Why Cruising Is Our Favorite Way to Travel as a Family

Every family vacations differently—and cruising just works so well for ours.

For a long time, our vacations were laser-focused on the kids. We stressed over itineraries, admission tickets, and endless calls to guest services to make sure our autistic daughter, Charleston, would be properly accommodated. Every detail mattered, and while the kids always had a great time, the pressure was constant.

Over the years, we’ve learned something important: the best vacations are the ones where the kids have an amazing time and we do too. We work hard. We deserve time to relax and even play a little—without the added weight of planning and decision fatigue.

Cruising helped us find that rhythm. It allows everyone to enjoy themselves without burnout, without constant logistics, and without feeling like we’re managing a full-time operation while trying to relax. It offers freedom and balance in a way few other travel styles do.

Built-In Convenience (That Actually Feels Relaxing)

Cruises operate on structure—and for our family, that’s a gift. Meals, entertainment, transportation, and accommodations are all handled in one place. We’re not researching restaurants every night, navigating unfamiliar roads, or constantly checking the clock.

The logistics are taken care of, which leaves more space for us to connect, rest, and enjoy.

A Vacation That Works for Kids and Parents

One of the biggest reasons cruising shines for families is that everyone gets something out of it.

The kids are entertained—sometimes endlessly. Activities, clubs, shows, splash pads, and spaces designed just for them mean they’re engaged and happy. That freedom gives parents the rare opportunity to actually slow down.

And yes—time for ourselves matters too.

A Structured Environment With Room to Breathe

Cruising offers flexibility to do the things you want and ditch the things you don't. You can fill your day from morning to night—or do very little at all. There’s no guilt or pressure either way.

We’ve learned to approach each day in intervals:

• Mornings belong to the kids. We usually check out the things our children are most interested in during this time. We might visit the pool or some of the kid activities like story times or parades.

• Afternoons are for family time. We take this opportunity to play a round of mini golf or hit the onboard arcade for some family fun.

• Evenings are reserved for mommy and daddy. After dinner, we check the kids into the kid club and find a show or some other activity we want to enjoy together without the kids.

That structure has made our trips smoother, calmer, and far more enjoyable.

Bigger Ships, Better Experiences

As cruise ships have grown, so have the possibilities—and that evolution has made cruising even more appealing for our family. Today’s ships feel less like transportation and more like floating destinations, packed with diverse spaces and endless ways to spend the day.

We’re especially drawn to newer ships with modern amenities, more dining options, and layouts that give everyone room to spread out. We typically choose connecting rooms which gives our growing kids the independence they crave while still keeping us close, and we always choose an oceanview or balcony. Natural light changes everything—it keeps us energized, grounded, and present instead of feeling tucked away and disconnected from the day.

We’re also intentional about choosing ships that truly support our family’s needs. Modern ships have gone beyond the standard pool and jacuzzi and now feature full on water parks. We only choose ships with a splash pad. Charli has sensory sensitivities that can make traditional pools overwhelming, and splash pads allow her to enjoy the water at her own pace. When she’s comfortable, the entire experience is better for all of us.

Space and variety allows cruising to feel effortless.

Less Spending Stress, More Intentional Choices

Cruising allows us to control costs more easily. We do enjoy a few onboard extras, but we never go overboard. We actually spend far more in port—mostly on excursions and food—than we do on the ship itself.

Knowing what’s included (and what isn’t) helps us plan intentionally instead of impulsively.

Cruising Gets Better Over Time

Here’s something people don’t talk about enough: cruising often improves after your first trip.

Once you understand how your family responds to the environment—the crowds, the pace, the schedule—you can cruise with intention. You learn what to skip, what to prioritize, and how to make the experience truly your own.

And this way cruising shifts from “good” to really good.

The Bottom Line

Cruising isn’t perfect for every family—but for ours, it checks more boxes than any other travel style. It’s convenient without being rigid, structured without being stressful, and flexible enough to grow with us as our kids grow and their needs change.

Keep an open mind, choose a great ship, and travel in a way that fulfills your family’s needs and cruising becomes less about the destination—and more about how good it feels along the way.