best 5 day cruises for families

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The Best Cruises for Families

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Taking a cruise as a family is a great way to allow everyone to have a bit of freedom while maintaining togetherness, since everyone doesn’t need to be together 100% of the time.

Ships on any cruise line offer a variety of activities for almost every age group and a multitude of dining options for even the pickiest of palates. Also, many ships have places where kids can go and participate in activities or just hang out with other kids, allowing the adults some time alone.

When you’re seeking a cruise for your family, consider:

The itinerary: Does this cruise go where you want to go? Are shore excursions available that meet your family’s needs?

The cabin: Will everyone fit comfortably in the cabin you choose?

The activities: What types of activities are available for your kids? Are there places that are just for the adults?

The dining options: Are the types of foods available that your family likes? Can you eat when you want?  

Keep in mind most cruise lines require children to be at least 6 months old at the time of sailing; however, the minimum is 1 year old for some sailings.

Since kids will often be separated from their parents, most cruise lines issue wristbands to children listing their muster station and other information so staff knows where to take them in case of a shipboard emergency.

Here’s a starting point to help you decide the best cruises for your family.

Disney Cruise Line

When you think of family activities, Disney usually comes to mind. Disney Cruise Line has six ships, each painted in the red and black colors inspired by Mickey Mouse. Even the ship’s horn plays the first seven notes of “When You Wish Upon a Star.”

The ships bring a lot of the Disney experience on board with character interactions, immersive experiences and themes.

There are live shows for kids, fireworks, pools, splash pads, deck parties and more.

Some of the cabins are designed for families with a split bath-and-a-half design that includes a sink and bathing area in one room and a sink and toilet in another room.

Once the kids are on board, there are a variety of activities for them in Disney's Youth Clubs. These feature several distinct physical spaces and activities that are based on the child’s age and vary by ship.

The Oceaneer Club is for kids ages 3 to 10, and the experiences are different on each Disney ship. 

Edge is for tweens ages 11 to 14 and is a hangout space offering age-specific activities. 

Vibe is for teens 14 to 17 and has an exclusive physical space as well as activities like dance parties and karaoke. 

The “it’s a small world” nursery is for the little ones 6 months to age 3. There is a fee for this service, and space is limited. 

In-room babysitting isn't available.

Don’t worry, Disney ships aren't just about the kids. The ships have areas that are for adults only. Certain nightclubs and lounges are only for adults, as are some pools, the spa and at least one restaurant.

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Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean has 28 ships ranging in size from the smaller Rhapsody of the Seas, which holds 2,416 passengers on 12 decks, to the new Icon of the Seas, which can have 5,610 passengers on 20 decks. There really is a wide variety with something for everyone.

The ships are often colorful and are built for fun with all kinds of onboard activities like rock-climbing walls, surfing simulators, pools and splash pads, while the newer and bigger ships have water parks, indoor parks, ice rinks, bumper cars and more. Sometimes, you might even forget you’re on a ship and think you’re either at a resort or an amusement park. It’s fun to see the kids around the ship with their new friends enjoying activities like costume parades, scavenger hunts and more.

All ships have a variety of dining options, including a main dining room, specialty restaurants and other casual options for all kinds of diners.

Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean kids club has a variety of activities, many with an adventure and science theme, making the vacation fun and educational. The program is divided by age. Aquanauts is for kids ages 3 to 5, Explorers is for kids 6 to 8, and Voyagers is for kids 9 to 12, and the activities and physical spaces are age-appropriate. There are also programs for tweens and teens with hangout spaces and arcades.

The Royal Babies & Tots program is for the younger set, ages 6 months to 3 years, and is on most ships. There is a cost for nursery services, and some even allow parents to drop off their kids outside of set program times.

For parents who want to get out and have some late-night fun, the Late Night Party Zone for kids and teens offers extended hours after 10 p.m. with special programming for a fee.

As for dining, Royal Caribbean offers My Family Time Dining for families with kids ages 3 to 11. This dining option plans that kids will finish their meal in 45 minutes. Then, staff from Adventure Ocean picks up the kids for evening activities, leaving the adults to linger over the rest of their meal.

Sometimes, the cruise line has a promotion where kids 12 and younger sail free.

» Learn more: The pros and cons of cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has 19 ships divided among nine classes.

Many ships have waterslides, racetracks, laser tag, bowling, mini golf, splash pads and more. Youth programs offer age-appropriate activities on all ships except for the Norwegian Spirit, and the activities vary by ship. Youths are divided into two groups, based on age: Splash Academy is for ages 3 to 12 and Entourage is for teens 13 to 17.

Splash Academy has a variety of activities for kids, like creative play and games, that are offered only when the ship is at sea. Entourage has a hangout area and offers activities for teens that can take place around the ship. The area often becomes a teen dance club at night.

For the little ones, there is no set drop-off program. According to NCL, the Guppies Open Play area “offers a play space for parents to interact with their infants/ babies/toddlers 6 months to 3 years old and/or children in diapers.”

One-on-one babysitting isn't available. If parents want some late-night fun, group babysitting is available for a fee for kids ages 3 to 12.

On certain cruises, the third and fourth passengers in a cabin sail for free.

» Learn more: The best cruise lines

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line has 26 ships most have activities like sports zones, water parks, ropes courses and mini golf. A few ships have Bolt, a roller coaster that allows passengers to control how fast they go. All Carnival ships have a video arcade with a variety of games. Some of these activities are included in the fare, while others have an additional fee.

Carnival’s youth program is fleetwide and is divided into groups based on age ranging from 6 months to 17.

Turtles: The Turtles program is for kids 6 months to 2 years. A fee applies, and times vary. 

Camp Ocean: Camp Ocean is for kids who are a little older and are further divided into three categories — Penguins for ages 2 to 5, Stingrays for ages 6 to 8 and Sharks for ages 9 to 11. Kids play together in organized age-appropriate activities and eat meals together. 

Teen programs: Two programs are for tweens and teens. Circle “C” is for kids ages 12 to 14, and Club O2 is for ages 15 to 17. The C in Circle “C” stands for cruise, chill and connect. Circle “C” is an onboard hangout place and activity space. Club O2 is a hangout place with teen activities like movies, video games and karaoke. 

For adults who want time alone, the Night Owls program is for kids ages 6 months to 11 years. It is available each evening from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., and there is an hourly charge per child. The Camp Ocean space takes on a slumber party feel with movies, arts and crafts, snacks and more.

One-on-one babysitting isn't available. As for dining, kids menus are offered in most dining venues on board.

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises has had a large presence in Europe for many years and is growing in North America and the Caribbean.

The fleet has 22 ships with European-inspired touches that travel to more than 200 destinations around the world. The line has won awards for family cruises.

Ships have water parks, 4D cinemas, arcades, bowling, simulators and more.

The kids clubs are divided by age, and care for babies and toddlers under 3 is included in the fare.

Mini Club is for ages 3 to 6, Junior Club is for ages 7 to 11, Young Club is for ages 12 to 14 and Teen Club is for ages 15 to 17. Activities range from sports and dance to video games, theme parties and more.

For dining, MSC ships have a variety of options for kids, including special menus, specific areas of the buffet with kid-friendly items, places where kids can eat with other kids, as well as “Happy Dinners,” where staffers will take kids to the kid clubs after they’re finished eating, allowing the adults to finish their meals at their leisure.

MSC sometimes has sales where kids sail free.

Celebrity, Holland America and Princess

Other cruise lines like Celebrity Cruises , Holland America Line and Princess offer kids programs, but they’re not as well known for amenities on the ships like waterslides, go-karts and roller coasters. The ships often aren't as colorful or playful as other cruise lines' ships.

These lines can be great for multigenerational cruises because they often have programs targeted for mature passengers. You can often find things like lectures and card games. And they also have kids programs. Celebrity’s program is called Camp at Sea. Holland America’s is the Kids Club. The kids club on Princess is Camp Discovery.

The amount and frequency of activities can often depend on how many children are on each sailing.

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7 Best Cruise Lines for Families (and Their 12 Most Kid-Friendly Ships)

By: Author Elizabeth Ciobanu

Posted on Published: 07/18/2023  - Last updated: 07/20/2023

Traveling to new places is always a thrill, but it can come with some challenges. For example, which side of the road are you supposed to drive on ?

Cruises simplify the bulk of your vacation planning and transportation, as everything you need is in one convenient package.

A family cruise line will keep your children entertained day and night. I’ve rounded up seven of my favorites, which I’ll share in the first part of this guide.

Then I’ll recommend the most kid-friendly cruise ships for booking your next vacation.

The 7 Best Family-Friendly Cruise Lines

1. disney cruise line.

Discover how enchanting life at sea can be on a Disney Cruise Line.

Entertainment of all kinds awaits you. If you want to splash and play on your family vacation, you can ride the AquaDunk or AquaDuck water coasters, romp in Donald’s Pool or Goofy’s Pool, or enjoy the sparkling pool at Mickey’s AquaLab.

Pools are also divided for guests of varying ages, such as the Quiet Cove Pool for guests 18 and older, splash pads for kids three and under, and Satellite Falls for adults.

Live performances and musicals give each night a magical feel, while karaoke, trivia, and Disney character meet and greets ensure every minute aboard is exciting.

There are even kids’ clubs to give parents a break to enjoy nightclubs, fitness facilities, or the adults-only pool.

Your cruise will stop at Castaway Cay if visiting a Caribbean or Bahamian island. This island is exclusively for cruise line guests. Your day at Castaway Cay will include food and refreshments, beach access, pools and water slides, trails, and yoga classes.

Oh, and there’s all-you-can-eat ice cream, which will delight children of all ages.

The family-centric staterooms offer television with in-room movies, a fridge, plenty of storage, and split bathrooms so the family can maintain its privacy.

Disney Cruise Lines can take you across the Transatlantic, South Pacific, Panama Canal, Pacific Coast, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Hawaii, Europe, the Caribbean, Canada, Bermuda, Alaska, and the Bahamas.

» MORE: How Long Is Summer Break in Canada?

2. Norwegian Cruise Line

Take the family vacation of a lifetime on the Norwegian Cruise Line.

Its Freestyle Cruising allows you to plan your vacation just the way you like it. Enjoy long-running, Tony Award-nominated musicals or top-notch concerts.

Family fun awaits at every turn, such as arcades, pinball, water slides and pools, rock-climbing walls, mini golf, and plenty of other organized sports like soccer, baseball, basketball, and bowling.

The ThrillPlex offers activities that will make your kids smile from ear to ear. How does a rousing game of family laser tag sound? Or maybe you want to climb a ropes course or race on a track to see who’s the fastest? The ThrillPlex has all that and more.

Eat well no matter the cuisine you and the family crave, from simple burgers to Brazilian steakhouses, Japanese food, seafood, or global cuisine. Some establishments offer buffet-style dining, and others are open 24 hours so you can always fill your belly.

The sizable suites and staterooms are family-friendly and accommodate larger groups of up to eight. Your room includes concierge and butler service, large rooms for privacy, and a balcony you’ll love to look out from.

Norwegian Cruise Lines visit Asia, New England, Florida, Alaska, the Bahamas, Canada, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, Europe, and Hawaii. You can also take special cruise tours or music-themed cruises.

3. Royal Caribbean International

Experience the world’s wonders on a Royal Caribbean International cruise line.

You won’t want for much, as the various ships under the Royal Caribbean umbrella promise fun and excitement from the moment you step onto the ship until you disembark.

You can take dance classes, check out a virtual concert, strategize to get out of an escape room, and eat to your heart’s (and stomach’s) content.

The youth programs feature an Imagination Studio for kids to explore and express their creative sides. Older kids can become junior scientists at the Adventure Science Lab, while the Teen Lounge keeps similarly-aged kids entertained.

Activities like story time, theater, art, and science will enchant the young’uns, who you will definitely want to bring, as kids sail free.

Cruise the world on a Royal Caribbean ship, including the Bahamas, Alaska, New England, the Caribbean, New Zealand, Asia, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, the Panama Canal, Hawaii, the Transpacific, Transatlantic, South Pacific, or Pacific Northwest.

» MORE: How Long Is Summer Break in Australia?

4. Carnival Cruise Line

It’s time to get away on a Carnival Cruise Line.

This vacation experience can be anything you want, from relaxing and rejuvenating (with adult-only retreats and spas) to exciting with breathtakingly tall water slides, Family Feud Live, and the SkyRide overlooking the ocean.

The kids can hop around and burn off energy at the bungee Sky Zone, make a new friend at the Build-A-Bear Workshop at Sea, play mini golf, spend the day at the arcade, or compete in a friendly game of basketball.

Camp Ocean keeps kids between 2 and 11 years old busy, and Circle “C” is for older kids between 12 and 14.

Of course, with a ropes course, IMAX theaters, and a space program for kids 2 to 11, there’s always something for families to do together.

A stateroom or suite can accommodate your entire brood, whether there are only a few of you or a larger group. The rooms have an extra bathroom, a TV, and climate control.

