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Some people believe that cruises and kids don’t mix. They may think that a cruise is too boring for a child or that cruises are intended for more romantic, adult getaways. Well, while parents are entitled to have a private vacation every now and then, cruises can still be an excellent alternative when they are planning a more family-oriented vacation. And the notion that a cruise would be boring for a child is far from the case. This is because most cruise ships offer a wealth of activities specially geared for children and teenagers.

An example of such a program is Carnival Cruise Line’s ‘Camp Carnival’. Through Camp Carnival, (which is geared for children ages 2 to 17), children get entertained from the time they wake up until 12 a.m. Specific activities will depend on what age group the child belongs to. For example, toddlers will be able to embark in story time, face painting, sing-a-longs and other things that would be of interest. The directors watching over them would take care of diaper changing, so there’s no need for worrying about if they need to be potty-trained. On the other hand, older children can participate in jewelry making, dance training, Bingo and other such activities. For teens, the activities are more of a social nature and tend to be ‘younger’ versions of what is available for adults, (with the exception of drinking and gambling).

So, basically kids can be entertained while on the cruise, but what about during an excursion? Well, just because someone is young doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy the types of excursions associated with most cruises. In fact, traveling to another country can be very worthwhile for getting young people to appreciate other cultures. They can see that there is life outside of their own country, life that is varied and beautiful.

All in all, don’t hesitate to bring your kids with you on your next cruise. It is a great experience for them both socially and intellectually. I myself went on my first cruise when I was just 8 years old. I will always be grateful that my parents introduced me to the world of cruising, as the memories associated with those experiences are priceless. Let your kids have those memories too.