The cost of cruising is becoming increasingly affordable for the average family. It also helps that many of the cruise lines offer free or discounted tickets for children below a certain age, which varies from company to company. There are a variety of reasons why family cruise deals are so popular: they allow passengers to see and explore exciting places, every passenger gets a warm, clean bed to sleep in and is provided with basic meals every day, and there is no shortage of fun activities and sightseeing opportunities. All of this is usually included in one standard fare.
There are kids programs as well. Family-friendly cruise ships offer programs staffed by certified experts and youth counselors. However, not all itineraries are equally family-friendly. On larger ships for instance, there is more space for more activities. Alaskan Inside Passage cruises are worth looking into by parents who want their kids to have an educational experience. There are a lot of fun and educational opportunities both on-board the ship and via land excursions.
Cruise itineraries including Costa Rica are popular with families thanks to the plethora of exciting activities that adventurous kids love, including snorkeling, swimming, exploring the rainforest, wild bird watching, etc. There are also thrilling activities for the entire family, like zip-lining through the rainforest.
Other fun places to visit on a cruise ship are the Hawaiian Islands, Galapagos Islands, and Cozumel, Mexico, with its Mayan ruins, and anywhere a Disney cruise ship goes.
Other Factors to Consider When Looking for Family Cruise Deals
Another important factor to consider when comparing family cruise deals is the city of departure. Essentially, there are ports in just about any coastal city, whether it be the East Coast, West Coast, or Gulf Coast There are also ships departing from Hawaii and Alaska. Popular departure cities include Boston, Galveston, Fort Lauderdale, New Orleans, Port Canaveral, Vancouver, and Seattle. No matter what a family’s budget is like, there should be a departure port close enough to get to, whether by driving or taking a short flight towards the nearest coastline.
The cheapest time to take a cruise is the autumn, particularly in September and October. This is only possible for families with kids who are not yet in school, unless the parents are willing to let their kids skip for a few days.
Even the best family cruise deals don’t include every single last expense. When considering the budget, parents should account for extras, such as soft drinks, iced tea, milk, etc. Disney Cruises at least include unlimited milk, juice, and caffeinated drinks. Just to prepared, it’s recommended that families pack refillable water containers.
Use Expedia to compare family cruise deals. Not only will you find great deals for the entire family, you’ll also get excellent customer service. You can also get Expedia discounts to help you save on other areas of travel, like airfare, activities, car rental, etc.