Sometimes planning a family vacation in advance isn’t at the top of the priorities list or maybe being spontaneous is just how you and your family like to vacation. Either way, you can count on finding a great option for a last-minute cruise vacation that everyone will love.
At this point you may be asking where can you go? Where can you leave from? What is still available?
Don’t worry. Here’s how to do a last-minute trip your whole family will love…
Why a Last-Minute Cruise
When you choose a cruise, you can save yourself the stress of finding entertainment, restaurant expenses and accommodations. While heading towards thrilling destinations you can count on fun for everyone in your family. Each cruise line offers different amenities; however, the options are limitless. Onboard parents, grandparents, and kids can enjoy activities like movies by the pool, games at the atrium, and themed parties.
If you choose a Carnival Cruise, you can sneak away to the spa or casino while the kids are at Camp Carnival or sliding down colossal slides.
Or if you choose to sail with Norwegian Cruise Line, kids and teens can hang out at The Splash Academy and Entourage, while you’re enjoying a romantic dinner with your significant other in the Main Dining room. Or participate in some family-friendly racing at the Race Track!
If you choose a Royal Caribbean Cruise, you can take a complimentary dance class while the kids are zip lining onboard or challenge yourselves to an escape room as a family.
The best part about family friendly cruises is that you don’t have to worry about where the kids are at or if they’re having a good time. They can enjoy tons of supervised activities at no additional costs and you can enjoy vacation at your pace. Many food options onboard are included and depending on the cruise you choose, you can find casual buffets that will appeal to even the pickiest eaters, dining rooms for a nice dinner together, or enjoy breakfast in bed or a late-night snack with room service. Cruise ships are also perfect for last minute getaways because you can pack and unpack once. Dress casual and comfortable and prepare for fun.
Family Friendly Vacations
Whether you have a small or large family, many cruise lines offer affordable and accessible vacations to popular destinations like the Caribbean, Mexico and the Bahamas. You can choose to do itineraries like a 4-night Mexico cruise, 3-night Bahamas cruise, or 5-night Caribbean cruise that leave from ports of call within driving or flying distance.
Many cruise ships are positioned in major cities across the U.S. that are quick to get to. Here are some of the cities you can leave from:
- Miami, FL
- Galveston, TX
- New Orleans, LA
- San Diego, CA
- Tampa, FL
- Los Angeles, CA
- Boston, MA
- San Francisco, CA
- Seattle, WA
- Port Canaveral (Orlando), FL
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Bayonne, NJ
- Baltimore, MD
- Jacksonville, FL
- Charleston, SC
Once you’ve chosen which port is easier to get to, the fun part is choosing how you want to spend each day in your ports of call. If you go to a beachy destination like the Caribbean, the Bahamas or Mexico, you can hang at the beach or try an excursion.
If you leave from Los Angeles and one of your ports of call is Ensenada, we recommend taking your family to La Bufadora, or if you leave from South Florida and go to Cozumel, try snorkeling to see reefs that are out-of-this-world. If one of your stops is in Nassau, we recommend chilling at Cable Beach or touring the world-famous Atlantis Resort. On select itineraries, cruise lines will take you to their private island like Great Stirrup Cay, CocoCay or Princess Cays, which will make your family feel like the island is yours!
Family friendly cruises are perfect for last minute trips and you’ll like them even more with these deals!
Related: Here's Why Norwegian Cruise Line is Good for Families
