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Planning a Family Cruise Vacation

A cruise can be a great family vacation. There are now even cruise companies which cater particularly for families and there are plenty to choose from.

You should take your time and look around for the right cruise company. Look for family friendly ones which offer built in kid’s play areas. These are child friendly areas where you can leave your kids with qualified child care staff while you take a little time out to pamper yourself and relax.

And the great thing is the kids won’t mind since they will have a lot to keep them entertained. Another great thing about a family cruise is that you stop at many different destinations but don’t have to worry about airport checks or finding your luggage.

You simply stop for the day and enjoy the sites with your family. In the evenings you go back to your cruise ship and the fun doesn’t stop there. There is lots to do and see on board.

Here are some questions to ask when looking for the perfect family cruise vacation.

Do they allow your kids age group? Make sure the cruise ship you choose is family friendly and allows children of the same age as your kids. Some cruise ships allow children over a certain age only or at certain months of the year. Also, ask about child discounts.

This would also be a good time to find out about activities on-board, child care centers, play areas, baby sitting, details and rules for putting your kids in the child care center. You can also get additional information about vaccines, potty training and health precautions.

You may also want to ask about child care staff qualifications and ratio of care to child and so on.

What about cabin facilities? Find out if cribs and cots are obtainable for younger toddlers in your cabin room, and if yes, is there an extra fee? Do you need to reserve them in advance?

You should also be sure of the size of the cabin, because you don’t want to cramp your family into a small space.

Do They Have a Kid’s Menu? Unless your children eat a large variety of foods, you’ll want to find out if they cater for children or special requirements. If your kids are very picky ask about foods or snacks you can purchase on board. Most cruise ships have one or several formal evenings during the duration of the cruise. Plan ahead for this if you’d like your children to attend, if you don’t feel comfortable taking a toddler and baby along to a formal evening find out about other dining facilities on board. Most cruise ships offer casual dining as well as the formal dining room.

By preparing ahead and asking all the relevant questions, it will be easier to choose the right cruise vacation for your family. Most cruise companies are happy to offer additional advice on their website or call center.