One of my favorite ways to travel with my family is on a cruise. And after taking more than 50 cruises on lines like Disney Cruise Line, Virgin Voyages, AmaWaterways, and National Geographic Expeditions, I’m confident that there’s a cruise line for every type of traveler. But suppose you’re traveling with a multi-generational family. In that case, it can be challenging to figure out what cruise lines truly have something for everyone, from kids who want endless time at the pool to grandparents who want a little more relaxation built into family time.
Whether you’re looking at a family-friendly major cruise line where water parks and private islands are staples of the cruise experience, smaller river cruises where your family can unwind and truly relax on one of the world’s most iconic rivers, or even an expedition cruise to some of the world’s most remote destinations, there’s plenty of options. Keep reading to learn more about our favorite multi-generational cruises across brands and cruise styles.
Best family cruise lines for multi-generational cruises
Royal Caribbean, Icon of the Seas
There’s truly nothing like a Royal Caribbean cruise because it has something for everyone. The brand’s newest ships, Wonder of the Seas, Icon of the Seas, Utopia of the Seas, and Star of the Seas, are literally floating cities that can hold up to and over 7,000 guests. My pick for the best multi-generational cruise is Icon of the Seas. With 18 decks for guests (20 total) filled with fun, you’ll never be bored. The ship is divided into eight distinct neighborhoods, which is helpful for wayfinding.
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Icon is known for its over-the-top everything, from dining to entertainment. Families looking for some time together over a great meal will love Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar. Here, Italian classics are featured on the menu. And for adults, there are plenty of lounges around the ship. My favorites are the champagne window, Bubbles, and the dueling pianos bar. When it’s time for some fun, head to the AquaTheater for an enchanting water acrobat show, try your hand at the Royal escape room, or hang out at the pool. Just be sure not to miss The Wizard of Oz in the Royal Theater. It’s one of the best stage shows I’ve ever seen on a cruise ship.
Disney Cruise Line, Disney Magic
When it comes to family vacations, one place that usually comes to mind is a theme park. But what if you could combine the best of a Disney theme park with a cruise vacation? That’s exactly what you’re getting on Disney Cruise Line. The brand currently has six ships in its fleet with more on the way, including the Disney Destiny, which sets sail in November 2025. I’ve been lucky enough to sail on all of the Disney Cruise Line ships. The one that I love for multi-generational families is the Disney Magic.
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The smaller ship (by today’s standards) holds just about 2,700 guests, but don’t let the small size fool you. There’s still plenty to do onboard for a multi-generational cruise vacation. Kids will love the enchanting kids’ clubs, where they can run, play, and make new friends, plus Disney characters even stop by. For adults, the Senses Spa or the Quiet Cove pool area are the best spots to hang out because they are kid-free and have a relaxing vibe. After everyone’s had their own fun, the whole family can come together for evening games, trivia, dinner, and a show. On sailings to the Caribbean and Bahamas, you’ll even get the chance to see fireworks at sea.
Carnival Cruise Line, Carnival Jubilee
Known as the “Fun Ships,” Carnival Cruise Line is a great option for a multi-generational cruise with all of the bells and whistles. One of the line’s newest ships is Carnival Jubilee. The guest areas are divided into six zones, and within each one is a lot of fun for everyone.
Kids and thrill-seeking adults will love to zip around the top decks on the BOLT rollercoaster. Foodies can enjoy a meal at Emeril’s Bistro 717 for Cajun and Creole cuisine. And there’s plenty of outdoor space to sit by the pool or near the sides of the ship for incredible ocean views. The one thing I always look forward to on any Carnival cruise is Guy’s Burger Joint, a burger bar created in partnership with celebrity chef Guy Fieri. Here, burgers are always made-to-order, fries are always hot, and the toppings bar is always loaded with plenty of extras to make your perfect bite.
Best river cruises for multi-generational cruises
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, Connect
In 2026, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions will launch European river expeditions with its first ship, the 120-passenger Connect. Starting in April 2026, the band will have two eight-day itineraries along the Rhine River, with sailings from Amsterdam to Brussels and Cologne to Basel.
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I’m most looking forward to the Rhine River: Castles, Culture, and Culinary Delights itinerary. The sailing will offer guests the chance to visit Mainz, Frankfurt, and Heidelberg in Germany, along with Strasbourg and Colmar in France. On this trip, you can indulge in wine tastings at St. Hildegard Abbey and explore Rheinstein Castle. Onboard Connect, there will be a staff of experts on the region, an expedition leader, and at least one National Geographic Expert who can share insight and stories, making this an ideal ship for multi-generational cruises.
Scenic, Idyllic Rhône
Families looking to travel without kids (hello, cousins trip, parents with grown children, and extended families) will love sailing down the Rhône River in France with Scenic. The eight-day Idyllic Rhône river cruise begins in Arles, France, and wraps up in Lyon, France. The sailing focuses on the wide range of culinary and cultural destinations through Southern France. The itinerary will take your family everywhere from the historic town of Tarascon to the Roman city of Vienne. Along the way, you’ll sip wine at renowned vineyards and see a private classical concert at Palais des Papes.
