Searching for the best family cruise can be overwhelming. Heck, even as someone who has spent more than 10 years working in the cruise industry and sailed with every major line, I still scratch my head over all the options. With so many cruise lines serving kids, and new ships debuting every year, narrowing down your choices requires some expert assistance.
Every cruise line has its own “personality,” from the thrill-seeking fun of Royal Caribbean to the playful magic of Disney Cruise Line and the free-spirited aura of Norwegian Cruise Line. Peel back the layers even more, and you’ll find that each ship has nuances when it comes to activities, staterooms, and other features.
Just remember: Bigger is not always better. An example of this is Norwegian Cruise Line, whose Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss (some of their biggest ships) have a more mature, adult-centric vibe onboard that’s not really conducive to sailing with youngsters. Some of their smaller ships are a much better option, despite not having as many bells and whistles.
To help get you determine the best option for your family, here are the 12 cruise lines I recommend for families and their most kid-friendly ships. (Sailing with babies or toddlers? Here’s a more comprehensive breakdown of the best cruises for kids under 5.)
STRETCH YOUR WALLET: 8 cruise lines that let kids sail free
1. Disney Cruise Line
There’s no denying that Disney Cruise Line is arguably the best cruise line for families. Even those who don’t consider themselves Disney fanatics will be moved by the magic across its fleet. Cutting-edge technology and entertainment are infused into nearly every aspect of the cruise, from dining to the production shows.
The kids’ clubs are whimsical spaces, with different themes for each ship, and have the most robust care options for all ages, of any line. They’re divided into three groups: Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab (kids three to 12), Edge (tweens 11 to 14), and Vibe (teens 14 to 17). The way they’re organized enables siblings and other family members or friends to stick together.
On the sun decks, families can enjoy swimming pools (including one just for kids), as well as different rides that very by ship. Thoughtfully designed staterooms with lots of storage, bunk beds, big bathrooms, privacy curtains, and other features are the icing on the cake.
Best Disney ships for kids: Any ship in the fleet.
2. Royal Caribbean
Adventurous spirits are drawn to Royal Caribbean for its bevy of thrill-seeking activities. A rock-climbing wall, surf and sky-diving simulators, the Splashaway Bay water park, wet and dry slides, and other recreational fun (all varying by ship) underpin a youthful energy onboard. Bigger ships keep the upbeat vibe going with themed “neighborhoods” like the Boardwalk with a merry-go-round, and even more adrenaline-pumping features like a top-deck zipline.
Kids can retreat to the Adventure Ocean youth club, a massive space that caters to different age groups: Aquanauts (three to five), Explorers (six to eight), and Voyagers (nine to 11), as well as tweens and teens (12 to 17). Littles six to 36 months have special programming, as well. Various family cabin categories ensure there’s something for everyone.
Best Royal Caribbean ships for kids: Utopia of the Seas, Icon of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas, and Spectrum of the Seas
Note: Royal Caribbean’s Voyager- and Freedom-class ships aren’t my favorites for families, generally speaking, but do offer ideal atmospheres and amenities for those with littles under 5.
INSIDE LOOK: Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas is even bigger, bolder, and better than I expected
3. Lindblad Expeditions (National Geographic)
What could be more fun for a kid, than going on a scavenger hunt with a real “treasure” map? On Lindblad Expeditions, families can find puffins in Iceland, get a close-up view of glaciers in Alaska, search for blue-footed boobies in the Galapagos Islands, and encounter more treasures on the line’s destination-focused itineraries.
Through its partnership with National Geographic, Lindblad Expeditions offers immersive programming for young adventurers, allowing them to participate in hands-on experiences, such as collecting plankton by dropping a net on the side of a zodiac, and recording wildlife sightings in a field notebook. Kids can even earn their zodiac “driver’s license.”
With most of your time spent off the ship and engaged in nature, life onboard is pretty laid-back. There’s no kids’ club, but most ships do have a pool or hot tub as well as a lounge space for games and low-key entertainment.
