7 Best Cruise Lines For Families and Their 12 Most Kid-Friendly Ships

family on cruise

At MSC, dining is elevated to give kids just as amazing (and sometimes luxe) food options as the adults. Assessed by nutritionists, the menu features fun dishes for all ages, including babies from 6 to 12 months. The buffets each have a Kids’ Corner and all the specialty restaurants have a menu, so your kiddo can find a meal that they’ll like. As mentioned, I’ve been going on cruises since 2018 and will be heading on my sixth cruise this year. I’ve been on Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian, so I have first-hand experience on how each cruise line’s amenities, activities, entertainment, food and more. I also spent hours researching everything you need to know about each cruise line, from the ships themselves to the offerings available for each.

SUN-SOAKED FUN

family on cruise

They also have programs for each age group, including the Splash Academy (3 to 12) and Entourage (13 to 17). As for the Guppies Program (6 months to 4), parents are required to stay with their child and enjoy the amenities together. However, Norwegian does offer group babysitting during the evenings for parents to enjoy a child-free dinner.

The Best Disney Cruise Ship for Kids

The Retreat is the most family-friendly lodging option, as it includes more than 2,500 square feet of lounge space, an ample veranda, and a private sundeck. The 4D cinema experience makes you feel like you’re racing on a freeway or experiencing other immersive scenes without leaving your seat. The Robotron is a thrilling amusement ride, and the Flight Simulator lets you take to the skies while still safely on the ship.

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Family Cruise Programs: Choose the Ideal Cruise Youth Program for Your Kids

The range of onboard activities and entertainment options ensures that there is never a dull moment on a family cruise. Whether your family prefers high-energy activities, relaxing leisure time, engaging in educational workshops, or enjoying top-notch entertainment, there’s something for everyone. Choosing the right destinations and itineraries is a crucial aspect of planning one of the best family cruises. This section will explore popular cruise destinations and the types of itineraries available, helping you select the perfect backdrop for your family’s adventure at sea. The perfect family cruise line varies depending on your family’s needs and preferences.

Is Royal Caribbean or Carnival more kid-friendly

Whether seeking magical encounters, thrilling adventures, relaxed fun, or flexible dining options, there’s a cruise line that fits every family’s dream vacation. Embark on an unforgettable journey with our ultimate guide to the best family cruises. Tailored for families seeking a blend of adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable memories, our guide covers everything from choosing the perfect cruise line to planning fun-filled itineraries. Traverse the world on the Norwegian Encore, traveling from Alaska to Seattle or from the Caribbean to Miami. Adventure calls on the Encore, including many of the fun activities for families featured on other Norwegian cruise ships. The kids’ club will watch your children between three and 12, offering lunch, dinner, and overnight stays if needed, and the ship even offers babysitting services in your cabin.

Tip: Cabins That Help Ward Off Seasickness

Many cruise ships also offer teen programs for families traveling with teenagers. Teen programs separate teens into age-appropriate groups, such as 12 to 14 and 15 to 17. They have both specialty (where kids under 12 can eat for free) and a complimentary buffet where even the pickiest eater of the fam will find something to enjoy. Aside from the buffet and 24-hour spots, newer ships offer the Indulge Food Hall.

The Reef, the main kids' club, is divided into rooms for each age group with brightly adorned spaces filled with fun activities and age-appropriate toys. The line’s newest Excel Class ships, Iona and Arvia, feature a wide variety of family dining options and a four-screen cinema called Ocean Studios, showing family-friendly films. Many shows at the main theater, Headliners, are also suitable for younger family members.

If you've never cruised before, you may assume that most cabins aboard a ship are created equal. Then there are amenities you might want like a crib, sleeper sofa or even a bathtub. With thoughtful planning and budgeting, a family cruise can be an affordable vacation option. By understanding the full scope of potential costs and taking advantage of deals and discounts, families can enjoy a memorable cruise experience without breaking the bank. Cruising with children can be one of the most rewarding family experiences, but it also comes with its unique set of challenges.

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Live performances and musicals give each night a magical feel, while karaoke, trivia, and Disney character meet and greets ensure every minute aboard is exciting. Cruise ships are like floating cities, carrying thousands of people you do not know. You should take the same precautions you do at home, at a hotel or resort on land, or in any city worldwide. Guests must be 18 or older to use our SeaView Pool and 16 or older to use the fitness center, hot tubs and steam rooms.

family on cruise

All offer free access to the Family Harbor Lounge, which offers a buffet breakfast, daytime snacks, soft serve ice cream, TVs, computer stations and board games. If that piques your kids' and your interest, then this might be an ideal option for you. Many lines offer athletic activities, but Royal Caribbean sports are on another level, including ice skating, rock climbing, ziplines and surfing.

Children wearing any type of diaper, including swimming diapers, or who are not toilet trained are not allowed into the swimming pool and whirlpool areas. We cannot guarantee fulfillment of any items ordered less than 90 days prior to sailing. What could be more relaxing than a San Diego roundtrip cruise to the Mexican Riviera?

Your mileage may vary depending on the cruise line, so be sure to look at the fine print (or call a travel agent or the cruise line) when booking a Kids Sail Free Promo. There are also many extra planning tips that will make your cruise more enjoyable for the entire family. Like the name suggests, this is a bare-bones cabin in the interior of the ship without a porthole, window or balcony.

If you or someone in your family is prone to seasickness, forget about almost everything else and focus on booking a cabin on the lowest deck possible that is midship. You'll be at the ship's fulcrum and that means you'll feel less movement here than if you were far forward or all the way aft. Remember, the essence of a family cruise lies not just in the destinations you explore, but in the shared laughter, discoveries, and moments of wonder along the way. So, set sail on this incredible journey and treasure the endless sea of memories you’ll create together. Being well-prepared for your cruise can make a world of difference in your overall experience. From packing effectively to handling documentation and adhering to safety protocols, each step plays a crucial role in paving the way for a hassle-free and enjoyable family vacation.

Sift through the options carefully and find something that they'd love. Carnival's Camp Ocean has a marine theme while Disney offers attractions like a Millennium Falcon-themed Star Wars play area and Marvel Super Hero Academy. At the end of each day of our cruise, I find it valuable to talk to my kids about what went well and what we want to do differently the next day. Once you’ve booked your cruise, you must get your family’s documentation in order. This is more complicated with larger families, but it is totally doable. One of the more challenging aspects of planning a cruise with more than 3 kids is the type of room to reserve.

Celebrity Cruises are catered to families, with excursions, programs, and activities for kids and adults. They even offer autism-friendly activities, which are highly inclusive. There are even kids’ clubs to give parents a break to enjoy nightclubs, fitness facilities, or the adults-only pool. In addition, some cruise lines have movie theaters or giant poolside movie screens.

I (Elizabeth) am from rural Western New York and Vali (my husband) is from a small village in Moldova. Set sail to the Transpacific and Mexico on the Carnival Panorama through a Carnival Cruise Line. The 1,055-foot ship that weighs over 133,000 tons will put the whole family in a festive mood. Your kids will adore the F1 simulators, full-sized bowling alley, sportsplex, and Polar Aquapark with its sloping, looping enclosed slides. The nautical-themed staterooms are cozy and spacious for families, and split bathrooms, portholes, and private verandas also set the mood. You have so many ways to experience the wonder of a Disney Cruise Line vacation, including the Disney Magic.

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