Organising a holiday is exciting, but often the logistics of getting there, choosing accommodation and sorting out activities can be overwhelming. That’s where the benefit of a cruise holiday really stands out. No re-packing, no worrying about transport and you can pay for most things upfront before you leave home.
If you haven’t cruised with your family before and are wanting some handy tips on how to make the most of your next holiday, then read on.
Choosing a Cruise
Once you have made the decision to sail away for your next holiday, the next hardest part will be choosing which cruise ship to holiday on. Will it be a massive, 18 deck vessel, a gentle river cruise or perhaps an awesome family-friendly cruise ship. Whatever you choose, do your research and consider all members of your family and their needs.
When selecting a cruise line, you also need to take into account inclusions which are part of your ticket, the cost of extras (like drinks packages and shore excursions) and of course the room types on offer. Does the ship have a room which can accommodate your group?
There are several cruise lines which service Australia and beyond with Carnival Cruise Line Australia being one of the more popular ones, along with P&O Cruises (which will become a part of Carnival in 2025), Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises and the Disney Cruise Line.
Before You Embark
It pays to do some research and be prepared before you board your cruise. This is even more important if your cruise does not disembark at any ports along the way, as you will be spending all of your time on board. Consider the following:
Travel Insurance – We cannot stress how important appropriate travel insurance is when cruising. Yes, it may be costly, but it will be even more costly if something goes wrong and you need medical attention. It is worth noting – you generally need to purchase a ‘cruising’ add-on in addition to your standard travel insurance.
Sea sickness treatments – While cruise ships usually have an array of sea sickness treatments available on board, it pays to bring your own. Speak with a medical professional beforehand to discuss options – medications, herbal treatments, sea sickness bands etc. Also pop in a few emesis (spew) bags. Trust me, the corridors are long, and it is easy to get lost, which is not ideal when you are going to be sick!
Optional Extras and Packages – Research packages and optional extras before you board, and if possible, organise and pay for them when you are booking. If this isn’t possible, you at least know what you want, so you can arrange it as soon as you board, after all, you don’t want to miss out on your first family snorkelling adventure because you didn’t book in time.
A variety of other packages are usually available including drinks packages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), internet plans, and speciality dining packages. Think about what your family likes, and value for money before purchasing packages.
Packing Your Bag – This is usually one of the most dreaded parts of any holiday (close to unpacking and dealing with the washing when you get home) so make sure you get it right.
Before you even start filling your bags, consider which bags you will take. Rooms on cruises are not overly large, and you don’t want to be walking around your three oversized, hard-shell suitcases for the whole cruise. Consider bringing one hard suitcase, and smaller carry on or soft bags, which can be stored inside the larger case.
In regards to clothing, investigate whether there are themed events such as 80’s nights, elegant dress dinners, white nights etc. and make sure you have the right outfit for each family member if you are thinking of participating.
Of course, don’t forget the creature comforts of home, especially if you are travelling with kids. Pack their special teddy, favourite blanket, some small toys, medications and anything else you think they (and you) might need.
There are shops on board which sell the basics like sunscreen, snacks, and standard over the counter medications, but it is always best to bring your own where possible.
Once On Board
Balcony stateroom on Carnival Luminosa
Once you are on board you can sit back, relax and have fun, after all that’s what holidays are for right?
If you are travelling with babies/toddlers consider bringing a small, foldable stroller or pram. Just make sure it collapses as you don’t want it to take up too much space in your room. Packing a baby carrier is another option. This also has the added benefit of your hands being free as you walk around the ship (which is particularly handy in rough seas).
Cruises are known for their buffets, all-day dining and variety of food options. Even though there are plenty of options make your special dietary requirements known to the cruise line well in advance and then again when on board. Whilst there is no shortage of food, and most of it is included in the price, try to minimise wastage by only taking what you need and not overfilling your plate and bellies. Oh and the best bit, there is usually a 24-hour food option and even room service (extra charges apply), so no one will ever go hungry.
A fun thing to do once on board is decorate your room. Each ship will have their own policies but generally as long as the decos are fire retardant and don’t damage or obstruct anything, you should be fine. Magnetic decorations, tags or ribbons are the best. Alternatively, if you are celebrating a special occasion, decoration packages are often available to pre-purchase at the time of booking.
Another fun thing to do on a family-cruise is join the cruising ducks movement. Guests bring along small, rubber ducks and hide them in public places (within reason) for other cruisers to find. This is a fun activity for kids (and adults) as they move about the ship. They even have their own hashtag #cruisingducks. If you forget to bring your own ducks, Carnival Cruise Line has a rubber duck skill tester in their games arcade, which is open 24 hours a day.
