Is A Cruise An "Excused Absence"?

​When your children are school aged, planning a cruise vacation is not always easy. You can’t change the cruise itinerary to match your school holidays. Sometimes it's financially advantageous to take them out a day or two of school in order to reach or leave your destination at non-peak travel times.

So, what excuse do you provide when they return? I’m sure all parents have feigned an illness at some point. Many school systems will accept traveling for religious observance, which could be legitimate if you are cruising in celebration of a wedding or other ceremonial event. 

Don't feel guilty! When faced with this decision, I think family travel can be just as educational as sitting in a classroom and it enriches learning. Take the opportunity to participate in different cultures, explore ruins and museums, and even try unfamiliar cuisine. 

Fantastic tours of the impressive forts are fun and educational.

​Will you be visiting a country that your student is studying their language or history? On a cruise to Puerto Rico, we took pictures of my son at many famous landmarks such as Castillo San Cristóbal, Christopher Columbus Statue at Colon Plaza, and various Spanish signs around Old San Juan. He took these pictures and incorporated them into a report to receive extra credit in his middle school Spanish class. Take a look at the walking tour guide we used. There is so much to see on your own from the cruise port where your cruise ship docks. 

Christopher Columbus Statue at Colon Plaza in Puerto Rico.

Even if you can’t get extra credit, when cruising to Bermuda have your family experience a traditional pub lunch where the ambiance is wonderfully English and the food authentic. Use your travels to explore the cultural differences between the Dutch and French side of St. Maartin. Visit museums, landmarks and rivers in Europe.  And nothing can match the value of seeing Alaska’s longstanding glaciers and wildlife. 

Bermuda is famous for their sailboat races.

Don't miss the music and local Gombey dancers at Harbor Nights in Hamilton, Bermuda in the summertime.

​Whatever time of year you schedule your cruise vacation, you’ll be giving your student the most rewarding, educational experience they will never forget. Take advantage of every second for family time and the opportunity to enjoy everything a cruise offers together!