Best Lindblad Expeditions ships for kids: Any ship in the fleet
4. Princess Cruises
“The Love Boat” cruise line continues to set the stage for families who love tradition and a slower pace. This makes Princess Cruises an excellent choice for those with tweens and teens. Some of the line’s most revered traditions include Movies Under the Stars (complete with popcorn and cozy blankets), guided stargazing, and family cooking classes. Meanwhile, its partnership with Discovery welcomes itinerary-specific, top-deck activities on select sailings.
Every ship comes with Camp Discovery, the kids’ club divided as follows: The Treehouse (ages three to seven), The Lodge (ages eight to 12), and The Beach House (ages 13 to 17). Others have their own kid-friendly accoutrements, such as the Reef Family Splash Zone on Caribbean Princess, and batting cages and simulated laser shooting range on Regal Princess and Royal Princess.
Best Princess ships for kids: Sun Princess, Caribbean Princess, Regal Princess, Royal Princess, Sky Princess, Ruby Princess, Enchanted Princess, Emerald Princess, and Island Princess
5. Explora Journeys
Families seeking a more “white glove” experience will feel warmly embraced by Explora Journeys. It caters to children more than any other luxury line, with a dedicated youth club and other goodies (like mini bathrobes and slippers) to make kids feel extra special.
The nature-themed Nautilus Club makes learning fun, through games, crafts, and other activities designed for all ages, ranging from three to 17. (Three- to five-year-olds can enjoy the space during set times, with a parent or caretaker.) In lieu of the frills and thrills you’ll find on big mainstream ships, Explora Journeys invests more in kid-friendly enrichment and excursions designed for families.
Suites comprise all the accommodations onboard Explora Journeys’ ships and can be connected for more space. In-room toys are available for the littlest passengers.
Best Explora Journeys ships for kids: Any ship in the fleet
6. Norwegian Cruise Line
Free-spirited families, rejoice. Norwegian Cruise Line rides its own wave in the mainstream cruise industry, with no set dining times or dress codes. This makes it easy for families to savor the seemingly endless activities onboard, without worrying about a schedule. There’s also a nice mix of adventure and relaxed fun, so everyone in the family can go at their own pace.
Standout features, which vary by ship, include bowling, rock-climbing and rappelling walls, a ropes course, multisensory slides, and waterparks. The Splash Academy kids’ club hosts different age groups: three to five, six to nine, and 10 to 12. Teens 13 to 17 also enjoy their own space.
The entertainment onboard is some of the best I’ve experienced on a family ship, and the diversity in dining options means even the pickiest eaters will be satisfied. When it comes to accommodations, there’s immense value in booking The Haven, a section that’s separate from the rest of the ship, offerings its own rooms with butler service, a pool, restaurant, and more. The Two-Bedroom Family Villa with Balcony suite comfortably sleeps up to six.
Best Norwegian ships for kids: Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Joy, and Norwegian Star
STAY COOL: The best cruise ship water parks and private islands for families
7. A-Rosa
River cruise lines are quickly gaining steam as a top family vacation option. A handful of companies have cultivated the best river cruise itineraries for kids, but only cruise line has built a ship with everything a family could want.
On A-Rosa Sena, you’ll find a kids’ club, main pool and separate children’s pool, a putting green and other top-deck games, and plethora of activities that include designing your own t-shirt, a treasure hunt on the ship, and face painting. Parents and caretakers will love the added comfort of large staterooms (including one just for families), family tables at the restaurants, and special menus for their most discerning eaters.
It’s all enough to keep your kids busy when excursions aren’t taking place. And the family-specific tours (a la Comics Station Antwerp, an indoor theme park inspired by Belgian comic heroes) are definitely something you don’t want to miss.
Best A-Rosa ships for kids: A-Rosa Sena
8. MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises’ Mediterranean roots add a sprinkle of culture to its ships. The big draw for families, however, is the breadth of offerings across its fleet.
Ample dining options, impressive kids’ clubs and programming, and outdoor recreation ranging from ropes courses to water parks and pools, depending on the ship, are among the highlights. (MSC Seascape has a whopping 13 swimming pools.) Connecting cabin categories, as well as suites in MSC Cruises’ Yacht Club—a private enclave with its own rooms, pool, and restaurant—offer more space for families who need it.
