Planning your next family vacation? Dreading spending ten hours in the car followed by five days dragging your kids to the beach, the hotel pool and a local restaurant that doesn't offer a children's menu?

If you're looking for a vacation that will show both you and the kids a good time, cruising could be it.

To learn about the benefits and drawbacks of family cruise vacations, keep reading to find out the best tips for planning your first or next family cruise.

Why a Family Cruise Vacation?

Because so many cruise ships are targeted directly toward families, you're getting a fully packaged vacation in a safe and contained environment.

There are daily, scheduled activities for the children along with parental getaways that both allow you to enjoy time with your children and also have your own private vacation.

Most cruise lines either offer "day camp" options with regularly scheduled, on-board activities or supervised day care facilities. Because your children are on a boat with you and under the care of a well-screened and professionally-supervised staff, you can rest a little easier.

Isn't it Expensive?

Cruising can be expensive, but most family cruise destinations typically cost about $500-$1000 per person per week. Add up the cost of all the hotels, meals, souvenirs and mileage that your last vacation cost you and compare it to that figure. You'll quickly see that a cruise vacation budgets in at about the same rate as a full, family vacation.

How do I a Book a "Family" Cruise?

Most cruise lines offer family-specific or family-friendly cruises that are geared specifically toward families with children. Ideally, you want to choose one of these rather than, say, a Senior's cruise or a Single's cruise.

Cruise lines like Disney or Norwegian also offer themed ships with full youth programs that are targeted to specific age groups from toddlers to teens. Again, this affords you the chance to take a break and enjoy the pool on your own.

When booking a full family cruise, you may want to consider a travel agent. Often, they're able to discuss ship amenities, past client reviews and possible discounts.

However, if you're searching alone and online, try reading past traveler reviews of each individual ship. This will provide you a clearer indication of the ship's facilities and accommodations than the cruise line's promotional website.

Things to Consider Before Departure

Make sure everyone in your family has their passport, travel health insurance and extra medication. Keep all of your documents in a safe and secure place with one person.

With the stresses of work, family schedules, finances and kids, most couples need the occasional break - a romantic retreat to rekindle their romance, invigorate their relationship and give them time to simply relax.

If you're looking for the perfect romantic getaway that combines worry-free planning, all-inclusive budgeting and romantic sparkle, cruise travel is a great option.

To learn about how to book the best romantic cruise for you and your loved one - regardless of your cruise destination - keep reading for great tips on everything from what to look for in a cruise ship to how to get the best deals for your spouse.

Opt For a Cruise with an Age Limit

The last thing you want on your romantic getaway is to be surrounded by toddlers on their way to a puppet show at the children's pool. So, book a cruise with an enforced age limit.

Most cruise lines offer cruises that restrict boarding to both individuals 25 and older or married individuals 21 and older. The bulk of these cruises are specifically targeted toward couples and will offer amenities like increased room service, couples' massages, formal dining and couples' activities.

If you're unable to find a cruise with an age limit that's right for you, most ships offer areas, including pools that are adults-only.

Stay Away From "Singles" Cruises

In contrast to couples' cruises, some cruise lines offer cruise vacations that are specifically for single travelers or the 'spring break' party crowd. Unless you want to spend your romantic getaway immersed in loud dance music and terrible pick up lines, you're going to want to stay away from these options.

Pick a Boat Size That Works For You

A larger boat may have more passengers and a less intimate "feel," but it also allows for greater anonymity while on-board ship and a larger range of facilities. When choosing a ship, think about what's important for you in terms of privacy and boat size.

Get the Balcony

As tempting as it may be to book an inside cabin for a discount, know that the space is small and often windowless. If this cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime romantic treat, it's time to splurge and opt for a cabin with a romantic balcony. When you're watching the stars go by from bed, you'll be thankful.

How to Get Great Couples' Deals

Booking as a couple gives you an advantage. You can often look for "companion" rates that apply to either cabin bookings or air fare to your port. Many cruise lines and some air carriers offer a companion discount for couples traveling together.

The closer you get to your Caribbean cruise vacation, the more excited you will become. As you being the planning and packing phase of your voyage, it is common for the excitement and anticipation to turn into anxiety and uncertainty. It is so overwhelming with the many details and the large amount of supplies. After you have taken a few Caribbean cruises, you will be prepared to hit the beach in style.

Planning an Itinerary
Choosing the best Caribbean cruise line and itinerary are the first steps necessary in planning your Caribbean cruise. After you gather all of your information, you will be better able to plan what you should pack as well as make any other necessary arrangements that you may need to make. There are often special activities planned on the island for people taking a Caribbean cruise. If you plan on leaving the ship when it makes port, be sure to book those excursions in advance. It is best to plan ahead in order to properly schedule and stay within financial constraints.

Packing the right clothes is a trickier part of planning a Caribbean cruise than you might imagine. It can be mor4e planning and packing than the average Caribbean cruise traveler bargained for,between resort wear for the ship,beach wear for excursions and evening wear for the ship's dining room. But packing wisely will have a very positive effect in terms of stress-free traveling and making the most efficient use of the limited space in your stateroom.

Choosing a single color scheme for your travel clothing that can be mixed with a few other pieces during your Caribbean cruise vacations is the best packing trip. For convenience, men can rent tuxedos on the ship, and women can bring a basic black dress that can be accessorized for day or night events. Try to cut down on luggage space for your Caribbean cruise by packing shorts that can be worn with all or most of your shirts.

There are a few things you should never forget on a Caribbean cruise deal, including sunglasses, sunscreen, and of course a camera so you can remember all those great memories. If you plan ahead and pack correctly, you will have a worry free and stress free Caribbean cruise. Plan accordingly and carefully.