CRUISE GPS

Expedition Cruising with Kids

Adventure is the key to family bonding.

by Karl Kannstadter

CRUISE GPS

Expedition Cruising with Kids

Adventure is the key to family bonding.

by Karl Kannstadter

When my wife and I were presented with the opportunity to take our then five-year-old son on a one-week luxury cruise to the Galápagos, we hesitated before making our decision. We had concerns about the travel time from Toronto to Ecuador, and about our son’s comportment in a small luxury cruise ship environment, but our biggest concern was what others would think — i.e. “Why are you taking a five-year-old to the Galápagos? He’ll never remember the trip!”

Of course, those concerns were fleeting, and we made the decision to take the trip, the first of many, and now we have a 10-year-old who loves Expedition cruising, can name most of the flags of the world, and whose dream destination is Japan (because he loved it so much the first time we visited).

All the planning has been done for you, so you can focus on being together, in the moment, learning something new, or laughing at getting caught in the rain, using charades to order a meal in a foreign country, or just getting lost (for a little while).

The key to that first trip, and the reason we all had such a great time, was the shared experience. It’s time for families to connect and bond. All the planning has been done for you, so you can focus on being together, in the moment, learning something new, or laughing at getting caught in the rain, using charades to order a meal in a foreign country, or just getting lost (for a little while). When you travel on an Expedition cruise with your children, many of the stresses of travel are non-issues — driving, navigation, meal prep, clean-up, laundry — and you can be there when your child wants to listen to the on-board geologist talk about earthquakes in Japan.

An Expedition cruise focuses on the natural and cultural aspects of a destination, rather than the typical amenities and entertainment of a large cruise ship. Expedition cruises often use smaller ships that can access places bigger ships can’t, such as islands, fjords, glaciers, and wildlife habitats. And there are additional opportunities for active and immersive experiences, such as hiking, kayaking, Zodiac tours, wildlife viewing, and cultural interactions. What child doesn’t want to have those sorts of experiences with their parents?

Adventure is the key. Just going ashore may require special clothing, and often requires boarding a Zodiac. The Expedition team plays a key role, and although they are not there to entertain the children, kids love to latch onto the guides as they take you on a walk, show you a glacier, or describe how orcas hunt seals.

Not all expedition cruises, however, are suitable for all ages or families, so you’ll want to gauge the suitability of each activity or tour and decide what’s right for your child. We took an Expedition cruise around Japan, and when we arrived in Hiroshima, the tours were focused on the atomic bombing of Hiroshima near the end of WWII, and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. I had visited the museum before, and we decided that the subject matter was too weighty for a 6-year-old. That day my son and I were the only two guests who remained on the ship, and we each had a hot tub to ourselves, and we explored the ship on our own. It was fantastic!

Here are 6 Tips to help you choose and plan the best expedition cruise for your family.

1. Look for a cruise line that offers aspects important to your family.

Some expedition cruise lines are more family-friendly than others, so work with your travel agent prior to booking. What to consider:

Interconnecting cabins or family suites that can accommodate more than two people.
Children’s programs that are tailored to different age groups and interests.
Discounts or special rates for children or third/fourth passengers in a cabin.
Family-oriented shore excursions or activities suitable and engaging for kids.
Experienced and qualified staff who can interact with and supervise children.

2. Consider the destination and itinerary.

Expedition cruises can take you to some of the most fascinating and diverse places on earth, such as Antarctica, Alaska, Galápagos Iceland, Greenland and more. However, not all destinations are equally appealing or appropriate for children. When choosing a destination and itinerary for your family expedition cruise, consider:

The climate and weather conditions of the destination. Some places may be too hot, cold, wet, or windy for young children or those who are not used to extreme environments.
The wildlife and scenery of the destination. Some places may have more abundant or diverse wildlife than others, which can make a big difference in how much your kids enjoy the cruise. For example, seeing penguins, whales, and seals in Antarctica may be very exciting, but for younger kids, the wildlife in Galápagos will be much closer, and easier to see — sea lions, blue-footed boobies, and marine iguanas.
The culture and history of the destination. Some places may have more opportunities for cultural interactions or learning than others, which can enrich your kids’ understanding of the world. For example, visiting indigenous communities in Alaska or Greenland may be more educational than visiting uninhabited islands.
The length and difficulty of the shore excursions or activities. Some places may have more options for shorter or easier hikes, walks, or tours than others, which can suit different ages and abilities. For example, exploring volcanic landscapes in Iceland may be more accessible than trekking through dense rainforests in Costa Rica.
Travel time and distance to the destination. Some places may require longer flights or transfers than others, which can affect your kids’ comfort and mood. For example, traveling to Antarctica may involve crossing the Drake Passage, and you will want to ensure kids are prepared for the crossing.

