In recent years, cruising has evolved from a luxurious escape for the retired or adventure-seeking solo traveler into a prime choice for families looking for a unique vacation experience. One destination that exemplifies this shift is IT’S THE SHIPFAM, Asia’s first family, arts, and music cruise festival. This trend shows no signs of slowing, as more families are hopping aboard, opting for sea-bound adventures that cater to all ages. But what exactly is driving families to embark on cruises?
1. All-In-One Experience
Cruises offer families the perfect balance of relaxation, adventure, and entertainment—all in one place. For parents, the convenience of having everything taken care of—accommodation, meals, entertainment, and activities—eliminates the stress of planning a traditional multi-stop vacation.
On a cruise, families can experience several destinations, all while having a floating resort as their home base. From engaging kids’ clubs and teen zones to world-class entertainment for adults, cruises offer the perfect mix of activities that suit every family member’s interests.
2. Multigenerational Travel
One of the growing trends in family vacations is multigenerational travel, where grandparents, parents, and children vacation together. Cruises are particularly well-suited to this type of trip. They offer something for everyone, regardless of age—whether it’s relaxing by the pool, attending a cooking class, or dancing at the silent disco. For example, at IT’S THE SHIPFAM, the ship transforms into a haven of music, arts, and family-oriented activities like Silent Discotek, arts and crafts sessions, and exciting water-themed adventures.
3. Immersive Educational Experiences
Many modern cruises now integrate educational elements into their itineraries. On IT’S THE SHIPFAM, children and parents can explore arts, culture, and learning experiences that go beyond the traditional classroom. A great example is the Storytelling Sessions and Speech & Drama Workshop hosted by The Playmakers, where young learners get to unleash their creativity and enhance language skills while on board. Plus, water-phobia experts SwimIn12 provide onboard workshops that nurture water confidence, creating memorable learning experiences at sea.
4. Catering to Every Taste
Family cruises offer an incredible range of dining options, from casual poolside fare to multi-course meals prepared by world-class chefs. For picky eaters or families with dietary restrictions, cruises often accommodate all tastes and needs with ease such as halal, vegetarian and more. On IT’S THE SHIPFAM, families can enjoy everything from buffet-style meals to specialty restaurants, all while savoring the stunning ocean views.
5. Affordable Luxury
Cruises can provide families with a cost-effective way to experience a luxury vacation. Most cruises operate on an all-inclusive model, covering food, accommodations, and a wide range of onboard activities in one package. This allows families to stick to a budget without compromising on the quality of the experience. Additionally, cruise lines often offer family packages or deals, such as IT’S THE SHIPFAM’s special cabin offers where the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th passengers can sail at 50% off.
6. Unique Activities & Entertainment
Unlike traditional vacations, cruises boast a wide array of activities that are specifically tailored for families. IT’S THE SHIPFAM offers one-of-a-kind family-friendly events such as the Deck Selecta JR DJ Competition, where kids aged 7-17 can perform on deck, and Silent Discotek, a multi-generational music battle that allows parents, teens, and children to groove to different beats on wireless headphones.
The festival atmosphere on board offers a range of experiences that make it easy for families to bond and create lasting memories. From movie nights under the stars to workshops that inspire creativity and exploration, family cruises have transformed into fun-filled adventures for everyone.
7. A Safe and Controlled Environment
Safety is a key concern for parents when planning any vacation, and cruises offer a secure environment. Cruise ships have state-of-the-art medical facilities, security measures, and trained staff on board, ensuring that every family member is taken care of. For many families, this peace of mind is one of the top reasons to choose a cruise vacation.
Why IT’S THE SHIPFAM Stands Out for Families
IT’S THE SHIPFAM takes the family cruise concept to new heights, blending the excitement of a festival with a curated family experience. With dedicated spaces for kids, teens, and adults, everyone can find their own rhythm onboard, whether it’s dancing at a silent disco, enjoying arts and crafts, or soaking up the sun on deck.
Moreover, the collaboration with partners like SwimIn12, bringing water-confidence workshops, and The Playmakers, offering interactive storytelling and drama workshops, ensures that the cruise is as enriching as it is fun.
Families are increasingly turning to cruises for their vacations because they provide the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and quality family time. With cruises like IT’S THE SHIPFAM leading the charge, it’s clear why more families are opting to set sail for their next holiday.