What is a 'family cruise'?

What is a 'family cruise'?

Dorothy Jordon (Family Travel Expert) gives expert video advice on: How can my family enjoy the beach and avoid the crowds?; What types of cruises are offered to families?; What US city destinations are good for family vacations? and more...

A family cruise is when you go on a cruise ship with your family. It is a wonderful thing to do, because regardless of the makeup of your family, there's something for everyone. Theres something for somebody who doesn't even want to enjoy the great outdoors. I used to think that where you stopped on your cruise was important, but as somebody who has learned to love cruising, I think it is actually not that important. I enjoy a lot of the time spent at sea, and I also like getting off the ship. For families, I think it's important too. The cost of shore excursions can be exorbitant if you add it up - if you're one person and you're paying $90 a day for shore excursion, it doesn't sound like that much. If you add in four of you, it's probably going to cost you around $270 (full price for each adult, half price for the kids). It is a lot of money if you add it up every day. For that same $100, you could rent a car and a driver right at the port, and have them take you around all day. There is a wonderful book by Candy Stapen on cruise vacations, that I think does more justice to things to do on shore excursions for families than anyone else - it's one of the best books around. But essentially, that is what a cruise vacation is. Are there trips that are more family friendly? Absolutely.