Our Northern Europe cruise with two kids was a hit! The 12-day trip offered diverse experiences, from exploring historic cities to enjoying ship amenities. They adored onboard activities and the freedom to explore safely. Shore excursions were planned around their interests, keeping them engaged. The family-friendly atmosphere and ease of travel made it a memorable vacation. Ultimately, this cruise vacation exceeded expectations.
Why a Cruise for a Family Adventure?
Before diving into the specifics of our itinerary, let's address the elephant in the room: Why choose a cruise for a family vacation? Cruises offer a unique blend of convenience and exploration that's hard to beat. Imagine waking up in a new city each day without the hassle of packing and unpacking. Picture having a plethora of entertainment options readily available, from swimming pools and kids' clubs to Broadway-style shows and gourmet dining. This is the reality of a cruise vacation. For families, this translates into less stress and more quality time together. Plus, many cruise lines offer specialized programs and activities tailored to different age groups, ensuring that everyone, from toddlers to teenagers, has something to enjoy.
Specifically, for a Northern Europe cruise, it provides a fantastic opportunity to visit multiple countries and experience different cultures without the logistical nightmare of arranging flights, trains, and hotels in each location. It's a streamlined way to introduce your children to the world and spark their curiosity about history, geography, and art.
Our 12-Day Northern Europe Cruise Itinerary
Our journey took us through some of the most captivating cities in Northern Europe, each offering a unique glimpse into its history and culture. Here's a snapshot of our itinerary:
Day |
Port |
Activities & Highlights |
|---|
1 |
Southampton, UK |
Embarkation Day: Settling into our cabin, exploring the ship, and enjoying the welcome dinner. The kids were thrilled with the pools and the buffet. |
2 |
At Sea |
A day to relax and enjoy the ship's amenities. We spent time at the kids' club, watched a movie, and participated in a family trivia game. |
3 |
Zeebrugge, Belgium (for Bruges) |
A day trip to the charming medieval city of Bruges. We took a canal tour, visited the Markt square, and indulged in delicious Belgian chocolate and waffles. |
4 |
Amsterdam, Netherlands |
Exploring Amsterdam by canal boat was magical! We visited the Anne Frank House (pre-booked tickets are a must!), strolled through the flower market, and sampled Dutch cheese. |
5 |
Hamburg, Germany |
We explored the historic Speicherstadt warehouse district (a UNESCO World Heritage site), visited Miniatur Wunderland (the world's largest model railway), and enjoyed traditional German cuisine. |
6 |
At Sea |
Another relaxing day at sea. We attended a cooking demonstration, participated in a scavenger hunt, and enjoyed the evening entertainment. |
7 |
Oslo, Norway |
Visiting the Viking Ship Museum and exploring the Vigeland Sculpture Park were highlights. The kids were fascinated by the Viking ships and the impressive sculptures. |
8 |
Copenhagen, Denmark |
Exploring Copenhagen by bike was a fantastic experience. We visited the Little Mermaid statue, strolled through Nyhavn, and explored Tivoli Gardens (a must-do!). |
9 |
At Sea |
Relaxation and reflection. We spent time by the pool, read books, and reminisced about our favorite moments so far. |
10 |
Warnemünde, Germany (for Berlin) |
A day trip to Berlin by train. We visited the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag Building, and the East Side Gallery. A powerful experience for the whole family. |
11 |
At Sea |
Packing, last-minute shopping, and enjoying the final evening onboard. We attended the farewell show and said goodbye to the friendly crew. |
12 |
Southampton, UK |
Disembarkation Day: Saying goodbye to the ship and heading home with a treasure trove of memories. |
Kid-Friendly Activities and Highlights
Beyond the amazing destinations, the cruise line itself offered a plethora of activities designed for children. The kids' club was a huge hit, providing supervised fun with games, crafts, and themed parties. The swimming pools were a constant source of entertainment, and the nightly shows were surprisingly captivating for all ages. We also took advantage of onboard workshops, such as towel animal folding and pizza making, which were both fun and educational.
On shore excursions, we always tried to balance historical and cultural experiences with activities that would keep the kids engaged. Canal tours, bike rides, and visits to interactive museums were all successful strategies. And of course, indulging in local treats, like Belgian waffles and Dutch cheese, was always a winning proposition.
Tips for a Successful Family Cruise
Planning is key to a successful family cruise. Here are a few tips to consider:
Book in advance: This will give you the best choice of cabins and shore excursions.
Choose a family-friendly cruise line: Research cruise lines that cater specifically to families and offer age-appropriate activities.
Pack appropriately: Remember to pack for all types of weather, as Northern Europe weather can be unpredictable.
Pre-book shore excursions: Popular excursions can sell out quickly, so it's best to book them in advance.
Plan downtime: Don't overschedule your days. Allow for plenty of downtime to relax and enjoy the ship's amenities.
Involve your children in the planning process: Let them choose some of the activities and destinations they're most interested in.
Stay connected: Consider purchasing an internet package so you can stay in touch with family and friends back home.
Creating Lasting Memories
Our Northern Europe cruise was more than just a vacation; it was an opportunity to create lasting memories with my children. We experienced new cultures, learned about history, and bonded over shared adventures. The look of wonder on their faces as they explored ancient castles and sailed through stunning fjords is something I will cherish forever. A family cruise is a fantastic way to see the world and strengthen family bonds, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an unforgettable adventure.
