If you’re considering a cruise for your next family vacation, then comparing lines is a good place to start. Too often, I hear stories from people who booked cruises based on others’ recommendations or because of a shiny brochure they received in the mail and didn’t enjoy it. It’s almost always because they weren’t on the right cruise.
Cruise ships are known to offer something for everyone, but not all ships are for everyone. And unless your family is set on Disney, you might not know where to start looking. Every cruise line has its own “personality” and specializes in a particular area such as dining, entertainment, and recreational activities. Choosing a cruise line that meshes with your interests (and budget) makes for a much more fun-filled experience.
If you’re wondering what’s the best cruise line for your family, use the simple guide below to narrow down the top options. (For the purpose of this article, I’ve excluded Disney Cruise Line since it’s in its own category. See our guide for booking a Disney cruise to learn more.)
Why you can trust these picks: Read FamilyVacationist’s methodology for selecting and recommending vacation destinations and hotels.
1. You’re an adventurous family who wants endless options for fun.
Royal Caribbean tends to attract active families with recreational highlights ranging from ziplining and a rock-climbing wall to simulated surfing and elaborate water parks. The line goes above and beyond for families, thanks to its kids’ club and dedicated accommodations. Themed neighborhoods on its biggest ships expand upon the options for dining, and you can always end the night with top-notch entertainment.
Best ships (if bigger is better): Icon of the Seas, Utopia of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, and Oasis of the Seas.
Best ships (on a slightly smaller scale): Freedom of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas, and Spectrum of the Seas
CRUISE REVIEW: Icon of the Seas is even bigger, bolder, and better than I expected
2. You and your kids are free spirits.
No scheduled dining times and dress codes set Norwegian Cruise Line apart in the industry, attracting families who want to stray from a traditional cruise experience. The line’s largest ships offer endless options for fun through amenities like bowling, ropes courses, and race tracks. The food and entertainment are fantastic, but we’d be remiss not to mention the spa, which makes for the perfect adult escape when the kids are in the youth club.
Best ships: Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Breakaway, and Norwegian Joy
3. Kids’ spaces and activities are priorities.
On MSC Cruises, the kids’ club isn’t just a childcare amenity. It’s an experience encompassing thoughtfully designed spaces and activities throughout the ship that inspire creativity and learning (a nod to its Lego partnership). Babies as young as six months old are pampered with Chicco-brand toys and activities and optional mommy-and-me classes, while even the most discerning teens will want to participate in the Drone Academy on select ships. For families who seek more privacy, MSC’s Yacht Club, an enclave of suites and exclusive perks, is a worthy investment.
Best ships: MSC World America, MSC Seascape, MSC Seaside, MSC Meraviglia, MSC World Europa, and MSC Grandiosa
LITTLE SAILORS: These are the best cruise lines and ships for kids under 5
4. You’re on a tight budget but don’t want a “booze cruise.”
The term “booze cruise” is often used to describe a short, cheap cruise with a party-hardy crowd. Budget-friendly Carnival Cruise Line has a reputation for them, but it’s still possible to enjoy a more family-friendly, affordable cruise if you book the right ship. The line’s older, smaller vessels that tend to evoke “booze cruise” vibes on jaunts shorter than seven nights feel nothing like any of its larger ships that have launched in the past 10 years. This is thanks to the line’s growing investment in those with kids—evident in more top-deck attractions, exclusive Family Harbor cabins, and whimsical youth clubs, among other features.
Best ships: Carnival Horizon, Carnival Celebration, Carnival Vista, Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Panorama, and Mardi Gras
5. Your family prefers to travel at a slower pace.
Most family cruise lines are hallmarked by action-packed top decks. Princess Cruises slows down the tempo with its pool deck, where families swim and lounge during the day, and return at night to watch a movie on the big screen—made even more special with popcorn, a warm blanket, and a star-studded sky. Every ship has a kids’ club, and some up the ante with family-friendly features like a splash pad, batting cages, and simulated laser shooting range.
Best ships: Sun Princess, Caribbean Princess, Regal Princess, Royal Princess, Sky Princess, Ruby Princess, Enchanted Princess, Emerald Princess, and Island Princess
