Family cruises stand out as truly memorable vacation experiences. The unique appeal lies in the way cruise ships cater to individuals of all ages, creating an environment where everyone can find something to enjoy. A significant draw for families is the availability of age-specific children’s programs, which are not only entertaining but also often educational, enriching the vacation for younger travelers.
However, with a vast selection of over 50 cruise lines and around 300 cruise ships navigating the world’s oceans, the task of choosing the right cruise line for a family vacation can feel daunting. The sheer number of options can be overwhelming, leaving many families unsure where to begin. For most families, large cruise ships often emerge as the preferred choice. These vessels boast a wide array of activities designed to cater to diverse interests, ensuring that there’s never a dull moment onboard. Moreover, many of these large ships provide the added benefit of youth counselors, dedicated professionals who enhance the vacation experience for children by organizing engaging activities and creating lasting memories.
Nearly all large ship cruise lines, typically those accommodating over 1,000 guests, offer structured kids’ programs designed for children aged 3 and up, often extending to teenagers up to 17. Regent Seven Seas Cruises is the exception, with programs starting at age 5. Furthermore, recognizing the needs of families with infants, many cruise lines also operate onboard nurseries, providing a safe and stimulating environment for babies.
Navigating the sea of options requires a careful look at the specific offerings of each cruise line. To help families make an informed decision, we’ve compiled a list of 12 of the best family-friendly cruise lines, highlighting their unique features and amenities:
1. Carnival Cruise Lines
Carnival Cruise Lines has earned its reputation as the "fun ship" cruise line, a distinction that resonates with families seeking an energetic and engaging vacation experience. Central to Carnival’s family appeal is its fleet-wide Camp Ocean program, a meticulously designed initiative that offers a diverse range of activities tailored to different age groups.
Carnival offers scheduled onboard programs for children ages 2 through 14, ensuring that kids of all ages have access to age-appropriate entertainment and activities. For teenagers, Carnival provides special shore excursions, allowing them to explore destinations in a way that caters to their interests and preferences. In addition to the kids’ clubs, Carnival ships boast a wide array of onboard activities designed for families to enjoy together. Water parks provide thrilling aquatic adventures, while the SkyRide offers breathtaking views and an exhilarating experience. The Seuss at Sea program brings the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss to life, captivating children with interactive storytelling and character appearances.
2. Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises offers a sophisticated family cruising experience with its Camp at Sea program. This program provides a diverse range of activities for kids aged 3-17, with a focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), recreation, art, and cooking.
Children can expand their knowledge and understanding of the world by engaging in science and nature-based activities, or they can simply have fun participating in the wide variety of recreational options available, from talent shows to slumber parties. For parents seeking some personal time, Celebrity offers in-room babysitting services for a fee. Teenagers aged 13 and up can socialize and unwind in the dedicated teen club, providing a space for them to connect with peers and enjoy age-appropriate activities.
3. Costa Cruise Lines
Costa Cruise Lines, the Italian branch of Carnival Corporation, offers a unique family cruising experience with a distinctly European flair. The year-round Costa Kids program provides a structured and engaging environment for children aged 3-17, with daily activities ranging from arts and crafts workshops to games and treasure hunts.
The program is staffed by experienced youth counselors who guide and supervise the children, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. Costa is a particularly good choice for families who want their children to interact with kids from other countries, fostering cultural exchange and broadening their perspectives.
4. Crystal Cruises
Crystal Cruises offers a luxurious cruising experience with a focus on sophistication and elegance. While primarily geared towards adults, Crystal recognizes the needs of families traveling with children or grandchildren and offers a children’s program on the Crystal Symphony and the Crystal Serenity.
These programs are typically available during peak travel seasons, such as holidays and summer vacations, when a sufficient number of children are expected to be onboard. Crystal’s youth program activity schedule is determined based on the number and ages of children sailing, ensuring that the activities are tailored to their specific interests and developmental stages.
5. Cunard Line
Cunard Line’s iconic ships, including the Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth, are renowned for their elegance, grandeur, and British flair. This distinctive atmosphere extends to the ships’ children’s and teen’s programs, which are designed to provide a uniquely enriching experience.
