A Week at Sea with the Kids: What to Think About Before You Book

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Planning a family holiday usually starts with a very long browser history and the same question on repeat: what will everyone actually do? If you're trying to squeeze in sunshine, history, decent food and something that keeps a bored teenager interested, it's worth taking a proper look at cruising.

A 7 day Mediterranean cruise is a popular starting point for families because it's long enough to visit several places but short enough that nobody runs out of steam. You unpack once, wake up somewhere new most mornings and the dining room, pool and kids' club travel with you. That alone takes a lot of the stress out of moving children between hotels.

It also gives you a rhythm. Days at sea tend to be slow and sociable, while port days are the big adventures, and most children settle into that pattern within a day or two. Here are the things I'd think about before booking.

Choose your ports carefully

It's tempting to pick the itinerary with the most stops, but a port every single day can be exhausting for little legs. Look for a route with at least one or two days at sea so everyone gets a breather, and so you've got time to actually use the ship. Younger children tend to cope far better with one big day out followed by a lazy one.

Think about what each stop involves, too. Some ports have a beach within walking distance of the dock, which is a gift when you've got a toddler or a child who can't face another museum. Others are a long train or coach ride from somewhere famous. Check the travel time from the ship before you commit, because an hour each way adds up fast.

Cabins and where everyone sleeps

Space is the thing families notice first. Interior cabins are usually the cheapest and some children love the total darkness, but others find it a bit much. A balcony gives you somewhere to sit once the little ones are asleep, which is handy for a quiet cup of tea. Many ships also have family cabins or connecting rooms, so it's worth asking about those early because they tend to go first.

Pack a small night light and a travel adaptor, and check the ship's rules on extension leads, as some don't allow them. Cabins have fewer sockets than you'd expect, and phones, tablets and cameras all need charging at once.

Kids' clubs and what they really offer

Most big ships run clubs split by age group, and they're often free during the day. They can be brilliant, especially for older children who make friends quickly. Some parents feel uneasy about handing their children over on holiday, and that's completely fine, so have a look around on the first day and see how you feel. Ask what hours the clubs run, whether there's a charge for evening sessions and how drop-off and pick-up work.

If your child isn't a joiner, don't force it. Plenty of families spend most of their time together and just dip into the clubs for an afternoon. The pool, the games deck and the evening shows will fill a lot of time anyway.

Eating with children on board

Food is usually a big plus. There's normally a buffet open for long hours, which is a lifesaver when you've got a fussy eater or a child who's suddenly starving at 4pm. Most ships also have a main dining room with children's menus, and many can cater for allergies if you tell them well before you sail. Let the cruise line know about any dietary needs when you book, then remind the dining staff on the first night.

Seasickness, sun and sensible packing

Seasickness worries lots of people, though modern ships are stabilised and the Mediterranean is often calm. If someone in your family is prone to it, a cabin low down and in the middle of the ship feels the least movement. Take remedies you've already tried at home, and have a chat with a pharmacist about what's suitable for each child's age.

Sun cream goes further than you'd think, and so does a hat. Port days can be hot with very little shade, so carry water, a small first aid kit and a lightweight bag for each child to carry their own bits. Comfy shoes matter more than anything else on cobbled streets, and a spare change of clothes for younger children has saved many an afternoon.

Keep the budget in check

The fare is only part of the picture. Think about tips, drinks packages, excursions and Wi-Fi, and decide as a family what you'll pay for before you board. Booking excursions through the ship is simple, but arranging things yourself can be cheaper and more relaxed. Just allow plenty of time to get back, because the ship won't wait for anyone.

Finally, involve the children in the planning. Let them pick one thing they're looking forward to at each stop, whether that's an ice cream, a castle or a beach. It gives them a bit of ownership and makes the days feel like an adventure rather than a schedule.

A week at sea won't suit every family, but with a bit of planning it can be one of the easiest ways to see a few new places together. Take your time choosing, think about what your own children enjoy and don't be afraid to keep the plans loose. Some of the best memories come from the days where nothing much happened at all.