A family is navigating the unique experience of raising young children on a cruise ship. According to the staff of MSC Cruises, raising kids at sea is a mix of challenges and joys.
“POV: You grew up on a cruise ship, so this is your walk home after a day at the beach,” shares Ben Featherstone, 29, a traveling performer and father, alongside a video of his daughter Piper enjoying the ship’s luxurious interior.
Life aboard isn’t just about fun activities and beautiful views, as Featherstone from London and others raising families at sea recognize. There are distinct challenges, like limited living space and time on board.
“With your own cabin, your immediate family can stay with you for up to four consecutive weeks,” Featherstone clarified in one of his posts.
During the holidays, Featherstone had his wife Sophie and their daughter with him, but after a month due to cruise line rules, they had to head back to the UK. Sophie, a paramedic trainee, and Piper often join him at sea for brief periods.
The performer expressed his feelings about their recent departure: “They went back to London two days ago. My cabin is so quiet right now. I miss them so much.”
When together, they manage to live in tight quarters. “We basically have a double room with just enough space for Piper’s crib,” Featherstone explains. Although the living arrangement is compact, he finds it comfortable and functional for their needs.
Featherstone considers himself fortunate that his daughter gets to experience life aboard a ship, rather than being stuck in an apartment. Their adventures include visits to the boat’s play area, swimming with dolphins in the Caribbean, and even interacting with animals in St. Maarten.
Thanks to 24/7 meals and childcare on board, life as a dad is a bit easier. One memory he cherishes is Piper’s excitement during a spontaneous opportunity in St. Lucia.
“These guys were riding horses nearby. Piper loves animals and exclaimed, ‘Wow, it’s like a horse!’ The horse owner then offered to take her to the beach,” he recalled, emphasizing that such a moment wouldn’t have been possible if they were living a traditional life in London.
“We were just riding random horses on the beach in St. Lucia,” he laughed at the thought of how different their life could have been. “If we were still in London, we would never be doing this.”
As the saying goes, though, all good things eventually come to an end. Featherstone mentioned that their contract with the cruise line wraps up in March, but they remain dedicated to pursuing similar opportunities because of their love for it.
“Not everyone on board has the same perks as the performers, so we’re grateful,” he commented. “I feel really lucky to do a job I love while also sharing it with my family.”
