This summer, I assured my kids of a memorable family vacation. Picking a destination where they could have fun, bond, and avoid endless bickering was trickier than I expected. Everyone knows that bored kids can turn any vacation into a nightmare. After countless hours weighing options and budgeting, I tossed all my plans out the window and chose a cruise.
A cruise, really? Absolutely, and it was worth every penny. Initially, I had San Francisco in mind – I’ve always wanted to visit, and a friend had recently relocated there. While I found countless attractions for myself, I realized they might not engage my temperamental teenager or energetic 10-year-old. To avoid potential hassles, I opted for a cruise, where entertainment, meals, accommodation, and travel were conveniently bundled together.
Organizing a family getaway can be nerve-wracking. Amidst hectic workdays, I struggled with decisions. And even after settling on the cruise, the tasks didn’t end. From packing for the kids and myself to ensuring the car was road-trip ready, the preparations seemed never-ending. And, in a twist of fate, my refrigerator malfunctioned the night before our departure, leading to an unplanned cooking marathon. This buildup made it clear: I needed extra support to prevent this vacation from turning sour.
I’d cruised before but never with children. Drawing from prior experience, I made a checklist to streamline our journey. Here’s my guide to ensure your family cruise is relaxing and fun:
5 Unexpectedly Essential Cruise Items
- OmegaBrite: Vacation planning, particularly with kids, can be daunting. To manage potential anxieties and ensure smooth sailing, I added OmegaBrite to my essentials. This natural Omega-3 supplement has been clinically shown to ease stress and foster a positive mood. Besides promoting joint comfort, heart health, and overall well-being, Omega-3 fatty acids, like those in OmegaBrite, can make your journey relaxed and enjoyable.
- Walkie Talkies: Given the lack of cell service at sea (unless you’re willing to splurge on shipboard Wi-Fi), walkie-talkies become invaluable for coordinating with your group, especially if, like mine, your teens want some independence.
- Water Bottle: Despite unlimited food and beverages on board, the provided cups can be frustratingly small. Having a reusable water bottle or cup makes hydrating by the poolside far more convenient, and it’s perfect for off-ship excursions in places where tap water might be questionable.
- Spending Cash: While the ship operates on a cashless system, small bills are handy for on-shore shopping. Local vendors might struggle to break larger denominations, so it’s wise to have change.
- Secure Beach Bag: On my previous trip, I found a remarkable beach bag that’s not only spacious but secure. With locking features for both the handle and zipper, it’s designed to deter theft, ensuring our valuables remained safe during beach excursions.
In the end, our cruise exceeded expectations. Despite the initial challenges, my stress was kept in check, partly thanks to OmegaBrite, and I enjoyed quality time with my children. I wholeheartedly recommend cruising as a stress-free travel option. Just remember these five unexpectedly crucial items when you embark on your journey.
