Sixteen years ago, my husband and I embarked on our very first cruise through the southern Caribbean for our honeymoon. From elegant dining experiences to relaxing days by the pool, and the convenience of visiting several destinations without the hassle of constantly repacking, we were completely enchanted by cruising from that moment on.
After becoming parents, we took three more cruises over the next decade, exploring Alaska, Bermuda, and the Bahamas. Each time we escaped without the kids, we found the much-needed break that helped us rejuvenate before diving back into parenting and the routine of daily life.
However, when COVID hit, cruising became a distant dream. As someone who is immunosuppressed, our vacations shifted to mountain getaways that allowed for social distancing. Yet, I couldn’t shake off the longing for the gentle sway of the sea, the joy of meeting fellow travelers, and the attentive service that comes with a cruise.
This past January, after my husband managed to secure his vacation during our boys’ spring break, I turned to Google to explore last-minute options. Comparing all-inclusive resorts with cruises, I found that cruising was by far the more affordable choice for our family of four. The allure of Coco Cay, the Royal Caribbean island just north of Nassau, captured my attention. A cruise to the Bahamas was leaving from Bayonne, New Jersey, just a short drive from our home. It felt like a sign, so we booked, rekindling our love for cruising.
With our boys, ages 10 and 13, on board for the first time, I discovered that cruising isn’t just for parents; it’s also a fantastic family vacation. The numerous onboard activities kept my boys engaged throughout our trip. Enjoying a tropical beach like Coco Cay was a dream, offering the pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters that our local Jersey shore lacks.
Onboard, when they weren’t swimming or hanging out in the hot tub, my boys were playing soccer and basketball in a state-of-the-art sports arena or trying out unique adventures like iFLY, FlowRider (a surf simulator), and bumper cars. Evenings were lively with music and entertainment, while activities like rock climbing, cooking classes, and exercise programs were always around the corner. My sushi-loving teen and I enjoyed a sushi-making class, which was a delightful experience. The cruise line app kept us updated on the myriad of activities, ensuring that we didn’t miss out on anything.
It felt like my boys had stepped back into a safer, carefree world. Cruises provide a secure environment where older kids can explore independently while still being in a family-friendly space. The boundaries of the ship create a perfect haven for teens seeking a sense of freedom, along with areas for tweens to roam safely.
Cruising also addresses many travel challenges families face. Dining in elegant restaurants while the ship sails to a new port means you can introduce your children to multiple cultures without the hassle of packing and unpacking—plus, you don’t have to endure the backseat squabbles that often accompany road trips.
From building friendships by the pool to finding dedicated hangout spaces for teens, kids often meet others their age and form lasting connections. My youngest made a friend on the first day of our cruise, and they’ve stayed in touch ever since.
While my husband and I used to see cruising as a getaway from parenting, I’ve come to believe that cruising is a wonderful family vacation, and we have no plans to sail without our boys in the future.