When it comes to planning the perfect family vacation, the options can feel overwhelming. With countless destinations, activities, and types of accommodations, finding the right fit for everyone can be quite the challenge. However, there's one vacation option that consistently stands out as a crowd-pleaser: family-friendly cruises. In this post, we’ll explore some of the best cruise itineraries designed specifically for families, ensuring that your next vacation is unforgettable.
Why Choose a Family Cruise?
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s talk about why cruising is such a fantastic option for families in the first place.
Cruises are unique in that they offer a variety of activities and entertainment options, often designed with families in mind. From splash-tacular water parks to engaging kids' clubs, there’s something for everyone on board. Moreover, as you sail from one beautiful destination to another, you can change scenery without the hassle of packing and unpacking!
With amenities such as family dining options and evening shows, cruising allows everyone to bond and create memorable moments together, while also having the freedom to explore different interests.
Top Family-Friendly Cruise Lines
These picks are some of the best cruise lines, in no particular order, and any of which would be great for families. Especially for Caribbean and Bahamas cruises but do travel to many exotic spots around the world also. So, if you are interested in a Mediterranean, Alaksa, or even Australia, these will be family friendly cruise lines wherever you cruise.
Best Cruise Lines for Families
Disney Cruise Line
For many families, Disney is synonymous with fun and magical experiences.
Disney Cruise Line offers some of the most family-friendly itineraries aboard beautifully themed ships, and Disney characters. Families can indulge in character meet-and-greets, watch Broadway-style shows, and enjoy themed dining experiences. One of the highlights is Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, where children can play in the sand and parents can relax by the aqua-blue waters.
I have found that these cruises are not as budget friendly as other cruise lines. But if you are a Disney fan, or your kids are Disney fans, taking this cruise makes perfect sense for you. I have it on good authority from someone who has taken many cruises and was concerned when she booked a Disney cruise, thinking it might not be as good as other cruises or so full of kids she couldn't enjoy. She said it was great and would have no problem booking again.
Royal Caribbean International
If your family craves adventure, look no further than Royal Caribbean.
Known for its innovative ships, Royal Caribbean offers thrilling experiences like rock climbing walls, surf simulators, and ice-skating rinks. Families can explore stunning destinations such as the Caribbean and Alaska while taking advantage of the extensive Kids Club offerings, ensuring kids from toddlers to teens have their fair share of fun.
Royal Caribbean Cruise line is also known to have the best private island of any cruise lines. Coco Cay. If you travel on Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruise line and pick a cruise that included Coco Cay in the Bahamas, you are in for a treat. Families love this place for the beach, pools, slides and even a zip lining course. Tons of fun for families of every age.
While cruising, don't miss the chance to attend family-friendly shows, from circus performances to Broadway hits that will keep everyone entertained.
Carnival Cruise Line
A popular cruise line for families that can be budget friendly.
Known as the Fun Ship, Carnival is known by many as the party ship. It does not have to be that way, in fact, there are many families that use Carnival for their family vacations. Carnival does a really good job with their Youth programs. Camp Ocean is perfect for kids 2=11 with activities for the kids while adults explore the fun times on the cruise ship by themselves. There are 3 age groups in Camp Ocean to help sperate the younger children from older children so they all have a good time. The Night Owl program also services kids ages 2-11 so the adults can have a night free to go to dinner, a bar or a show without the kids. Circle C is the perfect place for kids ages 12 to 14. A perfect place for those kids who are old enough to be on their own a little bit. Club O2 for the teenagers that are ages 15-17 with all the activities that this age group would enjoy. Music, Movies, Sports and more.
Plus, don't forget all the fun on the ships with pools, waterslides, Sportsquare, mini golf and video arcades where everyone can partake in the fun.
Norwegian Cruise Line
This is the perfect cruise line for families, offering many activities, ships with pools waterslides and more. Plus, Kids clubs are also something offered with NCL. Splash Academy for kids under the age of 12 and Entourage for kids 13 and up. These kids clubs offer all sorts of fun activities specific to each age group. Older kids might like dance party, or video games in the arcade, where younger kids would like to do a sing-a-long with the club counselor They also have a guppies program for kids 6 months to 3 years old for parents who want to use the area to play with their kids. Spending quality time with your kids in this space is perfect.
