How to Book Family Cruise Vacations

An all-inclusive cruise package may be the least expensive and most fun vacation your family will take. Cruises offer a wide variety of activities for all family members. The ports present opportunities for exploring a variety of destinations and activities customary in those areas.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Decide what type of cruise you and your family would enjoy. Caribbean, Alaskan or a river cruise are a few from which to choose.
   
2. Choose how many days you would like to be at sea. Most cruises are between three and seven nights.
3. Make sure the cruise you've chosen is family friendly.
4. Research your chosen destination with online cruise agencies or through a travel agent and choose your port from which you will set sail.
5. Purchase your cruise and airline tickets through an online travel site or your travel agent. This is also a good time to decide what type of activities you would like to do at each port.

Tips & Warnings

• The sooner you book your tickets, the better price you may get.
• Two-way radios are a good way to communicate with other family members since cell phones probably won't work.
• When booking your cruise, make sure all your port charges, taxes and all other fees are included.
• Dramamine patches can keep seasickness at bay.
• Some cruise lines include tips in your package.
• You will need proof of citizenship, such as birth certificate, social security card and/or passport.
• Excursions at each port usually incur extra costs
• Alcoholic drinks and sodas usually cost extra.