Cruising Adventures: Unwind and Connect with Your Teens on the High Seas

Are you planning to embark on a cruise adventure with your kids? Being a parent, the fundamental notion of cruising with them might seem intimidating! But with diligent preparation and some cool strategies, cruising can be a pleasant experience both for you and your kids.  

Ad - Contains affiliate links

When we talk about "cruising" with teenagers, we're not referring to a road trip (although that is a lot of fun too) but rather on embarking on an exciting journey aboard a cruise ship! Enjoying a vacation on a cruise is in itself a relaxing and stunning experience, but there are a collection of tips that can make cruising with teens an even more enjoyable experience. 

So, unwind and connect with your teen(s) on the high seas with the tips below.

Find methods to cherish the evenings onboard your cruise  

The most challenging thing about cruising with teens isn’t being able to cherish evening activities, for example, having cocktails in the bar, witnessing a late show in the theatre, dancing in the pub, or visiting the casino onboard.

So, look for cruise lines that have designated areas just for teens, often with amenities like video games, music, and comfortable hangout spots. Your teen could spend time there.

Some cruise lines also offer other activities aimed at teens like workshops and classes, teen-friendly shore, group games, dedicated pools and hot tubs where teens can relax and swim.

You need to look for last minute special offers provided by cruise companies to make the most of the fantastic amenities. 

Select a kid-friendly cabin

Asking for a balcony or a “family cabin” for additional space makes sense and provides the maximum privacy and convenience. The cruise you book should have a family-friendly cabin with extra square footage and fold-down bunk beds at no additional cost.  Alternatively, look for adjoining cabins that provide privacy for teens while still being close to their parents. Such cabins have doors that open to allow easy access between rooms.

Some cabins come with amenities that appeal to teens, such as gaming consoles, extra TVs, or enhanced entertainment options.

Keep snacks handy while cruising with kids

If your youngster feels hungry late at night or asks that you carry a few of their favourite items for your day outings off the ship, it is best to bring along some pre-packaged refreshments from home. For young travellers, comfort meals are typically enjoyable, so bring their preferred on-the-go snacks.

Carry OTC medicines for yourself and the kids

Given how quickly infections can be transmitted on a vessel and in the kid's group especially, you are never sure when these OTC medicines could come in handy. Ordering at a drugstore abroad is challenging when on the shore, and the ship's pharmacy charges might be exorbitant. So, don't forget to pack basic medications especially for motion sickness.

Choose the right time of the year for cruising

Your desire for your kids to meet other children and interact/socialise with them is valid as a parent. In case you’re sailing with them during the summer , you will have zero trouble finding other kids on board. However, if you’re cruising during school term time, the number of children on the cruise ship will be much lower. September is a moderate time for cruising, as there will be around a handful of children on board.

If you opt for peak season cruising, remember that it will come at a higher price tag.         

Pick your organized tours and shore excursions carefully

Most cruise companies have shore adventures suitable for families, like organised sightseeing tours or seaside excursions. To avoid standing around with a multitude of individuals throughout the day and expecting your kids to stick to that timetable, you may personally opt to make reservations directly with local organisers for private or semi-private trips. Or opt for tours from reputable companies liek GetYourGuide.
 

Isolate your carry-on necessities from the rest of the luggage

On the day of boarding, your more oversized luggage will be checked and kept in your room. It may take a maximum of the day prior to seeing your bigger bags again. Therefore, it’s recommended to pack a carry-on baggage with everything your teen needs. From snacks to bathing suits to more clothes and essentials at your disposal, you can make the first onboarding day hassle-free.  

Avoid upsetting your child's sleep routine

Maintaining your kid's sleep routine can be challenging when on a cruise. A few things that you could do to avoid upsetting their sleep routine are trying to maintain consistent bedtime and wake-up times, limit stimulation before bed, ask to be seated early for dinner, schedule activities earlier in the day and leave evenings for quieter, more relaxed activities. You can even communicate with the crew and inform the them about your child's sleep needs. They might offer helpful amenities or accommodations to make your stay more comfortable.
 
Cruising with teens is undoubtedly a fantastic family experience. Still, while doing so, you must refrain from opting for the wrong cruise ship that does not offer  kid's activities and booking shore excursions prior to arrival. Make sure you involve the kids right from the planning stage, take their inputs, plan but be flexible, include activities that they enjoy, let them have solo time but set clear safety rules.

There you have it! Hopefully, the tips mentioned above will help you make the most of your cruise with your kids. Equipped with these tips, you’re ready to embark on a memorable and enjoyable family adventure on the seas!