Check out our advice for enjoying smooth sailing with your little ones.

If you've considered cruising with your kids but aren't sure you think it's a healthy way to travel, review the following ways to limit issues:

Take Your Doctor's Number Along
For any non-emergency issues or illnesses, you may want to consider contacting your own pediatrician for advice. Dealing with sickness away from home can be extra stressful so talking with someone you trust can be comforting. They can offer the best advice on whether to see the ship's doctor or offer you a "home" remedy to try.

Bring Pertinent Information with You
If your child has an ongoing health issue, it would be beneficial to bring medical records along on the off chance you need to visit the ship's infirmary. More information in these situations is always beneficial.

Bring Along Your Own Medical Kit
Ships do stock a variety of over the counter medications, but they can be expensive. It is worth your time and your suitcase space to bring along the basics. That way too you have products your familiar with and that you know work for your child.

Review Your Health Insurance Policy
A lot of insurance policies don't cover you outside the US and may not work onboard ship. Or maybe you'd like the peace of mind of extra coverage, especially emergency medical transportation (very, very rare but also very expensive). Either way, check with your Travel Agent on purchasing a travel protection plan. These plans aren't just for trip cancelation - they offer comprehensive medical coverage as well.

Make Sure Immunizations are Up to Date
Cruise lines do an amazing job of cleaning and sanitizing but it never hurts to have extra protection against germs. Plus, depending on where you are headed, your destination country/countries may require special vaccinations for entry.

Give a Heads Up
If there are any ongoing medical issues or needs, be sure to let your Travel Agent know and ask him/her to let the cruise line know. They'll appreciate the heads up and will work with you to make your cruise sail away with minimal hassle.

Respect the Sun
Sunburns can ruin a trip so be sure to bring along adequate sun protection - especially if you're headed to a tropical area. But don't think it's not necessary if you're headed to a more temperate area - shore excursions = more time outdoors and more of a chance for too much sun.

What about Seasickness
Getting sea sick is actually not all that common, but it does happen. Ships have very sophisticated weather tracking systems, so captains will do all they can to avoid bad weather that can mean rough waters. However, it's still not guaranteed that it will always be smooth sailing. So, consider bringing along medication to combat it or check into the sea sickness wrist bands. If your child is prone to motion sickness, check with your pediatrician before you leave and see what is recommended.

Prevent Accidents by Being Alert
Being on vacation and all the activities associated with cruising are very exciting, so it's easy to get caught up and not pay as close of attention as you normally would. You don't have to worry and hover either - just be aware like you normally would.

Ask Your Travel Agent
Your AAA agent is a great resource for all your cruise related questions. So if you're unsure about something or want more information about your cruise ship and onboard procedures, don't hesitate to ask. We love to help!