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What I love most about Scenic is its all-inclusive model, where shore excursions, drinks, gratuities, and butler service are included in the price. And since the ships are small, you’ll travel with fewer than 150 guests, so everyone gets personalized attention. Even better, once you’re done with excursions for the day, you can head to the onboard salt therapy lounge for some rest and relaxation on cozy lounge chairs surrounded by salt brick walls.
Adventures by Disney, Danube River Cruise
If you’re thinking about taking a river cruise with younger kids, there’s no better option than an Adventures by Disney trip, specifically floating down the Danube. This eight-day river cruise takes guests to four countries: Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary. It’s ideal for multi-generational families with kids ages eight and older, up to grandparents in their 80s. On the trip, you’ll visit Budapest, where you can enjoy a walking tour of the Buda Castle District, a food tour, or a cave tour. Then in Bratislava, Slovakia, a walking tour and time on your own allows your family to curate your perfect day. To me, the big day of this itinerary is in Vienna, where you’ll enjoy a tour of Schönbrunn Palace, complete with a private marionette show and a strudel-making class.
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The river cruise is fairly all-inclusive, with everything from most meals, admission fees to attractions, transfers upon arrival and departure, shipboard wifi, and all gratuities included. What really makes Adventures by Disney stand out are the knowledgeable Adventure Guides who travel with you. They get to know your family and can make personalized recommendations in each destination, and even set up things to do in your free time. Think of them as your personal travel fairy godmother.
AmaWaterways, Christmas Markets On The Rhine
A Christmas markets river cruise is a bucket list item for a lot of families. With AmaWaterways, you can put a big checkmark next to that travel experience. The AmaWaterways Christmas Markets On The Rhine is a seven-night sailing that starts in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and ends in Basel, Switzerland, or the opposite direction.
Besides being able to shop, eat, drink, and feel the festive vibes at each destination’s Christmas markets, you’ll also be able to get a feel for local life and enjoy some fun activities. For instance, in Amsterdam, you can embark on a classic canal cruise, or in Rüdesheim, take in a show at Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet. After sailing on a Christmas markets river cruise a few years ago, I can say this is one of the best multi-generational cruises that your family will talk about for years to come.
Best expedition cruises for multi-generational cruises
Ecoventura, private Relais & Chateaux yachts
If your family is looking for a private cruise experience, you should consider renting a luxury Relais & Chateaux yacht with Ecoventura, which takes guests to the Galapagos Islands. These seven-night cruises take place on one of three identical and sustainable mega-yachts that can accommodate up to 20 guests. This is ideal for large, multi-generational families and extended families.
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The Galapagos itineraries are customizable, so everyone in the family, from kids to grandparents, is guaranteed to do what they want on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Onboard, two naturalists will travel with you and ensure that everyone’s preferences, from physical levels to activities, are met. On excursions, kids can do activities that are just for them, while adults can do everything from snorkeling and kayaking or just enjoying the calm beaches where Galapagos tortoises call home. And onboard, there’s everything from talent shows and ice cream socials, plus an opportunity to tour the bridge and tie nautical knots with the captain of the yacht.
Abercrombie & Kent, Antarctica Luxury Expedition
If your family has ever dreamed of seeing penguins and icebergs, plus taking on the Drake Passage, then the Abercrombie & Kent Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands Expedition may be just the right multi-generational cruise for your group. Yes, even including littles since the brand allows kids as young as seven years old. The 19-day expedition cruise has fewer than 200 guests onboard your home away from home, the Le Lyrial. And your onboard experience comes complete with an expert expedition team, butler service, outdoor heated pool, and more.
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The journey technically starts in Buenos Aires, Argentina, before flying to Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city. Along the way to Antarctica, you’ll also stop at the Falkland Islands for bird watching and South Georgia to spot king penguins. Once you drop anchor in Antarctica, you’ll have the chance to land on the great white continent to see animals, glaciers, and majestic mountains.
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, Fire and Ice: An Eight-Day Sail Around Iceland
If you’ve ever wanted to explore Iceland, then expedition sailing is the way to do it. After recently experiencing a similar itinerary to this Fire and Ice: An Eight-Day Sail Around Iceland, with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, I can say this is truly the trip of a lifetime for everyone in the family. The expedition cruise starts in Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, though you should arrive a day or two early to explore all that the city has to offer. Throughout the circumnavigation of the country, you’ll visit places like Lake Mývatn, which is the most geologically active area in Iceland, and Bakkagerði, where puffin colonies make their homes.
Onboard, don’t miss the polar plunge, where you’ll get the chance to jump off the ship and into freezing water (a rite of passage for Arctic and Antarctic sailings). And kids can participate in the National Geographic Explorers-In-Training program, which features hands-on activities led by the field educators to help kids both learn and be active participants in each day’s adventures.
