| Go With Your
Grandkids On A Cruise Increasingly, grandparents are vacationing with their grandchildren who
may live in other parts of the country because of parents' jobs or split
families. Or just because it's ideal for cementing their relationship
without the parents around.
"Because grandparents tend to retire younger these days," says Vicki
Freed, chairperson of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and
Carnival Cruise Lines' senior vice president sales and marketing, "they
want to spend quality time with their grandkids. And a cruise vacation
offers more variety and things to do for both grandparents and children
than on a land-based vacation."
She cites the varied children's programs found onboard -"children are
usually happier in children's programs"- and the opportunities for
generations to come together at dinner and other times that they wish,
such as playing around the pool or touring ashore.
"On a land-based vacation," she adds, "grandparents might be exhausted
by a hot theme park, or little ones may not find enough to do at
gambling-based resorts. Here, everyone finds appealing activities."
The kids' programs are sure to help youngsters find their newest best
friend, making a cruise vacation zoom to the top of the list.
And, as all-inclusive trips, cruises provide an easy and often
economical way to vacation. Cruise rates include accommodations, food
and entertainment, and sometimes day camp programs and air
transportation. More and more have inaugurated some form of day camp,
which grands may choose so they don't get worn out entertaining the
little ones or have to forego their afternoon naps.
Remember special precautions, such as bringing the child's medications,
books and games. You should also have a letter signed by the parents
authorizing any necessary medical attention and - in the case of
divorced families - a notarized letter by the custodial parent granting
permission for the child to travel with you (need we mention the
possibility of other parent-kidnapping?).
Of course, it's OK for grandmoms and granddads to indulge the kids more
than the parents do, but they shouldn't overstep important food allergy
rules or stretch bedtimes by too much. |
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And while most ships offer kids' menus of favorites such as hot dogs,
fried chicken and pb&j, we've learned this is a great opportunity to try
dishes that might be costly experiments in a restaurant. Some ships
offer 24-hour pizzerias, as well as complimentary ice cream bars.
Remember that prices are usually highest during school vacations, while
special promotions take place during off-peak times.
Itineraries? Caribbean and Alaska cruises attract most families.
Other advice: If you're flying to the ship, have the youngsters bring a
change of underwear and swim suit in their carryon, plus some books,
games and favorite snacks. (Adults take charge of the medicines.)
Luggage sometimes gets lost.
Little ones may need cuddlies such as a favorite stuffed doll or blanket
- or even a nightlight - to help sleep. However, they'll probably be so
exhausted from all the fun that, along with the ship's gentle rocking,
dreamland should be no problem.
Cruise ships usually carry motion sickness medication (although that's
rarely a problem with today's stabilized ships), and have an infirmary
with physician and nurse onboard.
Older kids may want to bring a simple camera (even the smallest can
usually manage a disposable) and a diary or logbook. The inadvertent
education makes long-term impressions. And make sure someone takes your
picture together - the staff photographer will be sure to snap you, but
we've found the dining room crew more than willing.
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