You heard me right, my friends. In my opinion, one of the best family vacations with children is a luxury cruise.

1. One of the best facts is that some cruise lines allow young children to travel for free or at reduced rates. Between January 22 and May 28, children travel free on most Disney Cruise Line 3-night cruises when accompanied by two full-fare paying adults. Lines like Norwegian and Carnival also offer shorter cruises with kids for free or at deep discounts.

2. Generally, for many cruise lines, cruises of 10 days or more attract an older crowd, cruises of 2 or 3 days attract party-loving adults, and cruises of 6 or 7 days include more children and children’s programs. So choose accordingly (unless, of course, you’re sailing Disney).

3. Most cruise lines offer programs for children/teens. Lines include Disney, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Holland America, Celebrity and Cunard. Check with other cruise lines about their deals. Most ships, therefore, offer a parent-child orientation with the youth supervisors on the first day of the cruise. Take advantage of the crucial information they offer. Program quality can differ to some degree, and it can be important to ask exactly what each program actually offers and whether it keeps kids busy all day and night. (Also, if you have children who are in diapers or are newly potty trained, make sure the ship offers a program for them beforehand.)

4. What about accommodation arrangements? Some cruise ships have staterooms that are big enough to sleep five; others have adjoining cabins. But, if not, be aware that cell phones do not work on the boats. If your cruise line doesn’t offer larger or adjoining cabins, it’s probably crucial that you purchase walkie-talkies that your family can use. Walkie-talkies can also be extremely useful, whether in the cabin, detached on the ship, or on shore excursions.

5. Ocean liners are even bigger than you probably imagine, so walk the entire ship with your kids when you board so they can get a little more comfortable. Take your youngest children to the children’s program each day and pick them up when you are finished. There is a strong possibility that they will get hopelessly lost if they try to navigate the ship alone. Also, it’s a good idea, if your older children are wandering around the ship, to have them write on a pad in the room where they are at any given time.

6. Show little consideration. Do not let your children scream, run, slam doors, jump on beds, hit walls, etc. Other guests also deserve to enjoy their cruise.

7. Some shore excursions can bore kids to tears (or pouts). Children often love fish and animals. A visit to an aquarium, an underwater tourism exhibit, a wildlife park, or even a submarine ride will be fun. And you may want to insist that everyone get together for dinner. Other than possible outings, it may be the only time the family is together.

With programs offered for all ages, a cruise can be one of the best family vacations you can enjoy.