Cruise lines for families are not difficult to find these days as more lines now shine when it comes to catering voyages to multi-generational cruisers.
With exciting onboard activities, kids’ clubs, teen hangouts, character meet-and-greets, and spacious family accommodation, certain lines make cruising with kids much more fun and exciting. By considering factors like specialty programming, dining diversity, budget and itinerary options, families can discover their ideal cruise line for an easy, enjoyable vacation at sea.
Cruise Passenger has come up with a list of cruise lines that lead in providing exceptional family experiences. While each line offers unique attractions from spacious accommodations to kid-friendly amenities and activities, they share a commitment to keeping all ages entertained.Â
Here are the best cruise lines for families:
Disney Cruise Lines
Disney Cruise Lines easily secures the top spot in the list of best cruise lines for families for obvious reasons. Disney pioneered staterooms tailored for families with sleeping capacity of up to seven guests. In addition, family staterooms also have split baths and separate sinks which enable more people to wash up at the same time. Moreover, there are accommodations aboard Disney vessels that feature verandahs overlooking the ocean, and expanded deluxe cabins which are perfect fit for families. Furthermore, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy offer connecting rooms which are designed to accommodate families and groups. Each vessel has more than 500 connecting doors that make way for more connecting staterooms.
One of the main highlights of a Disney cruise that entices the entire family is its Water Wonders. Here, family members enjoy the Donald’s Pool which features a main pool and two whirlpool spas. Little ones could stay at the child-friendly play hub Mickey’s Pool or the 167 square-metre play zone Aqualab. In addition, guests may opt to go to Nemo’s Reef featuring bubblers and fountains highlighting characters from Finding Nemo. The three-story water slide called Aquadunk is always an option for thrill-seeking family members.
Of course, a cruise with Disney is never complete without having to experience live shows that bring guests closer to their much loved Disney characters. Shows like Disney’s Alladin- A Musical Spectacular, Tangled: The Musical, The Golden Mickeys, and Disney Dreams- An Enchanted Classic are just some of the magical live shows featured in every cruise with Disney.
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line offers family friendly accommodations, dining experiences, and activities. The line features Family Harbor Staterooms & Suites comfortably designed for the entire family. This 25.5 square metre stateroom boasts a six-square metre balcony and amenities perfectly fit for a family of 5. Guests booked in this suite have access to Family Harbor Lounge, an exclusive spot that features breakfast, snacks, movies, and video games. There’s also a free evening of baby sitting service from Night Owls.
Aside from Family Harbor Suites, Carnival also offers flexible staterooms to accommodate up to five guests. In addition, connecting cabins are also present in most vessels as well as Deluxe Ocean View cabins with an extra half-bath that can accommodate up to five guests.
Additionally, Carnival Cruise Line has a wide array of casual dining hubs to choose from that offer a variety of food choices that cater to all tastes and interests. Moreover, Room Service is open 24/7.
Carnival also provides activities for kids according to age group. There’s the Cam Ocean for kids aged 2 to 11, the Circle “C” for kids aged 12 to 14, and the Club O2 for those kids aged 15 to 17. When it comes to onboard activities, Carnival fleet has waterslides, golf area, and live entertainment shows.
Royal Caribbean Line
Royal Caribbean Line has always been competitive when it comes to providing family-friendly accommodations, cruise itineraries and dining experiences. The luxe two-story Ultimate Family Suite takes cruising to an entirely new level. This 125-square metre suite has multi-purpose dining tables, in-suite cinema and video games, in-suite slide, a jacuzzi, and a separate master suite. Since this is part of the line’s Star tier collection, guests booked in this suite have access to the line’s VIP perks. The Ultimate Family Suite is available onboard Wonder of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas, and Symphony of the Seas. Additionally, Royal Caribbean Line also offers staterooms and suites that can accommodate up to six guests.
Royal Caribbean ships offer endless innovative amenities keeping family members entertained day and night. Thrill-seekers can try simulators like skydiving in RipCord or riding waves with a 12-metre-long FlowRider® surf simulator. Kids can also enjoy playing and riding bumper cars in SeaPlex. For families onboard Quantum ships, the North Star capsule is a must try where an elevated capsule lifts passengers 300 feet above the ocean for scenic vistas.
Moreover, Royal Caribbean also offers a one-of-a-kind Adventure Ocean youth program which is both educational and fun. There’s the Aquanauts for ages 3 to 5 years old where kids get to have experiments as junior scientists. There’s also the Explorers program for ages 6 to 8 where kids enjoy some exciting activities and themed parties. The Voyagers program on the other hand is dedicated for ages 9 to 12 where they get to explore an array of cool activities.
Princess Cruises
Tagged as the “Best Cruise Line for Multi-Generational Family Travel”, Princess Cruises is one line that has to be in this list. The line’s fleetwide MedallionClass streamlines embarkation while keeping kids entertained through interactive games and faster internet connection via MedallionNet® WiFi. In addition, parents can also customize dining times. Princess Cruises also offers shared adventures, from friendly onboard games to unique Discovery and Animal Planet only offered through the cruise line.
Moreover, fun-packed new features like the Reef Family Splash Zone on the Caribbean Princess provide family-focused amenities. This interactive splash pad features a giant whale structure that amazes kids with its water spray elements. Additionally, the line also offers oversized deck games that facilitate multi-generational fun. Princess also enables families to bond while stargazing on deck, participating in different interactive live shows, or exploring the indoor planetarium.
In the evenings, Princess invites audience participation with highlight events like The Voice of the Ocean musical competition, hands-on science activities, and the interactive High Seas Heist game.
Furthermore, to comfortably accommodate larger families, Princess offers Family Suites that include two interconnecting rooms that sleep up to eight guests. There are also Mini-Suites that could cater to families and groups.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line is one of those family-friendly cruise lines for families that offers onboard attractions and programming creatively designed for all members of the family including kids and teens. Aquatic thrills await at the famous Aqua Park’s multiple pools and waterslides, including the fastest water slides at sea and a splash park perfect for younger kids. Meanwhile, for members of the family who look for thrills onboard, they may try to walk at The Plank way above the ocean and is 2.43 metres off the ship’s side.
For more exclusive accommodations, The Haven provides a luxury retreat for the entire family with butler service, private sundeck and restaurant access. In addition, NCL also offers a 2-Bedroom Deluxe Family Suite which features two bathrooms, two TVs, and a living room.
Furthermore, the line also facilitates bonding through their supervised youth programs divided by age group. The Splash Academy for kids ages 3 to 12 offers an array of activities ranging from craft-making to sports activities and theme parties at night. On the other hand, the Entourage for guests ages 13 to 17 provides various activities like playing video games, sports activities, movies and a lot more.
From waterslides to comedy shows, Norwegian ensures experiential variety keeping all generations occupied and interested. The line’s extensive amenities and programming cater to family vacations with interactive facilities suiting kids, teens, and parents.
