Cruise holidays are incredible things. They wrap up the excitement of travel, the allure of new destinations and the joys of being catered to in one attractive package. But organising for them with the whole family in tow can be a nerve-wracking thing, particularly if this is the first time you are taking your children abroad. What are some essential cruise tips for keeping your children safe and happy on their first cruise?
Choose Your Cruise Carefully
A key piece of the puzzle in ensuring your children are safe and catered for during your holiday cruise comes in the form of the cruise itself. Not all cruises are family-friendly, which could make things unnecessarily difficult for you. Indeed, some do not allow children at all! Adult cruises that do allow children might be scant on child-friendly activities, potentially leading to boredom and sour moods before you’ve even left port.
Luckily, there are a great many family-friendly cruise options from which to choose, with activities and accommodations that make entertaining the family much easier. TUI cruises are a great example of this, with a wide range of options that ensure you don’t compromise on your holiday plans for the sake of accommodating the young ones.
Get Them Active
Of course, getting the cruise sorted is only the start. You should actively be signing your children up for activities and experiences aboard the ship on their behalf, to ensure that they have every opportunity to have fun and make friends – as well as to free up your own afternoons for leisure and fun. Activities sessions are naturally chaperoned and supervised, as well, meaning your kids will be safe as well as in good company!
Take Care On-Shore
Some cruises offer curated on-shore experiences at each port. If you want to be a part of these, you might find it safer to sign up for the smaller groups. This way, you won’t lose track of your own family amidst the cruise crowd. Keeping your kids close at hand when moored is a good rule of thumb in general, to ensure no last-minute dashes around an unfamiliar city.
Set Some Ground Rules
Of course, you won’t be able to control your children’s movements for the entirety of the trip – whether they break away for a moment or agitate to hang out with some new cruise friends they’ve made. As such, it is important that you instil the importance of safety in your children. You could set some ground rules, too. You might require them to stay away from the pool without your supervision, or advise them about staying away from the cruise’s railings, whether on the outskirts of the ship or overlooking other decks. You could also ensure they have a designated meeting point to go to if they get lost or separated from you.
Pack Carefully
Finally, a note on packing. Just as you would pack carefully for a beach holiday or staycation day out with the family, so too should you pack carefully for your cruise. Sunscreen and long-sleeved clothing are crucial to pack for you and for your children, alongside some plasters and antihistamines to cover some medical basics. If bringing a baby or young toddler, you will also have to pack carefully for their unique needs.