Guest blogger Anna Bilbrough Skamarakas lives in Bellmawr, NJ with an interesting collection of children, pets, and a husband. When she’s not packing and unpacking suitcases, she can be found blogging at www.beautygirlsmom.com or studying at Rutgers University, Camden, NJ.
There comes a time in every mother’s life when her children think it is the most uncool thing ever to vacation with the family. I’m pretty sure that’s why cruising was invented.
Cruise lines recognize your un-coolness, Mom and Dad. You’ll find nearly all cruise lines now have programs for kids of all ages, even those cool tweens and teens.
Less structured than the programs you find for littler kids, the programs for older kids usually allow them to sign themselves in and out, or they eliminate the signing in entirely in favor of a more casual come and go as you please. Activities often include things like scavenger hunts, dance parties, movie nights, and pajama parties. They are designed more for teens to mix and mingle, less for babysitting.
Where many of the children’s clubs for younger kids incorporate some meals (or in the case of Disney Cruise Line, all meals can be eaten with the club), the teens programs are not as diligent about making sure your young cruisers are eating. Remind your kids to hit the buffet or one of the other on deck dining options to grab pizza or burgers.
My own daughters have made Facebook friends for life in the clubs for older kids onboard various cruise ships. Encourage your kids to go and have fun!
