Multi-generational cruising is more popular than ever for good reason. It is one of the best ways to travel with parents and grandparents. You will find many great opportunities to enjoy family time and make memories for everyone. Check out these tips to help you get the most out of your cruise with grandparents.
Choose the Right Cruise
There are several factors to consider when choosing the right cruise for a multigenerational trip with grandparents. Ensure the cruise line you choose has amenities of the quality level your family expects. Ship size will depend on the family members you are traveling with. Some people prefer the more laid-back and less hectic atmosphere of a smaller ship. Others may prefer large ships, which have more options and amenities to enjoy with their family. Choose an itinerary that has ports your grandparents are interested in visiting but also has sea days to rest.
Take into consideration any mobility restrictions
Mobility is an essential factor in choosing what to do on your cruise. Plan activities in a way that minimizes walking around the ship if needed. Prioritize what you want to accomplish together ahead of time in case your grandparents get tired and can’t do as many activities as you. If you plan to meet family members on the ship, it’s better to arrange to meet at the destination instead of trying to connect in a public space to minimize waiting time. For example, instead of meeting outside the restaurant, suggest meeting directly at the dinner table.
Choose port excursions with grandparents in mind
Port excursions are a great way to spend time with parents and grandparents. Choose excursions that have an appropriate activity level for everyone in the family. Look carefully at the entire itinerary; the leisurely Jeep ride along the beach may also include a zip line ride at the end! Even if the activity level on the excursion is appropriate, consider the about of walking too. Getting from the meeting point on the ship to transportation on land can be a lot of walking. Know ahead of time if lunch is included. You don’t want to have a big buffet breakfast to find out that a beautiful local lunch is included an hour into the excursion.
Respect their space
When going on a cruise with grandparents, it’s crucial to have open communication and respect their wishes for alone time. To ensure that everyone has a fun and satisfying vacation, it’s essential to strike a balance between group activities, one-on-one moments with family members, and individual relaxation time. Inform your travel companions about the activities you have planned, but keep in mind that their attendance is optional. Pressuring others to participate in every activity with you does not lead to meaningful memories.
Stay connected
Most cruise lines have an app with free text messaging between passengers. Setting these apps up can be complicated though. Consider helping the less tech-savvy folks in your family set the app up for family messaging and make sure they know how to use it. Plans change unexpectedly, so make sure your entire family is up to date so they don’t feel left out. Letting your grandparents know where you are is a great way to invite them to join you in a low-pressure way. If you don’t want to use phones to communicate, that is fine. Leaving notes on paper or using walkie-talkies is also a viable communication option.
Choose your cabin with the whole family in mind
Choose ahead of time how close together you want the cabins to be. Connecting rooms can be a good option for families traveling together. Most cruise ships have limited connecting rooms, so planning ahead is necessary. If you choose not to have a connecting door, you can still access your grandparents’ room through the balcony divider, which the cabin steward can open. If being directly adjacent isn’t right for you and your family or isn’t in your budget, that’s fine too. Booking on the same deck, especially near the same elevator lobby, works well too. It will just require a little more coordination to meet up.
Document the trip for your grandparents (and yourself)
Cruising with your grandparents is going to give you a bunch of great photo opportunities you may not have in normal day-to-day life. Take this opportunity to get some great multi-generational pictures. There are many formal opportunities for photos, but don’t forget some of the more low-key moments. Pictures of you and your grandparents at dinner or just relaxing in the stateroom might become cherished. Speaking of prints, don’t forget to have some of the photos you take printed and sent to your grandparents. Calendars and photo books with pictures from your cruise together make perfect gifts too!
Take special safety precautions into account
Take an active role in ensuring your grandparents have a safe and enjoyable trip. It’s important to confirm with them in advance that they have enough of their prescribed medications, including an extra five days of supply. Make sure they have travel insurance and know its coverage and underwriter for emergency assistance. Travel insurance is important for everyone, but as people age the chances of needing its coverage increase. The whole family will be able to enjoy the trip more knowing everybody has their back in the event of an emergency.
Pack your patience
A family cruise is a wonderful way to bond and create memories together. However, it’s important to remember that patience is key. Nothing can ruin a family trip faster than losing your cool and getting frustrated with your loved ones. Take your time and savor every experience at a pace that suits everyone in your family. It’s also important to be prepared for changes to your itinerary. No matter how well you plan, unexpected events can disrupt your schedule. Instead of getting upset, try to go with the flow and embrace the new experiences that come your way. When you focus on relaxing and enjoying the present moment, you’ll find that your trip becomes even more enjoyable. So remember to take deep breaths, stay calm, and cherish every moment of your family time.
Take dietary restrictions into account
When planning a cruise vacation with your grandparents, it is important to consider their dietary restrictions. While cruise ships offer a wide range of culinary options, not all may be appropriate for your grandparents. Therefore, it is advisable to plan ahead and select restaurants that are suitable for the whole family. Additionally, it is crucial to inform your waiter of any dietary restrictions as soon as possible. Most cruise lines are great at accommodating guests with dietary restrictions and ensuring they are taken care of, leading to a more enjoyable experience for the whole family.
Going on a cruise with your parents and grandparents is an excellent way to create memories that will last a lifetime. In this fast-paced world, it’s crucial to take the time to bond with your loved ones by sharing experiences. However, it’s important to consider their needs and desires, as this will make the trip more enjoyable for everyone involved.
What tips for traveling with grandparents did we miss? Comment below with your best tip for multigenerational cruises.