Some rooms even connect so your kids can feel independent while you keep a watchful eye over them.

A Carnival Cruise Line vacation can take you across Greenland, the Panama Canal, Asia, the South Pacific, the Transatlantic, New Guinea, the South Pacific, New Zealand, the Panama Canal, Hawaii, New England, the Bahamas, Canada, Alaska, Europe, the Transpacific, Bermuda, and the Bahamas.

5. Princess Cruises

Perhaps a vacation on a Princess Cruise Line is what your family needs.

Onboard activities for all tastes are available. Princess and Discovery have an immersive, unique Discovery at SEA Enrichment Program that lets you see this planet and its inhabitants in engaging ways.

The Festivals of the World Program will introduce your family (especially the kiddos) to new cultures as they celebrate Mexican fiestas, Carnaval de Panama, Celtic Festival, and more.

Take a dip in a pool, chill out in a hot tub, play every sport imaginable (from shuffleboard to mini golf), and catch a tan at the Reef Family Splash Zone, a mini water park with games, pools, and water features.

So where would you and the family like to go?

You can take a short excursion that lasts between three and six days or visit such parts of the world as the South Pacific, Panama Canal, Europe, Tahiti, Asia, Hawaii, Mexico, the Caribbean, New England, Antarctica, Japan, South America, Canada, New Zealand, the Pacific Coast, Australia, and California.

World cruises are also available. 

» MORE: How Long Is Summer Break in Japan?

6. MSC Cruises

Immerse yourself in coastal wonder on an MSC Cruise.

You and your family will find it exceptionally easy to plan your itinerary both day and night. How does a family disco sound after dark, or a family game show that includes selfie, music, and dance challenges?

That’s only scratching the surface! The 4D cinema experience makes you feel like you’re racing on a freeway or experiencing other immersive scenes without leaving your seat. The Robotron is a thrilling amusement ride, and the Flight Simulator lets you take to the skies while still safely on the ship.

The kids can also play at the arcade, practice driving in the F1 simulator, or play some sports. Live entertainment abounds, with options for just the adults or the entire family.

The family-friendly staterooms include buffet access and a discounted drink package so you can feed the family for less.

An MSC Cruise will take you across New England, Asia, South Africa, South America, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, Canada, Bermuda, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean.

7. Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises are catered to families, with excursions, programs, and activities for kids and adults. They even offer autism-friendly activities, which are highly inclusive.

Imagine the look on your children’s faces when swimming with dolphins, exploring inactive volcanoes on foot, or seeing an exotic country from thousands of feet up in a plane! Celebrity Cruises makes it possible.

The kids and teen programs include Camp at Sea for kids between 3 and 12. Participants have themed parties, play sports, do arts and crafts, and engage in treasure hunts.

The Teen Club offers culinary classes, parties, and video game competitions.

The Retreat is the most family-friendly lodging option, as it includes more than 2,500 square feet of lounge space, an ample veranda, and a private sundeck.

Celebrity Cruises stop at more than 300 cruise ports, including Africa, New Zealand, Alaska, New England, Galapagos, the Caribbean, Europe, Bermuda, Asia, the Mediterranean, the Panama Canal, the Transatlantic, Mexico, the Pacific Coastal, South America, and the Transpacific.

The 12 Most Kid-Friendly Ships

You have some great ideas for where to book your next family cruise, but now the question is which ship specifically is right for your group?

I’m here to help you make this all-important choice by reviewing 12 of the best cruise ships for kids.

1. Disney Dream

Disney magic comes to life on the Disney Dream, an enchanting cruise experience.

The warm, opulent common areas add extravagance to your vacation, while kid-friendly activities and amenities will keep the young ones entertained.

Treat them to Vanellope’s Sweets, a candy shop with walls of candy as far as the eye can see. Disney entertainment comes to the big stages as only this brand can, with costumed characters singing, dancing, and entertaining guests all day or evening.

The staterooms have portholes that allow the kids to glance out at the ocean whenever they wish, and with family-centric amenities at every turn, you might not want to disembark!

2. Wonder of the Seas

The Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas embarks from Cape Canaveral and island hops the entire cruise, including a stop at Perfect Day at Coco Cay, the Royal Caribbean’s own private island only for cruise guests.

Kids will fall in love with the Wonder Playscape, which offers puzzles, games, climbing walls, and slides. Pool decks throughout will let you take a much-needed load off.

Perhaps you and the family are brave enough to try the 10-story Ultimate Abyss water slide!

Some staterooms overlook the majesty of the sea, and others have a virtual balcony. All rooms include Wi-Fi, spa features, and room service.

3. Disney Magic

You have so many ways to experience the wonder of a Disney Cruise Line vacation, including the Disney Magic.

This inviting ship is the home of D Lounge, the family-friendly hangout zone with dance parties, games, and hours upon hours of fun.

The kids can manage the Avengers during the Avenger’s Academy ride, visit the Mickey Mouse Club, receive a makeover at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (knights for boys and princesses for girls), or ride dizzying, spiraling water slides.

The nautical-themed staterooms are cozy and spacious for families, and split bathrooms, portholes, and private verandas also set the mood.

4. Symphony of the Seas

Calling itself “The Sound of Wonder,” the Symphony of the Seas through the Royal Caribbean is new and improved for families.

Hit up Sugar Beach and buy some candy, ride three water slides in one on The Perfect Storm, or learn to hang ten on the FlowRider. You’ll spend the days in the most fun ways possible.

Wonderland has whimsical food the kids will go gaga over. There are cocktails for the parents that are just as inspired.

Snuggle up to the Ultimate Family Suite, which boasts a private game room, a hot tub, table tennis facilities, and karaoke.

5. Mardi Gras

Carnival’s Mardi Gras is one of its latest and greatest creations, so you should expect the ultimate in entertainment.

Take a ride on the Bolt sea coaster for some exciting thrills. You can also spend a sunny day at the WaterWorks water park with a dumping bucket and countless water slides, then close out the day by seeing a show. It’s all waiting for you.

The Family Harbor Staterooms in the Family Harbor Lounge is where you need to be. Kids eat free at most restaurants in the lounge, and you can take advantage of entertainment like board games and movies. Babysitting is also available. 

6. MSC Meraviglia

Departing from Florida, the Bahamas, and Bermuda, set sail for a world of adventure aboard the MSG Meraviglia. This ship sails to New England and Canada and delights the entire voyage.  

Stroll through the 315-foot Galleria Meraviglia promenade, shopping, grabbing a bite to eat, or simply enjoying the beauty of it all.

Dive into the Horizon pool, which is open day and night (although there are dances and parties at night, so maybe visit sans kids).

Your kids will adore the F1 simulators, full-sized bowling alley, sportsplex, and Polar Aquapark with its sloping, looping enclosed slides.

Mini and Juniors Clubs give the kids a safe and fun place to play if you need to drop them off, as the rooms are bright, colorful, and full of toys.

7. Disney Wish

The Disney Cruise Line collection has recently expanded, adding Disney Wish to the ever-growing fleet. This ship has some claims to fame you’ll only find here, such as theatrical Frozen or Avengers -themed dining experiences.

Be one of the first to experience the Disney Unchartered Adventure, an immersive water experience with more than 700 feet of tubes and music, animations, special effects, and lighting. The experience ends by riding down a lazy river, so dress to get wet!

The Hero Zone is another standout the kids should love. They can compete with one another gameshow-style, play on the game floor or playground, and see who’s victorious on the sports court.

8. Carnival Panorama

Set sail to the Transpacific and Mexico on the Carnival Panorama through a Carnival Cruise Line. The 1,055-foot ship that weighs over 133,000 tons will put the whole family in a festive mood.

Laugh until you cry at The Punchliner Comedy Club, which also offers entertainment for adults.

The Carnival Panorama has plenty of Dr. Suess-themed entertainment the young ones will love, such as Dr. Suess Bookville, the Suess-a-palooza Parade, the Suess-a-palooza Story Time, and the Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast.

Zumbini is a Zumba class for kids two to five that will have their little bodies moving and grooving. There’s also a Night Owls overnight stay for the children, which is like one big sleepover!

9. Allure of the Seas

Royal Caribbean International invites families to sail away on the Allure of the Seas, an award-winning ship for family entertainment.

Included with your stay are kids and teen programs and access to the H2O Zone Water Park. The park boasts waterfalls, water cannons, pools, and sculptures the kids can climb. Geysers send water high into the sky, splashing down and refreshing your children all afternoon.

Dry off and play table tennis, ride a zipline, partake in an interactive game show, or watch an outdoor movie under the stars in the pool. The projector screen is 220 feet so there isn’t a bad seat in the house!

10. Norwegian Joy

The Norwegian Joy starts in the Mexican Riviera and wraps up its journey at the Panama Canal but alternately travels from Miami to the Caribbean. The ship is nearly 1,100 feet long and weighs more than 160,000 tons, so she’s quite heavy.

Fostering family togetherness on a ship like the Norwegian Joy is simple. You can take the twists and turns behind the wheel of the Joy Speedway, play a heart-thumping game of laser tag, or tee off at mini golf.

There’s so much more here. The Galaxy Pavilion offers a thrilling race-themed dark ride. Get your kicks at the Aqua Park, a water park for tweens and teens. The Norwegian Joy even has a Kids’ Aqua Park for the little ones.

11. Celebrity Equinox

Make your next family vacation something truly special on the Celebrity Equinox through the Celebrity Cruise Line. Deck 15 has all the amenities a family needs.

For instance, you and the kids can learn how to blow glass at the Hot Glass Studio, which is not something you see on every cruise ship.

How about some croquet or bocce on the Lawn Club? The kids’ club will watch your children between three and 12, offering lunch, dinner, and overnight stays if needed, and the ship even offers babysitting services in your cabin.

12. Norwegian Encore

Traverse the world on the Norwegian Encore, traveling from Alaska to Seattle or from the Caribbean to Miami. Adventure calls on the Encore, including many of the fun activities for families featured on other Norwegian cruise ships.

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The 11 Best Cruise Lines and Ships for Families and Kids in 2024

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Family-friendly Cruise Amenities

Cruise types and destinations, 1. disney cruise line, 2. royal caribbean, 3. carnival cruise line, 4. norwegian cruise line, 5. msc cruises, 1. celebrity cruises, 2. the ritz-carlton yacht collection, 3. lindblad expeditions, 4. paul gauguin cruises, 5. hapag-lloyd cruises, 6. adventures by disney river cruises, final thoughts.

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Cruising has long been a popular way for people to travel, especially for those that are retired. There’s something about getting to enjoy an endless amount of food, drinks, and onboard activities while the ship takes you from one destination to another. It’s surely a tempting way to see the world.

As cruise lines including Carnival and Royal Caribbean continue to introduce show-stopping attractions that kids love, such as roller coasters and laser tag, families are getting more and more into cruising, too.

However, as with any vacation parents and families consider taking with kids, we have to ask: what are the best cruise lines for families?

The answer is, it depends.

Just like when you choose a hotel, families look for certain amenities for a cruise vacation.

Entertaining kids on any vacation is usually top of mind when planning a trip. A kid-friendly cruise line will have entertainment for its youngest sailors . Kids’ and teens’ clubs, pools, and water slides are just a few of the kid-specific amenities that you’ll find on a lot of the cruises on this list.

Higher-end cruise lines like expedition cruises offer robust educational programs for kids as well as adults. A family-friendly cruise might also have a place for the adults to relax such as a spa or adults-only area.

The cabin size matters, too, just as it would at a traditional hotel or resort .

Larger families may prefer a suite over an inside cabin. But either way, the square footage matters — even more so if you’ll spend quite a bit of your time onboard the ship.

And lastly, food might be a factor in deciding what cruise line would be best for your family. Luxury cruise lines such as Regent Seven Seas and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will no doubt have a superb menu, but they may not be expert kid-pleasers like Disney Cruise Line when it comes to food.

There are 3 types of cruises to choose from — ocean, river, and expedition cruises.

Ocean cruises are what most people have in mind when they think of taking a cruise. Most cruise lines have at least a few ocean cruise ships in their portfolio and they most popularly frequent the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska , and Hawaii.

River cruises have traditionally been more popular with older cruisers but are now appealing to the younger crowds as well. River cruises can be found throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa. Most cruise lines don’t have kid or family programs and some outright don’t allow kids under 18, though Adventures by Disney and AmaWaterways have partnered to offer river cruising for families (more on that later).

And finally, expedition cruises take adventure-seekers to curious and far-flung destinations like the Arctic, Antarctica , the Galapagos , and the Amazon. Expedition boats are much smaller than ocean liners, and the offerings on board are usually more tailored to history and education on expedition cruises .

With all of that in mind, here are the best cruise lines for families and kids.

Hot Tip: Consider our guides to the best websites to book cruises at the cheapest prices , and make sure to use one of our recommended credit cards for booking cruises .

