Suzanne Lyons makes a compelling case for cruising to travel, whether you are a cruising pro or just cruise-curious (like me!). I have never been on a cruise, and honestly, I had doubts. Weren't cruises just floating buffets filled with retirees who wore sparkly outfits at night? However, my perspective has completely changed after chatting with Suzanne.
Suzanne is a passionate family travel blogger and a dedicated cruise enthusiast. She took her first cruise 33 years ago on a Celebrity ship to Bermuda for a family reunion and has been hooked ever since. Today, she regularly cruises with her two daughters and shares advice, reviews, and itinerary breakdowns on her blog, SeaLyonsCruising.com. In this podcast interview, Suzanne explained why cruising is an excellent option for families, especially for single parents like herself.
🎧 Click on the above link to listen to the interview or listen on “Mixtape Travels” on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Below are some highlights from our conversation:
Why Cruising Works
Unpack once, see multiple places. Cruises are floating resorts that take you from one destination to another—without the hassle of repacking, booking transfers, or navigating airports.
Kids' clubs = parental bliss. Most ships have well-staffed, engaging kids’ clubs open multiple times a day, giving parents a break to enjoy the spa, live music, or a proper dinner.
All-inclusive appeal. Accommodations, meals, entertainment—even Broadway-style shows—are bundled into the fare. As Suzanne puts it, "It’s cost-effective and you don’t have to cook or clean!"
Cruise Lines She Loves (and Why)
Royal Caribbean: The gold standard for families. Think ice rinks, water parks, and over-the-top entertainment. Higher price point but worth it.
Norwegian (NCL): Flexible dining and family-friendly features like ropes courses and water slides. Their new ship even has a roller coaster!
MSC: Europe-based but newer to the U.S. Great value for the money—ideal for families looking to cruise on a budget.
Carnival: Another solid family option, especially for fun-focused, shorter trips.
Celebrity & Holland America: A bit more upscale, less kid-focused, but great if you're after a quieter experience with older kids or adults.
Onboard & Onshore Tips
Suzanne shared a wealth of smart tips—like not hitting the buffet on Day 1 (it's a madhouse) and always bringing your own motion sickness meds (trust her, you don't want to be hunting for medicine on board).
She also recommends checking out a cruise line’s private islands, many of which offer beaches, food, and water parks exclusively for passengers. Her kids love the magic of these stops—and she loves the ease.
How to Choose a Cruise
Her advice? Match the cruise to your travel style, budget, and who you’re going with. Expedition cruises (like NatGeo’s) might suit adventurous adults, while river cruises are perfect for couples or empty-nesters. If it’s your first time, start small with a 4–5 day trip out of a nearby port like Miami or New York.
And most importantly? Get travel insurance. A member of Suzanne’s travel group was once hospitalized just before departure and couldn’t make the trip — and she now swears by travel insurance and uses Allianz.
Favorite Cruise Memory
One of Suzanne’s most memorable moments? Watching the sunrise from the balcony of her ship as it sailed into Bermuda—with her 5-year-old daughter curled beside her on a lounger. "It was pure magic," she said. "That’s when I knew—this is how we’re going to travel."
Meet Suzanne Lyons
Suzanne Lyons has spent the last 25 years as a communications and media relations specialists, crafting strategies and launching creative campaigns for some of the biggest brands in the world, including Netflix, Frito Lay, P&G, Best Buy and Westinghouse. She has brought her personal passion for family travel to life and is the founder of SeaLyonsCruising.com, a go-to resource for families and solo parents navigating the world of cruising. A passionate traveler and single mom based in Northern New Jersey, Suzanne launched the blog to share her personal experiences and expert tips on making cruise vacations seamless, fun, and stress-free — especially with kids in tow no matter what their ages. Through firsthand reviews, practical advice, and family-friendly insights, she helps readers discover how cruising can be an accessible and rewarding way to explore the world. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned cruiser, Suzanne’s mission is to inspire confidence, adventure, and to create lifelong family memories at sea.
Whether you’re dreaming of a Caribbean escape, a river cruise through Europe, or a week of onboard relaxation with your kids entertained and your drinks included, cruising just might be your next favorite way to travel.
Thank you Suzanne for sharing your expert tips and insights on cruising to travel!
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