I have seen many families having fun on an NCL cruise. Hanging by the pool, playing at the basketball court, ping pong, or climbing the rock wall. Some ships even have a ropes course older kids can enjoy and the parents too.
Celebrity Cruise Line
You may have thought Celebrity was for older adults, well you are wrong. There are many families on this ship that enjoy all the activities and the pool deck too. Camp at Sea is great for any kid, separated into several groups by age, there are opportunities for fun and play for everyone, but also learning as well. STEM at sea is partnered with Frost Science Museum, given you kids a chance to learn by having fun. One of the best things I have seen on Celebrity is the Autism Friendly Environment, this is a great option for those kids that require something special and fun.
As mentioned, a great thing about Celebrity Cruises are partners with Royal Caribbean, so if you pick a cruise that features a stop in Coco Cay your whole family will enjoy all the beach, pools, water slides, zip lines and more as it is the best private island for cruises. There is a reason they say, "Have a perfect day at Coco Cay".
Princess Cruise Line
This is a favorite to some of my family members, so I am sure your family will enjoy their time on this cruise line. Princess Cruises is known for their medallion service which is a pro tracking device honestly. Members of your family get on and off the ship, order food by the pool deck and have it delivered to you by the medallion. It even opens doors to your room, (No key card here) For me this is great for tracking the kiddos on the cruise ship too. 3 year olds and over get a medallion which is great for dropping the children at the kid's club if they are young, or if they are teenagers, you know that if they are out of your sight, Princess cruise line will still be able to track them.
Princess cruise line offers many activities for children and all the bells and whistles that other cruise lines typically have. Their club is called Camp Discovery and is also divided up into age groups similar to other cruise lines.
MSC Cruise Line
Extremely popular in Europe, but making a stand in the United States, especially for cruises out of Miami. This is a budget cruise line, missing some of the bells and whistles some of the larger cruise ships or lines have. But they still have activities, kids clubs and many other attractions, and tend to be 1/3 cheaper than a Royal Caribbean Cruise.
I have booked clients on MSC cruises, and they have not been disappointed because the price was low. They said they would take it again especially if it was going to a port that they wanted to visit, but they also said it just was not as good food wise as other cruise lines.
Personally, if you have an open mind, I think families should go for it. Save some money or get a balcony room instead of an interior cabin. You will notice the savings in your pocket.
Itineraries That Cater to Families
Bahamas and Caribbean Adventures
The Bahamas and Caribbean islands are popular destinations for families.
Consider a cruise that includes stops at Nassau, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten. On these itineraries, families can enjoy beach days, snorkeling excursions, and cultural experiences. The vibrant atmosphere, engaging activities, and delicious regional cuisine make these islands a hit with both adults and children.
Personally, I think the Caribbean cruises are the best for families from the United States. First off it is less expensive, than flying overseas to the Mediterranean or even flying to the Northwest in most cases for an Alaska Cruise. Although if I was a kid and was taken on an Alaska cruise, I would have loved it as a child. But most kids would prefer Caribbean beaches to looking at glaciers on their summer break.
Some of my favorite places for families to visit are listed below.
Nassau Bahamas- many activities/ shore excursions. Buy a day pass to the Atlantis Resort so the kids can have some fun swimming and looking at exhibits. Especially the sharks. I have done this as an adult and loved it too.
Cozumel Mexico- best beach clubs: Purchase as a shore excursion from the cruise ship or on your own with visits to Mr. Sancho's or Nachi Cocum
St Thomas - a beautiful island adults will love, with some of the best snorkeling I have ever done. Tours can take you to their favorite spots to snorkel, which might be closer to St John. You might even see Tortola in the background. My snorkeling time was amazing, and I even saw a turtle. Snorkeling is best with older kids, like teenagers. There were several in my group and they loved it.