The 5 Best Cruise Lines for Families and Kids

Destinations :

• Australia and New Zealand
• Pacific Coast
• Panama Canal
• South Pacific

Number of Ships : 5

Disney Cruise Line is at the top of this list because it does a really fantastic job of catering to every member of the family. It has managed to bring the magic of Disney theme parks to the middle of the ocean — even the fireworks shows.

There are only 5 ships in Disney Cruise Lines’ portfolio, but Disney has plenty of cruise itineraries to choose from. It sails to popular destinations as well as unique places that families might not have considered, such as the Norwegian Fjords .

Sailings feature character experiences just like at the Disney theme parks. You’ll also find live shows, a spa, nightclubs, and lounges. Each ship also has various kids’ clubs for passengers as young as 3 years old (a fee-based nursery is available for kids under 3), as well as pools with waterslides and aqua play areas. Older kids can enjoy a little independence in spaces designed just for them where they can play video games, watch TV, and meet other kids their age.

Dining options aboard Disney cruises include main and casual dining as well as adult-exclusive dining options. There are almost a dozen restaurants, cafes, and snack shops on each ship. Some nod to beloved Disney movie characters, like Lumiere’s on Disney Magic and Tiana’s Place on Disney Wonder.

Within each ship, there are 4 categories of staterooms: Inside, Oceanview, Oceanview with Verandah, and Concierge. Within most categories are family rooms with bunk beds as well as accessible rooms.

Shore excursions include private tours, culinary adventures, and accessible excursions in more than 25 countries. Guests especially love Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay , when cruising select Caribbean itineraries.

Destinations:

• Arabian Gulf and North Africa
• North America
• South America

Number of Ships:  27

Royal Caribbean has a whopping 27 cruise ships in its portfolio with another, Utopia of The Seas, scheduled for delivery in 2024.

The cruise line features the world’s largest ships and the tallest water slide at sea . From arcades to roller coasters, there is never any shortage of thrill-seeking activities to find on board any Royal Caribbean cruise.

If you and your family want to make the most of a Royal Caribbean cruise, you’ll want to check out Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class and Amplified ships . These classes of ships feature even more exciting attractions including glow-in-the-dark laser tag and several on-deck pools.

Alternatively, there are places on every Royal Caribbean ship where you can get away from the excitement and relax. In the Solarium, where kids under 16 aren’t allowed, soothing music helps you to decompress while lounging on a daybed or hanging out in a hot tub.

Royal Caribbean also has a private island exclusively for its guests . Coco Cay is located in the Bahamas and features a 13-slide water park as well as the region’s largest wave pools and freshwater pools.

Kids always sail free on Royal Caribbean cruises.

• Australia and the Great Barrier Reef
• Canada and New England
• New Zealand
• Papua New Guinea

Number of Ships : 24

Carnival Cruise Line has a reputation for being a party cruise line. However, the prices can rarely be beaten, which a lot of family travelers can appreciate.

Similar to Royal Caribbean, Carnival likes to wow its guests with nonstop fun. The onboard attraction Bolt Ultimate Sea Coaster — the first rollercoaster at sea — can be found on 2 of its ships: Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration .

There are 4 standard cabin types on Carnival cruise ships: Interior, Ocean View, Balcony, and Suite. There are also specialty rooms on select ships.

Family Harbor staterooms and suites are located near Family Harbor Lounges and come with a free evening of Night Owls babysitting, among other perks. Cloud 9 Spa staterooms and suites offer Elemis toiletries, spa-branded bathrobes and slippers, and priority spa reservations. And lastly, Havana staterooms and suites are located close to the Havana Bar and Pool. Some suites come with hammock chairs in the outdoor area.

New Orleans native and Food Network star Emeril Lagasse is the newest Chief Culinary Officer for all 24 ships with 3 original restaurants. There are plenty of dining options to choose from across the fleet with cuisines including Italian, Creole, burgers, and teppanyaki.

Onboard activities include Family Feud Live, waterslides, karaoke, and The Punchliner Comedy Club. Most but not all activities are included in the cruise fare. The IMAX theater and a few other attractions incur an additional cost.

Family-friendly excursions and tours include a wildlife safari and beach bonfire on an Alaskan cruise, panoramas and painting in Grand Turk, and a stingray adventure in the Bahamas.

Carnival has a private island that it shares exclusively with Holland America called Half Moon Cay.

Destinations

• Mediterranean

Number of Ships : 19

Norwegian Cruise Line is best known for being the most innovative cruise line . Notably, it has done away with traditional cruise concepts such as inflexible dining schedules and even dress codes.

Among the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet there are 8 different classes of ships of varying capacities and offerings. The class of ship that tends to be most popular with families is the Breakaway Class . The 2 ships in this class, Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Breakaway , each have a capacity of about 4,000 passengers. Between the 2 of them, they sail all over the world.

What makes this class of ships on Norweigan Cruise Lines so appealing to families is that it feels like a floating resort. These are the second-largest ships in Norwegian’s fleet. Activities on either ship include multiple pools, a waterpark, and even a full-size ropes course.

The stateroom categories aboard both the Norwegian Getaway and the Norwegian Breakaway include Studio, Inside, Oceanview, Balcony, Spa, Club Balcony Suite, and The Haven.  Within those categories are another 30 stateroom types to choose from, including a 2-bedroom family villa . The Haven is an exclusive set of staterooms at the top level of the ship that features a 24-hour butler, concierge service, and sundeck.

In addition to room service, guests aboard Breakaway Class Norwegian Cruise Line ships can enjoy almost 2 dozen restaurants and bars. Not every restaurant is included in your cruise fare. Specialty dining options include seafood restaurant Ocean Blue, Brazilian steakhouse Moderno Churrascaria, and French restaurant Le Bistro.

In addition to excursions that you can book for an additional fee, Norwegian Cruise Line has a private island, Great Stirrup Cay, in the Bahamas.

• Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar
• Northern Europe
• South Africa

Number of   ships : 19

MSC Cruises is a European-based cruise company with a growing footprint in North America and the Caribbean. It’s known for offering an affordable cruise option without a lot of the fluff of other cruise lines.

Even without a rollercoaster that jets out over the sea, MSC Cruises is still a popular option for family travelers.

For family cruisers in particular, MSC offers family excursions with special pricing for kids, and tours designed to be interactive as well as educational . There are also kids’ clubs aboard their ships in addition to the LEGO Experience on Board, which is a day dedicated to LEGO activities for the whole family.

Select ships feature a fully-immersive virtual reality experience, a movie theater, and an arcade room.

Passengers can expect the typical array of dining options aboard MSC Cruises as well as a special kids’ corner available at the buffet. There’s also a dessert corner and a wellness corner.

There are simply 4 stateroom categories aboard most MSC ships: Interior, Oceanview, Balcony, and MSC Yacht Club. Within the highest category of staterooms, MSC Yacht Club, guests can expect 24-hour butler service, complimentary access to the Thermal Suite in the MSC Aurea Spa, relaxation amenities, and more.

The 6 Best Luxury Cruise Lines for Families

For some families, a megaresort — or in the case here, a mega ship — just isn’t the way you’d like to spend your time on vacation.

There are more upscale and low-key cruise lines that cater to more discerning travel habits while also considering the needs of your youngest family members. In the luxury cruise category, you’ll find expedition and river cruises.

Luxury cruise lines come with a higher financial investment than the cruise lines listed above, but in return, you’ll find more inclusions, often better food, and far fewer onboard guests .

They also admittedly don’t offer as many action-packed attractions on board and some do not cater to especially young children. However, the cruise lines on this list each have unique kids and teens programs that you should be aware of.

Here are the best luxury cruise lines for families.

Number of Ships : 16

Celebrity Cruises features large ships but aims to provide a more high-end experience than you’ll find on cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises. It also does a great job of catering to multi-generational cruisers .

Camp at Sea is Celebrity Cruises’ kids’ club for kids 3 to 17 years old. Camp is open every day from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and is broken into 4 age groups. Activities range from arts and crafts for the youngest age group to video game tournaments, scavenger hunts, and movie nights for older kids.

Family-friendly excursions include cultural tours, water sports, volcano and glacier hikes, and swimming with dolphins.

There are 4 classes of cruise ships offered by Celebrity Cruises: Edge Class (its newest and most innovative), Solstice Class, Millenium Class, and Galapagos Vessels.

Hot Tip: Cruisers say that Celebrity Equinox is the most family-friendly Celebrity ship thanks to 2 kids’ programs only available on this ship as well as over 100 adjoining cabins.

An array of staterooms exist to choose from on Celebrity Cruise ships, including family verandahs that sleep 5. Celebrity Cruise ships also feature staterooms that cater to solo travelers as well, so when traveling with a group, no one has to feel obligated to share a room.

There are a dozen dining options across each ship such as the French restaurant Normandie or the Mediterranean eatery Cyprus Restaurant. Specialty dining options include Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud, Raw on 5 Restaurant serving fresh seafood, and Fine Cut Steakhouse.

• Northern Europe and the Baltic

Number of Ships : 1

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection struggled to set sail when its first yacht was delivered during the height of the pandemic. But Ritz-Carlton hotel loyalists, eager to experience the 5-star hospitality at sea, waited patiently for the first yacht to embark. That finally happened late last year.

Its solo yacht Evrima , which is the Greek word for “discovery,” will be joined by Ilma in 2024.

Guests aboard a Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection vessel can expect the same service they would on land, including the Ritz Kids program. At Ritz Kids, children ages 4 to 12 years old have the opportunity to participate in unique activities based on where they’re traveling . Programming mainly focuses on sustainability, marine life, sailing, and arts and culture.

There’s not an expectation for the yachts to frequently be teeming with children, but the cruise line expects to host more young passengers during summer and holiday school breaks.

The all-suite Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection features ocean views from every room, as well as 6 restaurants and in-suite dining. Guests can enjoy Southeast Asian cuisine from contemporary restaurant Talaat Nam or check out Mediterranean restaurant Mistral.

Ritz-Carlton is a Marriott Bonvoy brand and as such, you can earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy points when sailing the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection . You’ll earn 5 points per $1 spent on the price of your cruise and hotel package and 1 Elite Night Credit per night of your sailing. Redemptions start at 180,000 Bonvoy points to save $1,000, followed by 90,000-point increments to save $500. Redeeming points this way is a tough sell, but the earning isn’t too bad, especially paired with a Marriott Bonvoy credit card ..

• Central America
• French Polynesia
• Vietnam and Cambodia

Lindblad Expeditions aims to be the premier expedition cruise line. Its National Geographic Global Explorers program offers exclusive and family-friendly programming for kids and teens.

Expedition cruises are all about exploring remote destinations like Antarctica, the Galapagos Islands, and the Amazon. Expedition passengers can expect expert-led educational tours and excursions, and smaller ships that cater to less than 100 people .

With the National Geographic Global Explorers program, kids and teens get hands-on experience collecting and analyzing samples, learn how to take field notes, and even learn how to take slow-motion and timelapse videos to document their findings. The National Geographic Global Explorers program can be found on cruises to Antarctica, Alaska, Baja California, and Galápagos.

Lindblad Expeditions ships carry as few as 28 guests and at most 148. As such, cabins and suites vary across the company’s fleet of ships. It’s a little difficult to find out on your own which suites would accommodate more than 2 people or if you can get connecting cabins, though they do exist, as well as standard double-occupancy suites. As a tip, the best way to book a Lindblad Expedition cruise with your family may be to work with a travel advisor to ensure that you’re making the right investment.

Expedition cruisers seem to be less concerned about the dining options, however, Lindblad does boast that the dining is delicious and sustainably sourced.

• Cook Islands
• Society Islands

Paul Gauguin Cruises specializes in luxury cruises in Tahiti, Fiji, and the South Pacific. With just 1 cruise ship in its fleet, Paul Gauguin takes cruisers to ports that larger cruise ships can’t access.

The Gauguin has a limited capacity of 330 guests . Featuring a spa, 3 dining venues, and an onboard watersports marina, the ship is mostly informal luxury.

The Moana Explorer Program , in partnership with marine education and conservation foundation “Te mana o te moana,” teaches kids ages 7 to 15 about the wonders of the South Pacific.

Only available on summer and holiday sailings, the free program includes activities such as naturalist-led island and beach excursions, crafts, and science. Other fun ways that kids can spend their time aboard The Gauguin are with treasure hunts, stargazing, and designing their own Polynesian tattoos.

All 3 of the dining venues aboard The Gauguin offer a well-thought-out menu with both formal and informal dining options. La Veranda offers alfresco dining inspired by the destinations the ship sails to, Le Grill serves a buffet breakfast, grilled lunch favorites, salads, and tropical fruits, and L’Etoile is the main dining option and serves a fine dining menu with complimentary wine pairings.

• Middle East
• Pacific and South Seas

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has been called “the most luxurious cruise line you’ve never heard of” by Cruise Critic and is frequently featured on lists of the best cruises for families.

The cruise line claims to pay the same amount of attention to the children and teenagers onboard as the adults. Cap’n Knof, Hapag-Lloyd’s mascot, welcomes each family on board every sailing and participates in games with guests.

