There are lots of things to consider if you’re travelling as a group or as a family.
1) How many cabins do you need? I.e.: Configurations, quad cabins, triple rooms. Some cruise lines wont allow a twin occupancy in a multiple birth room, so rather than having a quad with a twin next door for the grandparents – why not consider having two adults and a child in each room to ensure that you are next door to each other (Where availability will allow) There are some cruise lines that operate cabins with families in mind Norwegian Cruise lines have a Garden Villa which will sleep up to 14 passengers and when travelling as big group these can work out to be great value for money!
2) When will you be travelling – for instance we are now taking loads of pre – registrations for P&O School summer holidays for 2012 as people know that the multiple berth rooms sell out FAST at this time of year – HINT: Royal Caribbean have started selling their 2012 rooms already – so move swiftly to secure Independence for 2012!
3) Pick a suitable cruise line to travel with – If you have a group with lots of different ages in it – you need a ship that ill have something for every one to do, no point the kids being busy as a bee and grandma completely bored sipping sherry all week!
4) If you are a single parent, BE PREPARED. You will have to pay the full cruise fare for the first two passengers in any one cabin – ie: if there is just two of you travelling, your child will be charged the same as you!
5) Consider cruise lines that offer children for free when they are 3rd of 4th passengers, MSC Cruise have some great deals on this basis.
6) Look at cruise lines who offer children’s facilities, a lady I spoke with the other day wasn’t keen on travelling with one particular cruise line as they do not allow you to leave your child in the kids clubs when going ashore!!
7) DON’T FORGET: Sometimes your children may be split up when going to children’s clubs for insurance reasons. Children are split into groups. Aged 2-4 then 5-7, 8-10 pre- teens start at 11-13 – teenagers ages 14-17. Children in different groups may not always be able to eat together (Unless at dinner with you!) Occasionally groups will be combined if numbers are smaller.
8) Babies are welcome, but some cruise lines have restrictions, if there are more than 3days at sea they may not be able to travel under 18months – As a general rule its 6months! Some ships offer baby packs which include nappies & food etc to be in your stateroom on arrival to save on luggage. If you take powdered formula, note that bottled water bought on board the ship can be quite expensive.
9) Let the holiday be an adventure – for both you and the children, so plan a little time away from the children perhaps and evening together - a dinner for two, for example in one of the speciality restaurants - There are many ships with evening or baby sitting facilities.
10) Be flexible, and realize that not all things go according to plan - GOOD LUCK!
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