There existed a time when cruising was considered an adults-only vacation. This perception has been rapidly changing, as parents and cruise lines court families have started to realize that cruising for children can be quite an attractive option for vacation. A sea trip can be an enlightening experience for your children, both in terms of exploring new destinations and learning new stuffs on the ship.
Children can immerse themselves in the local culture, wildlife and geographical wonders on the shore. In addition to participating in age-specific children’s programs, they may pick up a few nautical words, learn to socialize with people from other countries, and try new kinds of food as well.
Besides the fun, water-slides and games, here are five reasons why you should take your kids on a sea trip.
- Culture
Travelling certainly takes you out of your comfort zone and provides you a boosted world-view. As part of your cruise planning, find the books for your children about the region you’ll be visiting so as to give them an overview. Onshore, make your children participate in activities such as visiting museums, shopping in markets, watching dance performances, or trying new food items.
Taking your children with you encourages them to participate in different sorts of cultural activities offered by youth programs, such as cooking classes and craft projects. Even if they cannot learn much about their destinations on a voyage, they are likely to learn about a lot of people. The jaunt would be a culturally eye-opening experience for your kids.
- Language
A multicultural environment exists in a cruise ship. Depending on your itinerary, your children may make friends from various countries. The crew members would also be from all over the world, and they may be willing to teach your children a few words in their native tongue.
Similarly, announcements over the public address system may be in several languages and thus, your kids will be benefited from the general exposure to various languages on the journey.
- Wildlife
Sea life is definitely a fascination for kids. Depending on where your itinerary leads you to, you may spot a lot of marine species like dolphins, sea lions, fishes, and whales. You may take older kids under the water on snorkeling treks to view various kinds of colorful fishes and coral.
Various cruises have developed a lot of fun and educational programs for children, emphasizing on marine learning aspect.
- Geography
The kids get an opportunity to learn about the world’s oceans on the family cruise. On various Adventure Ocean programs, fun and games include sessions on how waves are formed. Depending on the travelling plan, there are glaciers, mountains, rainforests, waterfalls, beaches and many more to explore.
To enhance the learning process, you may even involve your children in the voyage planning process, and encourage them to plot your course on a map. You may let them have a say in what places you’re going to visit, or even ask what places they wish to visit.
- Etiquette
Of course your kids are going to explore new places, learn about different culture and languages on the sail, and know about the wildlife. Beyond this fact is another fact that they will be eating in a dining room, ordering their meals through waiters, and talking with adults. On this time being, they are expected to behave.
Sea trips are the great place for your kids for lessons such as how to use your napkin, the proper use of tableware, saying “please” and “thank you” , and being courteous to people. They learn how to behave in such social settings.
So, if your family vacation would bring your children the opportunity to have fun, and as well as have some educational experience, why not take them for a fun-filled adventure?
Bon Voyage!
