Cruise with children
Sea cruises with children are a great way to relax and see the world, have fun with your family. Shared memories shared with your loved ones are always positive and bright. Planning a sea trip with children, especially small ones, requires careful preparation and consideration of a number of important aspects.
Age of children on the cruise
The general rule of most cruise companies is ONE – children over 1 year old are allowed on routes where the liner spends three days or more at sea. This is due to the safety of passengers. In the event of an unforeseen situation with a baby, a helicopter must be able to reach the liner. In other cases, the minimum age of a child on a cruise must be at least 6 months at the time of the start of the tour.
There are age restrictions for expedition cruises, for example, Hurtigruten does not allow children under 5 years old on Antarctic cruises. There are also many cruise lines that allow children from 1 year old, but reserve the right to refuse boarding to children under 3 years old (Paul Gauguin Cruises, Silversea Cruises).
Cost of cruises for children
Cruise companies try to encourage family travel and often offer various discounts for children. Up to a certain age, children can travel for free. Most often, companies indicate the age up to 2 years. In this case, you will only need to pay port fees for the child. Discounts for children are not valid on a permanent basis. Cruise companies often change their rules, so check the availability of free travel for children directly before booking a cruise.
Accommodation of children in cabins
When choosing a cruise ship, choose those lines that are focused on family vacations (Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises, Disney Cruise Line). They provide for the presence of family-type cabins or apartments on board. On board the ships of some cruise companies, such as MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Costa Cruises, cribs for babies are provided upon request.
Food
Most liners have children's menus. On some, kids eat with adults, on others, they have the opportunity to chat with their peers in a special restaurant. The choice is yours. Meals on the liner are organized according to the "All Inclusive" system, so you will not have any problems with what to feed your children. The only exception is drinks, they are paid separately, so it is much more profitable to plan to purchase a drink package in advance. If your child follows a special diet or needs baby food for infants, we recommend that you clarify the availability of such before the start of the cruise.
Entertainment on board
A child will definitely not be bored on a cruise. On board the liners there are children's mini-clubs with programs for children of different ages from 0-3 years to 17 years. Interesting events, games, competitions and master classes are provided for each age group. On large modern megaliners there are children's water parks, swimming pools, climbing walls and other attractions. Cruise liners also offer animation shows with favorite cartoon characters, interactive theater performances, games and many other activities for children. Some companies organize special zones for teenagers with consoles, music and cinemas.
If necessary, parents traveling with young children can use babysitting services for an additional fee. We recommend that you inquire before booking your cruise.
Itinerary and shore excursions
When choosing a route, consider the sailing time and the number of days at sea. A route with regular stops is ideal. It is also important that the stops are safe and interesting for children to visit. If you plan to go out into the city on a tour together, be sure to take a stroller with you.
Security
Safety is a priority when traveling, especially with children. Make sure the cruise ship is equipped with the necessary safety equipment and that the staff is properly trained. It is also important to instruct children on how to behave on board and in emergency situations, and to agree on a meeting place in case the child gets lost.
Medical care
Check the availability of a medical center and doctor on board. Any visit to a doctor on board is subject to a fee.
There is basic medication on board, but it is important to bring your own first aid kit with a set of necessary medications, especially if your child has chronic illnesses or allergies. It is also important to take care of your arsenal of sunscreen.
A cruise will be an unforgettable adventure for the whole family if you properly prepare for such a trip and choose an option that fully meets your needs.
