Taking the Kids: Are you ready to cruise again?

Certainly, expect changes on board — servers at the buffets, for example, enhanced cleaning protocols and possible limits on what you may do onshore. If you aren’t vaccinated, you may be required to pay for three COVID-19 tests – ($178 on Celebrity, for example), mask up on board and have travel insurance. (A good idea in any case.)

“The changes vary from cruise line to cruise line, and even cruise ship to cruise ship,” said McDonald. “Cruisers should be familiar with their ship’s guidelines, but also be aware that those could change by the time of departure – both due to cruise line changes, and potential changes in ports of call.”

The 2021 Taking the Kids Cruise Guide will help you plan, based on the experience you want and the ages of your kids. For example, if you have teens who love water sports, consider a smaller Windstar ship in the Caribbean with a water platform and unlimited use of water sports equipment. For those cruising with grown kids, or no kids, and you’re seeking a luxury experience, sail from Caribbean ports and in the Mediterranean on Seabourn Cruise Line.

Grandparents recommend Regent Seven Seas (the Mariner will resume sailing from Miami in December) for multi-generational trips because the cruises are all-inclusive, including shore excursions.

Before you book, make sure to read the fine print as cruise line refund policies vary from a future cruise voucher to additional onboard spending credits or a full cash refund.

The good news for cruisers is you have a growing number of options. Royal Caribbean, Princess, Carnival, and Holland America are among those sailing from Seattle, in some cases into October.

Come fall, Holland America Line is gearing up to restart cruising out of the Port of San Diego in California with a season of cruises to Mexico, Hawaii and along the California coast.

If you want to sail on a brand-new ship with all the bells and whistles, Carnival Cruise Line, which carries more kids than any cruise line, has announced that the Mardi Gras has just begun to sail from Port Canaveral in Florida.

Mardi Gras is the first ship in the Americas powered by the more eco-friendly Liquified Natural Gas (most ships are powered by diesel) and features six distinct themed zones and a wide range of outdoor attractions, including the longest ropes course and largest water park in the fleet with the much-anticipated BOLT Ultimate Sea Coaster. Some family-friendly staterooms accommodate up to five people and have an extra bathroom.

Besides Alaska this summer, Princess Cruises plans to return to sailings from U.S. ports starting between Sept. 25 and Nov. 28. On board, eight ships will take guests to the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Mexico, Hawaii, and the California coast.

According to CLIA, restarting cruises will provide a much-needed boost to the U.S. economy — with the cruise industry supporting nearly 450,000 American jobs and contributing over $55.5 billion annually. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, CLIA projected a whopping 32 million cruise passengers worldwide in 2020. Obviously, there are no projections available yet for 2021.

“Cruising is back and having vaccinated ships for these cruises in 2021 ensures that we can deliver the experience just how our guests remember and expect,” said Gustavo Antorcha, president of Holland America. “We’re ready to cruise!”

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(For more Taking the Kids, visit www.takingthekids.com and also follow TakingTheKids on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram where Eileen Ogintz welcomes your questions and comments. The Kid’s Guide to Philadelphia, the 13th in the kid’s guide series, was published in 2020, with The Kid’s Guide to Camping coming in 2021.)