Partnerships with Lego and Chicco baby gear amp up the offerings in the children’s club, which includes a Baby Club for littles, a Mini Club for three- to six-year-olds, and Juniors Club for seven- to 11-year-olds. Kids 12 to 17 have access to their own Young Club and Teens Club.
Best MSC ships for kids: MSC Seascape, MSC Seaside, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Preziosa, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Virtuosa, MSC Bellissima, and MSC Armonia
9. Carnival Cruise Line
When I say “not all ships are created equal,” Carnival is one of the first cruise lines that come to mind. Its older ships unabashedly serve more party-hardy vacationers, but the colloquial booze cruise is a rare sight on newer ships. You can thank Carnival’s investment in more kid-friendly features, such as exclusive Family Harbor cabins and amenities, and more adventure-packed sun decks with everything from ropes courses to roller coasters.
Carnival ships have always had the Camp Ocean youth club. Organized into three age groups—Penguins (two to five years old), Stingrays (six to eight years old), and Sharks (nine to 11 years old)—it treats kids to arts and crafts, music, games, and on newer ships, bigger and more enchanting spaces. Other family highlights include mini bowling, outdoor movies, and a Dr. Seuss Bookville reading space.
Best Carnival ships for kids: Carnival Horizon, Carnival Celebration, Carnival Vista, Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Panorama, and Mardi Gras
PRO TIP: Here’s how to save money on a Carnival cruise
10. Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection
Got Marriott Bonvoy points to spend? Consider putting them toward a Ritz Carlton cruise. Akin to the luxury brand’s land-based hotels, the cruise line pampers families with five-star quality across its service, accommodations, and amenities.
“Ritz Kids” aged four to 12 can access their own special, hangout spot as well as a comprehensive roster of activities that is both fun and educational. Activities are also able to be customized, based on the number and ages of youngsters aboard a given sailing. All rooms on Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection’s ships are suites, so families are guaranteed more space. Some also can be connected to create two-bedroom suites with expanded living and dining areas.
Best Ritz Carlton ships for kids: Any ship in the fleet
BUCKET LIST TIP: When choosing the best Alaska cruise for your family, ship size matters
11. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
Since its first “pleasure cruise” set sail in 1891, German luxury line Hapag-Lloyd has built a reputation of quality over quantity. Its small fleet packs a mighty punch for families, with separate children’s clubs for younger and older kids; carefully crafted family excursions, including some that allow kids to go without their parents; a children’s spa package; and even a cute, sailing bear mascot named Cap’n Knopf, who leads games and activities throughout each sailing.
The line’s newer family ship, Europa 2, has separate clubs for two- to three-year-olds, four- to 10-year-olds, and 11- to 15-year-olds. Activities are designed to tap into kids’ imaginations, while also offering fun ship tours like visiting the captain at the bridge. Family Apartments afford the most space, spread out among two separate areas, and make kids feel right at home with small furniture in one of the living spaces and console of toys and games.
Note: Hapag-Lloyd is a German company, but Europa 2 offers bilingual “International Cruises.” The ship makes English-speaking passengers feel welcome, with documentation and ship-wide announcements offered in English, and English-speaking shore excursions.
Best Hapag-Lloyd ships for kids: Europa 2
12. Hurtigruten
Is Norway on your bucket list? No cruise line does it better than Hurtigruten, a Norwegian company with more than 125 years of experience sailing the region.
Kids who can thrive at a slower pace will be able to experience the majestic landscapes and culture through interactive programming—that begins with a book of fun exercises they receive upon boarding—as well as wildlife spotting, curated family excursions, and gatherings at the onboard bakery for games, puzzles, and crafts. The Young Explorers Program is designed for ages six to 13, but older and younger children are still welcome.
More opportunities to immerse yourself in Norwegian culture include local food tastings on the ship (think fresh Lyngen shrimp in the spring, or cloudberries during the fall months).
Best Hurtigruten ships for kids: Any ship in the fleet
