Are you searching for the ideal cruise for your kids, or simply a fun vacation with your family? There are plenty of excellent options available to choose from.
Why is cruising a great option for families?
Cruising can be a great vacation option for families for several reasons:
- Variety of Activities: Cruises offer a wide range of activities for all age groups. From kids’ clubs and supervised activities to water parks, sports activities, and live shows, there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
- All-inclusive: Cruises are typically all-inclusive, meaning that food, accommodations, and most entertainment options are included in the price of the cruise. This can be a cost-effective option for families since they don’t have to worry about paying for meals and entertainment separately.
- Convenient: Cruises are convenient because they allow families to visit multiple destinations without having to pack and unpack multiple times. This can save time and money on transportation costs, and it also means that families don’t have to worry about finding new accommodations at each destination.
- Safe and Secure: Cruise ships are generally considered to be safe and secure, with strict security measures in place to ensure the safety of passengers. This can provide peace of mind for parents who want to ensure the safety of their children.
- Family-friendly: Most cruise lines offer family-friendly amenities, such as cabins that can accommodate multiple people, kids’ clubs, and family-friendly dining options. This can make it easier for families to travel together and ensure that everyone has a good time.
Now, let’s review some of the best cruise lines for families:
Disney Cruise Lines
Disney Cruise Lines are one of the best cruise lines for families, particularly if you want to take your children on an unforgettable vacation. Each ship offers a range of Disney-themed restaurants, entertainment and activities on board.
Disney offers special kids programs for children of all ages. For instance, Disney’s Oceaneer Club is tailored towards children aged 3 to 12. They do also have childcare for under 3. The line offers an exceptional children’s program with games, meet-and-greets, and science experiments.
The line offers excellent family amenities, such as plenty of outdoor areas for sunbathing and swimming. Plus, they even have their own private island called Castaway Cay that’s ideal for family beach days!
Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines
Royal Caribbean is one of the best cruise lines for families, providing a variety of activities, dining options and stateroom accommodations suitable for all ages. Their youth programs are educational and entertaining so children have an enjoyable experience while adults can sit back and take in all that life has to offer. Royal Caribbean truly caters to everyone – enjoy great food while your adults relax with some adult-only time!
Royal Caribbean ships are ideal for first-time cruisers, couples, families and thrill seekers alike. With top-deck water activities, surfing simulators, skydiving wind tunnels, bumper car rinks, ice rinks and zip lines – there’s something to suit everyone on board a Royal Caribbean cruise!
Royal Caribbean offers a nursery program for infants and toddlers on select ships. Parents can drop off their babies during nap or play time, and the staff will take care of them the rest of the day.
Norwegian Cruise Lines
Norwegian Cruise Lines offer a selection of family-friendly cruise ships that are perfect for families on a budget. Their ships boast an array of dining options, world-class entertainment and superior guest service – making them the ideal family vacation choice!
With Norwegian, you have the freedom to dine when and where you please. From enjoying a leisurely meal in the main restaurant to taking advantage of our onboard pizza joint for quick snacks, Norwegian has you covered!
Kids will adore the Freestyle Dining program – where kids can eat for free at numerous specialty restaurants. Furthermore, there are fun activities like family charades, gunk challenges and game shows to keep them occupied during their voyage on board!
MSC Cruise Lines
Many cruise lines cater to families by providing kids programs that go beyond babysitting. These activities include art classes, water sports and onboard games that encourage kids to interact with their peers.
MSC has long been a top choice for families, offering free kids travel and plenty of family-friendly amenities onboard. Plus, the line also provides connecting family cabins for larger groups.
For children and teens, the line offers a range of engaging experiences like F1 racing car simulators and 4D theaters. Plus, they have an affiliation with National Geographic which offers the Global Explorer program on Galapagos Islands and Alaska cruises, where kids record wildlife sightings, collect plankton and drive inflatable Zodiacs.
MSC Cruises provides a range of dining options, from casual restaurants to formal main dining rooms. Some meals are included in the cruise fare while others require an additional payment.
Carnival Cruise Lines
Carnival Cruise Line has always offered budget-friendly fares and frequent sales, making it a go-to for budget travelers. Its fun atmosphere and relaxed party atmosphere make it the ideal option for family reunions, group getaways, and chartered theme cruises alike – making it the perfect budget friendly option!
The line provides a wide variety of family-friendly entertainment, such as first-run movies, Broadway shows and Disney-themed stage productions. Many ships also offer outdoor movies where families can relax on deck while taking in the sun and sea air.
Kids will adore Camp Ocean, which offers activities tailored to each age group. There are art classes, dance lessons, scavenger hunts and more for them to discover. Plus they’ll have a blast at Seuss at Sea with beloved characters from Dr. Seuss stories as well as Green Eggs & Ham Brunches with appearances by characters like the Cat in the Hat and more!
Holland America Cruise Lines
Holland America cruise lines is a great option for families because of their exceptional onboard amenities and family-friendly activities. Their ships offer a wide range of activities and entertainment options for children of all ages, including youth programs, teen clubs, and family game nights. The Club HAL program, available on all ships, offers supervised activities for children ages 3-17, allowing parents to relax and enjoy their vacation while their children have a blast with new friends.
In addition to the youth programs, Holland America offers a variety of family-friendly entertainment options such as movies under the stars, live music, dance performances, and cooking demonstrations. The ships also offer plenty of opportunities for family bonding, such as swimming in the pool, playing mini-golf, and participating in game shows and trivia contests. Holland America also offers family cabins that can accommodate up to five people, providing a comfortable and affordable option for families traveling together. With so many activities and entertainment options available, Holland America Cruise lines is a great choice for families looking for a fun and stress-free vacation.
Furthermore, Holland America Cruise lines also provides exceptional dining options that cater to families with children. They offer a range of dining venues, including casual dining options such as pizza and burgers, as well as elegant dining options for special occasions. The ships also offer 24-hour room service, making it easy for families with young children to have meals delivered to their room at any time. Holland America also offers children’s menus with kid-friendly options, ensuring that even the pickiest eaters are satisfied. With exceptional dining options and flexibility to cater to families’ needs, Holland America Cruise lines is a great choice for families looking to enjoy their vacation together.