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Unlimited desserts are a major highlight for my baking fanatic teenager!

This is the second of three posts on the subject of cruising with your family.

• If you don't want to gain weight from all the food you'll be eating, here's a great tip: Take the stairs everywhere- no exceptions. My hubby and I did that last time. I gained one pound, and he gained about three, and we ate ourselves silly. Midnight buffets, etc.
  
• It's a chore taking the stairs every time, but if you have a partner in crime, you can do it! We were on Princess's largest ship in the sea at the time (the Caribbean Princess). Our cabin was on the 9th floor, and dining and the pools were on the 16th floor. Start gearing up for this hike now, and tell yourself it's non-negotiable.
• Bring your exercise clothes. It feels especially great after the gluttony of so much food.
• Pack a book light in case your cabinmate(s) want to nod off while you prefer to read a little longer. I just gave the whole family new ones in our stockings for Christmas, so we're good to go!
• Bathrooms. Keep in mind that your bathroom will be so small that you could almost use the toilet while showering. Literally. Shaving your legs presents something of a challenge for the tall woman.
• Be sure to take at least two swimsuits.
• Tipping. Be aware that the cruise line will anticipate/encourage/expect you to tip your cabin stewards and waiters a 10% gratuity per day. This came to about $350 for our family of four for a 7 day cruise last time. The service on Princess was so impeccable that we gladly paid that amount. Waiting until the end is perfectly acceptable (and the norm).
• Most cruise lines will allow you to bring food, wine and champagne aboard (for your room) but not liquor. Check your line's policies in advance. Since most cruise lines are all-inclusive in terms of food but not drink, this can be advantageous if you don't mind cocktailing on wine or champagne in your room.
• Plan your excursions for your days on land in advance if at all possible. Otherwise, these may sell out in advance, and you could be disappointed and not get the ones you wish to go on.
• Find out in advance what activities your cruise line offers for children. If you know anyone who has cruised on the line you will be traveling, chat with them about the programs available for kids. What did their kids like/dislike, etc.?
• If there are any kids available to "chat up" the kids or teen programs to your own kids, do take advantage of this opportunity. I speak from personal experience when I say that all it takes is one sour attitude about these programs ("I'm practically an adult...I don't need a babysitter!") to turn an entire group of kids/siblings/cousins off of them. So, if you can get one of their peers to tell them how cool the program/activities actually were, all the better. This is especially true if you have one or more of the kids who are of a different age than the others. These are the kids who truly stand to benefit from the kids' programs the most. They may find a friend to hang with for the week, and that, my dear readers, will be priceless. And all in a safe, fun environment. OK, enough said on that topic.