Childcare offers vary across the 5 ships. However, sailors can expect a kids’ club for children as young as 4 years old on Europa and Europa 2, the cruise line’s 2 ocean liners. Activities include language classes, unique children’s excursions designed around the interests of the kids onboard, and even spa treatments for kids as young as 8 years old.

Unfortunately, there is no kids program on the cruise lines’ 3 expedition ships: Hanseatic Nature, Hanseatic Inspiration, and Hanseatic Spirit .

Children 11 years old and younger sail free on Hapag-Lloyd Cruises and receive reduced pricing on arrival and departure packages.

• Danube River
• Rhine River
• Seine River

Number of Ships : 4

In partnership with AmaWaterways, Adventures by Disney River Cruises offer families an opportunity to experience river cruising that caters to them.

AmaWaterways is a leader in luxury river cruising, with destinations that include the Nile River in Egypt and the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia, in addition to its European river cruises.

Adventures by Disney River Cruises feature local experts that tell the story of each location. What makes river cruises most attractive to some travelers is that you can travel slowly through a destination and spend more time learning about where you are . Disney’s river cruises are no exception with cultural immersion part of every day of the itinerary.

Hints of Disney can be found throughout the ship just as on Disney Cruise Line ocean ships. Mouse-shaped treats and Disney-themed karaoke are just a few of the features you’ll find on board.

Stateroom configurations range from inside to suites and can accommodate between 2 and 4 guests. Dining on board varies depending on the ship that’s sailing. This information can be found on the highlights page of each sailing’s itinerary.

Hot Tip: Adults who love Disney but prefer to travel without kids can sail on Adventures by Disney adult-exclusive sailings.

If a family cruise vacation is on your list, you’ve got plenty of options to choose from. Whether you prefer nonstop energy and lots of things to do or a more laid-back and low-key vibe with luxury amenities and excursions, there is a cruise line for you and your family.

Thrill seekers and budget-conscious travelers will find a great balance on cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and MSC Cruises. And luxury travelers interested in expeditions and educational cruising with their families will be delighted to cruise with Lindblad Expeditions, Celebrity Cruises, and the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. Those interested in river cruising can also bring the kids along on Adventures by Disney River Cruises in Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is royal caribbean or carnival more kid-friendly.

Though Royal Caribbean and Carnival cater to families, they differ in several ways. Carnival is more affordable and offers more family-friendly amenities. Royal Caribbean offers a slightly higher-end experience and thrilling, adventure-filled activities and attractions onboard.

What is the highest quality cruise line?

The best cruise lines in the world are ranked each year and categorized by type of ship, not exactly the highest quality. This would depend on the type of cruise you’d like to take. In 2022, Conde Nast Traveler’s Reader’s Choice Awards ranked Royal Caribbean as the best mega ship and Norwegian Cruise Line as the best large ship. Viking Ocean Cruises and Viking River Cruises won for best medium ship and best ocean ship, respectively. And, lastly, Ponant won for best Expedition cruise.

Are cruises family-friendly?

Whether a cruise is family-friendly depends on the type of cruise you’re taking and with which cruise line. The cruise lines listed above all have special programming for kids and guests of all ages.

What age group cruises most?

According to Cruise Critic, the general age range of cruisers is 30 to 80 years old. You’re not likely to find a cruise line or ship that exclusively caters to 1 age group.

Is it worth taking kids on a cruise?

This depends on what you like to do as a family. The right cruise will offer activities for adults as well as kids to ensure that everyone has an enjoyable trip.

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About Ashley Onadele

Ashley discovered a love for travel in college that’s continued as her family has grown. She loves showing parents how they can take their families on trips using points and has contributed to numerous publications and podcasts.

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WANNA HAVE FUN

YOUTH PROGRAMS BEST CRUISE ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS & TEENS 

Loads of laughter and unforgettable experiences go hand-in-hand when cruising with your kids. Royal Caribbean’s games, events, and cruise activities for kids are going on all over the ship throughout the day and into the evening hours, making family time a great time. And thanks to our award-winning Adventure Ocean® youth program, children love their cruise vacation just as much as their parents.

Loads of laughter and unforgettable experiences go hand-in-hand when cruising with your kids. Royal Caribbean’s games, events, and cruise activities for kids are going on all over the ship throughout the day and into the evening hours, making family time a great time. And thanks to our award-winning Adventure Ocean® youth program and the all-new DreamWorks Experience, children love their cruise vacation just as much as their parents.

Teen Lounge

The Teen Lounge is the spot for teens to hang out.

Adventure Science Lab

Junior scientists expand their horizons in the Adventure Science Lab.

There are endless ways to satisfy kids' curiosity in the Adventure Ocean® Aquanauts group.

Imagination Studio

Kids can create anything they want at the Imagination Studio at Adventure Ocean®.

Adventure Ocean Theater

At Adventure Ocean® Theater, young stars take center stage.

Babies and Tots Programs

Littles have big-time fun in the Babies and Tots programs at Adventure Ocean®.

Adventure Art

Adventure Art lets kids create their very own masterpiece.

Discovery is the name of the game in the Adventure Ocean® Explorers group.

The Adventure Ocean® Voyagers group gets active with games, competitions and educational activities.

See what happens when you wish upon a star in Away We Go .

Adventure Ocean ®

The new Adventure Ocean® youth program is designed to ignite the imagination.

Up and Away

Join puppets Mia and Max as they embark on a glow-in-the-dark adventure.

OUR AWARD WINNING ADVENTURE YOUTH PROGRAM 

With our Adventure Ocean® youth programs, not only will your children's time on board be fun, it will be educational too! Aquanauts (ages 3-5 years) will have fun conducting cool experiments and becoming Certified Jr. Adventure Scientists. Our specially designed Explorers program (ages 6-8 years) is packed with exciting cruise activities for kids, which includes themed parties. Voyagers (ages 9-12 years) will explore a range of activities that puts the "cool" back into learning.

NIGHT OUT FOR ADULTS LATE NIGHT PARTY ZONE

FOR OUR TINIEST GUESTS& BABIES & TOTS PROGRAMS

FUN ISN'T JUST FOR ADULTS TEENS & TWEENS PROGRAM 

Whether hanging out with other cruisers or checking out games, sports and parties, our teen-only spots are the places to be. Our Teen Program also allows older kids the freedom to come and go as they please. They’ll love it so much the only thing you might wish for is a little more time with your kids.

THE LIVING ROOM

Go ahead and put your feet up — this is a teens-only space where you can hang out and just chill, play games and video games, and even compete in tournaments.

Whether you want to chill out or all-out dance, drop by teen-only spaces where you can hang out late. Start at the teen lounge, a laid-back hideaway, and then amp up the energy at the teen-only nightclub.

FUEL TEEN CLUB

Teens get their own late-night party on the dance floor with a DJ spinning all the best bangers.

See the Shrek movies as well as other fantastic DreamWorks films brought to life in our 3D theatre or in your stateroom.

THE ARCADES

Blips, bleeps, clangs and cheers. Play to win in a classic arcade atmosphere with timeless games like Pacman and table hockey, plus the latest – Guitar Hero, Fast and Furious Drift and more.

YOUTH FACILITIES & AMENITIES 

Adventure Ocean youth facilities are designed to meet the needs of younger guests. Kids will have a blast at our complimentary, award-winning Adventure Ocean® Youth Program. We break kids and teens out into age groups so that they can enjoy specialized programs made to expand their imaginations in interactive, multi-room spaces designed just for them. It’s an awesomely fun, totally edu-taining adventure.

See the some great comedy movies as well as other fantastic action films brought to life in our 3D theatre or in your stateroom.

FAMILY LIBRARY

Available in the ships library, this area offers classic and popular family titles in a variety of languages (based on the ship’s itinerary) and a comfortable reading area for kids to relax and delve into a book, individually or with a parent.

FAMILY TIME

No doubt about it – our ships are built for families. Get together for festivals, poolside games, physical challenges, karaoke nights, theme nights and more.

FAMILY TIME DINING

My Family Time Dining is offered for the first seating time in our main dining room, for children ages three to 11. Kids enjoy their meal within 40 minutes of seating, before heading to the evening's Adventure Ocean activities. The program starts the second evening you're onboard. After that, you can use it each evening or whenever you wish.

CLASSIC SODA PACKAGE

Allows guests to enjoy as many soft drinks as they like for a fixed price for the duration of the cruise.

Allows guests up to 18 years of age to enjoy as many soft drinks as they like for a fixed price for the duration of the cruise. Learn more

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Best 5-Day Cruises

Last updated: November 7th, 2023

• Find a Cruise

Only have a couple of vacation days to spare, but still want to do something fun and adventurous? Plan a long weekend away with one of these fantastic five-day cruises that visit enticing ports in the Caribbean and Europe. With multiple sailing dates to fit almost every schedule, you’re sure to find an itinerary that works for you.

A five-day cruise with Celebrity is a great way to escape the mundane and treat yourself to world-class service, luxury, and style at sea. There are some great cruises available to book throughout the year, with five-day options that fit a variety of tastes, destinations, and schedules. From Cozumel to Key West, the Bahamas to Bruges, and the iconic city of Amsterdam, these cruises are sure to stimulate the senses at every stop.

Lounge on pristine beaches and swim in turquoise waters. Taste seafood fresh out of the ocean. Spend a day museum hopping or strolling cobblestone streets past historic buildings. And experience all of the luxurious amenities on board as you sail away on one of these unforgettable five-day cruises.

Key West & Perfect Day at CocoCay Cruise

Key West, Florida

A five-day cruise to Key West and Perfect Day at CocoCay, our award-winning private island, is the perfect getaway. This relaxing itinerary blends culture, great food, waterslides, and beach life at its best.

During your day in Key West , join a food tour to taste the local cuisine, from conch fritters to Key lime pie, or visit the elegant villa where the great Ernest Hemingway lived and wrote. Explore the beaches, or join a snorkel tour to the nearby Florida Reef, teeming with marine life in brilliant colors.

Thrill Waterpark, CocoCay

Perfect Day at CocoCay offers just as many choices. Perhaps you’re looking for the daredevil experience of North America’s tallest waterslide, which you’ll find in the Thrill Waterpark. Or choose to spend your day in a luxurious overwater cabana, where the only choice required is when to have your next dip in the warm, clear water.

Pick your beach chair on the fringes of the vast, freeform Oasis Lagoon, join a snorkeling excursion, or fly high above the whole scene on the island’s zipline.

There’s a day at sea on this itinerary, too, which is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the ship, whether you want to lounge by the sparkling pool, relax with a spa treatment, or enjoy the many bars and restaurants.

Bahamas & Perfect Day at CocoCay Cruise

Set sail from Fort Lauderdale for the beautiful Bahamas, scattered like jewels across the warm Atlantic. Your first call is our award-winning private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, a paradise of lagoon pools, white sand beaches, water activities, and thrill rides.

Be as active or as relaxed as you like here. There’s a hot air balloon that takes you up to 450 feet high for incredible vistas. Or ride the 135-foot Daredevil’s Peak, the tallest waterslide in North America. You might prefer simply to lie back with a book in a beachfront cabana on Chill Island.

Blue Lagoon Island, Bahamas

After a day on board to enjoy the luxurious facilities of your Celebrity ship, perhaps basking by the pool or enjoying lunch in the sunshine, you’ll arrive at bustling Nassau. This is the jumping-off point for the blissful beaches of Blue Lagoon and Pearl Island, also home to some of the best snorkeling in Nassau .

Elevate your experience further with a private cabana, or something different in the form of a watercolor painting class. Back in town, you could explore the colorful Straw Market, or join a rum-tasting tour.

Atlantis Paradise Island in Nassau, Bahamas

If you’re traveling with family, your kids will be grateful for a day at Aquaventure, the superb waterpark at Atlantis Paradise Island, where you can hurtle down vertiginous slides, drift along lazy rivers, and see sharks circling in an enormous aquarium.

Key West & Bimini Cruise

Fort Zachary Taylor in Key West, Florida

Relax in the tropical sunshine as your ship sets a course south from Miami to colorful Key West, the home of Key lime pie, coral sand beaches, candy-colored houses, and more than its fair share of history.

If you’re traveling with family, some of the best things to do in Key West with kids include visiting the imposing Fort Zachary Taylor to learn how the island was defended during the Civil War, and snapping a selfie next to the buoy that marks the southernmost point of the continental U.S. You can also explore Hemingway’s home and look out for the unusual six-toed cats that inhabit the lush garden.

Learn to roll your own cigar, or spend time with a historian to find out more about Key West in President Harry S. Truman’s time in the Little White House.

Bimini, Bahamas

Beautiful Bimini is a place to relax on the soft, white sand in the shade of a coconut palm, or explore the underwater world. You can swim among reef sharks, hand-feed stingrays, or even learn how conch is harvested.

Your final day on this blissful getaway is at sea, where you can relax in the sunshine and further recharge. Treat yourself to a massage in the spa, enjoy world-class cuisine, and toast the end of a perfect vacation at the Sunset Bar.