3. Prepare your kids for the cruise.

Expedition cruising can be a wonderful adventure for kids, but it can also be challenging or overwhelming at times. To make sure your kids have the best possible experience, prepare them beforehand by:

Explaining what an expedition cruise is and what to expect on board and ashore. Show them pictures or videos of the ship, the destination, and the activities they will participate in.
Educating them about the destination’s geography, wildlife, culture, and history. Read books or watch documentaries that are relevant to the place(s) you are visiting.
Packing appropriate clothing and gear for the cruise. Depending on the destination, you may need rain gear, warm layers, sun protection, or hiking shoes. A child who is cold, wet, or tired is less fun to be around than a kid who is prepared for the elements.

4. For younger children, start with something easy — Galápagos.

An Expedition cruise to the Galápagos is a wonderful first experience for kids (and their parents) for the following reasons:

Abundant wildlife.
Accessible wildlife. The animals are habituated to humans and are not afraid of us. They wander among us in the Galápagos.
Incredible weather almost all the time.
Small ships (100 guests maximum allowed in Galápagos).
Depending on when you travel, there are likely to be other children on board (the holidays, spring break, summer holidays).
97% of the Galápagos is undeveloped. When the Expedition ship arrives at a beach, there are no roads and therefore no cars, trucks, or buses. There are no marinas, or yacht clubs or hotels either.

5. Busy or chill. You decide.

The destination you choose will help inform how active you can be, but so will the cruise line and the ship. Things to consider are:

There will be plenty of opportunities to get off the ship, go ashore, or Zodiac cruise. Kids love the sense of adventure that comes with gearing up for an adventure.
This is not a “cruise” in the traditional sense. Although some cruise lines do a very good job of having programming for children, don’t expect a Kids’ Club. Activities on and off the ship will keep most children occupied.
The library or games room can be a great place for kids when on board.
Lectures can be interesting for kids.
Although the compulsion is to take every single excursion every day, plan for a morning off. You are being given a lot of new information, and having a down day will help let new information settle in and take hold.

6. Contact your travel advisor.

Your travel advisor is here to help you navigate these options. From selecting the right destination to reserving the perfect stateroom and handling all the details in between, they’ll be there for you every step of the way. Their expert insight and access to exclusive privileges can transform your next expedition into something truly special.

Expedition cruising can be a great way to travel with children, as it can spark their curiosity, imagination, and appreciation for nature and different cultures. If you’re looking for a family vacation that is adventurous, educational, and fun, and you want to explore remote and amazing destinations with your kids, and create memories that will last a lifetime, consider an expedition cruise.

Ready to Go?

Adventure is calling.
As your trusted travel advisor, we’re here to help match you with the expedition that suits you best.

Browse Expeditions

When my wife and I were presented with the opportunity to take our then five-year-old son on a one-week luxury cruise to the Galápagos, we hesitated before making our decision. We had concerns about the travel time from Toronto to Ecuador, and about our son’s comportment in a small luxury cruise ship environment, but our biggest concern was what others would think — i.e. “Why are you taking a five-year-old to the Galápagos? He’ll never remember the trip!”

Of course, those concerns were fleeting, and we made the decision to take the trip, the first of many, and now we have a 10-year-old who loves Expedition cruising, can name most of the flags of the world, and whose dream destination is Japan (because he loved it so much the first time we visited).

All the planning has been done for you, so you can focus on being together, in the moment, learning something new, or laughing at getting caught in the rain, using charades to order a meal in a foreign country, or just getting lost (for a little while).

The key to that first trip, and the reason we all had such a great time, was the shared experience. It’s time for families to connect and bond. All the planning has been done for you, so you can focus on being together, in the moment, learning something new, or laughing at getting caught in the rain, using charades to order a meal in a foreign country, or just getting lost (for a little while). When you travel on an Expedition cruise with your children, many of the stresses of travel are non-issues — driving, navigation, meal prep, clean-up, laundry — and you can be there when your child wants to listen to the on-board geologist talk about earthquakes in Japan.

An Expedition cruise focuses on the natural and cultural aspects of a destination, rather than the typical amenities and entertainment of a large cruise ship. Expedition cruises often use smaller ships that can access places bigger ships can’t, such as islands, fjords, glaciers, and wildlife habitats. And there are additional opportunities for active and immersive experiences, such as hiking, kayaking, Zodiac tours, wildlife viewing, and cultural interactions. What child doesn’t want to have those sorts of experiences with their parents?

Adventure is the key. Just going ashore may require special clothing, and often requires boarding a Zodiac. The Expedition team plays a key role, and although they are not there to entertain the children, kids love to latch onto the guides as they take you on a walk, show you a glacier, or describe how orcas hunt seals.

Not all expedition cruises, however, are suitable for all ages or families, so you’ll want to gauge the suitability of each activity or tour and decide what’s right for your child. We took an Expedition cruise around Japan, and when we arrived in Hiroshima, the tours were focused on the atomic bombing of Hiroshima near the end of WWII, and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. I had visited the museum before, and we decided that the subject matter was too weighty for a 6-year-old. That day my son and I were the only two guests who remained on the ship, and we each had a hot tub to ourselves, and we explored the ship on our own. It was fantastic!

