Cruising: A Vacation Victory
     by Nancy Norris

“Wow, is this fun!”….  “Awesome!”…. “I love it here!”…. “Is it over already!”….  Ahhhh! The sounds of vacation victory!  Anyone who has ever traveled with a child knows how challenging it is to keep everyone happy and successes always seem short-lived.  Traveling as a single parent provides additional challenges since there is no one to share the burden of responsibility, or offer relief when you have tired of entertaining.   Having “been there, done that” myself and desperately seeking a solution to this vacation dilemma, the world of cruising became my vacation haven.  If you have not yet discovered the joys of this vacation gem, then let me share its many facets.

            There are many benefits of a cruise for both parent and child, but since the child’s needs are paramount to pulling off a vacation victory, let’s first look at the rewards of cruising through their eyes.  Cruises provide a level of freedom that children seldom, if ever, can experience on land.  Fearing for their safety, children can’t leave a hotel room without a parent in tow.  For that matter, even leaving their own yards at home can be “risky business”.  Not so, on a cruise.  Within the confines of the ship, children have a safe and secure environment in which to roam.  Under the watchful eye of highly qualified youth counselors, children can plan their own day freely. They are safe and loving it, after all, freedom IS fun!!  Even within the parameters of responsible parenting, older children’s normal curfew’s can be stretched a bit. (By the way, as my daughter reached her teen years, this was one of her very favorite aspects of cruising.  Here’s a tip that might help to make this work to your advantage: She was still required to check in with me by her normal curfew hour, but if there was a special activity planned for her age group, I became her hero by graciously allowing her that little bit of extra time to participate.)  The bonus is, I too, got to stay out later without worrying. rrying.

            The extensive children’s programs many cruise ships offer is guaranteed to keep the “I’m Bored” Bug quarantined.  From toddlers to active teens there are separate age appropriate activities and facilities to suit and satisfy all their needs.  Some cruise lines even offer separate shore excursion activities for the junior set.  Innovative and comprehensive, these youth programs are professionally staffed and FREE (with the exception of babysitting services after hours), which is not the case with many hotel or land based packages.

            As a former teacher, I value incorporating educational opportunities into a vacation experience.  Cruise lines have addressed that need and many provide extensive education-oriented activities as part of their daily program.  In addition to planned activities, the cruise itself provides a myriad of learning opportunities.  A cruise ship provides children with a safe and clean environment as their portal to the world, exposing them to other cultures and languages.  Some of my most cherished memories are those in which I saw the world through my daughter’s eyes.  In great part, I attribute her social skills and graces, as a young adult, to her exposure of proper manners, etiquette and cultural diversity on cruises.

            Special children’s menus in the main dining room, numerous alternative dining venues and special youth staff supervised dinners (with “kid friendly” food) are geared to appeal to even the finickiest eaters.  Never fear, the dining room staff goes out of their way to assure that dining is a pleasure (for both parent and child).  Not only are your children catered to, but most likely you will be seated at a table where there are other children and ADULTS.  Adult conversation at dinner can often be a rare commodity in the life of a single parent.  It is the perfect opportunity for making new friends.  And who knows, if you are really lucky, as I have been on numerous occasions, your dining companion may just be another single parent.

            But, that is only half the story.  Cruising provides parents with a “real vacation” (particularly single parents).  All-inclusive and affordable, you are spared the usual logistical hassles with organizing the traditional vacation.  Transportation, accommodations, all meals and entertainment are included. One phone call to a travel agent and every aspect of your trip can be orchestrated.  Connecting rooms, rollaways, cribs and family suites are the norm.  Deep discounted prices are offered to the 3^rd, 4^th and even 5^th person sharing a stateroom.  Travel with ease to a variety of locations. Unpack once and you have a “home” for the duration of your trip.  Then there is the pampering! From the minute you walk aboard the ship you are made to feel special.  Just think, no cooking, cleaning, making beds, chauffeuring!  Even late night snacks and entertainment (for everyone) is provided. Looking forward to lounging in the sun, reading a book, working out, or having a spa treatment UNINTERRUPTED!  The plethora of youth program activities your child has chosen for the day will guarantee a respite from parental supervision. Enjoy! A cruise offers you time to relax and have fun, together and apart.  So hop aboard! Vacation victory is close at hand!

Nancy Norris
TrvlJrnlst@aol.com