It's family cruising with a twist. Multi-generational sailings are the 21st century's hottest travel ticket, and these days they are more accessible than ever. Diane Prejna knows all about these popular voyages, which involve the entire clan. The travel expert has been in the industry for more than a decade and has set sail on several multi-generational cruises. She shares her well-honed tips with LoveToKnow readers in this exclusive interview:
LoveToKnow (LTK): Multi-generational cruises are designed to create once-in-a-lifetime adventures for grandparents, adult children and grandchildren. How do you make the most of these unique vacations?
Diane Prejna (DP): Before you commit to a multi-generational cruise it's best to sit down together as a family and decide where you want to go and what you want to do. For example, if your teenage grandkids want to rock climb, swim and chill out in a video arcade while your daughter insists on doing yoga each morning, you need to find a ship that accommodates each person's needs and wants.
Another tough decision to make is where to sail from and to. If most of the family does not live near a major port, then you will have to discuss the cost of flying in from your respective hometowns. As for where to sail to, I would suggest having each family member list two or three top destinations, then put it to a family vote. Or, you could place the destination choices in a hat and see which spot is pulled. Personally, I would suggest cruising to the Caribbean. It is a wonderful place that features a variety of ports and options and appeals to a variety of age groups. It's also an affordable spot to cruise to, if you are departing from Florida.
LTK: Once you know how many family members will be cruising, there's the challenge of selecting staterooms. What tips do you have?
DP: This is a toughie since you can opt for connecting staterooms, individual suites, separate family cabins or a cluster of smaller rooms located next to each other. I would suggest looking at how many people you need to accommodate and the ages of each person. On our last multi-generational cruise we booked four balcony cabins in a row and three interior cabins for the teenage kids to share. With teenagers it is better for them to have a separate cabin so they can come and go as they please. Plus their mess and noise is contained and does not bother everyone.
LTK: With so many opinions floating around, how do you ensure everyone's happiness on a multi-generational cruise?
DP: The key to enjoying time together on a cruise is to establish expectations prior to departing. During one of our multi-generational family cruises the grandparents wanted the whole family to eat dinner together each night, but we could do our own thing the rest of the day. Grandma and Grandpa also saved a spot on one of the ship's decks where the rest of the family could check in throughout the day. In addition, individual families established their own rules, including curfews for their kids. The big rule was you had to be up on time for any scheduled shore excursions. Another rule we made was that everyone needed to be dressed up for formal nights because we booked a private photo shoot. There was a charge for the session, but the package included a free photo. We got some wonderful family portraits from our cruise.
LTK: What advice can you give to readers to help them score money-saving deals on family cruises?
DP: My top tip is to book early, so you can take advantage of the early booking discount. Another good idea is to inquire about group deals. Most major cruise lines offer reduced rates to families who are looking to book a large number of cabins. Again, you should book early if you want to make sure all of your staterooms are in close proximity to each other. Finally, search the Internet for cruise deals or contact a travel agent who specializes in cruises. By establishing a relationship with a travel agent you can be notified on great bargains as soon as they become available.
LoveToKnow would like to thank Diane Prejna for providing useful insider information on multi-generational family cruises and for sharing her personal experiences and photos. Her tips prove that with a little planning, grandparents, kids and grandchildren can enjoy an amazing adventure on the high seas without breaking the bank.
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