Nassau & Bimini Cruise

Pearl Island in Nassau, Bahamas

Set sail from Miami for a four-night tropical escape to Nassau and Bimini. Nassau is packed with exciting things to see and do, from rum tasting to private island beach escapes. Thrill-seekers can head to the Aquaventure waterpark at Atlantis Paradise Island, where you can ride the waterslides to your heart’s content and admire aquatic creatures in the aquarium.

If you prefer to get away from it all, take a boat cruise to romantic Pearl Island, home to some of the best beaches around Nassau . Here, you could spend your day paddleboarding over the aquamarine waters or sea kayaking. Climb the lighthouse for views over the surrounding islands and enjoy a traditional Bahamian lunch.

Rooftop Terrace

You’ll have a day at sea in between your two island stops to explore your Celebrity ship. Head to the beautiful pool deck and the Rooftop Terrace, where you can bask in the sun or perhaps take in an al-fresco movie.

When you arrive in beautiful Bimini, you’ll be refreshed and ready for another day of exploration. Take a deep sea fishing trip, or join a tour where you can snorkel among reef sharks. Treat yourself to a private cabana on a white sand beach, or relax by the pool in a luxurious beach club.

Bruges & The Netherlands Cruise

Rotterdam, Netherlands

Sail from Southampton to some of the most exciting cities in Northern Europe on a culture-packed 5-day cruise. You’ll start with a relaxing day at sea to explore the many attractions of Celebrity Apex , whether you want to relax by the pool, unwind in the spa, or enjoy the ship’s fantastic array of bars and lounges.

Your first port of call is Rotterdam , a dynamic, multicultural city on the banks of the river Nieuwe Maas, famed for its avant-garde architecture and superb art galleries.

The Museumpark alone is worth a day—and if you want to see “old” Rotterdam, simply cross the iconic Erasmus Bridge and explore the pubs and cafés of Delfshaven. Historic Amsterdam is only an hour away, where you can embark on a romantic canal journey or explore some of the world’s finest art museums.

Markt Square in Bruges, Belgium

You’ll also have a full day to explore Bruges, an exquisite medieval city near the port of Zeebrugge. Cobblestone streets, bucolic canals, and flower-filled window boxes all add to the beauty of Bruges, the splendid Markt square at its heart, overseen by an impressive belfry.

There’s no shortage of entertainment here, not least thanks to its culinary scene. Try sweet Belgian waffles or stock up on chocolate truffles filled with fresh cream. If you prefer something savory, moules-frites is the local specialty; mussels cooked in a deliciously garlicky stock, served with crisp fries.

Taste of Luxury Cruise

Magic Carpet

Make a grand exit from Sydney’s gorgeous harbor as you set sail for Hobart, the capital of mountainous Tasmania .

You’ll have plenty of time to explore the beautiful Celebrity Edge; be sure to take a seat on the Magic Carpet, suspended high above the water with 270-degree views, for the sailaway.

Hobart in Tasmania, Australia

Hobart is a fascinating little city, gaining a name for itself thanks to its many artisan food producers, coffee shops, craft breweries, and spectacular art scene. Explore the city’s darker side on a tour of Port Arthur, a former penal colony.

One of the best things to do in Hobart is to join a tour of the provocative Museum of Old and New Art, dug into the ancient sandstone of a nearby peninsula and with its own winery, making this a great day out.

Mount Wellington in Tasmania, Australia

If you want to experience a bit of the great outdoors, head up Mount Wellington for spectacular views down over the city; you can rent a mountain bike and freewheel down with a guide. See some of Australia’s native creatures at the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, a haven for koalas, kangaroos, wombats, and the famous Tasmanian devil.

Western Caribbean Cruise

Marine life in Cozumel, Mexico

A five-day Western Caribbean cruise itinerary departs from Miami and takes you to beautiful Cozumel, one of Mexico’s true treasures along the Mayan Riviera.

Cozumel , an island off the eastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, is prized for the reef system that circles the island. Scuba divers come from around the world to explore the abundance of coral and sea life, including whales, sharks, eagle rays, hawksbill sea turtles, lobsters, nurse sharks, and the dramatic-looking Cozumel splendid toadfish.

If you’re scuba certified, you can swim among schools of tropical fish and other marine life, and marvel at the colorful coral. If you’re not certified, book a swim and snorkel shore excursion that lets you enjoy reefs and marine life in shallower waters.

Chankanaab Park in Cozumel, Mexico

Snorkeling in Cozumel is a great option for all ages, and no certification is needed. The best places to snorkel in Cozumel are at Playa Corona, Chankanaab Park, and the Villa Blanca Reef wall.

On this five-day cruise in the Caribbean , you’ll enjoy two luxurious days at sea where world-class amenities, exquisite dining, and exceptional service await. Head to the Rendezvous lounge for a drink and mingle with fellow guests. Then soak up some sun on the stunning rooftop terrace. Choose The Retreat for an exclusive all-suite experience that includes private dining and lounge access that rivals any high-end resort.

Tulum in Cozumel, Mexico

While you’re in port at Cozumel, you’re just a few miles away from some of the best that Mexico has to offer. Visit Tulum, a Mayan ruin that’s located on the coast rather than inland, in a beautiful and much-photographed setting with a backdrop of turquoise sea. See the starfish sanctuary at El Cielo, a secluded sandbar, where you can swim and snorkel in aquamarine water. Take an active tour of the island’s interior on an ATV or dune buggy along rugged trails.

If leisurely and laid-back are your preferred mode of vacation, spend time in town shopping, walking along the waterfront, and enjoying the easy Cozumel lifestyle while eating and people-watching at a sidewalk cafe.

Key West & The Bahamas Cruise

Unwind and relax on one of our colorful and carefree five-day cruises to Key West and Nassau on one of our incredible new ships. Key West and the Bahamas offer endless distractions and are so close to the mainland that they make the perfect short break.

From swimming with dolphins in Key West to shopping for hand-made crafts at the Nassau straw market, you can fill your days with activities, using the time at sea to laze on board and enjoy the tropical sunshine.

Explore all the exciting things to see and do on board one of our luxury cruise ships during your day at sea. Work out at the fitness center, then pamper yourself at the spa. Savor dinner at one of the specialty restaurants, then see a show, try your luck at the casino, enjoy an after-dinner drink at one of the bars or lounges, and dance under the stars.

In Key West , spend a day lazing on a palm-fringed beach or cycle around town to discover this beautiful 4.2-square-mile island. Indulge in a delicious seafood lunch and try the island’s famous key lime pie.

Sun-kissed, white-sand beaches and sapphire blue water await in Nassau . Take the ferry over to Blue Lagoon for beach time on the sand or swaying in a hammock. Enjoy watersports like snorkeling and savor tasty conch fritters.

Get up close and personal with playful dolphins on a dolphin swim excursion, and be sure to stop by the Straw Market downtown to watch artisans at work making straw hats, baskets, and other handicrafts.

Bruges & Amsterdam Cruise

Bruges, Belgium

Discover the charming ports of Bruges and Amsterdam during a five-day cruise that departs from Southampton , a city located less than two hours away from London. Before your cruise, admire famous landmarks like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, go shopping on Oxford Street, or spend the afternoon in the nearby town of Windsor, home of the famous Windsor Castle.

Chocolate truffles

In Bruges , marvel at the medieval buildings and cobblestone streets in the city center. Board a boat cruise and explore the maze of canals that snake through the city. Bruges is also known as the chocolate capital of Belgium, so make sure to sample handmade chocolate truffles during your time in port.

One of the best things to do in Bruges for art aficionados is to visit the Groeningemuseum, where you can see a wide range of Belgian artworks from the Renaissance and Flemish eras, spanning some 400 years of history. Before boarding your cruise, don’t miss the Basilica of the Holy Blood, a famed 12th-century Romanesque church that is believed to contain a cloth stained with the blood of Jesus.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

During your day in Amsterdam , explore the city’s many museums, including the Anne Frank House, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Van Gogh Museum, which houses the largest collection of works by the Dutch artist. Satiate your sweet tooth with a freshly made stroopwafel—a caramel-filled wafer—as you wander along the streets that curve around the city’s canals.

Don’t miss a visit to Vondelpark, Amsterdam’s urban oasis full of green spaces, man-made waterways, a meticulously manicured rose garden, and more. Just a short taxi or bus ride away lies Amsterdam’s old city center, De Wallen.

Here you can explore the city’s quintessential canals, traditional Dutch homes, and historic monuments all within a compact area. A guided canal cruise will give you a different perspective of the city and its history.

Rent a bicycle and pedal your way around one of the most cycle-friendly cities on Earth. You can admire Amsterdam’s gorgeous 17th-century buildings while traveling through well-organized lanes, built specifically for cyclists.

This is a great way to see a lot of Amsterdam in a short time, and a popular mode of leisure and functional transportation for locals. Before boarding your ship, be sure to do some shopping and people-watching in the bustling Leidseplein Square, a popular and vibrant commercial area famous for its bars, restaurants, and shopping.

Read: Three Days in Amsterdam  

Bahamas Cruise

Atlantis Resort in Nassau, Bahamas

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Bahamas on this five-day cruise departing from Miami. This cruise takes you for a tour of the best of Bimini and Nassau with a fun-filled full day at sea on the way. There is so much to do and see in these two great locations that you’ll feel as though you’ve been away for a week.

On your first stop, you’ll visit the bustling Bahamian port of Nassau, the center for commerce in the island chain and the country’s capital city. Here you’ll find the ultimate in family-friendly adventure as you walk through the magical streets of the lost city of Atlantis at Ruins Lagoon, one of the many features of the spectacular Atlantis Resort. Wade through the shallow blue waters of Dolphin Cay and get an up-close experience with these magnificent mammals.

In Bimini , learn how to fish like the pros in Gun Cay, Holm Cay, or Great Isaac Cay, some of the most sought-after spots for catching tuna, marlin, and wahoo. Then, spend the afternoon diving and exploring Bimini Road, an underwater limestone rock formation that stretches a full half-mile and is full of unique sea life and archaeological history.

Alternatively, you’ll find plenty of beaches, boat tours, and land-based attractions to suit your tastes. Visit the Dolphin House Museum and learn about the history of the islands while walking through this unique structure made entirely from recycled local materials. Make sure to try some delicious conch fritters at Joe’s Conch Stand before you leave; it’s a local favorite.

Your last night on board will be a special one, where memories will be shared and Celebrity’s world-class service and amenities make for the perfect finish to a fabulous adventure. End your five-day Bahamas cruise with a delightful dinner and drinks at sunset as you leave port.

Enjoy lemon martinis and live music at The Martini Bar, a quiet meal with new friends at Cosmopolitan, or a luxurious fine dining experience at Luminae, exclusively for guests of The Retreat . You’ll return home refreshed, and with many memories to share of your new adventures.

Book one of these unforgettable five-day cruises on our website and experience the ultimate luxury getaway.

Related Itineraries

Key West & Bahamas

• 4 nights ON CELEBRITY SILHOUETTE
• DEPARTING FROM FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA
• Starting from $514 USD

Western Caribbean & Perfect Day

• 5 nights ON CELEBRITY REFLECTION
• Starting from $599 USD

Nassau & Bimini

• 5 nights ON CELEBRITY SUMMIT
• DEPARTING FROM MIAMI, FLORIDA
• Starting from $669 USD

Key West, Belize and Grand Cayman

• 7 nights ON CELEBRITY APEX
• Starting from $1004 USD
• 3 nights ON CELEBRITY REFLECTION
• Starting from $1087 USD

Ultimate Southern Caribbean

• 10 nights ON CELEBRITY BEYOND
• Starting from $1638 USD

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Family Friendly Cruises for Kids

Voyages of discovery and reconnection that everyone from grandkids to grandparents can share., best family cruise destinations, alaska cruise destinations and cruisetours.

See the Great Land’s glaciers, wildlife, and national parks.

Caribbean Cruise Destinations

Walk along sun-kissed beaches in laid-back style.

European Cruise Destinations

Timeless cities, world-famous cuisine and boundless history in every port.

Australia & New Zealand Cruise Destinations

The Great Barrier Reef, stunning coastlines and relaxed charm are calling.

Cruise Activities for the Whole Family

Princess makes sure there are a variety of family friendly cruise activities so you have plenty of ways to spend quality time together

Adventures every member of the family will enjoy

Unique and immersive travel experiences, including more time in more ports, Discovery™ and Animal Planet™ shore excursions, and award-winning onboard programs, have earned Princess the distinction of "Best Cruise Line for Multi-Generational Family Travel" in the  Porthole Cruise Magazine 2018 Readers' Choice Awards.

Princess MedallionClass®

Get more from family time with the MedallionClass experience on all ships. Easy embarkation and customizing dining preferences, including pace, means fewer meltdowns. Interactive games and the fast, reliable MedallionNet® Wi-Fi keep the gang entertained. And you’ll always be able to find the kids (or the adults!) anywhere on board. Connect with what matters most – each other – on your Princess MedallionClass cruise.

