Family Travel Dilemma: Special Occasions - Take The Kids, or Not?

by Lori Visser recently published in The Rockford Squire

Many times I speak with parents who want to take a special vacation together, but are torn about taking the kids along.  It might be a special anniversary or birthday that they are looking forward to celebrating in a special way…so they are thinking, no kids.  On the other hand, they may be unable to leave the kids home because of child care or simply prefer not to.  So what do they do?  Usually?  Nothing.  

 Another idea is to involve your professional travel specialist.  Travel agents are aware of these dilemmas and can recommend a solution, near or far.  One solution is a family cruise because of a few different reasons. You will travel together and be on the same ship, but you will likely experience your vacation differently.  Why is that you ask?

 Kids Clubs - All major cruise lines offer a Kids Club experience for children as young as 6 months up thru age 17. Ships have specifically designed and built supervised children’s entertainment areas.  The programs are split into age groups so that the activities are appropriate for your child’s life stage. They are open from the morning to late evening hours. You are able to check-in and out of the clubs throughout the day as you wish.  These programs are already included in the cruise fare and staffed with employees of the cruise line, hired specifically for their positions.  What’s not to love?  Although Disney is an obvious choice, what if Disney is not your dream for your special getaway?  Your little ones will be entertained with Dr. Suess on Carnival, Dreamworks on Royal Caribbean, Nickelodeon and Spongebob on Norwegian, just to name a few.  Older teens and tweens are given activities with more freedom and encouraged to visit the dance parties and activities designed just for them. 

The Ship – Based on which ship you select, there are many on-board family friendly activities, even if you choose not to make the kids clubs your choice for the day.  Family pools – most with waterparks/slides, ice skating rinks, surf simulator, bumper cars, full size basketball court, miniature golf, zip line, ropes course, live family game shows and more await.

Staterooms – Pricing for your stateroom is usually reduced for the 3rd and 4th passenger in the same room, sometimes they are even free!  There are a variety of special staterooms designed for larger families from connecting rooms to suites.  This is a great opportunity to bring extended family along, too.

Travel – Visit a variety of locations without having to pack & unpack, drive or fly from place to place.

Shore Excursions – Experience the ports together as a family, whether swimming with dolphins in the Bahamas, Gladiator School in Rome, or riding a dogsled in Alaska.

So, with all the activities available for the family and kids – what is there for the couple to do that’s special?  How about dinner and a show (remember your kids are in the kids club for the evening)?  A couple’s massage or spa day?  An evening under the stars or at the casino?  A fine art auction?  Taking part in a special enrichment program or class?   Dancing in the nightclub? Or, just sharing a bottle of wine together on your private balcony sailing across the deep blue sea? These are just some ideas to choose from.

 To cap it all off, there is a ship’s photographer on board to record your memorable occasion.  Use a formal night as a chance to capture a special portrait to bring home.

 The best part?  Knowing that your family members are all creating their own unique memories, but still tucked in beside you at night.  Now that’s special!

 About the author

Lori Visser, is a Travel Specialist with Cruise Planners.  "Turning Daydreams into Reality"

You may reach her at (616) 263-1777 or (800) 583-3177  www.GlobeSpinnerTravel.com

[email protected]