Cruising. It’s arguably the easiest way to travel. Book it. Make your way to the ship. Relax. Wake up in a different location every day.

When my husband and I got married nearly two decades ago, he asked whether I wanted to go on a cruise. I didn’t. Not really. Visions of the 1980s show “The Love Boat” danced before my eyes. I’d traveled quite a bit. A boat full of shuffleboard courts wasn’t my speed. But my dear husband had traveled even more extensively than I and he proposed taking one trial cruise together if I didn’t like it, we’d never do it again.

To my surprise, I loved it. We definitely don’t cruise for every vacation, but we’ve boarded more than a dozen big ships since that first trip to the Panama Canal with kids and without on various cruise lines. Last year, our family sailed on a ship with a rollercoaster racing above the top floor. This summer, we’ll be on a ship with a go-kart track, a virtual reality pavilion and more. Today’s ships have dozens of eateries and bars, practically endless activities and excursions and more. And the kids’ and teens’ clubs are amazing.

Search around a bit for the best deals and know that the more you cruise, the better deals you’ll get.

Interested in learning more about cruising? Here are some great tips from other moms who have done it:

Coastal Bend Mom Collective has some thoughts on booking a cruise with kids:

9 Tips Before You Book a Cruise With Your Child

 

Orlando Mom Collective put together a four-part series on cruising with kiddos:

Cruising with Kiddos (Part 1): The kids aren’t going overboard

Cruising with Kiddos (Part 2): All About Logistics

Cruising with Kiddos (Part 3): Food and fun on board

Cruising with Kiddos (Part 4) – Doing the time warp and eating termites

 

Thanks to Pittsburgh Mom Collective for ideas on mistakes to avoid:

Cruise Mistakes Your Family Can Avoid on Your Next Cruise

 

Quad City Moms talks offers six reasons why you should take to the seas for your next family trip:

A CRUISE: SIX REASONS TO MAKE IT YOUR NEXT FAMILY VACATION

 

Our family loves Disney, but we have never done a Disney cruise. Fortunately, Wichita Mom has thoughts for you:

And Houston Moms has tips about how not to ruin your Disney cruise:

Five Ways to Ruin Your Disney Cruise

Do you love cruising? Tell us about your experiences in the comments! And… if you’re interested in more travel ideas, check out City Mom Collective’s Ultimate Family Vacation Guide.