There’s no shortage of horror stories about big ship cruises, from seasickness to massive outbreaks of gastro, unsanitary rooms, noisy neighbours, bad food and being stuck in close quarters with people I didn’t like. But my recent experience on a cruise with the family has changed that perception somewhat.
The perfect weather may have contributed as well!
We went on a 4 day cruise to celebrate my father’s 80th birthday, fourteen of us comprising of his kids, their spouses and half a dozen grand kids ranging from 5 years to 25 years. We had so much fun that we are already planning to get on a cruise again.
In our family we celebrate important events by organising huge parties at home or going away together. We are a family that is a truly reflective of the intermingling of cultures in modern Australia, a melting pot of Italian, Indian and Ukrainian/ Russian migrants with a love of eating, drinking and dancing.
At every get together a lot of time is spent in cooking, cleaning and washing up by the adults, both men and the women (I did say we are a modern family).
What was so special about the cruise?
No COOKING, CLEANING OR WASHING DISHES and trying to think of ways to keep every age group engaged and entertained.
The two bedroom cabins were spacious, with good amenities and cleaned twice a day. There was always plenty to do for everyone together and alone.
The entertainment and activities ranged from kids clubs, to magic and comedy shows, a musical, casino, jazz bars, night club, karaoke, trivia night and some great nights with loads of dancing and entertainment that whole families could participate in. My elderly parents and my 5 year old niece equally enjoyed the two theme nights on the ship where we all danced into the wee hours of the morning.
Best of all there was no mobile phone coverage or wifi, giving us all an opportunity to communicate and spend great quality time with each other. Something we all seem to have forgotten to do lately.
Things to consider
For starters, I will not hesitate to book a longer cruise and upgrade to a balcony, even though the unobstructed ocean view room served us well. I will monitor my daily spending closely on the things that are not covered in fare like alcohol, barista coffee, some speciality restaurants and sports, health and fitness services. More research will be undertaken by me before committing to any paid activities on the offshore trips. Maybe I will invest in walkie- talkies if the group is really big next time and our cabins are not on the same levels.
REMINDER TO SELF: Live on air and water for a week prior to departure.
So yes, all you mum’s with bubs I will recommend a cruise anytime. It is money well spent in return for cherished memories of a lifetime with your near and dear ones.
SunKot
#Photos without watermark are from Google Images
Hmmmm I am so inspired. Always wanted to go on a cruise And what you wrote might just have tipped the balance . Alaska ? The Caribbeans?
Such a lovely family vacay! Hope that i’ll do this one day too 🙂
i think going with family on cruises are the best :D:D
I never try cruise travel before! After reading your post I think why not just go for Cruise trip! This looks super fun too =D
Wow, cruise, never sit before, would like to try out.
if there’s a chance sure i’ll go on a cruise with my kids along, it would be an amazing experience
Wow… I’ve never been in a cruise so far and I would love to. Your post is tempting me to book one…
It would really be fun to go on a long cruise and just enjoy your time. It gets you to explore new places and also relieves you off your everyday chores and stresses.
As parents we always hesitate to travel with the kids especially when they’re still babies. But if it’s occasions such as this, then I’m sure traveling is worth it. I’m glad you had fun! It’s always nice to go on adventures with the family, especially when you have a big one! I’m sure you all brought home lovely memories.
For my young family, going on a cruise would be a huge no. This is mainly due to thefact that we like cooking all of our meals from scratch everyday for health reasons and sanitation. We rarely eat out, maybe twice a year, just one meal on both those times too haha.
Never been in a cruise ship before , so i cannot say if it a good experience or not, but iv’e been into a shop for 3 days, when travelling to the south of the Philippines, and i wish i just taken a plane
I love families that are really close. An 80th birthday is a great milestone. Being on a cruise together makes it extra special!
You really make it seem really easy together with your presentation but I in finding this matter to be actually one thing which I think I might never understand. It seems too complicated and extremely broad for me. I’m having a look ahead to your subsequent submit, I’ll attempt to get the cling of it!
I personally think cruises are the best way to travel with young children. No need to keep changing hotels. Kids have plenty to keep themselves occupied when moving between cities (vs taking a plane). Sleep, wake up and we’re at a new destination each day. I LOVE cruising!
We love cruises too, great fun for all the family and so many activities just at your door step!
What a meaningful way to celebrate 80th Birthday! A cruise vacation is great for family bonding cos there’s no where else you can go except participate in activities together!
Cruises are great family bonding time together because.. well you’re pretty much stuck onboard with them 🙂 We had our first cruise experience before but it turned out pretty bad as both me and my hubby fell ill and he landed in the sick bay. Hopefully, the next one will be much better.
I don’t even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was
good. I don’t know who you are but definitely you are going to
a famous blogger if you aren’t already 😉 Cheers!
My children enjoyed the food and pool on their first cruise. Now that they are older, perhaps will need more physical activities to keep them entertained
going on a cruise is on my bucket list!!!
Wonderful reference post for families who are planning to cruise. Travelling with kids can really be tricky.