When it’s time for summer fun, multiple generations of the same family are increasingly booking a cruise. It’s the hottest trend for this summer. Susan J. Young of Travel Agent Magazine has several suggestions, which I am going to suggest to you. Many of the cruise lines have children’s supervised activity programs and I can definitely find “value-added” items like onboard credit for you. But what I suggest, as does Susan Young, is some other worthwhile upgrades for your family cruise.

Upgrade for Couples’ Time… A successful family cruise isn’t only about the kids. Each family member should enjoy “me” time, and couples need to have a night or two out for romance. In fact, adults (often siblings) from the same family love to spend group time out “on the ship” having drinks, dinner, and dancing the night away. I suggest family members trade-off babysitting each other’s children on certain evenings. You can explore the ship or a port without the kids. You might even think of the whole adult group going out together. You can put the children in the cruise line’s group babysitting or supervised evening activity program.

Upgrade and Spread Out… By this, I mean a larger balcony accommodation or even connecting staterooms. Yes, it is more money, but what you get in return is the ability to move around the cabin and not be on top of each other. You also have a view that is matched second to none. I’ve been in an inside cabin with two other adults and it was not worth it. (Yes, it was many years ago.) I waited until the very last minute every night to go back to the cabin. The interior room was like being inside a closet, with no sliding doors or windows to let in sunlight. Nothing I wanted to experience again or have any of my clients experience either.

A private beach cabana is definitely an upgrade from having to coax the kids along on guided tours or entertaining them during long motor coach rides.

Upgrade to A Private Beach Cabana… This is something that goes along with families and kids having a casual beach day. A private beach cabana is definitely an upgrade from having to coax the kids along on guided tours or entertaining them during long motor coach rides. I suggest families rent a private beach cabana. While some cabanas are only for suite guests, cruise lines often open them up for bookings to other guests if space is not reserved. You will need to check the cruise line’s policy well in advance, as cabanas tend to book up fast. For example, Royal Caribbean International operates CocoCay in the Bahamas and Labadee on Haiti’s northern coast; both have cabana rentals.

Upgrade by knowing the entertainment before you cruise… You can map out some entertainment knowing what cruise and activities are happening on the ship. Most contemporary and premium lines have wonderful entertainment, like the complimentary “Legally Blonde” show on Norwegian’s Cruise Line. Some entertainment might carry a price, but I would suggest it’s worth it. There can be a magic dinner-theater show for which advanced reservations are highly recommended. If you love a particular singer or group, a cruise can be just the right venue. The line-up includes Chicago, Daughtry, Gavin DeGraw, Jennifer Hudson, Jewel, Kansas, Lady Antebellum…the list goes on. There is plenty of entertainment for the kids.

Upgrade with shore excursions… Spending time ashore can be very important for a family. The ultimate family excursion is a customized, private shore tour either with a private car and driver or a very small mini-bus. Customization means the small family group can design its own tour, stop as needed for snacks or bathroom breaks, or just pop into an attraction that looks interesting. For example, at a Tuscan Villa you can enjoy pizza making, or in Alaska enjoy dog mushing or glacier viewing by helicopter.

You can relieve those special memories over and over. So worth it!

Any or all of these suggestions… can upgrade your family cruise. I have many clients who have taken these suggestions and have done multiple upgrades, later to tell me that it made the time they were together so special. The extra cost is well worth the memories, which last forever. You can relieve those special memories over and over. So worth it!