Family-friendly Cruising
Having Fun at Sea Together
By Laura Cone
Ainsworth says many parents stay in contact with their children by using walkie talkies. "It's great because they radio to each other," she says. "They can rent them through the golf pro. It's a great way for parents to get in contact. A lot of parents have a meeting spot. They say, OK, at 3 let's meet here."
Finally, Ainsworth encourages parents to attend an orientation meeting for the Camp Carnival program and then sit down as a family and decide which activities the children want to attend. "Sometimes we get kids who are dropped off and are going to be with us the entire day," Ainsworth says. "Everyone comes on the cruise for a different reason. Some parents come on the cruise because they are the ones who want a vacation and they want a little break from their kids. They know they have that option to leave them with us."
Whether you want to indulge in couple's massage, watch the ocean dance below your feet as you walk around the track or take in a late-night comedy show, a ship is a great place to relax. But unlike many vacations in which you are your child's only activity director, you can take advantage of the countless supervised activities for your children on a cruise. Be sure to talk to your children about using their best manners, as the crew and waitstaff hail from countries all over the world, and humbly serve guests with the utmost consideration.
| Debra Smiley Holtzman of Hollywood, Fla., a safety and health expert for the Discovery Health Channel and the author of The Safe Baby: A Do-It-Yourself Guide to Home Safety (Sentient Publications, 2005), offers the following safety tips for parents: - Parents may avoid motion sickness by being careful about the time of year they book a cruise. For example, during hurricane season, the water may be choppier than other times of the year. Although some people find munching on ginger tablets may keep them from getting seasick, check with your doctor about what to give your child for motion sickness.
- Holtzman recommends taking advantage of supervised programs. "I did not take my kids on a cruise ship until they were older," she says. "It's like a mini city. I would not let my kids run around in the mall. It's just like a city or mall. You don't know the people. You always need to properly supervise your kids."
Holtzman gives the following recommendations when planning ahead for a cruise: - Do your homework. Ask for recommendations from sources you trust and who agree with you on the importance of safety and other factors that you deem significant. Make sure to inquire about their experience using babysitting services or children's programs on the ship.
- Call the respective cruise line to learn more about its specific children's programs.
- Request a nonsmoking room without a balcony.
- Find out if childproofing equipment such as outlet covers and drawer locks are provided. If not, you can make your own kit before you leave home using masking tape, outlet covers, strong rubber bands, a nightlight and a first-aid kit. Masking tape will come in handy to hold drawers closed and attach thick wash clothes to cover up sharp table corners. Rubber bands will be useful for keeping drapes and blind strings out of your toddler's reach.
- Don't forget to pack all necessities such as baby food, diapers, medicine and items such as favorite books that will keep your child entertained and provide comfort.
Holtzman offers the following tips for parents while onboard: - Being on a cruise ships is like a small city, so don't ever become lax. Always properly supervise your child and always be aware of your surroundings.
- Remember, constant eye contact and active supervision is required when children are in and around any source of water. No multitasking, no reading, napping or chatting with other people.
- Practice good hygiene. Make sure everyone in your family washes their hands frequently and thoroughly, especially after going to the bathroom and before eating, which is the single best way to prevent illness.
- If you need a crib, make sure to call ahead to reserve one for your room. You also need to confirm that your cabin is spacious enough to accommodate a crib. You may want to pack your own crib sheets.
- Make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen and sun protective clothing such as a wide-brimmed hat.
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