Growing up in the Northeast, vacations with my family often involved a lot of driving. I don’t blame my parents. The cost of plane tickets for three kids could have easily added up to be just as much as wherever we were going. Now, would I personally drive from Philadelphia to Jacksonville for a cruise again? Hard pass.
These days, cruises aren’t as cumbersome to reach. Major lines, namely Carnival, have ships based in nearly every United States port. That means more people have the option to drive versus fly—and potentially shave off a lot of travel costs—when they book a cruise departing from one of these cities.
If you’re wondering how to save money on a cruise, here are some of the best ships that sail out of the continental U.S. Find the one that’s closest to you, or plan the ultimate pre-cruise road trip.
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Northeast
Maryland
Baltimore: Carnival Pride
Carnival Pride might be one of the line’s smaller ships, but it packs a punch with children’s activities, family-friendly entertainment, and free specialty dining options that appeal to even the pickiest eaters. The youth club has activities especially designed for various age groups. Meanwhile, teens get access to their own space and programming. The main attraction for families can be found on the top deck, where two thrilling water slides and a splash zone comprise the water park.
Itineraries from Baltimore: Bermuda, Bahamas and Caribbean, Greenland and Canada, and the Panama Canal
Massachusetts
Boston: Norwegian Breakaway
If cruise ships could have personalities, Norwegian Breakaway would be super chill and always going with the flow. Passengers onboard seem to adopt similar attitudes—a testament to the line’s lack of set dining times and dress codes. Two water parks, including one designed with younger kids in mind; a sports complex with a ropes course; and children’s and teen clubs are highlights for daytime fun. At night, families can enjoy some of the best entertainment in the industry.
Itineraries: Bermuda, and Canada and New England
New Jersey
Bayonne (Cape Liberty): Symphony of the Seas
Everything about Symphony of the Seas was designed with families in mind. This makes it easy to decide what to do during the day, where to eat, and how to spend your evenings. Glow-in-the-dark laser tag, a water park, 10-story dry slide, surf simulator, rock-climbing wall, kids’ clubs—you name it—there’s more than enough to fill every day of a weeklong cruise, and then some. To wrap it all up with a pretty bow, the ship offers several family cabins, including an over-the-top suite with a slide, cinema, and other whimsical features.
Itineraries: Bahamas and Caribbean
New York
New York City: MSC Meraviglia
Between New York City’s two terminals (Manhattan and Brooklyn), there’s one ship that is among my favorites for families. MSC Meraviglia welcomes you onboard with instant wow factor, in its sprawling central promenade with a dome-shaped LED ceiling. Beyond its aesthetics, you’ll be impressed by the sheer volume of family features. Thoughtfully designed children’s clubs, a ropes course, water park, full-size bowling alley, Formula One simulators, and more mean kids will never go bored. MSC also gets bonus points for its baby and toddler amenities.
Itineraries: Bermuda, and Bahamas and Caribbean
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Pennsylvania
Philadelphia: Norwegian Jewel
A recent multimillion-dollar refurbishment injected new life into Norwegian Jewel, which has been a longtime favorite of Norwegian Cruise Line regulars. Beginning in spring 2026, the ship will begin sailing from Philadelphia—the first passenger ship to do so in many years. Families onboard will appreciate separate kids’ clubs for youngsters and teens, an array of dining options, and classic fun by the pool. Where Norwegian truly excels is with its ongoing Free at Sea promotion, which can save families even more buckaroos.
Itineraries: Bermuda, and Canada and New England
Southeast
Alabama
Mobile: Carnival Spirit
You might feel like a kid at a candy shop, because there actually is one onboard. But there are far more temptations than sweets on Carnival Spirit. Kids can satiate their curiosities with enriching youth programming, thanks to partnerships with big names like Dr. Seuss and Kennedy Space Center. Youngsters will especially love the ship’s Build-A-Bear workshop. Classic family fun comes in the form of mini golf, outdoor movies on the pool deck, and a water park. Feeling competitive? Families can face off in a game of Family Feud Live, on sailings of seven nights or more.
