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Norwegian's Official Travel Blog

Family Cruise Vacations: Cruising as a Single Parent

Families come in all shapes and sizes. However, some vacations are difficult to manage with just one adult. Taking a road trip, for instance, can be challenging for single parents as it means that one person will be doing all of the driving and supervising. Plus, kids can get bored pretty quickly on the road.

For many single parents, a cruise is the best vacation option available. A cruise vacation allows single parents to keep costs under control while having fun in the process and enjoy some adult time too. You'll find plenty of options for spending time with your kids aboard a Norwegian Cruise Line vacation — from complimentary family dining to thrilling water slides. Here are some of the other reasons why a cruise makes a perfect vacation for a single parent family.  

Rock Climbing Wall on Norwegian Cruise Line Ship

#1. So Many Thrilling Outdoor Activities

Onboard Norwegian Cruise Line ships, you’ll find all kinds of outdoor activities for kids and adults alike. You can try everything from swimming laps in the outdoor pool to working on your basketball skills at the multi-use sports deck. Lounge poolside while your teenagers tackle the exhilarating multi-story waterslides aboard the Breakaway Class ships. If you want to get in on the action, then challenge your tween to a race on side-by-side twister slides. You can also walk “The Plank,” a thrilling attraction that extends 8 feet over the side of the ship.

Norwegian Cruise Line Youth Programs

#2. Youth Programs For Every Age

Whether your kids are six months old or 17 years old, Norwegian offers a complimentary cruise youth program especially for them. From sensory play to circus skills classes, there is something onboard for every kid.

While you are unwinding at Mandara Spa with a thermal treatment, your kids will have fun playing sports with other kids their age. Teens will love the hip dance clubs where they can dance the night away with new friends. While you are relaxing or enjoying spending time with other adults on board, you can rest assured that your kids will be safe as qualified youth staff will supervise them.

Norwegian Cruise Line Spa Suite Balcony Stateroom

#3. The Perfect Accommodations for Your Family

After an action-packed day of fun, you'll crave a comfortable stateroom where you and the kids can wind down.  Norwegian offers a variety of staterooms to suit any family's unique needs and budget. Choose a spacious two-bedroom family suite, a relaxing family balcony stateroom or an affordable, yet comfortable inside stateroom with 3rd and 4th bunk beds.

La Cucina on Norwegian Cruise Line Ships

#4. Meals Everyone Will Enjoy

Even the pickiest diners will love dining onboard a cruise ship. There is a tremendous variety of complimentary dining options to select. From fine dining to casual waterside cafés, you choose exactly where, when, and what you want to eat. Some of the popular choices on Norwegian’s ships include made-to-order pasta, French gourmet classics, macadamia nut ice cream, and more.

If you and the kids want to dress up, then you might choose to have dinner in the Main Dining Room. Or, help yourself to whatever you are in the mood for at the buffet. With Freestyle Dining, there are no pre-assigned seating or fixed dining times. This freedom means that you can have dinner when it is convenient for you.

If you are a single parent, what do you like most about cruising? Share your comments below.