In short
Choose the route, the ship and the cabin around the people who are coming: children need a kids’ club and a pool, older travellers need lifts and an easy pace, couples want quiet corners on board. Below are guides for each group and for the special situations worth checking before you book.
Who’s coming
Special situations
A baby, elderly parents, a wheelchair, or no English — a cruise is still possible, but a few things are worth checking before you book.
One rule for every group
Choose the route and the ship for the people who are coming first, and only then the cabin and the dates. Children need a kids’ club and a pool, parents need lifts and short walks to the port, couples need quiet places on board. If something really matters — an accessible cabin, for example — mention it when you book: there are not many of them.
Common questions
Is a cruise a good idea for a family with young children?
Yes. Many ships have kids' clubs by age group, pools and family cabins. Check the minimum age for your sailing: it is usually 6 months, and 12 months on longer routes.
Can I go on a cruise on my own?
Yes. Some ships offer single cabins, and it is easy to find company on board: meet-ups for solo travelers, excursions and shared tables at dinner.
Do I need the parents' consent if I travel with my grandchildren?
Often, yes: many cruise lines and countries ask for written consent from the parents when a child travels without them. The details are in the guide to cruising with grandchildren.
Is a cruise suitable for people with limited mobility?
Often, yes: modern ships have lifts and accessible cabins. But there are few of these cabins, and in some ports you go ashore by small boat, so choose the route and the cabin early.
How the club fits in
Whichever cruise you choose, the club's ways of paying are the same: the member price (INsider Pricing), about 17% below the retail price, or your Reward Points, which can cover up to half of the price of qualifying bookings. They do not add up in one booking. Not every cruise line can be booked through the club — we can tell you which sailings are available for your dates. More about booking with points.
General information about cruising. Conditions, entry rules and charges depend on the cruise line and the country and change over time, so check your booking before you travel. Percentages describe the club's rules and are indicative. Reislite is an independent information site run by partners, not a website of inCruises.