Summer Family Cruises: The Best Trips To Take With Kids

The Best Choice for Your Budget

When you're looking for great ideas for family summer vacations, a cruise is an excellent choice for many families in terms of the variety of options for sightseeing and activities — and you'll find, as you research, that there are various routes to choose from and sailings of different lengths, as well.

First, you'll want to find the right itinerary that works for your family. Select a schedule based on your ideal vacation duration, your family’s budget, any ports you'd like to visit and the amenities available on board the ship and in port.

Royal Caribbean offers three- and four-night family cruises to Mexico, the Caribbean and The Bahamas (including the private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay®), or longer cruises of up to 13 nights. You can also consider summer cruises to Alaska, the Mediterranean and many other exciting destinations worldwide.

Shorter cruises can work well if your family is new to cruising and wants to try it out. Longer itineraries are ideal for those who want to fully escape and explore a new destination. Plus, with onboard activities, these cruises can be among some of the most epic trips for kids. Keep an eye out for special Royal Caribbean cruise deals where kids sail free.

The Cool Places for Kids

Great ideas for family summer vacations start with making sure your kids will have enough to do while at sea. Luckily, Royal Caribbean family cruises offer Royal Babies and Tots℠ Nursery for little ones from six to 36 months and Adventure Ocean for kids ages three to 11. These specialty spaces have daily programming that's tailored to kids by age bracket. Traveling with older kids? You'll also find a lounge for tweens and teens on board. As you plan your summer vacation, looking through photos and watching videos of some of the games and activities with your children is sure to get them excited.

Make sure you register your children on the first day you board your ship. You'll have the opportunity to tour these spaces during the sailing's first-day open house — the only time that parents are allowed to see the spaces — and you can set up your child's access at the same time. Throughout the cruise, you'll be able to drop off your child during the designated times the club is open and pick them up on your schedule. A daily guide outlines which activities are available, and these vary throughout the cruise to keep kids interested.

Your child will likely learn new games and meet new friends while you get some time to relax. Plan ahead so you can enjoy some kid-free activities, too, during these times. This is your vacation, after all, so consider hitting the spa for a massage or facial, scheduling a fitness class, or booking that wine tasting.

In the evening, consider visiting the buffet with your kids prior to dropping them off at Adventure Ocean. Then, the grown-ups can relax and have a dinner date. Late-night care options are also available at Adventure Ocean, for couples who want to see a show or grab a drink, though fees may apply.

Packing Tips for Your Cruise

As you plan your trip., keep in mind the types of family-friendly activities and excursions you have planned so you can make a packing list that includes the necessary clothing and gear for each day. Older kids can get involved with the packing and be responsible for selecting daily outfits and any special must-bring items. For families planning to fly or drive to their cruise, it's a big bonus that you only unpack once, and you don't have to lug bags from place to place.

There are some must-have items that are always necessary for warm-weather cruises, including sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, swimsuits (with rash guard options if you or your children are particularly sensitive to the sun), water shoes, sandals, and good walking shoes if you plan to explore.

A refillable water bottle to stay hydrated while onshore is also recommended, along with chargers for cell phones and other electronics and portable battery packs to keep your phone charged while exploring on shore.

Is your family into relaxing multi-course formal dining experiences, or do you prefer fast-casual eateries? That decision can help guide what you'll bring to wear for your evening meals. Plan on stashing more dressy outfits in your luggage if you expect to visit the main dining room and specialty restaurants (plus outfits for formal nights). If you prefer to only eat at the buffet, shorts and jeans are just fine.

And remember that if your gang plans to take advantage of adventurous activities (such as rock climbing or ziplining), you'll want to bring closed-toe shoes and extra pairs of socks. Going ice skating on board your ship? You might not have planned to bring long pants and shirts, so add those to your packing list if that's a must-do activity for you.