ArcaMax

Maybe this is the year to go on a family cruise.

Maybe it’s finally time that you gather the extended family for a multigenerational adventure, even if cruising is something you never thought you’d do.

That was the case of an Ohio grandmother who told me on a Regent Seven Seas cruise in Alaska that “never in a billion years,” did she think she would want to go on a cruise. Then life happened. Her husband died after a long illness, and she wanted to plan a trip with her five grandchildren before they grew up. Her two children suggested a cruise where there would be no stressful activities, a solicitous crew who couldn’t do more for you (no need to make a bed or prepare a meal!), and most important, the chance to share a wonderful new place together – whale watching, glacier calving, hiking and kayaking in spectacular environs – where the grandkids would learn something as well as have fun.

“I’m in heaven,” that grandmother told me, smiling. “My five grandchildren in one place and available to me.”

You might think luxury cruise lines like Regent Seven Seas wouldn’t appeal to families, but I met many multigenerational groups on that trip. Regent, the grandparents said, also appealed because it is all-inclusive so there were no surprise bills at the end.

For a quick review of cruise lines and what they are offering in 2024, check out the very recently updated Taking The Kids Family Cruise Guide.

I’ve also met multigenerational groups – typically three generations – on river cruises ( Adventures by Disney has a partnership with AMA Waterways while Uniworld and Croisi Europe host special family itineraries ), expedition cruises, even in Antarctica, Windstar sailing yachts and, of course, traditional cruise ships.

“We’ve seen a significant increase (in multigenerational bookings) post-Covid,” said Janet Bava, chief commercial officer for Windstar Cruises, with sailing yachts that carry just 148 to 342 passengers.

Colleen McDaniel, editor-in-chief of Cruise Critic.com noted that with the introduction of new ships and itineraries, multigenerational families now can explore more far- flung and less- touristy destinations by sea, “something that was far more difficult – even impossible – before.”

“Now, more than ever, cruise lines are building products and offerings that really cater to those (multigenerational) groups – from building out even more robust kids clubs and programming, to introducing indulgent adult-only areas onboard and offering a range of price points,“ McDaniel said.

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