The etiquette/other issues of suggesting a cruise with a child's friend? (Warning- long)

[StitchesGr8Fan]

Am I the only one thinking that depending on the ear issue, a cruise might be a horrible idea. I hope the issue isn’t causing vertigo!

 

[sabrecmc]

We ended up doing ABD with my daughter’s friend’s family. We had been wanting to do one and I’d looked into it, but never pulled the trigger, then the friend’s mom mentioned they were doing it and I said we had thought about it, so we ended up coordinating dates. It was a blast and the girls loved knowing someone already. I might not have done it if they hadn’t mentioned it to add the cherry on top of the idea. So, maybe your friend is a bit like me and might jump at the chance to cruise when her son has a built in friend? Especially if it’s harder for him in social situations. You might be doing them a favor!

On our ABD river cruise, we had different cabin levels due to family size and preference, but that wasn’t any kind of issue. Just keep it casual when you mention it and I’m sure they will be happy you like their company enough to want to spend vacation time together.

 

[ILovePixieDust]

I'm with those that think you're overthinking it! Your reasons for asking the family to come are your own and you don't need to explain everything to them even. It truly is as simple as saying, we're going on a cruise - we love it, would love for you to join us. What do you think?

I have gone on vacations with family and friends - Disney Cruises, Disneyland, Disneyworld, Disney Paris, Hawaii, skiing, camping, etc.. I love vacations when it is just our family and I also love those vacations that we share with people in our lives. That's what life is after all? Building relationships and making memories with family and friends?

Because I am a planner, I am usually the one that starts the planning and makes bookings first. And I have no qualms about asking friends or family to join us. It is completely up to them to go if they want, the vacation time works, and they can afford it. I don't pressure (well maybe I do by telling them how fun it would be!). But I really don't see how it's presumptuous at all when you are just asking "Hey would you like to join us? I think it would be fun!" If they can't afford it, they say no. If they don't want to come, they say no. If they do come - it makes for priceless memories! My son still talks about the night he rode the Aquaduck 28 times with his friend who came on a cruise with us ( he came with his whole family!).

 

[Dug720]

Am I the only one thinking that depending on the ear issue, a cruise might be a horrible idea. I hope the issue isn’t causing vertigo!

It definitely crossed my mind. Without details as to what the "ear issue" is, it sounds like it could be a recipe for a disaster, kiddo's best friend on the trip or not.

 

[ladyofthetramp]

If you know the family well enough-just ask. Give the details etc. If they want to join you, awesome, if not- nothing lost. You know your son's medical condition with his ear-if the doctor says it shouldn't be an issue, go and have fun! It has been a very long year ++ for all of us. Hoping we all get to cruise soon!

 

[tinkerone]

I will add that had a friend not asked me to tag along on her family cruise I would never have sailed. Cruising was not on my top 10 list but I enjoyed my friend, she was a single mom with two daughters, so I decided to try it. Had she not asked I probably still would not have cruised. So glad she did ask as cruising has become our favorite vacation.

When I went that first time my friend was in a cabin with her mom and her two daughters. I asked another friend to come with me and we had our own cabin. Everyone paid for themselves, it wasn't something we even thought about. It would never have crossed my mind that because someone asked me to join them that they would pay.

 

[Cheburashka]

Am I the only one thinking that depending on the ear issue, a cruise might be a horrible idea. I hope the issue isn’t causing vertigo!

That's very considerate and a good point, but it doesn't happen to be that kind of issue. He also does have the doctor's green light to travel.