games.
- Relax at the ship's spa: Some cruise ships have dedicated spas designed to cater to younger guests, and they offer techniques like manicures and makeovers.
- Join the Kids At Sea Program: Many cruise lines have exclusive programs for kids age 3-17 that offer interactive activities and friendly competitions.
- Check out the ship's library: Cruise libraries are typically well-stocked with age-appropriate books, which can keep the kids entertained for hours on end.
- Make the most of dockside excursions: If you're planning a port-of-call day, make sure to book a shore excursion that is suitable for kids. Many cruise lines have activities like glass-bottom boat rides, snorkeling, beach days, and city tours that are designed just for kids.
What are the most popular Caribbean destinations for families on a cruise vacation?
- Dominican Republic: Explore crystal-clear waters, fine white-sand beaches, and lush forests.
- Barbados: Enjoy year-round sunshine, a colonial atmosphere, and a lively nightlife.
- Jamaica: Get your dose of reggae music and try water sports like surfing and scuba diving.
- Puerto Rico: Indulge in a tropical setting and explore cobblestone, colonial-era streets.
- Bahamas: Soak up the Caribbean spirit and visit Aquaventure, the waterpark at Atlantis Resort.
- St. Lucia: Immerse yourself in the tropical rainforest and take a zip line tour.
- Aruba: Explore flamingo-filled beaches and go on a desert tour in the Arikok National Park.
- Antigua: Take a relaxing boat ride across blue seas to explore the 365 stunning beaches.
- St. Maarten/Martin: Relax in the Dutch and French culture, explore some of the island’s best beaches.
- Turks and Caicos: Dive in and explore the colorful coral reefs and marine wildlife.
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