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Planning a family vacation with teenagers can be difficult. Trust me, I have two of my own! Everyone has different wants and needs, and finding the perfect destination can feel overwhelming. Sometimes, you need to think outside the box. Today, I want to share 7 reasons why cruising with teenagers is a great idea!
If you are wondering how to keep your teen or teenage crew entertained and happy while on vacation, cruising may be the perfect fit. In fact, you’ll probably find it to be quite enjoyable. We are planning a couple of family cruises for 2024, and everyone is looking forward to it!
Cruising With Teenagers (and Tweens, too)
There are many reasons why you should plan a cruise with your older kids. I will break them down below, but my favorites are the freedom it gives them, easy all-inclusive dining, and the digital detox that comes with life on a cruise ship.
So, here are 7 reasons why cruising with teenagers is a great idea!
#1 Foster Independence
Cruising provides the perfect environment for teenagers to spread their wings. My kids love the freedom to explore the ship together, without us.
With the wide variety of exciting activities and safe environment, they can gain a sense of independence. It’s a win-win for both parents and teens, fostering personal growth and self-discovery. Furthermore, it allows everyone to get a little space from one another.
#2 Cost-Effective Dining
This may surprise parents of little ones, but one of the most significant budget busters while traveling with teens is dining out. Once everyone eats off the adult menu, meal costs increase fast. I hate to limit them when we are in new places or when they want to try new foods. That is when everyone actually agrees on where to go.
So, forget the battles over meal choices and expenses. Cruises offer various dining options, from gourmet restaurants to casual buffets, all included in the package.
Let your teens eat chicken fingers all day or indulge in their own culinary adventure without worrying about the budget. The world is literally their oyster!
#3 Unplug to Connect: Digital Detox
In a world dominated by screens, a cruise provides the ideal escape for families looking to unplug. With limited internet access, teens can take a break from social media, reconnect with their environment, and enjoy quality face-to-face time with family.
It’s a digital detox that promotes genuine connections. And everyone is so busy having them that they forget about their screens.
#4 Multiple Ports Means No One Gets Bored
One of the most excellent perks of cruising is the opportunity to explore diverse destinations. Whether it’s Europe’s historical wonders or the Caribbean’s tropical paradises, cruising opens the door to a world of experiences for teenagers.
It’s incredible that you can often explore multiple countries and cultures in a matter of days. Plus, the wide selection of shore excursions keeps everyone busy. We rarely, if ever, hear our kids say they are bored while cruising.
And seeing new places will help ignite their curiosity!
#5 Quality Family Time: Creating Lasting Memories
Yes, I know I mentioned giving them independence above, but cruises also provide a wonderful setting for families to bond. Fun activities such as trivia or bingo are always a good idea. It gives your family a reason to be excited and share those feelings together.
Additionally, cruise lines like Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Cruises, and Carnival Cruise Line all do an excellent job putting together family-friendly programming and cruise activities. We have cruises aboard all three!
From onboard activities to adventures ashore, each day becomes an opportunity for quality family time. The A.A. Milne quote always comes to mind, “We didn’t realize we were making memories; we just knew we were having fun.”
#6 Teen-Centric Activities
Cruise ships are equipped with a plethora of teen-centric activities, ensuring that your kids are never bored. From dedicated teen clubs and gaming zones to thrilling water parks and adventure sports, there’s always something exciting for teens to dive into. Mine always love playing video games in the cruise arcade room.
They loved the waterslides and rock wall on Mariner of the Seas!
#7 Making New Friends
Teens aboard a cruise ship can meet and mingle with peers from around the world. I remember making friends while traveling as a kid. I loved having a fresh slate, a new identity for the week.
Teens can expand their comfort zone and make new friends while cruising. Shared experiences, late-night pizza gatherings, and onboard events create a unique social environment. Lifelong friendships often blossom, turning the cruise into not just a vacation but a chapter in your teen’s life story.
Things To Consider When Cruising With Teenagers
Before wrapping up, I want to share a few things you must consider when traveling with teens. I mention some of these cruise tips in my Mariner of the Seas blog post.
First, you will most likely need two adjoining rooms, similar to at a hotel. We had two rooms on our last cruise aboard the Mariner of the Seas. Matt and I had a queen bed in one, and the kids had two twin beds next door. There here are also family suites that you can look into. If you have more than one older kid, the regular rooms are not going to work regardless of whether they “can sleep four” on sofa beds and bunks.
Second, you will want to have a good communication plan in place. Most cruise ships now offer messaging through phones. Some families like to bring high-range walkie-talkies. Just make sure you have communication lines open. It’s easy to lose track of time on a cruise ship!
Third, my favorite way to get everyone excited about a cruise is to sit down together and watch YouTube videos. We watch them about the ship and the ports of call, including possible excursions. When cruising with teenagers, get the teens and tweens involved in the planning! We do this before all of our family travel adventures.
And there is one last thing that I want to mention. While this is not unique to cruising, I want to point out that there are cruise terminals throughout the United States from New York City to Southern California. We all know the main ones in Florida – Port Canaveral, Tampa, Ft. Lauderdale, and Miami. However, don’t forget places like Galveston, New Orleans, Savannah, and Long Beach.
This means that if you are a driveable distance from the coast, chances are that there is a cruise terminal nearby. This saves a lot of money on airfare when planning your family travel!
Cruising With Teenagers: Plan Your Trip
In the ever-evolving landscape of parenting, cruising with teenagers is a wonderful option if you are craving joy and connection.
Check current cruise deals on Expedia Cruises!
Embrace the adventure and create lasting memories. Set sail on an unforgettable family vacation where the days are filled with laughter, discovery, and excitement. Bon voyage!
More Family Travel
Want to see what we’ve been up to lately?
We have been prioritizing travel, including bucket list trips to Paris and Rio de Janeiro, yet also squeezing in frequent weekend getaways. Additionally, we love to explore Florida and immerse ourselves in big cities like New York City.
Click here to check out all of my travel blog posts!
Also, make sure to follow us on social media, especially OurLittleLifestyleBlog on Instagram, where all of our trips are saved in the story highlights.
PIN: Cruising With Teenagers Travel Blog
