Top Five Reasons to Experience Family Cruising | By Guest Blogger: Katie Collins
Written by Katie Collins
Ah, family holidays with little ones! Those precious moments from those early years—first steps on the beach, first ice creams at dusk… But let's face it, prepping for a getaway isn’t always easy.
First off, you have to somehow pack your entire home into a few suitcases. Then there are the airport meltdowns, the awkwardness of being the parents of THAT SCREAMING BABY on the flight, and the toddler who insists on kicking the seat in front of them. We’ve found the perfect solution: we take to the open sea instead.
When I mention to friends that we’re setting off on another cruise, they often look at me like I've lost my mind. To those who don’t cruise, it might seem like a peculiar choice with young kids in tow. However, for me, it’s the ideal getaway. Our oldest, turning 4 in March, has already been on three cruises, while our youngest, just 20 months, has enjoyed two.
My husband and I discovered cruising shortly before tying the knot. Our second cruise doubled as our honeymoon, taking us to the Caribbean. We thought our cruising adventures would pause once our first child arrived. But when I explored vacation options at 14 months, I quickly realized how welcoming cruises can be for families.
Here are five reasons why we opt for family cruising:
- Excellent Child Care
From bottle warmers and sterilizers to baby baths, everything is provided if you request it at booking or while on board. Baby food is available, and children are always welcome at dinner.
- Fun and Play
Onboard, you'll find kids' clubs filled with toys, soft play areas, and family-friendly films. There’s also a crèche, kids' club, and multiple swimming pools for potty-trained toddlers.
- Easy Travel
Picture this: hopping on a train for a few hours and then boarding a luxurious cruise ship. Whenever we cruise with kids, we simply head to our local port – Southampton – and board without the hassle of plane delays or airport chaos. The vacation starts immediately!
- Friendly Staff
From an extra scoop of ice cream at dinner to warm smiles as you stroll with your little ones, the staff onboard goes above and beyond for families. This creates a delightful atmosphere and unforgettable family memories.
- Time to Unwind…
And what about mom and dad? While my husband looks after the kids, I indulge in some me-time: catching a film, enjoying a luxurious deep tissue massage, sipping a glass of fizz by the pool (with snow-capped mountains in the backdrop), or simply relishing breakfast on the stateroom balcony. There's nothing quite like sipping a hot cup of coffee with a pastry, listening to the waves, while my toddler beams at me through the glass door, watching both me and the world go by.
A heartfelt thank you to Katie Collins for sharing her valuable insights on family cruising! You can follow her adventures on Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. To discover more from Katie, visit her website, KatieCollins.co.uk.
Image credit: All photos are courtesy of Katie Collins.
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