Cunard distinguishes itself by employing real children’s nurses and trained British nannies to care for and supervise the younger guests, ensuring their well-being and safety. The ships also feature a dedicated teen center, providing a space for teenagers to socialize, relax, and enjoy age-appropriate activities.
6. Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line is the quintessential family cruise experience, bringing the magic of Disney to the high seas. Anyone who loves Disney World or Disneyland will find themselves captivated by the immersive and enchanting atmosphere of Disney Cruises.
The ships are designed to resemble a theme park at sea, with Disney characters making frequent appearances to entertain the kids and create unforgettable memories. Disney cruises offer a wide array of family activities, ensuring that there’s something for everyone to enjoy together. The ships also feature the "It’s a Small World" nursery for babies and supervised children’s programs year-round for ages 3 through teens, providing age-appropriate entertainment and activities for all.
7. Holland America Line
Holland America Line offers a balanced cruising experience that appeals to families seeking a blend of relaxation, exploration, and engaging activities. Holland America’s Kids Club provides year-round supervised children’s programs for ages 3-17, with a wide range of daily activities designed to cater to diverse interests.
There are also after-dark activities for teens, such as poker night and video game tournaments, providing opportunities for them to socialize and unwind. The shore excursions also incorporate kid-friendly elements, ensuring that younger travelers are engaged and entertained throughout the journey. It’s important to note that Kids Club is not offered on cruises longer than 25 days, including Legendary and Grand Voyages. However, Holland America will organize children’s activities for whomever is on board.
8. MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises, a Swiss-Italian cruise line, caters to family groups of all ages with a focus on creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere. MSC Cruises often offers "kids sail free" specials on Caribbean cruises for those 11 and under who are staying with their parents in the same stateroom, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious families.
Like other family-friendly cruise lines, MSC ships feature water parks and other exciting kid activities for ages 1-17, ensuring that there’s never a dull moment onboard.
9. Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) offers a freestyle cruising experience that emphasizes flexibility and choice. NCL’s Kid’s Crew program provides a dedicated playroom staffed with youth coordinators year-round.
Activities are scheduled when the ship is at sea and in port for kids ages 3-17, ensuring that there’s always something fun and engaging to do. Fun things to do for kids include dancing, arts and crafts, treasure hunts, costume-making, and games. At night, the teen center transforms into a disco, providing a space for teenagers to socialize and dance the night away.
10. Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises’ youth program provides age-specific activities for kids 3-11 and 12-17. The ships also include learning activities on science, wildlife, and conservation. Teens will enjoy many of the same things they love at home—video game competitions, movies, Karaoke, and giant screen TVs.
Younger kids will find plenty to do in the youth center. Princess also has full-time youth coordinators and group babysitting.
11. Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers a luxurious and all-inclusive cruising experience, with a focus on providing exceptional service and enriching itineraries. For adults who want to share their travel adventures with their children or grandchildren, Regent’s complimentary Club Mariner youth program is designed for age groups 5-8, 9-12 and 13-17.
Club Mariner is supervised by a staff of experienced and enthusiastic youth counselors who organize activities like mini-golf tournaments, dance parties, and movie nights. Club Mariner operates during the summer and select holiday sailings, ensuring that families traveling during these periods have access to enriching and engaging activities for their children.
12. Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean International is known for its innovative and action-packed ships, offering a wide range of activities and amenities designed to appeal to families. Royal Caribbean International has big ships with non-stop activities for children and teens.
Some of the ships have those famous rock-climbing walls, ice skating rinks, FlowRider, and ziplining. The RCI supervised year-round youth program, Adventure Ocean, is targeted to kids 3 to 17 in five age groups, but the company also has a nursery program for ages 3 months to 3 tears. It promises to be both fun and educational. Group babysitting is also available.
Choosing the right cruise line for a family vacation is a significant decision, requiring careful consideration of various factors, including the ages of the children, their interests, and the family’s overall preferences. By exploring the unique offerings of these 12 Best Family-Friendly Cruise Lines, families can find the perfect vessel to embark on an unforgettable journey, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Consider also 12 Best Family-Friendly Cruise Lines for amenities, kid-friendly activities, and overall suitability for your family’s needs. The 12 Best Family-Friendly Cruise Lines list is designed to make your selection easier.