Get in the family zone

New on the Caribbean Princess®, the Reef Family Splash Zone is the perfect place to relax, have fun and enjoy the water. An interactive splash pad with giant whale feature will entertain kids of all ages with showers, sprays and a water jet from the whale's spout! Oversized backyard games in the all-ages game zone set the stage for some good natured family competition. Celebrate after with playful mocktails for the kids and refreshing cocktails for the parents at our kid-friendly bar area. When you need a break from the sun, head to the comfy loungers and sheltered shade canopies.

Discovery™, Discovery Family™ & Animal Planet™ shore excursions

Welcome to enriching, immersive, once-in-a-lifetime experiences your whole family will never forget — especially on unique Discovery™ and Animal Planet™ Exclusive Tours that can't be booked independently, and are available only through Princess Cruises.

Voyage to the stars

Princess enables everyone in the family to find their place among the stars. With top-deck stargazing, an indoor planetarium with real-time views of planets, stars and galaxies, Camp Discovery activities, expert insights through Encounters with Discovery at SEA, engaging stateroom content and more, there are many unique experiences for every family to enjoy.

Animal Planet™ invites local animals onboard

Many of the most fascinating inhabitants of the ports you'll visit aren't human at all. Introduce them to your family, as Animal Planet™ presents some of the wildest meet-and-greet gatherings at sea — including  Puppies in the Piazza  on Alaska cruises, and  Parrots in the Piazza  in the Caribbean.

Meet Stanley

Make friends with the cuddliest bear at sea. Interact with Stanley throughout the voyage — at photo ops, story time, bear games, and crafts! You can even get your own Stanley exclusively on board and bring him home as a reminder of your special journey. And don’t forget to share your adventures on social media with #StanleyAtSea.

Immersive Princess entertainment

The thrill of being part of a live-theater audience is something family members will relive for years. And Princess-exclusive, Broadway-caliber stage shows from award-winning composer Steven Schwartz are a dazzling way to bring everyone together. You'll also find plenty of opportunities for audience participation with  The Voice of the Ocean  musical competition, the  High Seas Heist  mystery challenge and  Can You Survive?  game show.

So many fresh ways to dine together

Eat dinner every night as a family and try new regional foods together. Satisfy everyone's personal tastes with a delicious variety of casual dining options, special kids' menus in the Main Dining Room, and the ability to cater to individual dietary preferences upon request. Princess does the cooking and cleaning so you can spend more time focusing on what matters most.

Family cruise celebration vacations

The heart of a celebration is spending time with those you love. But what if one person you love is 17, and the other is 71? It’s hard to pick an activity that appeals to everyone. A Princess family cruise is a perfect chance to celebrate together while enjoying the hundreds of amazing activities taking place on Princess ships from morning to night.

Family-friendly cruise lodging

Princess makes it easy to sail together in comfort. ‭In addition to comfortable Mini-Suites and spacious Suites, ‭larger groups can ‭opt for a Family ‭Suite which includes ‭two interconnecting ‭staterooms and ‭sleeps up to eight on select ships.

Explorers Come in All Ages. And Princess Inspires Their Imaginations

Uniquely themed centers host engaging activities specially designed to help them play, huddle, create and discover.

Exciting youth & teen clubs

In partnership with Discovery™, Princess has developed engaging new youth programming and wonder-filled centers designed for our youngest guests.

• Places for young explorers to learn about the world and discover new interests.
• Invitations to meet new friends and enjoy memorable experiences while sailing.

Kids Cruise Activities — Ages 6 Months - 2 Years

Making our youngest voyagers feel right at home.

Princess welcomes babies, toddlers and preschoolers to the world of cruising with services and amenities that make life easier for their families as well. These young guests are welcome in Camp Discovery when accompanied by a parent. Mini-Suites and Full Suites offer full-sized bath tubs, and wash bins for showers are available. Staterooms with balconies are perfect for naptime. You can request high chairs, booster seats and cribs. We also provide complimentary jarred baby food. And fresh, pureed foods (fruits, veggies and rice) are available in the main dining room, specialty restaurants, and Horizon Court or World Fresh Marketplace.

Kids Cruise Activities — Ages 3-12

The treehouse — ages 3-7.

This bright, whimsical, forest-themed center for children features hands-on activities and programs surrounded by captivating creatures.

The Lodge — Ages 8-12

Inspired by the great outdoors, this cozy center is filled with sports activities and comfortable places for kids to explore, hang out and lounge.

Sports, games, physical activities

• Scavenger hunts, group games, basketball tournaments, ping pong competitions, dodgeball, skeeball, dance parties and more!
• Try your skills on PlayStation®, Nintendo Wii™, and XBOX Kinect consoles, board games, air hockey and ping-pong.
• Join dance classes and engage in friendly competitions.
• Enjoy sports including basketball, mini golf, yoga and miniature Olympics.

Places, Animals, Science

• Mythbusters Jawsome Sharks program: Try hands-on challenges, featuring Tori Belleci from the show.
• Animal Planet™ uncovers ferocious secrets in  Shark Attack , and learn squid anatomy in  Just Squiddin’ Around .
• Learn the science of magic or become an engineer for a day with programs from the  California Science Center , home of the  Endeavour  space shuttle.
• Inspire a love of nature from the regions we sail with Animal Planet Endangered Species and Glacier Bay Jr. Ranger programs.

Fun interactions with peers

• NEW!  Rhythm of the Caribbean : Caribbean music, dance, trivia and crafts light up the night for the whole family.
• Wild Alaska Festival : Celebrate Alaskan nature at this family theme night.
• Discovery at Sea™ theme days with activities inspired by  Shark Week  and Animal Planet.
• Talent Shows showcase singing, dancing, musical skill, and jokes.
• Theme Nights include Pirate, Mexican Fiesta and competitive Challenge themes.

Arts, crafts, inventions

• Compete: Join the Klutz® paper airplane challenge or Lego boat-building contest.
• JrCHEF@Sea: Learn cake decorating and enjoy the results with your family.
• Make Animal Planet puppets, masks and paintings inspired by regional wildlife.
• Klutz® Art Projects: Craft bracelets, velvet art, jewelry and more.

Teens Cruise Activities — Ages 13-17

The beach house — ages 13-17.

This contemporary beach-themed lounge is "the" place for teens to hang out, socialize and connect.

You won't want to miss our  Rock the Boat Party . It’s the occasion to dress up, stroll down the red carpet and flash your VIP badge, then enjoy an evening of mocktails, awards and celebrating with your friends.

Competitions

Give your skills a workout in our video game tournaments. Play to win in air hockey, foosball and ping-pong. Or compete in outdoor sporting activities like dodgeball and basketball tournaments.

Dance classes

Perfect your moves with guidance from one of our crew dancers, then show what you’ve got at dance competitions and parties.

Movies & more

Get your scream on at  Scary Movie Night , or catch some recent hits at  Late Night Movies . Or cast yourself in a whole new light with teen makeovers and glitter tattoos.

Youth & Teen Program Registration

Registration Form with Youth Guidelines & Safety Measures (PDF)  or  Register Online

Registration Form with Teen Guidelines & Safety Measures (PDF)  or  Register Online

Please note:  During voyages with a high number of families onboard, we will make all efforts to accommodate interested parties. However, participation in our program cannot be guaranteed. Hours of operation may change to better serve our guests.

Hours of Operation:  Sea days 9:00am to 12:00 pm | 1:00pm - 5:00pm | 6:00pm - 10:00pm. Port Days 8:00am - 5:00pm | 6:00pm - 10:00pm. Depending on the itinerary, port hours may be expanded. Check the schedule once onboard. The program is complimentary during port days and advanced bookings are not required.

Kids and Youth center facilities vary across Princess cruise ships.

Parents Night Out

Where kids can play while you're away.

Rest assured, whether you've planned a day of exploring or a romantic night out, the group kidsitting at our Youth Centers offers your children between the ages of 3 and 12 plenty to look forward to. It's the perfect place for them to relax or play games with their friends. And the charge is just $5.00 USD per hour per child.

Dinner events exclusively for kids

Children and adults alike get the chance to enjoy dinner on their own with a variety of opportunities for kids to eat with their friends and Princess Youth Staff. They'll find kids-only dinners on select evenings, a teens-only dinner on a formal night in an exclusively reserved section of the dining room, as well as ice cream and pizza parties held throughout the voyage. Please be sure the Youth Staff members know about any food allergies your child may have.

Cruise Activities for Young Adults — Ages 18-20

Imagine a secret society. Only those invited can join. Guests ages 18-20 will learn the secret handshake and be granted a special code word to unlock an exclusive list of Club1820 events made just for them. No parents, no little siblings, no official hosts.

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Best 3-5 Day Family & Kid Friendly Cruises

3-5 day family cruises.

• Family Cruises

4 Night Cruise to Pacific Coastal

• You want a big ship with lots of classy fun for all ages
• You enjoy live music and plenty of enrichment activities
• You're happy with good quality service and a relaxing vibe
• You enjoy strolling on a true wraparound promenade deck
• You miss the more intimate feeling of the line's smaller ships

4 Night Cruise to the Mexican Riviera

• You want new features like virtual balconies in inside cabins
• You want a big-ship experience with family-friendly fun
• You want a splash of traditional grandeur with lots of choice
• You want a ship with plenty of massive, windowed public rooms
• You want a quiet cruise experience that focuses on relaxation

4 Night Cruise to Canada & New England

• You want mega-ship fun with innovative onboard features
• You need a cruise that is suitable for families of all ages
• You want your ships big and bold but with a touch of class
• You hate crowds; things can get competitive at the buffet
• You are looking for cruises longer than a week in duration
• You don't enjoy being upsold for promotions and packages

5 Night Cruise to Pacific Coastal

• You enjoy a classic cruise experience with sophisticated touches
• You appreciate evenings with live music, dancing and shows
• You love being out on deck; Noordam has plenty of open space
• You like the more intimate atmosphere on HAL's older ships
• Your kids demand waterslides, splash parks and bumper cars

5 Night Cruise to the Western Caribbean

• You want a freshly renovated older ship with lots of activities
• You like plenty of open decks and cabins with balconies
• You want a ship that provides fun with a touch of class
• You want a quiet, classically understated cruise experience
• You need diversions like massive waterparks and ziplines

4 Night Cruise to the Western Caribbean

• You a value-packed cruise on a ship with plenty of features
• You find Royal Caribbean's newer ships to be just too big
• You like to keep busy and want a full schedule of activities
• You want the wow factor of Royal Caribbean's big new ships
• You need spacious cabins; standard cabins are fairly tight
• You want all the latest bells and whistles to be onboard

4 Night Cruise to Alaska

• You like scenic cruising; this bright ship is perfect for it
• You appreciate a traditional look with high-tech features
• You want big ship amenities wrapped up in a smaller package
• You're after active diversions like ziplines and surf simulators
• You want nonstop activities and a party atmosphere onboard

5 Night Cruise to Bermuda

3 night cruise to the mexican riviera.

• You like having plenty of choices on a classically styled cruise
• You want numerous bars, lounges and specialty restaurants
• You appreciate a laid-back cruise that's steeped in traditions
• You dislike crowds; lines and reservations are inevitable
• You need a cutting-edge ship with the latest technology

5 Night Cruise to the Eastern Caribbean

• You want a more traditional, upscale cruise on a bigger ship
• You appreciate having a multitude of different dining choices
• You want plenty of activities but nothing overly wild or crazy
• You are looking for a ship with elaborate children's facilities
• You want an all-inclusive, ship-within-a-ship suite complex
• You prefer intimate, adult-oriented vacation experiences

3 Night Cruise to the Bahamas

• You want a big-ship cruise to the most popular ports of call
• You want nonstop active entertainment by day and by night
• You want the latest features of Royal Caribbean's larger ships
• You don't like being upsold; extra cost activities abound
• You want to visit exotic, off-the-beaten-path ports of call
• You are looking for an intimate, traditional cruise experience

3 Night Cruise to the Caribbean

• You want a quick, fun cruise with inclusive alcoholic beverages
• You appreciate value-added inside and oceanview cabins
• You like plenty of organized activities by day and night
• You're looking for a cruise vacation lasting a week or more
• You want the latest and greatest megaship experience at sea
• You want luxury cabins and suites with lavish amenities

4 Night Cruise to Bermuda

4 night cruise to the eastern caribbean.

• You want solid entertainment and splashy, Broadway-style shows
• You like to keep busy, and want active days and vibrant nights
• You want a big ship cruise with plenty of bang for your buck
• You want longer cruises that explore uncommon destinations
• You prefer a more traditional, laid-back kind of cruise vacation

4 Night Cruise to the Bahamas

• You like having plenty of organized activities by day and night
• You want a classy cruise on a big ship for a reasonable price
• You value stylish interior design and innovative amenities
• You don’t want to have extra fees and costs for dining and drinks
• You are looking for a ship holding fewer than 2,000 passengers

3 Night Cruise to Pacific Coastal

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As I delve into the world of family-friendly cruising , I am eager to share the discoveries that make the best cruises for kids in 2024 an undeniable reality. Today’s cleverly crafted voyages provide an ocean of fun that caters to the whims and wishes of our youngest adventurers, while also ensuring that there’s plenty of joy for the grown-ups.

