Book your cruise early. You will want to have plenty of time to plan and research itineraries and excursions off the ship.
Surf on the Internet to find information about the ports of calls on the cruises you are considering. Go over this information with your children. The more you know, the better you will feel about going to a new place and the better you will be able to choose the cruise that is most interesting to your family.
Check with the cruise agent for information or details you need to know for a safe and fun trip. Most cruise agents offer lists and helpful information packs.
Encourage you children to earn money or save money for the trip. Cruise ships have arcades that kids like and the ports of call provide great shopping opportunities to purchase items that will help your kids remember their trip.
Check the weather conditions for your cruise to decide on the type of clothes to wear on the cruise. If you will be in a warm weather area, it is a good idea to bring a couple swimsuits per person with you. That way you will always have a dry suit to put on.
Make a list of what to bring on the cruise. Careful planning is essential to a successful trip.
Persuade your children to make their own list of what they should bring on the homeschool cruise. This gives them a good lesson in planning.
Board the ship early. Leave plenty of time to deal with traffic and other delays.
Check in together. Separating the husband to park the car and come back can cause double wait time for everyone.
Try to check in as much luggage as possible with the porter when boarding. You will have long lines to wait in as you board, and you don't want to be carrying assortment of backpacks and pillows.
Make sure your children have a friend with them for learning excursions. A buddy system works well if the group is going from place to place. No one becomes lost or left behind.
Prepare for the children to stay up for the midnight buffet.
Keep extra cash in the porter's safe. Each child can place their money in an envelope with their name on it and place it in the safe. They need only to carry money that they will use that day.
