Cruise Holidays

jenniemiller177

Thinking about going on a cruise, but not sure how they are for families. Is the cost per person worth it for a child of 6 or are we better off going on a normal package holiday?

I like the idea of visiting different cities and wondered what it would be like for my son.

ellay864

DH and I got back from our first ever cruise last month and loved it. But personally I wouldn't have wanted to do it with kids.
But we went on a ship aimed more at older people, there are lines that cater much more for families so if you decide to go make sure you get onto a line that really gives you that. I know of people who have cruised with kids and they've loved it, but usually more down to the activities and entertainment for the children.
We also wanted to visit lots of cities, and did 7 ports on a 10 night cruise in the Eastern Med but doing a port intensive cruise can be quite tiring, and you have to consider if your child would enjoy that aspect as much as you. I know mine at that age wouldnt have enjoyed going round numerous cities several days in a row, but then yours may be more amenable than my youngest was!
The best place to get better opinions and advice would be to visit the Cruise Critic website where they have great forums. If you do consider going definitely get yourself over there as you will get so much brilliant advice

CruisingSaver

We've done a fair few cruises as a family and I'd thoroughly recommend it. We did our first when our daughter was 2 years old and have been on at least one every year since (she'll be 13 later this year).

Our daughter loves cruising and has made loads of friends on each cruise, some of whom she's still in touch with.

Are you looking at fly cruises or ones starting from the UK?

CS

daveyjp

Some lines are better for families than others, go for larger ships with more facilities and you won't have a problem. We have been on P&O and Princess and both were child friendly.

Our daughter is 6, we did our third cruise to Scandanavia a few weeks ago and she enjoyed herself, even though each stop was a city we found plenty to keep her occupied.

However we have only been on cruises where fewer children are likely. A western Med trip in August with 700 children on board a ship fills us with dread.

getmore4less

Great choice of holiday for families.

if just one kid then the ship if chosen corectly will have many of similar age to hang out with.

The appropriate choices will have kids clubs that supervise and organise.

Many parents get a holiday because their kids disapear into club never to be seen again except for the odd meal and sleep.

The big problem will be picking the first but don't worry too much if you get hooked you will have plenty of time to do others so don't get too hung up on where you go.


DO a bit of research to see which lines might fit your profile, get the brochures and look at the cruise line web sites.

In no particular order.

RCI
NCL
Princess
Thomson
P&O
Celebrity

Will give you an overview of some of the main family friendly options.

Once you narrow down the style of cruiseline you can start thinking about ships and itineraries.

Also don't be fooled by the prices, there are bargains allthough not so many during the summer hols.

get signed up for the deals emails from the main cruiselines and cruise travel agents.

a lot of deals from various agents get picked by
http://www.travelzoo.com/uk/cruises/

That will give you a start on agents and the sort of deals that are about.

Another approach is if you see a deal you think you might like research that and ask about it, if it is a good fit book if not look for another using what you have learned.

tori.k

There is also the Disney cruise line