Small ship cruising: you CAN expedition travel with kids

The following is Part 2 in a two-part series on small ship cruising with AdventureSmith Expeditions’ founder Todd Smith.

Last week, I asked AdventureSmith Expeditions founder Todd Smith to explain the philosophy of small ship cruising, reinforcing my belief that a lasting travel impact is made through personal, intimate experiences with the culture and environs of a destination. But is small ship cruising practical for families with children? The short answer? Yes! AdventureSmith offers dozens of cruises specifically geared to families. For the long answer, including a detailed description of a typical day aboard a small cruise ship with kids, read on!

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Pit Stops for Kids: You’re a father yourself: what itinerary do you most recommend for families?

Todd Smith: It really depends on the destination. I like trips that are close to home, choosing destinations in North America to minimize flying time and jet lag for younger travelers. Our five top family destinations are Costa Rica (December-August), Galapagos (year-round), Alaska (May-September), Baja (November-April), and Hawaii (November-April). It is also important to focus on a cruise that has dedicated family departures. Family departures offer specialized programs and meals that are suited for younger travelers and offer the advantage of traveling with other families with kids of similar ages. A few of my favorites for 2012 include departures to the Galapagos aboard the National Geographic Endeavour, Alaska’s Eastern Coves, and Baja, aboard the 22-passenger Safari Quest. Of note: all of these itineraries and more offer significant discounts to child passengers.

PSFK: What can AdventureSmith offer families with babies and toddlers? Or are they better off waiting a few more years?

TS: Some small ships will allow babies and toddlers on board, however we recommend travelers wait until their children are six years old before booking small ship cruises. Small children may or may not be able to participate in off-vessel activities and there are no babysitting facilities to watch kids while parents are away. As an alternative, charters are a great option for families with toddlers and babies. You’ll have a boatload of family to help watch kids and you will not upset any other guests!

PSFK: Paint me a picture of a typical vacation day aboard an AdventureSmith ship. Is there such a thing?

TS: There is a lot of variety, depending on the ship and destination. However, a typical day might transpire as follows: wake up to the announcement from a naturalist that wildlife has been spotted on shore. As the ship slows down to observe, you wake the kids, grab a cup of freshly brewed coffee, and head to the observation deck where early risers and naturalists have gathered to watch the animals. After some time spent observing wildlife, it is announced that breakfast will begin soon.

Return to your cabin to prepare for the day before enjoying a hearty breakfast. Toward the end of breakfast, the naturalists appear again to review the day’s itinerary and activities. They announce a kayaking and/or hiking activity to begin shortly. The ship anchors in a quite cove and travelers begin the morning off-vessel naturalist guided activities.

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Mom and son may choose the hiking trip with an exploration of nearby forest and tide pools, while dad and daughter take a guided kayak excursion in search of wildlife. For travelers (grandparents perhaps) not interested in the more active hiking and kayaking options, small craft zodiac excursions are offered. As you return to the ship from morning activities, you are greeted by a smiling crew member with a hot beverage (or in warm destinations, a cool beverage).

Once all groups are back on board the ship pulls anchor and begins cruising. Enjoy a bit of down time to relax, engage with naturalists about your morning activity, or enjoy cruising from the observation deck. The naturalists may offer a impromptu lecture on-board to exchange experiences from the morning activities with an emphasis on getting the kids involved in what they are learning. Lunch is served. After lunch enjoy time cruising and looking for wildlife. This is a great time of families to visit the wheelhouse to speak with the captain, and learn about navigation and the equipment used to steer the ship to its next destination.

Mid-afternoon, the ship reaches another anchorage and afternoon off-vessel activities begin. This afternoon’s paddle excursion is pleasantly interrupted by a crew member delivering fresh baked cookies by zodiac (kids love this). Return to the ship for happy hour and appetizers as the ship again pulls anchor and begins cruising. Before or after dinner, the naturalists invite families to the lounge for a slide presentation, discussion, or game highlighting local culture, wildlife conservation issues, or other interesting topics. Dinner can be a more elegant affair with several choices (always one vegetarian choice and family trips offer kid friendly choices) highlighting local and international fare.

After dinner and desert, the naturalists offer an overview of tomorrow’s itinerary and activities. Relax in the library, play a game with the kids, or stay on deck watching the stars. Get a good night’s sleep in your private cabin as the ship cruises to a new location to do it all over again tomorrow.

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