5 reasons why cruising is the best way to plan an international vacation with kids
Traveling anywhere with children can feel like a daunting task. But the idea of planning and executing travel to a foreign country with little ones in tow can feel downright frightening for first-timers. As traveling parents, we’ve all been there. You want your children to immerse themselves in new cultures and gain the rewards of experiencing something new and exciting. However, the thought of arriving in a new country only to find that there is nothing on the menu for your picky toddler to eat has made you abort the mission a handful of times.
If this is your life’s story, then I’m here to tell you that there is a much easier and stress-free way to dip your toes into an enjoyable international travel experience with kids. Choose a cruise.
These are the five reasons I think cruising with kids is the best way to conquer international travel as a family.
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Cruises require minimal planning on your part
If you’ve ever desired an International trip that was essentially planned for you, then taking a cruise vacation is the perfect option. Cruise lines offer multiple international itineraries based on which port you'd like to cruise from and the type of destinations you’re interested in cruising to. You can visit the Caribbean, Europe, the South Pacific, Mediterranean and more.
These itineraries offer activities each day -- both on board and at the ports of call. Just refer to the daily cruise planner that's left in your cabin each evening to learn about the next day's adventures. And, while you can usually explore the ports on your own (though that's a bit different in these times of coronavirus), cruise lines offer pre-planned excursions that are stress-free.
Related: The 9 craziest attractions you’ll find on a cruise ship
The only coordination that you are in charge of is transportation to and from and cruise port (if you don't purchase the cruise line's air and transfer package). And, you'll also have to determine which excursions in port interest you and your family the most.
Go the cruise route and you can plan an international trip in a matter of hours or days.
Cruises offer short and realistic itineraries
One of the hardest decisions when traveling halfway across the world is the length of stay. After hours spent on a flight, there is a constant struggle between the desire to stay in a destination long enough to make it worthwhile and a short enough trip that your children won’t grow bored or antsy from being away from home.
Again, cruise lines offer a wide variety of travel Itineraries ranging from as short as three days to as long as a couple of months spent at sea. In fact, I highly recommend a three-, four- or five- day itinerary for a first family cruise because it is the perfect amount of time to test the waters at international travel yet not feel cheated with your experience for the cost.
Based on your chosen itinerary, you can expect to visit as few as one and as many as three or four international destinations on one trip. Not only are you crossing off multiple destinations on your bucket list at one time with your children but you also have the option to tap out at any time. Explore or stay on the ship when and for as long you choose. Cruises offer incredible flexibility in that aspect.
Related: The ultimate guide to Norwegian Cruise Line
Easily accessible travel documents
Prior to even planning your international getaway, one of the first things you have to conquer is securing all travel documents such as passports and visas for each member of the family. Cruising is an excellent option because minimal travel documents are required. U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises (meaning leaving from and returning to an American port) must present a government-issued birth certificate or passport prior to boarding. (While passports are not required, we highly encourage you to bring yours anyway.)
Related: Everything you need to know about getting your child's passport
Special incentives and activities for children
When you think of a cruise geared toward children, you may instantly think of Disney Cruise Lines. However, the reality is that most cruise lines are geared toward families of all ages and most offer special incentives and activities for children.
Related: 17 tips for sailing on the Disney Cruise Line
Kids cruise free specials
Various cruise lines offer kids cruise free specials on specific voyages. Ages vary but often children under the age of 12 are allowed to sail free per two qualified paid adults on a cruise ship (sharing the same cabin). While you may still be expected to cover taxes, gratuities, port fees and expenses, this deal alone can save you thousands of dollars in international travel costs.
Here are some current kids sail free offers:
- MSC Cruises: Kids 17 and under sail free on select cruises when sailing as the third/fourth guest
- Norwegian Cruise Line: Free cruise fares for third through eighth guest sharing a cabin with the first and second guest paying full fare
- Royal Caribbean: Free cruise fare for third guests and higher who are 12 years old or younger as of cruise departure date, booked in the same stateroom as the first two qualifying guests in a triple or quad-occupancy stateroom
Kids clubs
Most cruise ships also offer kids clubs for children ranging from infant to teen at no additional cost. Parents are able to drop off their kids at the club for an educational and engaging experience with qualified staff members. Child care is also often readily available while ships are stopped at ports of call. So, if you have a kid or teenager who would prefer to stay and enjoy activities on board, adults can head out to explore on port days or date night with free child care.
Kids programming and activities
Aside from the kid’s club, cruise ships also do an amazing job providing programming and activities for all ages. Did you know that children could have an educational or cultural experience right on board? Cruises offer a ton of kid-approved behind-the-scenes activities.
Tour the cruise ship to learn how it all works, learn to make cultural foods like sushi, learn to decorate a cupcake, participate in PE at sea or simply strike up a conversation with staff about the country that they come from. There is a wealth of knowledge and opportunity to be explored on a cruise ship and it only amplifies your children’s international travel experiences.
In addition, if cultural immersion is important to your family’s international travel experience, be sure to book an immersive excursion during your port days. These activities can range from food to cultural heritage tours and beyond. Don’t be afraid to ask the staff for help choosing. Many are very knowledgeable about each port of call.
Cruising is perfect for multigen travel
What better way to commemorate your first international trip as a family than bringing the grandparents? One of the best aspects of cruising is the large variety of offerings for multiple generations. Cruises have something for everyone from the youngest to oldest passenger. It’s a guaranteed good time and the perfect opportunity for kids to bond with their grandparents. Not only is cruising more accessible than flying Internationally but it is also more cost-effective on the wallet.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.