When studying alternatives to our family trip, we usually consider those that guarantee us safety, comfort, interesting places and good service. That is why every day there are more families who choose to hire a cruise for your vacation.
When we get on one of those big ships, and floating hotels or resorts, we find a world of services at our disposal. But are cruises an option for a trip with our babies?
Following closely the latest cruise trends we can observe in recent years that large companies in the sector have set their sights on families, especially those with young children.
This is how today we find a wide range of boats, itineraries and services designed for both parents and children to enjoy their free time at sea.
Let's see, then, some points to consider when choosing a cruise to enjoy with our family when we have a baby.
Offer
As we have said, many cruise companies have scheduled themed trips for children. In any case, however obvious it may seem, we must check that the itinerary or boat chosen has services for children. In fact some routes are less prepared for smaller ones than others. It will be easier for us to find a suitable offer in the Caribbean or the Mediterranean than to explore the Norwegian fjords or the Asian seas.
Reservation
It is essential to pay special attention when making the relevant reservations, which are detailed to all family members and the data is correct. Names, dates of birth, document, ages and special requirements. And it is at this point where families with babies and children in general will pay attention to the issue since once the reservation is confirmed, there is no change possible (no charge, of course). For example: we better think well if we all accommodate in one cabin during the entire tour. Once the trip has started, there will be no turning back.
Documentation
In some cases, when the itinerary touches different countries, the regulation on the necessary documentation will have to be controlled so that the minors go down to the port of visit with one or both parents (there are destinations that only allow minors with both parents or with legal authorization in case of going down with only one of them). Each passenger must have complete and updated documentation (even babies) and do not forget the family book at home.
Cancellation policy
Let's read the fine print. Cruises are a sum of complex services. The hiring of an exit aboard one of them implies that we commit to a specific date on a specific ship. There are no possibilities for last-minute changes, as you could simply book a hotel stay. Cancellation charges are important, so we strongly recommend the purchase of a cancellation insurance to prevent an imponderable family (so frequent when we have children at home) we get very expensive.
Accommodation
Whether we have the advice of a travel agency, or if we investigate on our own online, let's pay special attention to types of cabins available. On some ships there are cabins for up to 5 peopleIn some other cabins they can communicate, and there may also be a special discount for an attached cabin for our teenage children. It will not be necessary to carry a travel cot, you just have to request it at the time of making the family reservation.
Extra services
We know that on a cruise we have everything. But attention: not everything is included in the rate we pay. To not extend here, I suggest you read the tips for a family cruise without running out of pocket where we clarify this issue a bit.
Let us take into account, for example, that within the meals and drinks included, there is usually no baby food, soda or milk. However, some themed cruise lines have special menus for children. In any case, check before booking.
A service in which we will pay special attention when we travel with our baby It is the medical service on board. All boats are well provided with health coverage, in some cases even with highly complex medical facilities. However, for our peace of mind, let's consult the case of the chosen boat. We also have to take the medication we take regularly to travel without interrupting medical treatment.
Finally, remember that when we are on board a cruise ship, we usually spend a lot of time outdoors in the areas of swimming pools, decks and others. In addition, the surface of the sea acts as a mirror multiplying the effect of the sun so that the protection of the skin of our babies (and ours) must be complete and throughout the time. Without fear of being repetitive: sunscreen, hat, glasses and water.
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