The Lollipop Road

You can read more about this topic, as well as many other family cruising topics, in our new book–Cruising With Kids: A Guide To The Perfect Family Cruise Vacation. Visit our dedicated Cruising With Kids website for more details.

Having cruised once with our first child when he was 11 months old and then again with both of our boys at age 3 1/2 and 8 months, then yet again (on 3 cruises) when our kids were 4 1/2 and 20 months, the most important consideration for us, cruising with infant and toddler aged children, was the cabin.  Of course, this is the opposite of the advice we’d give to adults.  Although a couple traveling alone or with friends might spend very little time in the cabin, families with young children will likely do the opposite,  at least if they have chosen the right cabin.  

Inside vs. Outside

Keeping in mind that most young kids don’t do well with waking to an alarm, having an outside cabin helps to keep their body clock in check by allowing natural light to filter into the room.  An outside cabin will also provide hours of entertainment throughout the cruise.  There will be an ever changing world outside of the window for them to observe.  If price is a factor (although outside cabins are frequently only $100 or so more than an inside cabin), then there are some alternatives.   

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line offers Promenade Staterooms and Balcony Staterooms that overlook the interior of the ship, for example, providing much entertainment and a source of light.  The potential for noise, however, may outweigh the benefits.  Finally, if an inside cabin is the only affordable option, bring along a portable natural light that can be set at different intensities.  Use it in the morning and around nap times to help the children wake.    

In addition to offering split baths in their deluxe cabins, Disney Cruise Line will install virtual portholes in inside cabins onboard the new Disney Dream set to debut in January, 2011. This will usher in a new era of the inside cabin – we’ll report back once she sets sail.  

Balcony Cabins

If you have chosen to spring for an outside cabin, now you are faced with choosing one with just windows, or splurging for the increasingly affordable balcony cabin.  As new ships have grown in size and the number of ships afloat have grown too, the inventory of balcony cabins has skyrocketed.  With growth has come the affordability of the once exclusive balcony cabin.  Think of it as a giant window that slides open to reveal additional living space.  It’s a fantastic addition to entertain the kids and the cabins are usually a little larger than standard outside cabins, but at the same time, it doesn’t come without its dangers.  There are many parents who refuse to sail in a balcony cabin with young children because of the fear that somehow they might fall overboard.  Depending on the ship and the setup, that may be a justified fear.  However, many ships have balcony doors that are either too heavy for a child to open or have child proof locks that are placed high or require a bit more dexterity than a child (and sometimes adult) can muster. 

If you do choose a balcony, just be sure that the kids understand that it isn’t a place to play without supervision.  Never leave a child unsupervised on the balcony and be sure to sufficiently block their unsupervised access.  You may find that a portable door alarm provides piece of mind.  First Alert, GE and Intermatic are a few of the companies that offer these products.  They are portable and can be installed anywhere and removed without leaving a trace.  Most balconies have a glass wall that is high enough to keep kids safe, however, our 3 1/2 year old could easily move a chair to the railing, climb up and could have with one curious lean (far) over, fallen overboard.  As an alternative, you can also request that the furniture be removed from your balcony for safety.  

If you simply cannot overcome the safety issue, a good alternative to a balcony cabin is a deluxe or superior outside cabin.  These cabin categories are typically a little larger in size and have larger or multiple picture windows.  If you want to save on cost, but still want an outside cabin, an obstructed view cabin may be another option. 

Family Staterooms

Many years ago, cruise lines saw a huge untapped market in family cruising.  So, as the industry expanded, so did the variety of activities and cabins aimed at families.  On most ships, you can find Family Staterooms, whether inside or outside.  These special cabins typically have two or more bedrooms, two bathrooms (at least one with bathtub) and more living space to accommodate up to 8 people in some instances.  The most significant advantages are size (usually 250 sq ft and up) and privacy (separate bedrooms).  You have to seek these cabins out, because they aren’t always readily apparent.  The number of cabins tends to be limited, so reserving one at a reasonable cost can be challenging, especially during peak season.  A better and potentially cheaper alternative, particularly for older children, may be to sail in connecting staterooms.  

Suites

Suites is a rather broad category as what is available will not only vary by ship, but also widely within the ship itself.  Many cruise lines have what they call a mini-suite or a junior suite.  This class of suites on average range in size from 200 to 300 square feet and typically include a balcony (or floor to ceiling windows) and a bathtub.  On older ships, these cabins may be smaller and not have a balcony or a bathtub, so a suite category is always relative to the ship.  Clearly, having a bathtub is a huge plus, especially with young kids.  Note that all Disney Cruise Line staterooms have bathtubs.  As ships gain in size, the cost of these “faux” suites have become more affordable.  Like the Family Staterooms, these suites will provide the extra space to make hanging out in the cabin more bearable.

The next significant difference amongst suite categories will be in service and amenities.  As the suites increase in size and luxury, balconies will get larger, you’ll have living areas that are separated from sleeping areas and larger baths that may include double sinks, jetted tubs and a separate shower.  This is all magnificent, but it isn’t likely to make a significant difference for families.  What will make a difference is the services and amenities that come with some of the larger and most exclusive suites.  For example, think about how priority boarding or tender service might make life easier.  Now, what if you had a butler to cater to your every need, carry your gear to the gangway when you leave the ship while in port, draw a bath so it is ready upon your return, or arrange priority services such as an in-suite photo session?  Butler service will vary widely by cruise line, but definitely can be a parents dream come true.   

How about the ability to dine-in and have anything you desire, whether on the menu or not.  Need baby food?  How about fresh pureed fruits or vegetables – no jar stuff for these suite babies.  Running late and can’t find a seat at the show?  No problem, many of these exclusive suites come with priority seating.  The perks can be endless and for tired parents, priceless.  It won’t be cheap – suites with true butler service likely will cost you $5,000 and up per week.  Don’t be fooled by suites that offer “concierge” service, it isn’t the same and neither is the price.   In the grandest of suites, like Royal Caribbean’s Presidential Suites, NCL’s Garden Villas or Celebrity’s Penthouse Suites, you can expect the royal treatment with fresh flowers, complimentary spirits, large outdoor spaces that include hot tubs, and perhaps even a sauna.  These make for the ultimate family vacation…you really never have to leave the suite.  

Just remember, cabin choice can make a significant impact on your family vacation.  Traveling with kids, especially toddlers and infants can be a challenge, choose your cabin wisely and you’ll reap the rewards of a more enjoyable vacation.

You can read more about this topic, as well as many other family cruising topics, in our new book–Cruising With Kids: A Guide To The Perfect Family Cruise Vacation. Visit our dedicated Cruising With Kids website for more details.

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