Going Places: Cruising with kids

By Liz Fleming

Reached the point where the kids would rather go to the dentist than on a family holiday? It may be time to rethink your vacation plans.

When our boys had reached a stage where they wanted more freedom than we were willing to concede, it was time for a change in family vacation strategy. Why not a cruise, we wondered?

Most cruise lines offer some version of children's programming, with the most extensive offerings available during the summer months and over the Christmas and March break holidays. Some of the larger lines, such as Royal Caribbean, have on-board ice-skating, surfing and rock-climbing facilities, special kids only (and adults only!) pools, dining areas and menus geared for younger diners, alcohol free discos and, occasionally, escorted on-shore programming.

In most cases, activities that take place on the ship are free of charge (with the exception of after-hours babysitting), but on-shore activities involve additional fees. While costs vary, you should expect prices ranging from $25-$100 U.S. per person, depending on the activity.

Disney Cruises for example, offers a fully-staffed daycare program for children of all ages. The size of the ship dictates the extent of the children's programming, with larger ships often hosting as many as 300-400 children in a given week. Young passenger to staff ratios can be high on the larger ships - check to ensure that you're comfortable with the supervision being offered

Children's programming on cruise ships is designed with two purposes in mind. The first is to give children a unique vacation experience, complete with learning opportunities about the various ports of call visited and the ship itself. The second, and equally important purpose is to provide parents with time to enjoy the amenities of the ship and, in some cases, adult-oriented shore excursions. (Note: Some ships have provisions for daycare for your children should you choose to leave the ship without them, while others don't. Check before you make your plans.)

The fun usually begins between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. and can run as late as 1 a.m. Evening programs often include movie and games nights, complete with popcorn and treats.

With the younger set happily ensconced in the movie room, parents can feel free to linger over a late dinner, visit the casino, catch a show or stroll the deck in the moonlight.

If your children are too young to take part in evening programs, private babysitting can also be arranged in your cabin. Prices vary but don't expect to pay the rates charged by the girl across the street at home.

Private shipboard babysitting can be as much as $20-$25 U.S. per hour, although group rates in the daycare centers are much lower.

Sometimes, no programming at all is necessary. Our sons discovered other boys and a ping-pong table. Thus, a week-long, hotly contested, blood-and-guts ping-pong championship was launched.

Sometimes, late in the evening, when no one else was around, even the parents were invited to play. I'd like to tell you that we cleaned their clocks on those occasions, but the sad truth is, we didn't.