2024 marked a significant milestone for our family, with all three kids reaching graduation – our eldest from high school and our twins from junior high. To commemorate these achievements, we decided to offer them a choice: a celebratory party or an unforgettable family vacation. Opting for the latter, and with our oldest soon heading off to college, we embarked on a seven-day Alaskan adventure aboard our very first Family Cruise Ship.
The anticipation was high, and the experience was genuinely incredible. However, as first-time cruisers, there were definitely aspects we wish we had been more prepared for. Learning from our experiences, here are four key takeaways to help your family smoothly navigate your first family cruise ship vacation.
Save Money by Switching to Airplane Mode on Your Phones
In today’s world, our smartphones are indispensable. While we intentionally skipped the family cruise ship’s Wi-Fi package to disconnect and fully appreciate Alaska’s stunning scenery, we overlooked a crucial step: airplane mode.
Unbeknownst to us, venturing away from land meant our phones automatically connected to “Cellular at Sea,” a satellite-based service. This connectivity comes at a steep price. Within just hours of departure, we racked up a staggering $100 in charges before AT&T intervened and cut off data access until we contacted them. This was an expensive lesson learned! For future family cruise ship adventures, activating airplane mode immediately upon departure is a must. Consider exploring cruise-specific cellular packages with your provider beforehand to stay connected without bill shock.
Don’t Miss Out on Formal Night Fun on Your Family Cruise Ship
Our family leans towards casual attire – jeans and t-shirts are our staples. While we packed dressier outfits for onboard dinners, the concept of a dedicated “formal night” on our family cruise ship simply wasn’t on our radar.
We were aware of dress codes for certain dining venues but didn’t realize one evening would be a full-fledged dress-up affair for most passengers. We ended up skipping dinner in the main dining room that night, opting for the buffet instead (a frequent choice for us anyway). We weren’t alone in our casual attire, but in retrospect, knowing about formal night beforehand would have allowed us to participate in the festive atmosphere. Packing a dress or suit for formal night adds a touch of elegance and fun to your family cruise ship experience.
Shore Excursions Booked Independently Can Be More Affordable for Families
It’s no secret that family cruise ship vacations aren’t budget-friendly. So, when it came to booking shore excursions in Alaska, we anticipated high prices. However, the actual cost of cruise line excursions still took us by surprise.
Fortunately, in nearly every port we visited, independent tour operators were readily available to pick up passengers right at the dock, offering similar experiences at significantly lower prices. For example, a dog sledding adventure, a must-do in Alaska, was offered by our family cruise ship at a premium. By booking with a local company, we saved over 50% on the same activity!
The key is to research reputable third-party excursion providers in advance. Crucially, confirm their schedule aligns with the ship’s departure time to guarantee you’re back on board before sailing – the ship will not wait if you’re late! Booking independently can substantially reduce costs for families on family cruise ship vacations, allowing you to experience more for your money.
Prime Deck Space on Family Cruise Ship Days at Sea is Competitive
On days when the family cruise ship is sailing and not docked at a port, securing a desirable spot on deck can be challenging. Breakfast tables with ocean views, window-side couches, and poolside lounge chairs become highly sought-after commodities.
Instead of waking up early to stake out prime poolside real estate, we opted for extra sleep. However, this meant we had to settle for less-than-ideal seating when we did venture to the deck. Instead of panoramic ocean and mountain vistas, we found ourselves in a more central, less scenic location near the ship’s restrooms.
While a prime deck spot enhances relaxation, especially on sea days, consider alternative onboard activities if securing the perfect lounge chair isn’t a priority. Explore the family cruise ship’s many other amenities, such as onboard shows, kids’ clubs, or indoor lounges, to fully enjoy your day at sea.
Despite these minor first-time cruising missteps, our family cruise ship vacation was an overwhelmingly positive and memorable experience. For our next voyage on the seas, we’ll undoubtedly be better informed and even more prepared to maximize our enjoyment.
