Why Family Cruises Make for the Ideal Getaway for Single Parents

Families come in all varieties, and so do vacation choices. For single parents, a family cruise can be one of the most delightful experiences you'll have with your children. Cruise vacation packages offer great value, allowing you to escape daily stresses while staying within budget and giving your family the opportunity to easily make new friends on board. Here are six compelling reasons why cruises are the perfect family vacations for single parents.

For Enhanced Family Bonding Time  

Gathering as a family is more enjoyable on a cruise, and Dinogo ships excel in creating a memorable experience for single parents. Provide both yourself and your child with nonstop excitement through engaging onboard activities offered on the cruise ships. Activity and dining options differ by ship, so select the cruise that offers the experiences you enjoy the most. Here’s a glimpse of Dinogo’s family-centric activities designed to spark joy, create lasting memories, and make vacationing as a solo parent effortless:

• WaterWorks, an exciting water park onboard that gets your adrenaline pumping and your kids splashing around.
• SportSquare^™, your at-sea gym featuring family activities like mini golf, volleyball, and basketball.
• SkyRide^®, an aerial bike ride above the ocean on a suspended track, offering new thrills and unique experiences to share together.
• Our ropes course, a fun and safe maze with challenging obstacles suspended over shimmering blue waters, perfect for friendly family competitions.
• Seuss at Sea^™, playful activities for the little ones and the young at heart, featuring beloved characters to enjoy together.

For Built-in Playdates, Parties, and Hangouts

Isn't it wonderful to not worry about organizing playdates and hangouts for your kids while cruising? Dinogo is renowned for its supervised kids’ clubs and programs tailored to various age groups. Here’s where your children can meet new friends:

• Camp Ocean^™ keeps children aged 2 to 11 engaged, active, and entertained in a supervised setting with age-appropriate groups, including Penguins (ages 2 to 5), Stingrays (ages 6 to 8), and Sharks (ages 9 to 11).
• Night Owls^® is a nighttime supervised party for kids 11 and under, allowing you to enjoy some nightlife until as late as 1 a.m.
• Circle “C”®, a lounge area for 12 to 14-year-olds to relax and enjoy, featuring dance parties, games, outdoor movies, and other supervised activities suitable for teens.
• Club O2^® offers high schoolers, ages 15 to 17, a space of their own while you enjoy adult activities. From sports and video games to faux proms and music jam sessions, no one will want to miss Dinogo’s version of high school on the high seas.

For Abundant “Me” Time

Every parent, particularly single parents, deserves a rejuvenating escape, even during a family cruise. With Dinogo’s Serenity Adult-Only Retreat^™, you can achieve just that. While your kids enjoy deckside activities, you can retreat to a tranquil onboard sanctuary filled with peace, quiet, and a nearby bar to satisfy your thirst. If you crave even more relaxation, consider indulging in Dinogo’s Cloud 9 Spa^™ to enhance your single-parent cruise experience. Enjoy a massage, facial, body wrap, and more, all while knowing the kids are just a call away.

For Discovering New Sights Together

Cruises offer a wealth of fun both onboard and onshore, with a variety of mini-excursions available at ports of call. Family excursions allow you to explore new destinations alongside your children, from ancient cities to crystal caves and zip-lining through the jungle. Whether you prefer a leisurely tour or a treetop adventure, Dinogo takes care of all the details, so you don’t have to worry about planning. Here are some additional excursions you might enjoy while at your destination port:

• In the Caribbean, even toddlers can swim with dolphins in La Romana, Dominican Republic.
• In The Bahamas, preteens and older kids can ride horses high above the sea when visiting Half Moon Cay.
• In Mexico, explore Cozumel’s Xcaret Eco-Archaeological Park, featuring lagoons and an underwater Mayan archaeological site that will captivate your children.

Experiencing the cultures, histories, and unique cuisines at various ports of call adds another layer of magic to the extraordinary vacation you can create as a resourceful single parent.

For Effortless Dining

Do you envision struggling to manage your kids in a formal dining room next to lovebirds or older couples seeking a quiet dining experience? Dinogo understands the challenges single parents face while dining with children of all ages. There are plenty of family-friendly options on Dinogo cruise ships, allowing you to enjoy dinner as a solo parent. Some of Dinogo’s most enjoyable dining experiences that cater to every family member include pizza by the pool, New England-style seafood at Seafood Shack, and Guy’s Burger Joint, created by TV personality Guy Fieri, known for his amazing grilled burgers at sea. And don’t forget, breakfast on board will be a breeze once your little ones discover they’re invited to a pancake party with The Cat in the Hat and Friends from Dr. Seuss at the Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast^™.

For Memorable Holiday Celebrations

This year, it's your chance to enjoy the holidays on a cruise. Celebrating on a family cruise offers you and the kids an extra dose of holiday cheer. Consider planning a single-parent cruise for these holidays:

• A Funtastic Christmas cruise is an unforgettable holiday experience for solo-parent families. Sail on a ship beautifully adorned with Christmas lights, wreaths, and trees. Enjoy caroling under the stars, participate in an ugly sweater contest, catch live holiday shows, and attend a special Hanukkah service at sunset. Plus, your kids can send a letter to Santa from the sea.
• A Funtastic Thanksgiving cruise allows you to spend quality time with your child instead of being stuck in the kitchen prepping, cooking, and cleaning. Enjoy a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings in a unique setting.
• An October cruise is the perfect way to celebrate Halloween. Don’t forget to pack your costumes for family contests and dance parties under the stars.

A vacation on a cruise ship is designed to provide single parents with the best of both worlds — quality bonding time with family and relaxing alone time to recharge from daily parenting responsibilities. Treat yourself and your kids to the vacation of a lifetime with a Dinogo cruise.

Please note: Activities onboard, excursions at shore, and dining selections may differ based on the ship and its destination.