Drawing from my personal experiences and meticulous research, I’ve gathered insights on the most outstanding kid-friendly cruise lines and cruise ships for kids that anchor in wonder, engagement, and memories that families will treasure long after they’ve disembarked.

Best Cruises for Kids

The seas of opportunity for the best kids’ cruise in 2024 are rich with innovation, from top-tier children’s programming to spaces that allow for familial bonding under the sun and stars. Whether it’s high-energy play areas that spark imagination or serene oases that provide solace from the excitement, these vessels recognize and address the dynamic needs of every family.

Join me as we set sail to uncover these floating paradises, where each wave whispers a promise of laughter and each shore teems with new stories. Let us embark on a journey filled with childlike wonder, where magic drifts upon the ocean breeze and each port of call cultivates the curiosity of our precious little ones.

Key Takeaways

• Discover the cruise lines that masterfully balance innovation with kid-specific amenities for a family-friendly sailing experience.
• Learn about high-energy play areas and tranquil adult escapes that make family-friendly cruising in 2024 a unique adventure.
• Gain insight into the crucial factors that define the best cruises for kids , from entertainment to dining and lodging.
• Unveil the names and features of top cruise ships designed with a young audience in mind, setting the stage for the best kids’ cruise 2024 .
• Explore the enchanting possibilities and expectant horizons of 2024’s sailings that cater to fun-loving families and resolute relaxation-seekers alike.

Cruise Lines Offering “Kids Sail Free” Deals

To uncover the ultimate in family savings, I’ve set sail virtually to explore the best cruise lines for children that are enticing families with kids sail free deals . It’s evident that cruise companies are competing to provide the most alluring packages, complete with complimentary amenities and diverse family entertainment , to ensure that your kid cruises are not only memorable but also economical.

Here’s what I’ve found for those of you planning to cruise with young kids :

Holland America Line’s Family Perks

On Holland America Line , I discovered a variety of family-friendly perks that surely make it one of the best cruise lines for children . With their ‘Kids Sail Free’ special on select expeditions, your children can experience the adventure of cruising to idyllic destinations like the Caribbean at no extra cost.

Norwegian Cruise Line: Cruising Free and Fun for Tots to Teens

At Norwegian Cruise Line , not only do kids sail free on select journeys, but the family benefits are impressive. Imagine sailing to Alaska and having an unlimited open bar and Wi-Fi for the adults, while the younger ones revel in tailored kids’ clubs.

Royal Caribbean’s Family Adventures

Royal Caribbean International frequently offers promotions where kids under 12 sail for free. These deals span across multiple dates throughout the year, providing exciting itineraries packed with unique island experiences and shipboard adventures.

Carnival Celebration’s Onboard Excitement

Carnival Celebration stands out with its vibrant atmosphere and promotions that fuel the festive spirit. Their special offers align perfectly with the array of onboard thrillers designed to entertain the entire family.

Costa Cruises’ European Charm for Families

When it comes to European charm, Costa Cruises sweeps you away with deals that waive kids’ fares. Their broad range of itineraries ensures that traveling to your family’s dream European destinations is not only accessible but also filled with an ambiance of all-ages entertainment.

Beyond just highlighting the offers, I want to give you a snapshot of the cruise deals for kids available through these lines:

As a journalist who has a knack for uncovering the best deals, I recommend that families eager for a sea adventure consider these standout cruise lines. With offers like kids sail free deals , planning a cruise doesn’t have to break the bank, and the cruise deals for kids ensure that every member of the family, from the tiniest traveler to the captain of the clan, will find something to love.

Discovering the Best Royal Caribbean Ships for Family Fun

My voyage in pursuit of the best Royal Caribbean ships for families has brought me face-to-face with the ultimate kid-friendly cruise ships . The Oasis-class giants stand out with family-exclusive onboard activities set to redefine your sea escape. Whether it’s the exhilarating Wonder of the Seas , the Symphony of the Seas , or the unmatched moreour of Harmony of the Seas , each ship presents a microcosm of adventure that captivates the youthful spirit.

Diving deeper, I found the Anthem of the Seas . It’s a masterpiece that couples beauty with excitement, proving that sophistication can go hand-in-hand with bumper cars and skydiving simulators. The Royal Caribbean kids’ program brilliantly integrates educational components with sheer fun, ensuring that young minds grow even as they frolic.

• Oasis of the Seas : A trailblazer in the fleet that continues to capture imaginations with its breathtaking boardwalk and lush Central Park.
• Allure of the Seas : The beauty of this ship lies in its ability to blend cinematic thrill rides with peaceful retreats.
• Harmony of the Seas : Not only does it flaunt jaw-dropping slides, but it also hosts aqua theaters and flying trapeze schools.
• Symphony of the Seas : With board games turning life-sized, this ship takes interactive activities to new heights.
• Wonder of the Seas : The latest marvel in the fleet, Wonder of the Seas charms with exclusive zones like the Suite Neighborhood.
• Anthem of the Seas : This ship delivers a performance-packed lineup, where each show is an extravaganza of light and sound.

In sum, my search for the best Royal Caribbean ships for families confirms that the company has mastered the alchemy of family entertainment . From the sophisticated to the whimsical, kid-friendly cruise ships like the Anthem of the Seas , Wonder of the Seas , and their Oasis-class sisters offer something more than a holiday; they promise an epic saga written upon the seas, where every chapter is yours to script.

Disney Cruise Line: Where Magic Sails at Sea

I’ve discovered that Disney Cruise Line truly stands out when it comes to crafting a magical family voyage. With ships like the Disney Wish , Disney Dream , and Disney Fantasy , these floating palaces are bursting with kid-friendly activities , theaters that host Broadway-quality shows, and themed dining adventures. It’s an experience that caters to the younger audience while also providing sophisticated touches that adults will appreciate.

The Unmatched Experience on Disney Wish

The debut of the Disney Wish offers a new realm of wonder with spaces inspired by beloved stories, from enchanting “Star Wars” command decks to Marvel heroes’ training grounds. Family entertainment is elevated with immersive storytelling and interactions, making it arguably the best Disney cruise for toddlers and young adventurers alike. Disney cruises kids’ clubs are reimagined aboard Disney Wish , giving children the chance to live their dreams in real-time.

The Family-Focused Entertainment on Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy

The Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy maintain Disney Cruise Line’s legacy with an array of family cruise packages . Family rooms on these ships are spacious retreats crafted for comfort and convenience, providing a harmonious balance between adventure and relaxation. The family entertainment offered ensures that every moment spent at sea is filled with joy and laughter.

Themed Adventures: Star Wars Day at Sea and Marvel Day at Sea

For those seeking an epic journey, themed Disney cruises offer Star Wars Day at Sea and Marvel Day at Sea . These singular experiences present an opportunity to be part of some of the most iconic universes ever created. With immersive activities and character encounters, guests of all ages can become part of their favorite intergalactic saga or superhero story—truly a highlight for any family entertainment seeker.

P&O Cruises’ Family Friendly Fleet

As a seasoned traveler familiar with the nuances of family vacations, I’ve found the British cruise line P&O Cruises to stand out for crafting an environment that caters to guests of all ages. Sailing aboard the Iona , Britannia , or Arvia means voyage into a world of sophistication and play, where family cabins and family-friendly dining are engineered to bring comfort and joy to everyone.

The family-oriented ships offer a rich tapestry of fun with their dedicated kids’ clubs . The Reef, P&O Cruises’ flagship program for young sailors, presents a medley of activities that captivates children while providing parents with treasured moments of repose.

One can enjoy everything from the archery range for family tournaments to a delightful children’s afternoon tea , designed to whisk little travelers off on a flavorful adventure. Here’s a glance at some of the family features that distinguish P&O Cruises in the sphere of seafaring holidays:

• P&O family cruise package that includes age-appropriate kids’ clubs brimming with activities
• Expertly designed family cabins offering space and amenities
• A multitude of family-friendly dining options, including menus with international and classic British comfort foods

Moreover, the vessels themselves carry an air of exclusivity, with their British charm and hospitality making for a remarkable backdrop to your family adventure. The exquisite design of the ships exudes an atmosphere where traditions meet modern luxury. Whether it’s soaking in the vibrant life on deck or sharing an exploration into exotic destinations, P&O Cruises ensures that their offerings are as expansive as the oceans they sail.

The Ultimate Playgrounds at Sea

When it comes to family entertainment at sea , the cruise industry has embarked on an exhilarating wave of innovation. Now, families can find themselves awestruck by the ultimate playgrounds at sea that transcend traditional expectations. Picture your loved ones aboard a ship where the thrills of Carnival Bolt compete with the serenity of the ocean, and the splash zones for kids are as bountiful as the horizon.

Carnival’s Bolt: High-Speed Fun for the Brave

The splash of saltwater gives way to the thrill of speed with Carnival Bolt , the first high-speed roller coaster at sea. This marvel of technology dazzles with adrenaline-pumping twists and turns, earning its place as a crown jewel on cruise ships with roller coasters. It’s not just a ride; it’s a rite of passage for the daring.

Royal Caribbean’s Splash-tastic Water Parks

Royal Caribbean water parks offer an oasis of adventure amidst the vast blue, where families can plunge into aquatic escapades. It’s about more than just slides and pools; it’s about creating ripples of joy in splash zones for kids that are as expansive as a child’s imagination.

MSC Cruises’ Robotic Thrills and Aquatic Parks

Moreover, MSC Cruises aqua parks blend bold robotic rides with the charm of traditional water-based fun. Enter Robotron: a futuristic journey that synchronizes the sensation of flight with breathtaking views, affirming the pioneering spirit of fun cruises for kids .

Whilst MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean enchant with their splash zones and water worlds, Carnival Cruise Line has taken the excitement to new heights. My experiences can attest to the fact that each of these cruise lines provides a distinctive spin on family entertainment at sea . Here’s a table I’ve fashioned to highlight each cruise line’s unique offerings:

Anchored in innovation, these compelling attractions mark a new horizon in cruise vacationing , where the ordinary is washed away, leaving only the spectacular. It’s clear that each of these playgrounds at sea caters to the adventurous spirit within all of us, craving the next wave of excitement as we sail across the ocean’s wonders.

Best Cruise Options for Teens

Embarking on a quest to find the best cruises for teens isn’t simply about selecting destinations; it’s about discovering the cruise ships equipped to deliver teen-centric excitement and relaxation. The secret lies in striking the perfect balance — a dynamic assortment of teen-friendly cruises that entice with everything from competitive sports to serene spots for introspection.

As someone who thrives on the frontline of family travel trends, I’ve seen firsthand how cruise lines implement innovative teen clubs, adventuresome recreational activities, and cozy nooks perfect for chilling out. This onboard fusion ensures that while cruising teens revel in independence, they are never too far from opportunities to reconnect with family.

• Sports tournaments offering a blend of fitness and fun
• Contemporary lounges mirroring the coolest onshore hangouts
• Interactive gaming suites featuring the latest in virtual reality
• Go-kart tracks for the thrill of speed and friendly competition

On carefully selected family cruises with teen activities , parents can unwind knowing their teenagers are engaged in secure, age-appropriate settings. The enticing cruise activities for teenagers don’t stop there — from starlit movie nights to themed dance parties, the ships are primed to create the social backdrops that teens crave.

In this vast ocean of choices, let me be your lighthouse. Here’s to smooth sailing as we navigate the waters of adolescent adventure together, anchoring in memories that both teens and adults will treasure long after disembarking.

Entertainment and Activities Guaranteed to Enthrall Younger Cruisers

Embarking on a family cruise with Royal Caribbean promises an impressive lineup of kid-friendly entertainment and onboard activities for kids that stand out on the high seas. Their ships, famed for their family appeal, offer a gamut of experiences fine-tuned to the tastes of young adventurers and junior thrill-seekers. Let’s dive into the heart-pumping and laughter-inducing opportunities awaiting on some of the most renowned vessels.

Anthem of the Seas: High-Flying Fun and Gaming Galore

On the Anthem of the Seas , technology and imagination collide to create a dynamic playground for the young and the young at heart. The SeaPlex, a transformative space, beckons with circus school and bumper cars, while the RipCord by iFLY® gives a taste of skydiving without leaving the deck. Gaming enthusiasts revel in a state-of-the-art arcade that captures the excitement of virtual worlds and high-stakes competition, underpinning family cruise entertainment with touches of tomorrow.

Wonder of the Seas: A World of Adventure for Kids

Boasting the title of the world’s largest cruise ship, the Wonder of the Seas unveils a spectacular assortment of activities designed to feed the curiosity and energy of its younger guests. The ship’s crown jewel, the Ultimate Abyss, is not for the faint of heart, plummeting riders down a 10-story slide that twists and turns into the heart of adventure, exemplifying the hallmark offerings of adventure cruises for kids.