Itineraries: Bahamas and Caribbean
Florida
Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades): Freedom of the Seas
Bigger doesn’t always mean better. Royal Caribbean’s mid-sized Freedom of the Seas is the perfect size for families who want action-packed features without feeling too overwhelmed by the ship’s layout. Everyone can stay cool in the Caribbean sun thanks to two water rides and a splash pad for tiny travelers that allows swim diapers, making this a great ship for those with babies and toddlers. Other highlights include an ice cream parlor, kids’ clubs, and plethora of complimentary specialty restaurants.
Itineraries: Caribbean
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Jacksonville: Norwegian Gem
Norwegian Gem is a ship for everyone, with a relaxed atmosphere that’s just as much fun for families as it is for couples, solo cruisers, and groups of friends. As with other Norwegian Cruise Line ships, you can vacation at your own pace since there are no set dining times or dress codes. Top deck activities are limited to the swimming pool and sports courts, but the ship gets creative when it comes to theme parties, fun competitions, scavenger hunts, and other activities offered throughout each sailing. Youth and teen clubs also are available.
Itineraries: Bahamas and Caribbean
Miami: MSC World America
Slated to launch in April 2025, MSC World America is poised to become one of the industry’s top ships for families. That’s because nearly every part of it has been designed with kids in mind. An entire outdoor section dedicated to families showcases an over-water swing ride (a first for the industry), a high-ropes course, an innovative water park, playground, and more. The massive children’s club includes seven rooms, with unique spaces for every age group including babies. MSC Cruises’ LEGO partnership also will be on full display, with a master-building area, parade, and other themed activities. Did I mention there are five total pools open to kids?
Itineraries: Bahamas and Caribbean
Orlando (Port Canaveral): Any Disney Ship
Disney Cruise Line claims Port Canaveral (often labeled as Orlando, due to its proximity) as its home, and you can’t go wrong with any cruise you choose. The magic for which so many families visit the parks is equally palpable onboard its ships. While attractions do vary by ship, you’ll enjoy the same high quality and attention to detail across the fleet. From the opportunities to meet characters, to the production shows, to the top-deck activities, and dining, you’re in store for one of the best family cruises whether you’re on Disney Fantasy, Disney Magic, Disney Treasure, or Disney Wish.
Itineraries: Bahamas and Caribbean
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Palm Beach: Margaritaville at Sea Paradise
In true Jimmy Buffett fashion, Margaritaville at Sea Paradise undoubtably caters to those who believe it’s “five o’clock somewhere.” The pickings are slim out of Palm Beach, but that doesn’t mean this ship can’t serve up a refreshing two-, three-, or four-night escape to the Bahamas for those traveling with kids. (You’ll be in the company of more families if you sail during the summer or over a holiday.) Note: The lack of amenities beyond a pool makes this ship a better option for teens, who can kick back pool-side with you before a fun day in paradise.
Itineraries: Bahamas
Tampa: Celebrity Constellation
“Connie,” as Celebrity Constellation is aptly referred to by its loyal fan base, is not the first ship that normally comes to mind for a family vacation. But for those who want enrichment (think cooking classes and archery tournaments) over adrenaline-fueled attractions, it’s an ideal retreat. While the youth club accommodates all ages, the ship is best suited for preteens and teens. Older kids and their parents or caretakers will appreciate backyard-style picnics and games at the Lawn Club, an array of fun and educational classes, innovative restaurants, and trendy activities like a silent disco.
Itineraries: Bahamas and Caribbean
Louisiana
New Orleans: Norwegian Escape
Book a cruise on Norwegian Escape, and you’ll get just that—an escape for everyone in the family, with plenty of fun, thrills, and gelato to go around. As with the rest of the fleet, there are no schedules or dress codes. The endless list of activities, dining venues, and entertainment provides more than enough to fill your days. For your daily dose of action, hit the top deck for the water park and ropes course with zipline-style sky rails and two planks that jut out over the side of the ship. Family game shows, mini golf, an escape room, and the kids’ clubs offer more laidback fun.
