A few days ago, my husband and I got home from our first cruise ever on the newer MSC Seaside. We also took my parents, and it was their first cruise ever! We usually go to Jamaica with them for spring break, but we opted to do a cruise this year since we got a good deal on balcony cabins with a free drinks package.

While I have always believed all-inclusive is the way to go with multiple generations on a single trip, this first cruise with my parents has me thinking maybe cruising is even better when you’re with a group. We loved our trip on the MSC Seaside regardless, but here’s why I think cruising may be ideal for families with 2, 3, or even 4 generations of family members in tow:

• There are so many diverse activities to enjoy. While my husband and kids mostly just swim and sit around when we’re on the ship, my parents took advantage of a bunch of activities I didn’t know existed. My mom participated in a “cooking class” of sorts in the theater one day, and my parents even went to a crafting event. They also loved the live music, and of course, we all spent a little time in the onboard casino. With so many things to do on a cruise, nobody ends up bored.
• You can do nothing at all. When you’re traveling with a group of people with varying energy levels, it’s also nice to be on a vacation that doesn’t require you to do anything. My husband and I love watching our kids play in the pool for hours on end, and I know my parents enjoyed watching the ocean go by on their balcony cabin. It’s nice to sit back, relax, and watch the world go by for a few hours without any pressure to do anything.
• Endless food options almost 24/7. I have rented numerous rental condos and Airbnbs with my parents and other family members, but I very much prefer not having to cook. I love all-inclusive resorts and cruising for this reason. Our cruise on the MSC Seaside had food available 20 hours a day, so we could all eat whenever we wanted. My ideal vacation involves no cooking, do dishes, and no cleanup!
• Everyone has their own space. Another benefit of cruising over renting a condo somewhere is the fact that you can book everyone their own separate cabin. This gives everyone their own space for sleeping and having some quiet time. A week can be a long time when you’re living close to almost anyone, including family.

The Bottom Line

If you’re trying to come up with a fun vacation idea several generations will enjoy, why not give cruising a try? It’s fun to be out on the open water for days at a time, and cruises tend to offer a wide range of activities for every age group.

Also, remember that many rewards cards make booking a cruise with points a breeze. My favorite card for cruises is the Barclaycard Arrival Plus World Elite Mastercard. This card offers 2x points for every dollar you spend and a 70,000-point bonus when you use your card for $5,000 in purchases within three months of account opening. You can redeem your points for any travel purchase, including cruises, at a rate of one cent per point.

Have you ever been on a cruise with extended family? How did it go?

 

[Image Source: Shutterstock]

Source: frugal travel guy