I would venture to guess that most parents have a desire to take their children to Europe. What was once a vacation reserved for special occasions, like monumental birthdays and graduation, is now the norm for many American families.
The drop in the euro and competitive cruise prices make visiting the Mediterranean (countries include Spain, France, Italy, Croatia and Greece) more affordable — And not to mention enjoyable, as major cruise lines are essentially floating resorts, with activities and amenities to cater to everyone in the family.
Five Reasons to Take Your Family on a Mediterranean Cruise:
1. Expose Your Children to Culture Straight Out of the History books – No surprise here. The best reason to take your kids on a Mediterranean cruise is for the educational value. There's just no comparison when it comes to experiencing destinations, such as Rome, Florence, and Pompeii, in person, versus reading about them in a book.
This is my daughter in Pompeii, with Mt. Vesuvius in the background. I made this excursion into a learning experience where I explained what happened on that fateful day in 79 AD. She has yet to cover this event in school, but when she does, she will have a deeper understanding of the aftermath.
2. Most Economical Way to See Europe– Let's face it, traveling to Europe with a family can be costly, but that shouldn't deter you from making the trip. The benefits, some of which are outlined in this post, far outweigh the expense. When you book a cruise with a major cruise line, such as Carnival, you pay for the bulk of your vacation in U.S. dollars. Compare the individual cost of hotels, transportation (country to country) and meals -- then tack in the exchange rate and VAT taxes -- and you save a considerable amount of money by cruising. Plus, deals can be had left and right. It's not uncommon to spend as little as $65 per person, per day for a 12-day cruise through the Mediterranean.
View from the Carnival Breeze as we dock in Venice, Italy.
3. Easiest Way to Visit Multiple Countries with Children – If you planned a land-based trip to multiple countries along the Mediterranean -- let's say to Spain, France, Italy, and Croatia -- could you imagine the travel time (by land and air) to get to each destination? It would take up the majority of your vacation! When you only have two weeks a year, time is precious. The beauty of cruising is that the ports come to you (you only have to unpack your suitcase once!). During travel time, children are occupied onboard the ship with an abundance of activities, from a kids' camp with crafts and games to a water park with splash fountains and slides -- it's a no-brainer.
SportsSquare on the Carnival Breeze -- Just one of many areas with activities for the whole family.
4. Easy Planning - If you've never taken your family to Europe, the planning behind it can be mind-blowing. Traveling to different countries with children can be daunting, especially if there's a language barrier. Cruising, however, makes the process incredibly easy for families.
On board, you'll be sailing with a majority of Americans, and all of the staff is English-speaking (with many fluent in other languages). No matter what country you’re in, there won't be any confusion on the ship.
When you book your cruise, you're paying upfront for your accommodations, travel (from port to port) and food. Airfare, transfers (to/from airport to port), shore excursions, travel insurance, and gratuities are not included in the base price, but they can all be handled by the cruise line. With the exception of souvenirs and a meal or two in port, everything can be paid up front, which decreases under budgeting and over spending.
My daughter's first gelato in Florence, Italy -- just a couple of euro, and worth every cent!
5. Open your Family to New Destinations – My opinion is travel leads to more travel -- especially abroad. Once you've made the first trip to Europe with your family, it will be hard not to want to go back and see more. This year it may be a family Mediterranean cruise to France, Italy, and Croatia, next year it could be the Baltic. Exposing your kids to new cultures and experiences at young ages will shape their lives ... travel is one of the greatest gifts that you can give them.
Fresh small fish from the Adriatic Sea are quickly fried and served whole in Dubrovnik, Croatia. After she got the courage to eat one, she gobbled down several more.
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Jenn @therebelchick
My husband and I were just looking at prices for the Legend and Sunshine for next summer! I'm drooling over the 12 day trip through Venice!
AlexandraFunFit
I love Europe, and my kids love cruises, but I get massively seasick on cruise ships. It's a shame, as I could do them when I was younger. I won a cruise through the Panama Canal when I was in my 20s and it was totally fabulous. Maybe they'll invent stronger drugs and I can go again.
admin
I tend to get seasick on small boats, but I haven't been sick yet on any of the larger cruise ships. Most of the time I don't even feel them moving -- this particular ship had awesome stabilizers.
Kelly
I didn't realize that it is a cheaper way to explore Europe. Now to convince my hubby.
Hanan (@LilacCityMomma)
Seriously? No, seriously?? That sounds like an amazing trip for the family!!
Tesa @ 2 Wired 2 Tired
I'm sold! This looks amazing and I'd love to take my family on a Mediterranean cruise. It looks like you and your family had an incredible time!
Jennifer
just about $65/a day per person?!?! that's incredible! I had no idea it would be so affordable!
Rachel @ Following In My Shoes
Wow -- I hadn't thought about cruises being a cheaper option but that makes sense!
[email protected] The Thrifynistas
I can't wait until the baby is old enough to travel and realize where she is.
[email protected]ultiples.com
What a wonderful way to encourage children for a love of travel & learning! Your pics look great!
Theresa
Your pictures are awesome!
Connie Seattle Mom Blogger
This is a cruise I hope to take my mom on in the next few years - it's her dream trip.
debra
I love Europe. How wonderful.
Ty @ Mama of 3 Munchkins
Your photos look amazing!
Geoff H.
I love your daughter's face when she looks at this poor fish out of the water ^^
April Decheine
I would love to go on this cruise, what a wonderful opportunity!
Stefani
I so wish I could go on another cruise!
Sheri
I have never been on a cruise, but I definitely want to! It looks like an amazing trip.
Lolo
Looks amazing. I have never been on a cruise.
Billie
How fun! I'm sure your daughter loves traveling with you. I wish I had the means to provide more for my son.
Leilani
I'm convinced. I totally need to take my family on a cruise. Your pictures look awesome!
Colleen
I would be happy to take my kids on any cruise but my husband would be a basket case fearing one of them would fall over board.
admin
It would be nearly impossible for a child to fall off the ship... there are plenty of security measures in place 😉
MomStart (Ashley)
Sounds like so much fun.
Tricia Nightowlmama
I'm not really very fond of boats but that trip sounds like so much fun
Donna
I would LOVE to do this with our son!
Cassie
I would love to take my girls on a cruise. I agree with you it is a great way to see multiple destinations for a great price!
Jenn
This is on my bucket list. I like the idea of visiting so many countries without as much hassle. Also the feeling of getting back on the boat and back to your own culture in a way is comforting. I was a little out of sorts after a week in Italy.
A Time Out for Mommy- Elaina
My hubby and I have been talking about a medi cruise!
Marcie W.
We love cruising but have yet to do so with our kids. I would LOVE to visit the Mediterranean as a family!