7 things you should know before taking your family on a cruise

The INSIDER Summary:

• Cruises are a great vacation for families, though it can be difficult and there are some things you need to know before you leave.
• Some cruise lines offer for kids to sail for free. There are also teen and kids club where your kids can hangout while you get a quick break.

A cruise is a great vacation for couples, but it’s also a fantastic option for families, as the same great value proposition applies to multiple generations. Plus, what parent wouldn’t appreciate the convenience of unpacking their family once and having their hotel (or ship, in this case) travel to several destinations with plenty of food and entertainment at their beck and call? That said, here are some things you should know before taking a cruise with the whole brood.

1. Some kids of a certain age may not be permitted onboard.

Before progressing too far ahead in planning, it’s worth noting that not all children will be allowed onboard. There are even limitations for pregnant women joining the cruise, if they are too far along. (Generally, if you are at week 24, it's best to verify with the cruise line.) Some cruises don't allow babies younger than six to 12 months, while others have a no kids policy altogether, in order to maintain a certain decorum. Viking Ocean Cruises is one such line that only permits adults, but the bulk of the industry is very family-friendly.

2. Children can occasionally sail for free.

Some cruise lines offer incentives for children to sail entirely for free (with a stay in the same stateroom as their parents). Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is one that always offers this perk to kids under 12, with Cunard following suit as well. Meanwhile, Crystal Cruises and MSC Cruises extend the kid freebies on select cruises, and brands like Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean International occasionally offer complimentary third and fourth guests regardless of age as well. In other cases, discounts may be available to extra passengers. That said, always keep an eye out for cruise line specials indicating any such offers.

3. Gratuities aren’t usually expected from the youngest in your party.

Another topic to be mindful of is gratuities. While many cruise lines do tack on a daily service charge per person, some do not require it of those under 2 or 3 years of age. Policies tend to change, however, so be sure to verify with your specific brand to be sure.