A cruise can make a lot of sense when you’re planning a vacation for three generations.
There’s plenty to keep the kids busy, and grandparents can spend time with everyone without every day turning into a sightseeing marathon.
Still, traveling together takes some coordination.
Pick a Cruise That Suits Everyone
When you’re traveling with grandparents and kids, the type of ship you choose matters almost as much as where it’s going.
While kids’ clubs and pools are great, it’s also a good idea to check for accessible cabins, elevators, comfortable seating areas, and enough dining choices to suit different tastes.
The itinerary also deserves the same attention. Families comparing Bermuda cruises, for example, should consider:
- How long will it take to reach the departure port?
- How many days will you spend at sea?
- Will there be enough time in port without feeling rushed?
- Are there excursions that both grandparents and kids can comfortably enjoy?
And before booking, have everyone pick a couple of things that matter most to them. You’ll quickly see where family members are happy to compromise and where they are not.
Small Packing Details that Make a Big Difference
When packing, think about what each person relies on most at home, especially anything that could be difficult to replace at sea.
For the grandparents, that could be prescription medication, reading glasses, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and any mobility aids they might use. It’s also best to pack essential medication in carry-on luggage rather than checked bags, along with enough meds for the trip and a little extra in case travel plans change or are delayed.
For your kids, clothes, sunscreen, and swimsuits are the basics. Also consider a favorite bedtime toy, a light sweater for chilly indoor spaces, and a small selection of activities for those inevitable ‘I’m bored’ moments.
You may want to check the cruise line’s dress code before packing, too, so nobody discovers at the last minute that dinner calls for something slightly smarter.
A few bonus tips can also make life a bit easier:
- Keep medication, travel documents, swimsuits, and anything else you’ll want immediately in your carry-on, since your main luggage might not reach your cabin until later.
- Bring along a simple day bag for any excursions.
- Check whether any items are prohibited by the cruise line.
Make the Ship Easy to Navigate as a Family
Cabin location is worth thinking about before you book. Connecting or nearby cabins can make it easier to meet for breakfast, help with kids, or check in on each other without sacrificing privacy.
Check the deck plan before choosing your rooms. A bargain cabin could be less appealing if it’s a long walk from the places your family will use the most.
It’s also smart to decide how you’ll find each other once everyone starts doing their own thing. This might mean finding out if the cruise line has an app with onboard messaging and choosing an easy meetup point as a backup. A card with cabin numbers and your meeting spot can be handy for children or anyone who doesn’t carry a phone.
Have the Money Conversation Before You Sail
Cruises come with plenty of optional extras, so work out who will pay for what before you go.
But this doesn’t mean you need to create a vacation spreadsheet. A quick chat about what’s included and what everyone will pay for themselves can prevent any awkwardness later on. This is especially true if the grandparents are treating everyone to a cruise.
Setting onboard spending limits can also be helpful if you’re traveling with older children.
You Don’t Have to Cruise the Same Way
A multigenerational cruise doesn’t work because everyone wants to do the same things. It works because everyone can enjoy the vacation at their own pace and still have plenty of time to do things together.
Plan the important details before you leave, keep your essentials on hand at the start of the cruise, and don’t worry if the family occasionally heads in different directions. You’ll have plenty to talk about when you meet up again for dinner.