Here are 6 Tips to help you choose and plan the best expedition cruise for your family.

1. Look for a cruise line that offers aspects important to your family.

Some expedition cruise lines are more family-friendly than others, so work with your travel agent prior to booking. What to consider:

Interconnecting cabins or family suites that can accommodate more than two people.
Children’s programs that are tailored to different age groups and interests.
Discounts or special rates for children or third/fourth passengers in a cabin.
Family-oriented shore excursions or activities suitable and engaging for kids.
Experienced and qualified staff who can interact with and supervise children.

2. Consider the destination and itinerary.

Expedition cruises can take you to some of the most fascinating and diverse places on earth, such as Antarctica, Alaska, Galápagos Iceland, Greenland and more. However, not all destinations are equally appealing or appropriate for children. When choosing a destination and itinerary for your family expedition cruise, consider:

The climate and weather conditions of the destination. Some places may be too hot, cold, wet, or windy for young children or those who are not used to extreme environments.
The wildlife and scenery of the destination. Some places may have more abundant or diverse wildlife than others, which can make a big difference in how much your kids enjoy the cruise. For example, seeing penguins, whales, and seals in Antarctica may be very exciting, but for younger kids, the wildlife in Galápagos will be much closer, and easier to see — sea lions, blue-footed boobies, and marine iguanas.
The culture and history of the destination. Some places may have more opportunities for cultural interactions or learning than others, which can enrich your kids’ understanding of the world. For example, visiting indigenous communities in Alaska or Greenland may be more educational than visiting uninhabited islands.
The length and difficulty of the shore excursions or activities. Some places may have more options for shorter or easier hikes, walks, or tours than others, which can suit different ages and abilities. For example, exploring volcanic landscapes in Iceland may be more accessible than trekking through dense rainforests in Costa Rica.
Travel time and distance to the destination. Some places may require longer flights or transfers than others, which can affect your kids’ comfort and mood. For example, traveling to Antarctica may involve crossing the Drake Passage, and you will want to ensure kids are prepared for the crossing.

3. Prepare your kids for the cruise.

Expedition cruising can be a wonderful adventure for kids, but it can also be challenging or overwhelming at times. To make sure your kids have the best possible experience, prepare them beforehand by:

Explaining what an expedition cruise is and what to expect on board and ashore. Show them pictures or videos of the ship, the destination, and the activities they will participate in.
Educating them about the destination’s geography, wildlife, culture, and history. Read books or watch documentaries that are relevant to the place(s) you are visiting.
Packing appropriate clothing and gear for the cruise. Depending on the destination, you may need rain gear, warm layers, sun protection, or hiking shoes. A child who is cold, wet, or tired is less fun to be around than a kid who is prepared for the elements.

4. For younger children, start with something easy — Galápagos.

An Expedition cruise to the Galápagos is a wonderful first experience for kids (and their parents) for the following reasons:

Abundant wildlife.
Accessible wildlife. The animals are habituated to humans and are not afraid of us. They wander among us in the Galápagos.
Incredible weather almost all the time.
Small ships (100 guests maximum allowed in Galápagos).
Depending on when you travel, there are likely to be other children on board (the holidays, spring break, summer holidays).
97% of the Galápagos is undeveloped. When the Expedition ship arrives at a beach, there are no roads and therefore no cars, trucks, or buses. There are no marinas, or yacht clubs or hotels either.

5. Busy or chill. You decide.

The destination you choose will help inform how active you can be, but so will the cruise line and the ship. Things to consider are:

There will be plenty of opportunities to get off the ship, go ashore, or Zodiac cruise. Kids love the sense of adventure that comes with gearing up for an adventure.
This is not a “cruise” in the traditional sense. Although some cruise lines do a very good job of having programming for children, don’t expect a Kids’ Club. Activities on and off the ship will keep most children occupied.
The library or games room can be a great place for kids when on board.
Lectures can be interesting for kids.
Although the compulsion is to take every single excursion every day, plan for a morning off. You are being given a lot of new information, and having a down day will help let new information settle in and take hold.

6. Contact your travel advisor.

Your travel advisor is here to help you navigate these options. From selecting the right destination to reserving the perfect stateroom and handling all the details in between, they’ll be there for you every step of the way. Their expert insight and access to exclusive privileges can transform your next expedition into something truly special.

Expedition cruising can be a great way to travel with children, as it can spark their curiosity, imagination, and appreciation for nature and different cultures. If you’re looking for a family vacation that is adventurous, educational, and fun, and you want to explore remote and amazing destinations with your kids, and create memories that will last a lifetime, consider an expedition cruise.

Ready to Go?

Adventure is calling.
As your trusted travel advisor, we’re here to help match you with the expedition that suits you best.

Browse Expeditions