Cruising without Kids?

Cruising without Kids?

We have two children...and we love our kids,,,,and our kids loved cruising when they were growing up.  We used to vacation twice a year, one with the kids and the next without. Now we like cruising without ANYONE's kids. 

I was very surprised when I was speaking with a client wanting to book a cruise in July. First, they were surprised to find out how much more a cruise costs over the summer.  The kids are out of school and this is the prime time for family cruising....June, July and holiday weeks!  

Teachers are off work..this is when they cruise too.  For this customer, this was a dilemma. She was a teacher wanting to relax during her off time and be away from the little "tricycle motors" that she is with the other nine months. Imagine my surprise,, when I explained why this cruise would cost so much more they remarked that they had no idea the ships may be full of children.  Sometimes I am amazed what knowledge an experienced cruiser has over someone without the experience. We are our knowledge for granted. 

Yes, the ships sell out over the summer usually.  There is very little need to run a sale. She called be back after noticing the rates were lower towards the end of August and beginning of September. However, she doesn't want to cruise then because she feels that she is taking a chance with hurricanes.She tells me how unfair this is...as if I can change it.  Of course, I feel bad for her...I understand.  She is one of the rare people who needs to cruise during this time who doesn't want to be around kids.  A lot of cruisers are like us.  We are more than happy to leave those cabins for the families and cruise another time.  We have that option...and we use it...lol. 

What can you do when you have no choice?  I would recommend a cruise line that doesn't offer much for children.  Of course, we are talking about a more expensive line. If more money isn't an option, maybe try a combination of:

1. Choose a week that is as late as you are willing to sail.  A lot of families vacation earlier so that they can return in time for back-to-school shopping. 
2. Choose a ship that has an adult area.  If the ship don't have this, try the floor with all the suites or spa cabins.
3. Do not book cabins near other cabins that hold more than two passengers, adjoining rooms, or family areas. Look at the cabins next door and across the hall when booking.
4. Make sure your cabin is not located near the kid's activity rooms or clubs.
5. Give me a call and I will help you.

Remember, just because you have reached that time when you prefer to cruise with less kids onboard, that doesn't make you a scrooge.  In fact you may someday take your grandchildren and started enjoying it all over again!