Benefits of a Cruise Holiday with Kids
There are some very clear benefits (to your hip pocket and sanity) when choosing a cruise as your next family holiday:
- Everything is at your fingertips (no driving required)
- You get to experience multiple destinations
- A new dining option awaits around every corner
- The majority of things are included, so there is no forking out money constantly
- Kids can enjoy kids club or make new friends at the pool
- There are endless activities to entertain all members of the family
- It is easy to head back to the room for a nap or supplies
Top Ten Tips for Enjoying a Family Cruise
- Get excited for your cruise and visit the cruise terminal to watch a cruise ship arrive or depart
- If the cruise line has an app, download it before boarding
- Set a daily limit on your children’s on-board spending account
- Purchasing lanyards on board for your cruise card can be expensive (but do make a great souvenir). Save costs by bringing your own.
- Ensure you pack a beach bag for pool or beach visits
- BYO water bottle for shore excursions and in the room
- Pack a small first aid kit – band-aids, antiseptic cream, pain relief
- Bring travel sized games, books, magnetic toys, colouring activities for quiet moments in the room, on rainy days or by the pool
- Bring some little cards (the kids can write in them or draw a picture) to hand out to your favourite staff as a thank you
- Don’t plan any special events in the week after your cruise (in case you get sick)
Our First Family Cruise – A Review
Recently our family was invited to enjoy a three-night cruise from Sydney to Brisbane on board the recently renovated Carnival Luminosa. We were equally excited and nervous (two of us get motion sickness) and keen to see what cruising was all about.
Sailing out of Sydney Harbour was pretty spectacular, with the Opera House on one side and the Harbour Bridge on the other and was a gorgeous way to farewell terra firma.
As seasoned travellers, who often travel by plane and enjoy long road trips, the experience of being on a cruise ship, without stopping at any ports, was something very new to us. Once we settled into ‘cruise time’ we kicked off our shoes, slipped on our thongs and quickly found a buffet to gorge ourselves at (mental note – don’t eat two plates of meat and bread in your first sitting).
Our balcony stateroom was comfortable, and a great spot to call home during our journey. The balcony was a real bonus for fresh air and for adults to sit out on when the kids were getting off to sleep. Of course it was also perfect for viewing passing ships, islands and for seeing what was going on when entering and exiting ports. Tip – if you can afford it – get the balcony room!
While we enjoyed many activities during our few days at sea the highlights for us were the Build-a-Bear workshop, the Thing 1 & Thing 2 Birthday Breakfast, the towel folding class, daily bingo sessions, the shows and many quiz and trivia sessions. There is never a dull moment on a cruise ship.
If joining in all these activities is not your thing there are plenty other fun ways to pass your time at sea like going for a swim, enjoying a spa treatment, finding a quiet place to read (most ships have a library), or simple gaze into the distance and watch the hustle and bustle of the city slip away. Oh and don’t forget to keep an eye on the waters below – dolphins are notorious for playing beside ships (we were treated to seeing several pods on our cruise).
One thing you won’t have to worry about on a cruise is the staff. The staff on Carnival Luminosa were exceptional; friendly, attentive, and professional at all times. As a family we enjoyed chatting with the staff, finding out where they were from (hint: it is written on their name tag) and even practicing some of our Indonesian language skills. The fabulous staff, from the waiters, to the housekeeping staff, performers and the Cruise Director really did make our cruise enjoyable and comfortable.
After a few days at sea it was nice to pass Moreton Island and see Brisbane in the distance. And the best bit, disembarking was a breeze (Tip – use express disembarking and carry your our own bags off the ship – it is so much quicker).
When we arrived at the terminal the Andrew’s Airport Parking shuttle bus was waiting for us, to take us back to our car, so we avoided the long queues for ride share and taxis. (Another tip – Andrew’s Airport Parking offer Fly/Cruise Parking, which means they will drop you at the airport and then be waiting for you when the cruise docks in Brisbane if you are booked on a one-way cruise – how good is that!)
Carnival Luminosa Facts
Ship built – 2008
Length – 293m
Gross tonnage – 92, 720
Passenger decks – 11
Rooms – 1,130 staterooms
Full guest occupancy – 2,826
Onboard crew – 926
Booking Your Family Cruise
If you are inspired to start planning a family cruise, then a quick google search will provide you with a number of cruise lines servicing Australia. Alternatively, visit your local travel agent or chat to friends who have previously cruised to get an idea of what is on offer.
For those looking at cruises out of Brisbane, the Carnival Luminosa is currently calling Brissie home from November 2024 until April 2025. Cruises will be venturing to places like Airlie Beach, Cairns, Port Douglas, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia, before heading back to the northern hemisphere on a 29-Day Alaska and Japan Transpacific cruise to Seattle.
Spaces are filling fast for all dates, so book now to enjoy your very own family cruise with Carnival Cruise Line Australia.
The writer and her family travelled as guests of Carnival Cruise Line Australia.
