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Tried n' true tips from a seasoned traveling grandma help you decide whether a cruise vacation is right for you; plus questions about taking grandchildren to sea.

The laughter associated with kids having fun is heard more and more aboard cruise ships these days. As oceans of families have two working parents, more ships are adding or expanding their children’s programs so time-starved families can enjoy vacationing together.

What does this mean for grandparents? It’s yet another way to take youngsters vacationing with us, spending bonding time together, yet recognizing the kids’ need to play with their peers in challenging surroundings. And, it gives us a break from full-time togetherness.

Cruises Appeal to Young Diners

Mealtimes aboard ships that get lots of young passengers feature menus with perennial favorites like hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza and macaroni-n-cheese.

However, my husband and I found when we took our youngsters sailing that cruises offered a great opportunity for experimentation. Ours even tried escargots and Baked Alaska.

However, if the kids don’t care for the food being served, they can order another dish without worrying about the cost. And many of the newer ships feature a 24-hour buffet on the Lido deck, or a pizzeria, so if children are exhausted from a day of snorkeling or trudging around in high temperatures, they may choose a full dinner without dressing up.

Activities Keep All Ages Busy

Among the best features of onboard kids’ programs are the highly trained, warm and outgoing counselors. Each of my grandchildren with whom I’ve sailed mentions their love for one of their counselors as among their favorite memories.

Don't feel guilty about enrolling the grandkids in a supervised on board program, or on selective shore excursions designed for young cruisers.  Youngsters today are often accustomed to participating in programs with other children and teachers or counselors in charge from an early age.