Please activate JavaScript!
Please install Adobe Flash Player, click here for download
ePaper created 2014-01-26, 03:47:43 | version 1.26.00
made it back to our stateroom around 10 p.m., the exhausted child fell asleep immediately, quite thrilled at his newfound independence and ability to make friends with peers from all over the world. Port days meant a lighter schedule in the club, with the obvious inten- tion of encouraging families to spend time together. Club HAL was well stocked with toys, games, crafts, and sports equip- ment, and kids seemed happy with the offerings. Teenagers were pro- vided their own hangout with ample space, music, and plug-ins for various media devices. As parents, we enjoyed the balance the program offered: we had enough grownup time but still retained the essence of our trip, a family vacation. also responded well to the cry for more flexibility, thus relax- ing everything from dress codes to strict mealtimes. Depending upon your selected cruise, you may choose from a more casual experience where the kids can feast on pizza, burgers, and the like or opt for one or more days of formal, black-tie and fancy- dress-up dining. Inquire with your cruise line at the time of booking. Whatever you choose, be sure to rehearse manners with your kids well prior to dining, since it’s the perfect venue to teach about “please,” “thank you,” and “pass the butter.” With allergy awareness on the rise in all forms of vacationing, cruise lines will do what they can to spare your body from potentially threatening ingredients but must be made aware of any modifications well before your sailing date. Remember, cruise ship cooks can’t just run out to Safeway if PA R EN T PRO T I P On busy shore days, we ordered room service for breakfast, finding it to be more efficient while we packed up for a day of exploring. Since meals on the whole are included in the cruise rate, there was no extra cost beyond a bundled gratuity at the end of the cruise. Well worth it! —The author, mother of two 27 If You Cruise