Itineraries: Caribbean
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South Carolina and Virginia
Charleston and Norfolk (Respectively): Carnival Sunshine
Carnival Sunshine is a bit of a multitasker. As the only ship serving Charleston and Norfolk, it makes it easy for those living in southern, central, and even some northern regions to plan an affordable cruise vacation—including saving on flights. With a water park, colorful sports deck with a ropes course and mini golf, Dr. Seuss programming, and an array of free eateries, Carnival Sunshine makes its budget cruises an incredible value. Parents and caretakers: Don’t feel guilty about sending your little sailors to the kids’ club, so you can revel in the line’s largest adults-only sun deck.
Itineraries: Bermuda, Bahamas and Caribbean, and Canada and New England
Southwest
Texas
Galveston: Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas
Everything is bigger in Texas, including its best option for family cruises. Harmony of the Seas is a mammoth—chock full of exhilarating activities, and more dining and entertainment options than you’d be able to experience in a week. On one of the world’s largest cruise ships, you’re bound to have FOMO, so make reservations and plan as much as you can in advance. From the tallest slide at sea to robotic bartenders who can make a mean mocktail, your cruise will be full of ‘firsts.’ As for what else in onboard, you’ll find three water slides, a zip line, surf simulator, rock-climbing wall, children’s clubs, and more.
Itineraries: Caribbean
West
California
Los Angeles: Navigator of the Seas
The world’s newest and biggest cruise ships always steal the limelight. But for many families, it’s the “smaller” ships like those in Royal Caribbean’s Voyager Class that are the best fit. If you’re within driving distance of Los Angeles, you’ve got two terminals to choose from: Los Angeles and Long Beach. My universal top pick between both is Navigator of the Seas. It offers all the line’s most-loved bells and whistles (a la a rock-climbing wall, surf simulator, and fun-filled youth clubs) plus two water slides, an eye-catching pool deck with lots of lounge space, specialty restaurants for every craving, and entertainment the whole family will enjoy.
Itineraries: Mexican Riviera
San Diego: Disney Wonder
For more than 25 years, Disney Wonder has taken families across the high seas to make some of their best vacation memories. Routine refurbishments, including one in 2023, have kept the ship in magical condition. Those who book a sailing out of San Diego will get the full Disney Cruise Line experience—top quality service, entertainment, dining, and more melded with character encounters, including a few surprises. “Frozen” headlines the main stage, while other highlights include a water park with a slide and splash pad, and Tiana’s Place, a Southern-style eatery inspired by “The Princess and the Frog” that you’ll only find on this ship.
Itineraries: Mexican Riviera and the Pacific Coast
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San Francisco: Ruby Princess
Conjure up a traditional family cruise, and it probably looks a little something like Ruby Princess. “The Love Boat” line has romantic roots, but it’s evolved into a top choice for families who want to replace the frills and thrills with more laidback means of bonding. Food tastings bring the adventurous side of your kids, while the line’s popular Movies Under the Stars experience invites everyone in the family to snuggle up under a fleece blanket with popcorn in hand, and enjoy an outdoor movie on the pool screen. Separate children’s and teen clubs serve up fun with an educational twist.
Itineraries: Alaska, Hawaii, Mexican Riviera, Pacific Coast
Washington
Seattle: Norwegian Joy
A go-kart race track, virtual reality playground, laser tag, water park, and mini golf are only some of the activities that families can relish on Norwegian Joy. Beyond this adrenaline-pumping lineup, though, is a ship that can satiate any mood and craving. Every generation will appreciate the ship’s award-winning entertainment. Meanwhile, you’ll never have to worry about your kids ‘not eating,’ with the wide variety of restaurants—all underpinned by the line’s freestyle concept of no set dining times or dress codes. Parents and caretakers: Don’t feel bad about dropping off your youngsters at the children’s club, so you can indulge in the adults’ only pool.
Itineraries: Alaska
