Cruising With Kids: Assessing Children's Programs

When choosing a children's program, or a cruise that includes a children's program, there are a few items you really should consider to ensure that your little ones will indeed have a good, big time.

Frequency

Not all ship's children's programs run on every cruise. Make sure that the program operates for the sailing you booked. Some cruise lines even offer the children's program only when a minimum number of children are booked!

Ages

Make sure that the children's program is at the appropriate age level for your child. Although the major cruise lines, and the best programs, have enough counselors to separate the ages, some still group the younger ones with the older ones. And then it's not so much fun anymore.

Hours

Some ships have blocks of time or only intermittently scheduled activities. Such are best for teenagers who want to do other things or just hang out during the day. If a young cruiser encounters a 3 1/2 hour empty time block, however, he will certainly become bored, and then it's back to you babysitting again. As far as evening hours are concerned, though without a program, you will either need a babysitter (for an extra charge, of course), or take your children to the evening entertainments, or return straight to your cabin after supper.

Facilities

Most ships do have designated children's areas, and this is for everyone's benefit. The children know where to go. The parents know where there kids are. And the teenagers can get away from both the little kids and the parents.

Staff

Enough staff workers means enough age-appropriate divisions and activities.

Safety

Areas for small children should have gates so they can't get out, and so unwanted people can't get in. There should also be a sign-in and a sign-out procedure.

Port Hours

Some children's programs are working when the ship is in port, but other children's programs are not. You might have to take them along on your shore excursions, or leave them on the ship with their newly-found friends.

When you're ready to book that exciting cruise for your children, and yourself, make sure to do that at www.kingarthur.myttn.com!