Some parents worry that their kids won’t like the idea of cruising. CLIA notes that not only are cruises the preferred vacation choice for many families, but that kids are more involved in the decision-making process for cruises versus land-based trips.
Lastly, some picture cruises being stuffy, with everyone dressing formally each night for dinner. That’s not the case with Princess Cruises (although other cruise lines take their dress code seriously). The dress range was wide, and most people were on the more casual side. Even for formal night, many kids wore a polo shirt and khakis, but there were also kids in shorts and a stain-free top. When it comes to clothing choice, anything goes, which is a good thing when traveling with kids.
Judy Koutsky
Will there be enough to entertain both parent and child?
The big trend in cruising is having enough to do for kids and parents separately, as well as together. There were family activities such as backstage tours to see how production shows are created aboard the ship. There was also a sports court for basketball, and a nine-hole miniature putting course and a golf simulator. Between the excursions, the onboard activities, the kid’s camp, and playing cards on the balcony, we weren't wanting for entertainment. But of course, there was plenty more available: The “Discovery at Sea” program, for example, was a nice way for Matthew and I to learn about about the stars during the the stargazing program, and we also got to meet Alaskan puppies in the atrium when we attended the Iditarod-themed meet-and-greet. “Movies Under the Stars” happened each night and even though the weather could be a bit cold, Matthew and I huddled under a blanket (the ship provides them, along with free popcorn). Or, we jumped in the hot tub and watched from there.
Is the kids' camp going to be boring?
CLIA notes that 44 percent of people booking cruises say that child-based activities like kid’s club and babysitting are reasons to book. Yet many parents are unsure of what to expect in kids' camp, and worry their little ones will be bored. But Matthew loved the camp so much, he begged to go back every day. He loved the LEGO contests, the dance parties, the talent shows—and most of all the friends he made there (that’s another great thing about traveling with kids, they make instant, intense friendships and can’t stand to be away from their newly formed best friends). The Ruby Princess kids camp is free and open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. most days (babysitting is available after 10 p.m. for $5 per hour) and has three groups sorted by age. The Treehouse children’s center (for 3- to 7-year-olds) kept kids busy with coloring projects, toys, books, dance parties, and sing-alongs. The Lodge Tween Center (for 8- to 12-year-olds) does treasure hunts, rocket-building, and board games. The Beach House teen center (for 13- to 17-year-olds) has video game tournaments, air hockey, foosball and ping-pong games, and movie nights.
Is cruising good for picky eaters?
Not only do the traditional dining venues have ample choices (half a dozen choices for each category—appetizer, entrée, and dessert), plus a children’s menu, but there’s also about a dozen places on board to eat. There’s the buffet—fruit, vegetables, breads, sweets, hot food, and cold cuts—at the Horizon Court on deck 15. The Slice Pizzeria, located next to the pool, was a huge hit (and not only for kids); the “Glacier Bay” pizza—which had four different cheeses—was especially popular. Then there’s the ice cream station, which was always bustling. Add to that specialty restaurants, and there were plenty of dining options.
Will cruising allow for any spontaneity?
Yes, the cruise schedule is set ahead of time, so to some degree the vacation also is set. That doesn’t mean there isn't plenty of room for impromptu fun, though. For many travelers cruising to Alaska, the highlight is Glacier Bay, where the ship gets close to two glaciers. Ships tend to stay an hour at each one so people can see the glacier calving (when chunks of ice fall off the glacier into the water below). I knew that the attention span of my son would not last two hours, so we got pizza, ice cream, and hot chocolate (his three favorite snacks), grabbed Uno cards from the ship’s library, and grabbed a window table. In between Draw 4s and bites of pepperoni pie, we listened to the tell-tale sound of the glacier calving (a big crushing sound) and took in the view. It was one of the highlights of the trip.
There will always be concerns before taking your family anywhere, and I wouldn't know as much as I do about Alaska with children if I hadn't decided to go on the trip and bring Matthew along. Our biggest takeaway? The Alaskan excursions and the kids' camp were incredible—but the tiny moments, like Uno on the balcony, were just as unforgettable.
