Five Reasons to Take Your Extended Family on a Cruise

Multi-generational cruising

Vacationing with extended family has become more popular as today’s busy families have found a fun way to connect and spend quality time together.  According to Greg Nacco, vice president of Cruise Specialists, one of the latest and greatest trends in the industry is the enhancing of what can be offered and done for family reunions.  “Multi-generational travel is at an all-time high and more and more of our clients are coming to us with requests to bring three to four generations of family on a cruise,” explained Nacco.

Five reasons you should consider taking your extended family on a cruise vacation:

1. Appeals to Entire Family.  A cruise is often a great option for holding a small or large family gathering as it appeals to the young and old, and everyone in between.  “Cruises lend themselves beautifully to a varied audience.  With so many different levels of activity and programming, cruises can please every member of the family, whether it is childcare, teen adventures, bingo, wine and culinary interests or even playing blackjack,” added Nacco.
2. Stress-free Vacation.  Once you all arrive at the cruise terminal, you don’t have to worry about coordinating transportation, lodging, meals and entertainment for everyone in your family as you might on another type of vacation.  A cruise provides all of that for you so you can relax and enjoy spending time with your loved ones.
3. Quality Time with Relatives.  Cruises offer families a chance to bond over new experiences together both on and off the ship. Children will remember the exciting snorkeling excursion they took with their cousins, or simply hanging out at the pool with Grandma and Grandpa.  Many families choose to embark on their own adventures during the day and then meet up with the rest of their extended families each evening on the ship for dinner and evening festivities.     
4. Ample Reunion Space.  A cruise can accommodate your reunion whether your family consists of 25 people or over 100 relatives.  Your travel agent can help you secure cabins and dinner tables near each other, and even help you plan a private special celebration or gathering with the entire family onboard the ship. 
5. Built-in Babysitters.  Many parents with young kids will appreciate having Grandma and Grandpa (or other relatives) around to help babysit so they too can get away on their own for a spa treatment, special dinner or even an uninterrupted nap on deck. 

Cruise Specialists’ Founder Janet Lanterman recently received the Top Travel Specialist honor from Condé Nast Traveler magazine for the twelfth year in a row for her expertise in planning multi-generational cruises.  Let Cruise Specialists help plan your next cruise with your extended family in tow.

Related posts:

1. Guide to Cruise Line Family Policies
2. A Family’s “Diaper” Bucket List
3. Top 10 Reasons to Cruise this Holiday Season
4. Family Cruising with Nickelodeon and Dreamworks
5. Last-Minute Family Spring Break Cruise Deals | #CruiseChat