More and more families are traveling together these days. And it’s not just parents traveling with their kids anymore. It’s grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins all combining their vacations to enjoy quality time together. Multigenerational travel is the perfect way for families to reconnect. And since cruises offer a range of activities and dining options to please a crowd, it’s the perfect vacation option.
Some of the family may want history and sightseeing while others want to relax by the pool and zip down waterslides. By planning a multigenerational cruise, everyone in the family can get what they want. Cruises provide a balance of age-appropriate activities as well as something for every personality and fitness level.
With so many options available for multigenerational vacations, why should you choose a cruise?
The ship is virtually deserts early on Embarkation Day.
1. There is something for everyone:
Just like when planning a vacation for your family of 3 or 5, cruises offer something for the entire group. Regardless if the person is 2 years old or 60 years old, they will find a show, pool or activity designed with their age group and interests in mind.
2. Time to be Together, Time to be Apart:
One of the great things about cruising is the opportunity for everyone to have their own space or choose to be together. Families might eat dinner together each evening but choose to dine separately for breakfast. All the cousins can enjoy time in the kids club, while the parents catch the adults only comedy show. Every member of the family can choose a class or activity based on their interests. Towel folding, photography, art, cooking, dance and more are all offered to keep guests entertained. Groups can pick and choose activities to do together then go their separate ways.
When it comes time for shore excursions, individuals can pick what they want to do. Some may choose to go snorkeling while the rest of the family hits the beach. Grandma might want to relax on the ship and spend quality time with the baby while Granddad and the rest of the group take a jeep ride to the top of a volcano.
3. Teens, tweens and toddlers will all have fun:
Kids clubs are geared toward a range of age groups. Toddlers have their own play areas where they are supervised and can play age appropriate games. Teens have their own club to hang out and make new friends. While there’s not usually as much supervision for older kids, parents still know their children are in a safe environment. They might be listening to music, playing ping pong or asking new friends for their Snapchat accounts.
4. Large dining tables with plenty of food options:
Cruise ships offer large dining tables that can easily accommodate your group. You don’t have to worry that your restaurant choice may not have space or if they can accommodate the picky eaters in the family. Kid menus are available for young travelers plus plenty of variety to keep the adults and older kids happy as well. Each evening you’ll likely to see options for seafood, meat, vegetarian and pasta lovers. While you don’t have to dine together every evening, it’s a great way to gather and learn what everyone did that day.
Tip – Ensure you book a large table as soon as dining options open for your cruise. This is usually around 90 days before sailing.
5. Take a private shore excursion:
Depending on the number of family members wishing to participate in the excursion, it could be financially beneficial and just more fun to take a private shore excursion. No need to cram onto a bus with 50 other passengers. You’re group of 7 or 20 could take a private excursion that can often be tailored to your groups preferences.
You might like Fodor’s Caribbean Cruise Ports of Call to help plan your trip.
6. Connecting family rooms:
Many ships are offering more family staterooms and connecting rooms to appeal to family and multigenerational travelers. Even if you don’t want rooms right next door to each other, you can get rooms close enough that it’s easy for groups to congregate.
Grandparents may want a suite that allows grandkids to spend a night or two in their room. Or a single family member can snag a cabin not too far from the rest of the group. By paying close attention to the ships map, families can create your own little family area.
7. Exploring the world together:
Grandparents can watch their grandchildren learn about new cultures, foods and destinations. It’s no longer just the parents that share this special bonding time. Grandparents and extended family can experience the beauty of the world as a group, all while sailing on the high seas.
Eliminate the pressure of family holidays. No one has to shop for groceries or cook or even make their bed! Cruising offers something for everyone at all age levels. From supervised activities for the kids to adult drinks and conversation at the piano bar. Cruising allows every generation to have memories that last a lifetime.
Planning your first cruise? Read our Cruising Do’s & Don’ts before you sail!
Have you taken a multigenerational cruise? Share your tips with us.
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