How a week at sea surrounded by children turned me in to a cruising convert

When it came to cruising — especially with the kids — I’d always been a little sceptical. But this week at sea completely changed my tune.

So you’ve been considering a cruise for your next family holiday but aren’t so sure if it’s the thing for you.

Well, if you’re looking to start your holiday as soon as you set foot on board then this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

If the idea of no cooking, washing, whingeing or screens for your next family holiday sounds too good to be true, think again.

I recently took the family on our first cruise, and while my husband was somewhat sceptical about the idea of living with a few thousand people in close quarters for 10 days, he has now changed his tune. Meanwhile, the kids have rated it their best holiday yet.

My kids said it was their best holiday yet.

From the moment we stepped foot on board we instantly switched into holiday mode. There was no waiting around at airports or long car trips with “are we there yet’” on repeat in the back seat. You simply arrive, slip through customs, check-in, don your lanyard and just like that you’re on holiday.

Most of us have now transitioned from holiday dormancy and back to the daily grind. So if you’re looking for your light at the end of the tunnel and your next family getaway, here are a few top tips for cruising with kids.

TRAVEL WITH FRIENDS (FOR BOTH YOU AND THE KIDS)

A cruise ship is like an enclosed playground for both adults and kids alike. Not only will the kids entertain each other, but you will have someone to wine and dine with and share the kid-sitting duties.

NO NEED FOR SCREENS

Set yourselves and the phones to holiday mode. Given the endless activities on offer from the pools, slides, games, art classes, dance classes, trivia, stage shows, comedy, gaming machines (for you and the kids), piano bars, pubs, clubs and more, there is absolutely no need for screens.

It might be worth cruising with another family if the kids are coming along.

The wi-fi isn’t cheap, which is not surprising given you’re in the middle of the ocean so it keeps the kids and parents off the screens. Let’s face it, it’s the digital detox most of us need and can afford.

LET THE KIDS ROAM FREE

I have a six and eight-year-old who are at an age where the idea of independence is almost as good as Christmas. By day two, with their Garmin watches on hand, we allowed the kids to travel around the ship to various activities throughout the day. We provided them with a time at regular intervals where they had to meet — at the pool or for lunch — and they loved every minute of it.

There’s games rooms for kids and adults.

How I became a cruise convert.

We gave them a few rules such as stay out of other people’s cabins and listen to all of the staff on board. There’s one staff member to every three guests, so with so many friendly faces around and cameras scattered throughout the ship, we were all in safe hands. They could stop for free pizza or ice cream (both on offer 24/7) and hang out with their new BFFs. Something we didn’t do — but wished we did — was take a decent pair of walkie talkies. There’s little if any phone reception in the Pacific so I definitely recommend taking a pair so you can communicate with each other. These and a camera should be the only pieces of tech you need.

GET INVOLVED AND PLAN AHEAD

There’s so much on offer and the themed nights are your chance to let loose and have fun as a family. Don’t hold back, get into the swing of it, dress up and have a laugh. The island visits are a must do too. You will experience some of the most beautiful natural aquariums and snorkelling the world has to offer plus meet the smiles and harmonies of the local tribes.

Taking time out off the ship is a must do.

These untapped beauties are well worth the visit, and the sand literally feels like flour between your toes. So, make sure you download the app as soon as you get on board. This will be your personal timetable of activities for the trip. At breakfast or dinner each day spend time as a family planning your activities for the next day. You will need to book the island tours on day one as these book out fast. All of the planning will help build the excitement and anticipation for both you and the kids.

LIFE IS EASY AS

From the moment you don your lanyard, life couldn’t be much easier. There’s no need for credit cards, cash, room keys or passports as the lanyard is all of these in one. The kids each wear a wristband for the entire trip so they can’t get lost too. Everything is done for you just like any nice hotel with warm bath and pool towels delivered each day and no need to make the beds! The food was so much better than we expected. The burgers off the grill, fresh taco bar, three-course meals and steakhouse restaurant were all top notch.

How I became a cruise convert.

SPEND SOME TIME IN THE ADULTS-ONLY AREA

Let’s face it, while we love our friends and family, you deserve some me time. While there’s so much on offer, you can just sit by the pool with a book or cocktail in hand and stare at the endless blue ocean. There’s something quite tranquil and relaxing about this space that is a must while on a cruise. The coffee, cocktails and frozen margaritas were spot on too. Don’t forget you can purchase duty-free items on board, so if you need a new pair of sunnies or are looking to top up on spirits, this can all be done on board. If you’re the sporty type, you’ll be pleased to know the gym/spa is for adults only, so you can work off the burgers and cocktails (minus the kids) at your own leisure.

Ensure you give yourself some time out from the family areas while on board.

We travelled on a nine night/10-day cruise to New Caledonia on the Carnival Spirit and visited four islands including the Isle of Pines, Maré, Lifou and Noumea. There’s lots of deals running around this time of year up until March, and the other good time to book is around September/October.

A final tip if you’re travelling without the kids and don’t have to go in school holidays, look for cruises sailing the South Pacific outside the holidays in winter. These typically have great rates as they are off-peak and the South Pacific is sunny all year round. Happy travelling.

The writer travelled on board the Carnival Spirit cruise ship as a guest.