For many, cruising is still associated with clichés: A river cruise conjures images of retirees in white trousers, shuffleboard, and far too much buffet. Ocean cruises are thought to be reserved for bowling clubs and stag/hen parties.
But honestly, things have changed quite a bit in recent years. Cruises are now truly exciting for families, and those embarking on their first cruise with children are in for a few surprises.
An ocean cruise is particularly appealing with children because there’s something for everyone. While the little ones are crafting, playing, or splashing around in the water with new friends in the kids’ clubs, we parents can also take a break – whether enjoying a coffee with a sea view, a stroll on deck, or exploring ashore. There’s plenty of time for family time anyway: the pool, movie nights, excursions, or simply marveling at the ship as it sails into a new port.
Our fear that the children would quickly get bored was hardly borne out on our cruises. The modern ships are practically floating amusement parks with water slides and climbing walls, indoor playgrounds, escape rooms, and much more. Boredom is rare. Sure, there are moments when you’re glad to have a card game or a book in your bag. But most of the time, just the feeling of being on a floating “adventure playground” is enough. And sometimes it’s precisely those quiet moments, when we sit together by the window and simply watch the waves, that are especially beautiful.
Another advantage for families: You only pack your suitcase once and still see several places, you don’t have to worry about food, and many things – from baby food to highchairs – are already on board. At the same time, a ship is an enclosed space, which provides a sense of security, although you should still teach children some rules. But of course, there are also disadvantages. Extras like drinks, excursions, or internet access drive up the price, cabins are often smaller than hotel rooms, and illnesses spread quickly in such a large group if hygiene isn’t observed. We know this all too well after the pandemic.
There are also a few things to keep in mind regarding safety. There are usually no lifeguards at the pools, so supervision remains with the parents. Railings and outer decks are securely built, but they are not for climbing. This can be challenging, especially with active children – I know from experience. Thankfully, no one has fallen overboard on our trip.
The onboard children’s entertainment is a blessing for many families. Depending on the cruise line, there are professional childcare teams that keep the kids occupied from morning until evening, allowing parents to enjoy a shore excursion or a romantic dinner for two. However, not every child feels comfortable in a group setting, so it’s best to discuss this beforehand and not force anything. For our youngest, the kids’ club was the absolute highlight of our last cruise because he could use game consoles nonstop – not quite my idea of childcare…
Personally, though, river cruises are now the better choice for us. Why? Because the ships are smaller, there are fewer people on board, and everything feels more manageable. This is more relaxing for both the children and us. You’re closer to the cities and landscapes, can go ashore more often, and don’t encounter the huge crowds found on ocean-going ships. The downside: Depending on the cruise line and travel dates, there’s often no children’s program at all. This means you have to plan more activities yourself and actively involve the kids. But for us that was fine – the calmer atmosphere made up for a lot.
I find it fascinating how widely prejudices about cruises vary and how often they’re untrue. For example, we can’t confirm the notion that river cruises are only for older people – there are cruise lines like A-Rosa that offer special family cruises with kids’ clubs during school holidays – and we’ve met families at other times too, some with babies, others with teenagers. The image of being “locked up” also doesn’t hold true when you’re on a ship that functions like a small city. What is true, however, is that you should do your research to find the right cruise line for you, otherwise you might be in for some unpleasant surprises – whether it’s the cost or the activities for children.
My conclusion after our experiences: Cruises aren’t a cure-all for stress-free family vacations, but they do have something very special about them. For us, river cruises are currently ideal because they’re manageable and allow us to experience a lot of the places we visit with our children. Other families might be better off on the large ocean-going ships, where entertainment and children’s programs take center stage. Both have their appeal – and ultimately, it’s most important to be clear about what you expect from the trip beforehand.
With that in mind: Ahoi!