Gulf of Mexico The month of March is here again and this means that many schools around the United States will soon be enjoying Spring Break. While Spring Break can vary by state, area, and school, many schools will have their Spring Break sometime during March. As schools give time off for a break, some families will spend this time on a cruise vacation. If you are cruising during the Spring Break time-frame or are considering a cruise around this time of year, here are a few tips & suggestions for you to consider:
1. If You Don't Like Cruising During School Breaks Because Of More Children On-board, This Time Of Year Is Probably Not For You!
There are some people that prefer to cruise, with very few children onboard. If you are one of these people, consider cruising during a different time of year when school is in session. Another option you could consider, is choosing a cruise line that is less family oriented. This could decrease your likelihood of sailing with children and families, but does not guarantee a child free cruise.
2. The Weather May Not Be Perfect Or As Great As You Hope For
Everyone wants his or her cruise vacation to have nice weather, but this does not always happen. Cold fronts and other weather systems can occur during March, which could have an effect on your Spring Break cruise. Check the weather forecast often before your cruise to see if precipitation is likely in the places you will be cruising. I hope the weather will cooperate for everyone cruising for Spring Break!
3. Don't Forget Sunscreen or Sunblock
If you plan on being outside for any length of time you need to make sure you bring sunscreen that will protect you from u/v rays and the sun. Bring enough sunscreen for you and your family. However, don't forget to actually put it on before going outside. You may still get sunburned, if you are like me, but the sunscreen should help protect you. Put the sunscreen on as recommended by the label on your bottle and don't forget to reapply if the directions state the protection only lasts for a certain amount of time.
Getting a sunburn during your cruise vacation could put a damper on your vacation or make you feel terrible.
4. Parents Please Watch Your Kids At Pools
No matter what type of pool, slide, or water recreation activity your child wishes to participate in, make sure you keep an eye on each him or her. Most cruise ship pools have no lifeguards and are use at your own risk. The pools on ships can be used year round in some destinations, so this tip doesn't just apply to cruises that sail during spring break or the summer. Parents need to watch their children closely to make sure nothing happens to them. It is always much better to be safe than sorry!
5. For The Ports - Keep Track of Time & Be Back Before The Designated Time
Sometimes cruisers get off in a port of call and then get too wrapped up in their excursion or activity, which causes them to forget about getting back to their ship on-time. Although this is an issue that pertains to all cruises, it is important to remember to give yourself plenty of time to get back to the ship before the designated return time. Once your ship has sailed, you are probably out of luck and will have to find transportation to meet the ship elsewhere. The simple solution is to keep track of time, get back to the ship early, and then you can enjoy watching others rush back to the ship because they arrived near the last possible second!
6. The Price For Spring Break Cruises Can Vary
Typically, spring break cruises cost more than some of the cruises that sail identical itineraries around the same time of year. This is because cruise lines know their will be some demand for cruises during this time frame. You can most likely expect to find cruises that cost less than summer rates, but more than some of the other cruises offered during off-season times. However, do not wait until the last minute to book a spring break cruise because prices can go up and availability of staterooms will decrease.
7. Check The Dates Of When Your Cruise Begins and Ends
Some cruises that offered around the spring break timeframe do not align perfectly with time kids have off from school. This could mean choosing a certain cruise could result in your kid(s) missing a little bit of school if you choose to book the particular cruise vacation.
1. If You Don't Like Cruising During School Breaks Because Of More Children On-board, This Time Of Year Is Probably Not For You!
There are some people that prefer to cruise, with very few children onboard. If you are one of these people, consider cruising during a different time of year when school is in session. Another option you could consider, is choosing a cruise line that is less family oriented. This could decrease your likelihood of sailing with children and families, but does not guarantee a child free cruise.
2. The Weather May Not Be Perfect Or As Great As You Hope For
Everyone wants his or her cruise vacation to have nice weather, but this does not always happen. Cold fronts and other weather systems can occur during March, which could have an effect on your Spring Break cruise. Check the weather forecast often before your cruise to see if precipitation is likely in the places you will be cruising. I hope the weather will cooperate for everyone cruising for Spring Break!
3. Don't Forget Sunscreen or Sunblock
If you plan on being outside for any length of time you need to make sure you bring sunscreen that will protect you from u/v rays and the sun. Bring enough sunscreen for you and your family. However, don't forget to actually put it on before going outside. You may still get sunburned, if you are like me, but the sunscreen should help protect you. Put the sunscreen on as recommended by the label on your bottle and don't forget to reapply if the directions state the protection only lasts for a certain amount of time.
Getting a sunburn during your cruise vacation could put a damper on your vacation or make you feel terrible.
4. Parents Please Watch Your Kids At Pools
No matter what type of pool, slide, or water recreation activity your child wishes to participate in, make sure you keep an eye on each him or her. Most cruise ship pools have no lifeguards and are use at your own risk. The pools on ships can be used year round in some destinations, so this tip doesn't just apply to cruises that sail during spring break or the summer. Parents need to watch their children closely to make sure nothing happens to them. It is always much better to be safe than sorry!
5. For The Ports - Keep Track of Time & Be Back Before The Designated Time
Sometimes cruisers get off in a port of call and then get too wrapped up in their excursion or activity, which causes them to forget about getting back to their ship on-time. Although this is an issue that pertains to all cruises, it is important to remember to give yourself plenty of time to get back to the ship before the designated return time. Once your ship has sailed, you are probably out of luck and will have to find transportation to meet the ship elsewhere. The simple solution is to keep track of time, get back to the ship early, and then you can enjoy watching others rush back to the ship because they arrived near the last possible second!
6. The Price For Spring Break Cruises Can Vary
Typically, spring break cruises cost more than some of the cruises that sail identical itineraries around the same time of year. This is because cruise lines know their will be some demand for cruises during this time frame. You can most likely expect to find cruises that cost less than summer rates, but more than some of the other cruises offered during off-season times. However, do not wait until the last minute to book a spring break cruise because prices can go up and availability of staterooms will decrease.
7. Check The Dates Of When Your Cruise Begins and Ends
Some cruises that offered around the spring break timeframe do not align perfectly with time kids have off from school. This could mean choosing a certain cruise could result in your kid(s) missing a little bit of school if you choose to book the particular cruise vacation.