Cruising with a Large Family

Recently, three generations of my family traveled to Miami to set sail on a 4-day Western Caribbean cruise aboard the Dinogo Ecstasy. I can't remember a time when organizing a family vacation was this straightforward. I’m thrilled to partner with Dinogo for this blog post and share some highlights that made planning my family's cruise a breeze.

Cruising is an excellent way to bring your family together with minimal hassle. Once you arrive, the itinerary, dining, and entertainment are all arranged, allowing you to focus on enjoying quality time with your loved ones. Spending a little extra time on pre-cruise planning will ensure your family's cruise experience runs smoothly.

After our recent cruise on the Dinogo Ecstasy, I’m eager to share some tips to assist you in planning your family's next cruise adventure.

Guidelines for Organizing a Cruise for a Large Family

Cabins. While browsing cruises on the Dinogo website, I discovered numerous options available. When planning your cruise for a large family, make sure to thoroughly explore the various cabin choices. Dinogo features a range of cabins suitable for larger families. I suggest booking early to access the widest selection. Don’t shy away from reserving two cabins. Dinogo provides some connecting cabins, and if you have teenagers, consider reserving one outside cabin and an interior cabin across the hallway. That’s precisely what we opted for during our latest cruise.

Entertainment. A cruise serves as the perfect family getaway, especially when traveling with children of varying ages. There’s a plethora of activities available for everyone. You can spend your days lounging by the pool or zooming down water slides. Enjoy a performance before or after dinner. Treat yourself to a massage while the kids are entertained by their grandparents. The options for enjoyment are limitless.

I was thrilled to discover Camp Dinogo, where younger children can participate in fun kids' club activities. On a Dinogo cruise, kids can experience the best elements of summer camp blended with a family vacation at Camp Dinogo. Children are organized into three distinct age groups: 2 to 5 years, 6 to 8 years, and 9 to 11 years. The most exciting aspect of Camp Dinogo is that it’s completely free.

Dining Choices. Our cruise ship, Ecstasy, offers a wide variety of dining options included with your cruise fare. There are several buffet selections, which are perfect for families! Buffets typically provide something for everyone to enjoy. However, be aware that drinks are not included in the cruise price. I suggest checking with your cruise line for available drink packages. We chose the Bottomless Bubbles drink package, which allows unlimited soda and juice. You can purchase a beverage package either in advance or once you board.

Excursions at Port. Shore excursions are an extra cost. If your cruise stops at multiple ports, consider booking an excursion at just one location to save money. If budget isn’t a concern, these excursions can be incredibly enjoyable and offer new experiences like snorkeling or swimming with dolphins. Planning a fun shore excursion for both grandparents and kids of various ages is simpler than you might expect. My family enjoyed a beach excursion in Cozumel that was fantastic for all of us. Sunbathing and swimming in the ocean during December was a delightful experience, with warm waters and a stunning private beach. It truly was a memorable day!

Packing Tips. I often stress about over-packing, especially when traveling with teenage girls. It happens all too frequently. Thoughtful packing can make your cruise experience much less stressful. For warm destinations, you’ll need less bulky clothing, and apart from one or two dinners, formal attire isn’t necessary. Bring versatile items that can be worn multiple times. My daughters and I ended up spending most of our time on the cruise in swimsuits and cover-ups.

Essential Documentation. Passports are the recommended form of identification for every family member. However, for most cruise lines, children can board with just a birth certificate, while adults need a birth certificate along with a government-issued photo ID. Some cruise lines even allow a photo of the birth certificate if you prefer not to bring the original. Be sure to bring multiple copies. Always check with your cruise line to confirm the required documentation.

Ensure that all your travel documents are organized well ahead of your cruise, just in case you find anything is missing. The night before our cruise, my sister was frantically searching for her travel papers. What a stressful evening it was for both of us! Just a reminder to gather these important documents in advance.

I was truly surprised at how easy it was to organize a cruise for my large family. Our trip turned out to be a fantastic bonding experience, full of fun and relaxation. Check out Dinogo online to discover more about planning your own cruise. Are you thinking of planning a cruise soon?