Kids Cruising Solo….

One of the many reasons that families choose cruising as their preferred type of holiday is for the fantastic children’s facilities on board. A wealth of organised activities, discos and kids clubs for all ages to keep the little (or not so little) ones entertained are a huge benefit to many parents seeking a little time to themselves whilst on their well deserved annual break. Kids clubs are often available on port days with some cruise lines and some parents take advantage of this, opting to leave the cherubs on the ship having fun with their new found friends whilst Mum and Dad go off in search of some culture, history or just a tiny slice of freedom if only for a few hours.

I read a story in the news this week where one couple did just that, left their children on the ship while they headed out for a day in the Bahamas. What a wonderful time they must have had soaking up the sunshine, dipping their toes in the crystal clear waters or taking in the sights completely child free. How lovely…. Until that is, the couple arrived back at the pier after their day out just a couple of minutes too late only to watch in despair as the Norwegian Breakaway sailed out of Nassau with their children still on board!!!

I have seen many stories over the years of holiday makers missing their ships for various different reasons, but this has to be the only one I have had a shred of sympathy for. OK so bad time keeping really is no excuse and if the ship is set to depart at 5.30pm you make sure you’re back well before don’t you? Not a few minutes after. The cruise lines make it crystal clear that ships will depart strictly on schedule with or without all passengers present, no exceptions. But imagine the horror of watching your ship set sail not just with your bed for the night, bikini and clean undies on board, but with the most precious little people in your lives, not knowing how you will get back to them or who will take care of them.

The story was accompanied online with the video you can watch below which was filmed by another passenger on deck, showing the lady screaming ‘My kids are on board’ and waving her arms in the air in the hope that the ship would perhaps stop to let them board. It doesn’t of course, and continues heading out to sea. A story to laugh about in years to come for this family, but it really does highlight the importance of keeping track of time whilst you are ashore.

How do you feel about this story? Do you sympathise? Should the ship have waited or do the parents have no one to blame but themselves? Id love to hear what you think.