Sea Tales 2023/2024 Family Cruise Travel Planner

lifestyles of many cruisers. Every meal offers healthy choices as part of their already extensive food selections, which are prepared under the direction of some of the greatest chefs in the world. Plus, there are plenty of activities on board and off to help people burn away any extra calories during their vacation.

Myth No. 9: A cruise ship cabin is claustrophobic; my family will be climbing the walls!

Reality: An inside economy cabin does tend to be small and usually lacks a window. An outside cabin (ocean view) has a window or porthole, while a balcony (verandah) cabin has a glass door leading to a balcony that is usually equipped with a small table and chairs. Most ships feature larger suites for those who truly need more space, but realistically, with all the goings-on on board, most passengers spend a limited amount of time in their cabins, and it’s a non-issue.

Myth No. 10: We’ll probably all get seasick on a cruise.

Reality: Even if you suffer from motion sickness during car rides or on airplanes, it is unlikely you will become seasick on a cruise ship. Due to their immense size and the stabilizers that all ships are equipped with, you probably won’t notice any motion at all. Some parts of the ocean, however, are rougher than others. If you do get seasick, medications are available on board to get you back on your feet quickly.

Myth No. 11: We’ll be completely out of touch and unreachable at sea.

Reality: While some people relish the thought of getting away from it all, the cruise industry realizes many folks want (or need) to stay in touch. Cell phone connectivity is standard across the industry, and wireless Internet has progressed in leaps and bounds in recent years. As an example, Royal Caribbean’s 4,180-passenger ship Quantum of the Seas has enough bandwidth that friends and family can follow along on your cruise, watching what’s happening via tweets, Facebook, and other social media posts—even your personal blog, if you have one. These developments are of course a response to passengers’ need to be fully connected while on vacation. It’s a huge leap forward in technology, as historically Internet connections aboard ships have been much slower than on land, and data restrictions are in place. Fees currently range from $15 to $30 a day for unlimited usage. Armed with the facts, you’re ready to start preparing for your family cruise vacation. In these pages, you’ll read about the different types and sizes of ships, what to expect from the lines, what’s included in your cruise, and more. Learn more about the programs, activities, and entertainment on board, as well as what the cruise lines offer for onshore activities. We hope you’ll find all the answers you’re looking for (and learn much, much more!) to get your family cruise vacation kick-started. Happy planning!

Policies subject to change without notice, always check with your travel agent regarding pregnancy policies and children age policies prior to booking your cruise.

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