Grand Turk- Great for a beach day. One of the best beaches I have ever been to was on Grand Turk and close to the pier. If traveling with a few young kids, the easy walk to the beach that is close by is perfect for a family. Grand Turk is usually only visited by Carnival cruise lines, as they are responsible for building the pier and shopping area on the island. Other Carnival affiliated cruise lines do make stops here. Also, the pool at Margaritaville is super large!!!!!
Grand Cayman Island- I love this island for the variety of attractions. Swimming with Sting Rays, visiting the Turtle Farm, or just spending time on 7-mile beach. It is a perfect stop in the Carribean with the most beautiful water I have ever seen. Just remember this is a tender boat port, as there is not a large enough pier for cruise ships. You might have to be careful with getting young children on the tender boat from your cruise ship.
Mediterranean Delight
For those wanting to mix culture with relaxation, Mediterranean cruises are a wonderful choice.
Traveling through iconic ports such as Barcelona, Rome, and Athens, families can indulge in world-class sightseeing. Many cruise lines provide family-friendly shore excursions, like guided tours of ancient ruins or cooking classes where families can learn to make local dishes together.
I have enjoyed my time on Mediterranean cruises, and I am sure families will too.
Planning and Preparing for Your Cruise
Family Packing Essentials
Packing for a cruise can be slightly different from other types of vacations.
Make sure to have a mix of casual wear for daytime activities and a few nicer outfits for formal dinners. Don't forget sun protection, water shoes, swimwear, and any necessary medications. Also, consider packing small snacks or loves for those late-night cravings. Most cruise lines allow sealed packaged food on the cruise, Carnival even allows a 12 pack of soda per person.
Interior cabins may have bunk beds, even balcony rooms can have fold out of the wall beds for the kids. some rooms even hold 5 people on some cruise ships, but they are limited. For large families, they tend to get 2 rooms that adjoin, and keep the doors open between the rooms.
Engaging Kids Before the Trip
Prepare your kids for the upcoming adventure by getting them involved in the planning process.
Allow them to select activities they look forward to, such as onboard attractions or shore excursions. This not only builds excitement but also ensures they are invested in the vacation.
Making the Most of Your Onboard Experience
Family Activities
During your cruise, it’s essential to take full advantage of the family-friendly activities that are offered.
Whether it’s participating in family trivia games, taking dance classes, or simply lounging by the pool, there’s no shortage of fun. Make sure to check the daily schedule for family-oriented events, so you won’t miss out on any exciting opportunities.
Smaller cruise ships may offer less in the amount of attractions on board, as not every ship has waterslides or ropes courses. Always look into the ship before you book or ask a travel agent.
Bonding Over Meals
Dining can be another great way for families to bond while cruising.
Most cruise lines provide a variety of dining options, including casual buffets and themed restaurants. Engage your family in trying new foods, sharing stories, and enjoying the experience of dining together—an essential aspect of any family vacation. The Main dining room on most ships have a slight dress code for dinner, but as long as kids are not in swimsuits on the NCL cruise line kids can come to the main dining room for dinner. Still most kids look more presentable than just rolling in to dinner in the main dining room then at the buffet. Many families enjoy the buffets. I tend to love them myself.
Creating Lasting Memories
As you explore different destinations, make sure to take plenty of photos and video.
These moments will serve as reminders of your unique experiences and the laughter shared during your family cruise. Many family cruise lines incorporate photography packages, giving you professional photos to treasure for years to come.
Additionally, consider creating a family scrapbook or digital album upon returning home, filled with memories from your cruise that everyone can cherish.
Conclusion
Planning a family-friendly cruise is a fantastic way to ensure everyone has a wonderful and unforgettable vacation.
With countless options available, from themed cruises to exciting itineraries that encompass breathtaking destinations, your family will surely find the perfect fit. Embrace the adventure, engage in the on-board activities, and create memories that will last a lifetime. A cruise is an excellent choice.
So, gather your loved ones, pick a destination, and get ready to set sail for family fun like never before! I promise you will have a great time!
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