Cruises with Kids
Today’s topic is a very special one — not about what kids can do onboard or which itineraries are best (we’ll talk about that another time), but about when you should book a cruise in order to get not only the best financial value, but also the experience you truly expect from your vacation.
First, if your family has two or more children, one cabin will most likely not feel comfortable. In most cases, you’ll need two cabins located next to each other. Cruise ships offer connecting cabins with an interior door between them, essentially giving your family two separate rooms while still staying connected. This is by far the most convenient option for families with kids, which is exactly why these cabins sell out first.
The earlier you book, the higher your chances of reserving these cabins. In the last few months before sailing, even regular cabins located side by side may no longer be available.
Second, if you don’t live in a port city and need flights to the cruise departure point, buying airfare early almost always means significantly lower prices. And when we’re talking about 4+ airline tickets, the savings may not be just hundreds of dollars, but even thousands.
Third — even if airfare prices are not your main concern and you are willing to stay in one cabin as a family, last-minute bookings often face another problem: the ship may no longer have cabins that accommodate 3 or more guests, especially 4+. Technically, cabins may still be available — but only for two passengers.
These are exactly the issues we are facing right now when families ask me to find cruises for the summer season. On the most popular summer itineraries and the better ships, connecting cabins are already extremely limited. To make things work, families often have to compromise — changing the itinerary, choosing a different ship, or adjusting travel dates.
The situation with airfare can be even more frustrating. When purchasing 4+ tickets close to departure dates, the extra cost can reach hundreds of dollars — and for long-haul flights, thousands of dollars. Sometimes the flights end up costing more than the cruise itself.
Dear moms and dads — if you are thinking about taking a cruise, let’s plan it in advance!
There is almost always an option to book with a refundable deposit. If your plans change, you can cancel the cruise and receive your deposit back. But if everything goes according to plan, you’ll have access to the best cabin options and airfare at the lowest possible price.
Cruises can be booked a year in advance, and cabin pricing can often be adjusted later if rates drop. All the advantages of early booking will be on your side.
Feel free to reach out — I’ll help you choose both the perfect itinerary and the right ship so the entire family can travel comfortably and truly enjoy the experience!
