Cruising with kids can be an unforgettable experience for families, offering a chance to bond over shared experiences onboard and explore exciting destinations. However, not all cruise lines are created equal when it comes to catering to families with children. If you are planning a family cruise, here are some of the best cruise lines that offer something for everyone, including your kids!
1. Disney Cruise Line
When it comes to family-friendly cruise lines, Disney Cruise Line tops the list. As a company that is all about families, Disney offers an incredible range of experiences designed to delight guests of all ages. Disney Cruise Line offers itineraries to various destinations worldwide, including stops at their private island, Castaway Cay. The line’s ships feature hundreds of Disney characters and offer endless opportunities to meet and interact with favorite characters.
Disney cruise ships incorporate stunning facilities designed for kids of all ages from a whimsical “Small World” nursery, storytelling time with Disney characters to themed play areas such as Andy’s Room from Toy Story and kids clubs, all aimed at sparking children’s imagination. Parents can also choose to enroll their kids in camps and age-appropriate activities with other children onboard, while enjoying the ship’s nightlife.
2. Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line is a great option for families with kids who seek a more relaxed atmosphere than Disney. NCL offers one-of-a-kind, multi-level Aqua Parks with thrilling, multi-story water slides, kid-sized versions of adult activities like rock climbing and mini-golf.
The line offers family cabins that can sleep up to six people on selected ships and offers freestyle dining where guests can enjoy meals any time they wish, instead of sticking to assigned dining times that might not be ideal for your family’s schedule.
NCL’s Splash Academy kids’ club is divided into age groups, and the classes and activities offered ranging from scavenger hunts to building with Legos and video game competitions cater for kids of all ages.
3. Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean International prides itself on providing one-of-a-kind experiences for families on cruises. Known for their innovative, high-tech cruise ships, Royal Caribbean offers endless fun activities for kids, including bumper cars, roller skating rinks, rock climbing walls, and ice-skating. The line’s ships also feature partnerships with major brands such as DreamWorks and Mattel.
Royal Caribbean offers kids’ clubs divided by age group with age-appropriate activities, and family staterooms that can accommodate up to six passengers. Royal Caribbean also partners with DreamWorks to offer guests the opportunity to interact with characters such as Shrek and Kung Fu Panda. The cruise line delivers an array of exciting options with activities for all ages, including outdoor movie nights, parades, musical performances, and more. With so much to do aboard a Royal Caribbean ship, it’s virtually impossible for your kids to feel bored.
4. Carnival Cruise Line
The “Fun Ships” of Carnival are another great option for families with kids. The cruise line offers exciting on-board activities like Seuss at Sea, where memorable Dr. Seuss-inspired characters like The Cat in the Hat and Thing One join in for breakfast and participate in parades and story time. Carnival cruise ships also offer age-appropriate activities for kids, from a water park and an arcade to camp activities for different age groups. Carnival’s youth program, Camp Ocean, is fantastic for kids, providing them with the opportunity to engage in various educational activities and games based around marine biology. Additionally, parents can relax at the Serenity Adult-only Retreat, which is a quiet space onboard perfect for adults looking to unwind.
Visit Cruise Trip Planner.com to book your next family cruise