The Takeaway: Top 5 Tips for Transgenerational Cruising

Traveling with grandchildren is a wonderful opportunity to create memories which they can carry throughout their lives. Here are some tips on making it a success.

1. Carry written permission for the child’s parent or legal guardian which will allow you to make medical decisions on behalf of the child in case of an emergency.
2. Establish some ground rules right from the start – especially on a cruise. Children should not be allowed to wander the ship alone and if they do make friends and want to leave your side, make sure they advise you of their changing destinations. Try to make yourself “invisible” while they play with new friends in the pool – or elsewhere – but plan to be there, just in case.
3. Explore the Youth Program, on board the ship even if your grandchildren think they don’t want to sign up. Once you’ve seen it for yourself you will feel comfortable either encouraging them to join, or supporting their decision not to.
4. Be flexible and allow time in your schedule for spontaneous activities and for those inevitable delays. This will make the trip more relaxed and more fun for all of you. In years to come, your grandchildren may not remember everything they saw, but they will remember all the laughs you shared.
5. Take lots of photos, keep journals and talk about the trip long after it ends. Children grow up so fast and they may not always want to travel with you so it’s just as important for you to capture those memories as it will be for them someday.

When disembarking, I asked Mateo if he had enjoyed the Fantasy and if he would sail with Disney again. “Definitely,” was his immediate reply. As for me, I couldn’t agree more. Was it relaxing? Not really, but would you expect anything less when traveling with a child on a Disney cruise? Was it fun? You bet!

Are you traveling with your grandchild this summer? Share your favorite activities and memories.

For more Transgenerational Travel Ideas, check out:

• Grandtravel Tripping with Grandma
• Grand Traveling
• Ask Peter: Driving Vacations, Alaskan Cruises and Arizona Resorts
• The Family Travel section

By Michelle da Silva Richmond for PeterGreenberg.com. Michelle da Silva Richmond is an award-winning travel editor and a member of the Society of American Travel Writers and the American Society of Journalists and Authors. Her articles have appeared in inflight magazines, consumer publications and newspapers throughout the US and Mexico. She is currently honeymoon editor for: www.bellaonline.com.