Cruising for Families: Creating Memories That Last a Lifetime
How good is cruising for families?
For our family, cruising helps us explore the world behind the tourist traps and creates memories that last a lifetime.
Family holidays are meant to be memorable, but planning them can be hard work and often we feel overwhelmed but all the arrangements that need to be considered.
Enter the world of cruising. We took our first cruise when my daughter was just 3 years old. We waited till she was 3 so she could go to the kids club on board.
Cruising offers a seamless, stress-free option that combines sightseeing in new places with relaxation, and inclusivity, offering something for every member of the family. We are currently on a 7 day Eastern Caribbean journey with another family. This cruise has a good mix of cultural immersion, natural beauty, and onboard fun, all without the hassle of coordinating transportation, food and accommodation.
Why do cruises work so well for families?
Ease of Travel
Two days ago we unpacked our bags into a Neptune Suite onboard Holland America’s Nieuw Amsterdam and everything we need is in one place.
I have to say Holland America doesn't have a lot of kids on board, but the beauty is when you travel with kids there is loads to do, the staff are amazing, and the cost of the kids is significantly cheaper than any other cruise line we have tried.
Most cruises are designed with families in mind, offering all inclusive dining, entertainment, and activities onboard. Yesterday we enjoyed a casual burger and fries for lunch by the pool and last night a gourmet delight for dinner in Tamarind, a specialty restaurant. For us this means mealtime is stress-free and convenient with loads of options. We also encourage our kids to try new foods, read menus out loud and ask wait staff for more information with the aim of building independence.
Once the kids are 13 they can explore age appropriate clubs and activities by themselves while parents unwind at the spa or sip cocktails on deck.
Engaging for All Ages
I have to say a cruise truly caters to every generation. On this ship currently there are every age group from 96 years old to 3 months old. The majority of people are between 55 - 75 I would say however there are a number of multi generational families which is great to see.
At Amber Cove, the kids’ aqua park is perfect for younger travellers with its water slides and splash zones, while older children and teens can try the kayak and peddle boat adventures. Parents and grandparents can relax on the beach in a cabana or by the pool bar.
Stress-Free Exploration
Shore excursions, like Amber Cove’s Mountain Views & City Sights tour that we took today ensures we could get out of the tourist areas and really take in the culture and sights of Puerto Plata.
This curated experience ensured we were safe and it was easy for our two families to obtain an education on the culture, people and history of the Dominican Republic and Puerto Plata.
This tour provided us with a blend of cultural exploration and scenic beauty, allowing everyone to engage at their comfort level. For the parents it was a chance to soak in the Dominican Republic’s history and charm, take an abundance of photos, and try the local rum and coffee. For the kids, they were equally delighted, snapping photos of lush mountain landscapes, colourful murals and asking questions about the vibrant local culture and tasting epinadas, local chocolate and coconut ice cream.
With our sensationally professional guide Francisco leading the way, our families could enjoy sightseeing and cultural immersion without worrying about logistics or accessibility challenges.
Unforgettable Family Moments & Transformative experiences
The Kerrigates (Two families - Kerrigans & Colgates) 7-day Eastern Caribbean cruise showcases why cruises are the ultimate family holiday experience offering time together, transformative travel experiences and the creation of lifelong family memories.
Whether it's the girls watching Step One Dance Company in the theatres and the boys singing along to the sweet sounds in the piano lounge cruising offers something for everyone. While the ports of call are a great opportunity for the two families to experience new cultures, try new tastes, learn the country and regions history and create shared experiences.
Cruises encourage families to connect while offering enough variety for everyone to enjoy their own interests.
The result? Memories that last a lifetime.
We are actively exploring new cultures and bonding over new experiences on this Eastern Caribbean cruise proving to us that once again cruises are more than just a trip, they are our journey to unforgettable family moments.
Let Sarah Colgate, your tourism growth coach, help you design personalised strategies to make these transformative travel experiences work for your tourism business.
