Springtime in Amsterdam: The Perfect Pre-Cruise Stop
Before setting sail on the Rhine, I spent a few dreamy days in Amsterdam, and it was the perfect way...
Independent Travel Agent
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Cruising with family always comes with expectations. Some good, some… cautiously optimistic. I’ve cruised before, I book cruises for a living, and still, this Norwegian Cruise Line family cruise managed to surprise me in all the right ways, and a few unexpected ones too.
We sailed roundtrip from Galveston on a 7-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise, visiting Cozumel, Roatán, and NCL’s private destination, Harvest Caye. On paper, it checked all the boxes for a great family itinerary. In reality, it delivered flexibility, fun, and a level of ease that made the entire trip feel refreshingly manageable.
If you’ve ever cruised with kids, you know the pool deck can make or break the experience. I fully expected noise, crowds, and the constant hunt for a chair, while this was a obstacle occasionally at the main pool deck, having the two ship side pool options on deck eight helped spread out the crowds of pool goers. We also did our due dillignece and tried every dry slide, wet slide, and the go-kart experience onboard, and they were a huge hit. Norwegian Cruise Line truly delivers when it comes to onboard activities for families - the mini golf and arcade are a do not miss as well.
Food is always a big part of any cruise, especially when traveling with family. We dined in five specialty dining restaurants onboard, and every experience was excellent. The quality, service, and atmosphere easily rivaled restaurants on land, making specialty dining on Norwegian Cruise Line well worth it.
Now for the honest part.
The kids menu onboard was a disappointment. Surprisingly, there were no chicken tenders anywhere on the ship, which is a big miss for families with picky eaters. It’s something I hope NCL improves in the future. That said, the buffet completely redeemed the dining experience. It was easily the best cruise ship buffet I’ve ever had. Fresh options, great variety, and something for everyone made it a reliable go-to throughout the week or for a frequent second dinner !

One of the highlights of this Norwegian Cruise Line itinerary from Galveston was how smooth the port days felt.
Cozumel and Roatán offered plenty of excursions and opportunities to explore without feeling rushed. Harvest Caye, Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island in Belize, was exactly what a private port should be. Clean, organized, beautiful, and incredibly family-friendly ( but keep in mind none of the onshore F&B are included )
The biggest surprise of this trip wasn’t a single feature or amenity. It was the peace of mind. This is where cruising with Norwegian Cruise Line really shines, especially for families. The flexibility, thoughtful design, and range of experiences allow everyone to enjoy the vacation in their own way.
Final Thoughts on Cruising Norwegian Cruise Line with Kids
Would I cruise Norwegian Cruise Line with my family again? Absolutely.
This sailing reinforced why I often recommend NCL cruises for families ( especially multi generational) who want an easy, fun, and flexible vacation. While there were a few misses, the overall experience delivered where it mattered most.
From pool deck mornings to port day adventures, great specialty dining to an outstanding buffet, this trip reminded me why cruising continues to be one of the best ways to travel as a family.

I enjoy working with new and existing clients to create perfectly tailored trips, whether traveling near or far, I take care of every detail along the way. With over six years of experience as a travel advisor at Vincent Vacations, I have a passion for crafting unforgettable journeys. Specializing in custom trips and authentic experiences, meticulously tailoring every detail to match clients' unique visions. Whether planning a destination wedding, group getaway, or once-in-a-lifetime vacation, I'm committed to making every moment effortless and extraordinary for you. I can't wait to work wi... Read More >>>
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