Guest blogger Luisa Frey Gaynor writes: After more than 30 cruises with my two children, I can truly say that family cruising is a no-brainer.

This applies to both planning a cruise as well as logistics once aboard ship. And as busy moms know, we all could use a no-brainer now and then! Here are the reasons why it works so well for families:

Easy to plan: Travel agents and cruise-only travel agencies still sell the lion's share of cruises. Since they are the experts, it's worth your time to contact them for advice and fares, and it costs you nothing to use their services.
Some useful sites include: www.cruisemates.com (click on CruiseMates Online Cruise Shopping Mall on the home page for up-to-date discounts); www.cruisecompete.com (travel agencies email you fares for your desired ship and departure date); and www.cruising.org (this is the official site for Cruise Lines International Association; input your zip code on the home page to find a cruise specialist near you).

Free kid-free time: Obviously, I can't stress the word FREE enough. Once on your cruise, there's FREE top- notch youth and teen activities from morning until night; FREE time with your partner or time for solo pursuits; FREE use of state-of-the-art work out facilities; FREE entertainment; FREE food...and tons of pampering in the form of twice daily room steward services, spa treatments (not free) and the salubrious sound of the sea.

Your kids will thank you: Brace yourself--you might actually get tired of hearing your kids and teens say the word "awesome." From awesome family-friendly facilities (pools, water slides, rock walls, mini golf, surfing simulators, ice rinks) to awesome sights viewed along the way (glaciers, marine life), you'll revel in a whine-free vacation. (But don't worry--cruise ships have extensive wine cellars, so your trip won't really be wine-free!)

You will thank you: Family cruising is the perfect balance of time together and apart. You'll come home relaxed and ready to plan your next cruise. Smooth sailing...