Cruising with Children

When it comes to kids clubs and activities cruise ships really do go all out on providing enough to never let the little ones have a dull moment. Most ships have designated children’s areas where there every wish can come true, they provide games consoles, pool games, cooking lessons, film nights, board games, deck games, evening pool parties, club nights in and so much more.

During the school summer holiday season you can find up to and sometimes over 1000 children on board but believe it or not you would never for one second imagine there were in fact so many, this is down to the fact they have their own areas so parents and other travellers can soak up the sun and relax in relative peace.

I travelled with my sister last year, at the time she was 12 years old. It was her first cruise and she was beyond excited to board the ship. I introduced her to the kids club on the first day so we could sign all relevant paperwork and get her familiar with her designated club area. After a little apprehension at first she soon settled in and made a ton of new friends, some of which she still has regular contact with.

We travelled on board P&O Ventura and thanks to their great kids facilities I barely had the pleasure of her company on most sea days. She particularly enjoyed the on board circus school of Cirque Ventura where she could bungee jump high above the ocean, great fun for her but I wasn’t quite as thrilled. I ended up with the job of sister’s photographer and whilst I stood baking to death on the ships top deck in blistering heat surrounded by 20 or so hyper children all eager for their turn she was having the time of her life high in the air above me.

If you are considering a cruise with children and have never cruised before then you can be reassured they will be well taken care of and you may find you have more free time from them than you first imagined.