Oasis of the Seas: The Thrill Seeker’s Dream

The Oasis of the Seas takes the wonder of cruising and amplifies it through an array of exhilarating options. Ziplines flying over the Boardwalk, surf simulators challenging the balance, and rock walls offering sky-high vistas inspire kids to climb, surf, and soar. The Oasis Class staple encourages exploration at every corner, promising a treasure trove of memories in the making as part of its exceptional brand of onboard activities for kids.

Evaluating the Best Cruises for Kids on Board the Icon of the Seas

As a profound enthusiast for family getaways, I find myself drawn to the latest and perhaps most monumental addition to the world of aquatic escapades – Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas . Promising to redefine the best family cruises , this phenomenal vessel is not merely a ship; it is a symphony of innovation and joy.

Before setting foot on the Icon of the Seas , my anticipation buzzes with images of its expansive water parks and high-tech amenities. Imagining the elation on the faces of children as they explore this floating paradise, it’s clear why cruise ships for kids and families are more than mere transportation – they’re transformative experiences.

Key features abound, the Icon of the Seas is tailored for those looking to be plunged into family cruising 2024 with style and substance. This vessel is ablaze with prospects, offering a spectrum of activities and relaxation that caters to every family member’s needs and whimsies.

• An immense water park that dares the young and the young-at-heart alike to slip and slide into a world of splash-worthy adventures.
• Robot-tended cocktail bars where parents can relish futuristic libations, serving as an apt juxtaposition to the day’s childlike wonders.
• Family-friendly suites ingeniously designed, giving each family its own slice of heaven to retreat to after a day brimming with activity.
• Community hubs that provide a golden opportunity for families to mingle and craft relationships as enduring as the memories they create.

It is not without reason that new cruise ships for families strive to scale new heights, but the Icon of the Seas uniquely soars, sculpting a niche for itself in the hearts of those who embark upon its promise of joy and luxury interwoven seamlessly.

With the inaugural voyage on the horizon, I am convinced that Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas is setting a new standard. The concept of travel for families becomes reimagined, pioneering an unsurpassed adventure that seems to whisper in anticipation of the laughter and awe it aims to inspire.

Dining Delights: Kid-Friendly Menus and Family Dining

Embarking on a cruise with family means diving into a sumptuous array of dining options that cater to every age and palate. No longer are kids relegated to simplified menus or afterthought options; instead, onboard dining has truly become a culinary journey for families . With names like Norwegian Encore , Disney Cruise Line , and MSC Seascape , parents and their little ones can savor a gastronomic adventure that spans the globe’s tastes and textures. As I delve into the rich tapestry of family dining on cruises , it’s clear that the chefs at sea understand that a meal is more than just sustenance—it’s an opportunity to create joyous family memories nestled between international flavors and creatively crafted kid-friendly menus .

Norwegian Encore’s Culinary Journey for Families

With Norwegian Encore leading the charge, families dining together can expect a medley of options that whisk them away on a flavor-filled excursion each night. The ship’s array of restaurants entices with mouth-watering dishes ranging from smoky barbecue favorites to sophisticated Asian fusion. The chefs prioritize not just the allure of the meal but the overall experience, ensuring that even the youngest cruisers embark on a vibrant culinary journey for families , one delicious bite at a time.

Disney’s Diverse Dining: A Feast for the Senses

At Disney Cruise Line , the dining experience becomes an extension of the story—an imaginative and interactive affair, especially for those enchanted by Disney’s diverse dining realms. These aren’t just themed dinners; they’re grand quests or royal banquets where each plate presented is part of a narrative. Parents marvel as much as their kids when the themes of “Frozen” and Marvel unfold, served up with sides of excitement alongside the entrees. The Disney cruise menus are designed not just to feed the body but to feed the imagination as well.

MSC Seascape’s International Flavors for the Whole Family

Experience on MSC Seascape brings the world to your table, offering a feast rich with international flavors . Each restaurant is a port of call, offering delicacies that span continents, from Mediterranean gems to Asian specialties. What strikes me the most is the deft hand with which the cruise caters to discerning and adventurous taste buds alike, ensuring a place where both children and adults can find joy in a shared meal—a true testament to the globally inspired family dining on cruises .

In this veritable floating feast, each family dining experience is curated with care, ensuring that from the appetizers to the desserts, the voyage is about more than traveling across the ocean—it’s about traveling across flavors and cultures together. As we bob gently along the sea, the laughter and stories shared over kid-friendly menus become the markers of a journey well savored.

Accommodating Spaces: Family Cabins and Suites

Embarking on a family cruise transforms from mundane to magical when the accommodations cater to each family member’s needs. My experience tells me that the best cruise ship suites for kids and adults are more than mere sleeping quarters; they’re vibrant hubs where memories are made. Noteworthy is the evolution in cruise room options for families , with cruise suites for families mirroring a home away from home, providing not just a bed to rest but an entire living space to enjoy.

Let’s talk about family cabins . They are not just a room—they are accommodating spaces on cruises designed with families in mind. Features like split bathrooms allow for a seamless morning routine, while extra space ensures kids have room to play and parents have an oasis to relax.

Below is a table comparing some of the best cruise ship suites for kids and adults , emphasizing the inventive features that make them standout choices for families:

As a travel aficionado, I’ve observed that the cruise suites for families which stand out are those that blend comfort with a splash of innovation. Whether it’s a whimsical wall art enticing children’s imagination or a private balcony allowing parents to unwind under the stars, the brilliance is in the details. These family cabins transform into sanctuaries, where the laughter and stories of the day’s adventure echo into the tranquility of the night.

Final Thoughts

Embarking on this inclusive look at the high seas, I’ve navigated through an ocean of options to help families choose the ideal cruise for kids . The mission was clear: unveil the perfect blend of joy for the young and tranquility for the adults, anchoring the voyage in a horizon of happiness and rest. Now, as I chart the final course, it’s apparent that the best cruises for children and families are those that create a seamless mosaic of entertainment, adventure, and relaxation—all tailor-made for the wide-eyed wanderlust of children and the deserved respite their parents yearn for.

Selecting the Ideal Cruise for Your Kid-Friendly Voyage

Selecting kid-friendly cruises means diving into a treasure trove of experiences designed to delight and enthrall. Whether it’s marveling at jaw-dropping performances beneath the stars or joining forces as a family on an on-deck scavenger hunt, the escapades are as endless as the ocean is deep. My journey revealed this truth: to gift your family an unforgettable family cruise , look for a ship that stokes the imaginations of your youngest sailors while providing you, the ever-watchful captain, with pockets of peace.

Unlocking Exclusive Offers for an Unforgettable Family Cruise Experience

As a savvy sea-explorer, I advise keeping your compass pointed towards those exclusive offers on cruises . Eye-catching deals not only cushion the wallet but often unveil hidden perks that can turn a great vacation into an extraordinary one. Seeking out these special promotions is akin to discovering a hidden cove of extras and amenities that could enhance your voyage. Whether it’s room upgrades, on-board credits, or special access to limited events, remember: the best cruises for children and families come laden with more than just sweeping sunset views—they come with golden opportunities to make your journey at sea truly legendary.

Best Kid-Friendly Cruises – FAQ

What are the best cruise lines for families with kids.

Some of the best cruise lines for families with kids include Princess Cruises, MSC Cruises, and Celebrity Cruises.

Which cruise ships are considered the most kid-friendly?

Cruise ships like Princess Cruises’ Royal Princess, MSC Cruises’ MSC Seaside, and Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Edge are known for being very kid-friendly.

What activities are available for the whole family on a kid-friendly cruise?

Kid-friendly cruises offer a variety of activities like rock climbing, video games, family pool areas, kids clubs, and even family shore excursions.

Which cruise line offers the best family vacation experiences?

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line is known for offering ultimate family vacation experiences with activities for kids of all ages, including the Kids Sail Free program.

Are there luxury cruise options available for families with kids?

Yes, there are luxury cruise options available for families with kids, such as Princess Cruises and other upscale cruise lines that offer family-friendly amenities.

What makes a cruise ship perfect for a family vacation?

A cruise ship perfect for a family vacation offers a variety of family activities, dining options, entertainment, and accommodations suitable for families to enjoy together.

Which cruise destinations are popular for family cruises in 2024?

Popular cruise destinations for family cruises in 2024 include Alaska, the Caribbean, and other tropical locations that offer fun and adventure for the whole family.

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The Family Vacation Guide

8 of the Best Cruises for a Family of 5

posted by Charmaine Cortes on January 5, 2023 // last updated on January 11, 2023

Cruise vacations are excellent for relaxation and exploring new destinations. They are also very convenient for planning as cruise ships provide transportation, accommodation, and entertainment. 

That said, finding the right cruise vacation can be challenging, especially when trying to cater to a bigger family. If you are searching for a cruise for a family of 5, read our list below and find the one that best fits your family’s needs.

Royal Caribbean

Disney cruise line, princess cruise line, carnival cruise line, norwegian cruise line, msc cruises , costa cruises, celebrity cruises.

The Royal Caribbean cruises are designed for family vacations providing amenities and activities for guests from multiple generations. The ships from Royal Caribbean offer fun and educational activities for kids and teens as well as many evening shows and events for adult cruisers. 

With Royal Caribbean, you don’t need to worry about planning a vacation, as each ship provides dining options, activities for all ages and preferences, and outstanding entertainment.

Activities on board 

Each cruise ship offers so much to do to fill your days with fun while onboard. The cruisers can play on the water slides, participate in laser tag battles, play mini golf, and do much more. There is also a surf simulator and zip lining for adventurers. 

The cruisers can also try rock climbing, go-karts, ice skating, playing an escape room game, and jumping on the trampolines. The activities vary from one ship to another, but each one offers many activities for the cruisers. 

Entertainment 

During the night, the Royal Caribbean cruise provides musicals and shows that you can enjoy with your whole family. From productions from Broadway and ice skating shows to aqua theater shows, such cruises provide a variety of entertainment. 

The full-scale productions happen every night on every cruise and feature award-winning shows.

Dining 

To fuel your body between the adventures and the onboard activities, Royal Caribbean has restaurants providing delicious meals from a variety of cuisines across the world. There are dining and beverage packages, complimentary dining, and specialty dining venues with a broad selection of foods. 

Cruise rooms 

The Royal Caribbean ships have modern cruise rooms designed with every type of guest in mind. The cruise rooms are stylish and offer plenty of room and comfort, making their ships suitable for larger families. 

There are spacious interiors and connecting rooms to accommodate larger families and staterooms for couples. You can also opt for luxury cruise suite accommodations that will elevate your vacation experience to another level.

If you would like to surprise your family with a magical vacation experience, the Disney Cruise Line might be the best option for you. The cruise ships from Disney combine fun and relaxation, providing activities for the whole family.

The Disney Cruise Ships never disappoints when it comes to entertainment, dining venues, and amenities for the guests and this cruise line attracts plenty of travelers every year. 

The Disney Cruise Line is known for meet and greets with Mickey Mouse, Disney princesses, and other popular Disney characters. 

Every day is an adventure on the Disney Cruise Ships, which offers fun activities for the whole family, making the journey very exciting. 

Aside from Disney character experiences, the cruisers can also expect themed deck parties and 3D Disney movies. 

The imaginative youth clubs allow the children to learn and play in large play spaces, while the adults-only areas on the ship include many bars and pubs. 

The Disney Cruise also features pools and recreation activities, including waterslides, a spa and salon, and sports and fitness centers.

Throughout the voyage, the family-friendly cruise ships offer live musicals for the whole family and magnificent firework shows. 

The Disney Cruise Lines have many live shows based on classic Disney movies that are suitable for guests of all ages.

The Disney Cruise Line offers many dining options for the cruisers, including themed restaurants, poolside snacks, and 24-hour room service. 

The food is prepared by renowned chefs who are known to accommodate customers with different dietary restrictions. There are also themed nightclubs and lounges for the adult cruisers

Their spacious cabins can easily accommodate a family of 5, and they typically come with two bathrooms, allowing more people to get ready at the same time. 

The largest Concierge-level suites can accommodate up to 7 people, so you can easily find a stateroom for your needs by providing the number of guests while booking.

Princess offers cruise vacations for every generation. You can choose from popular cruise destinations and participate in fun activities to spend quality time with your family. The Princess Cruise Lines are also known for excellent food and service. 

This American cruise line hosts numerous passengers every year and their family-friendly ships such as the Caribean Princess offer plenty of fun activities for the children including a youth and teen center, a splash zone, HD movies under the stars, and a lot more. 

What differentiates Princess cruise vacations from so many others is that the ships provide destination-themed activities such as traditional live performances, dance lessons, and local dishes served at the restaurants.

Among the fun ship activities are festival celebrations and multimedia presentations provided by local destination experts. 

The adults on the cruise can also learn to prepare gourmet specialties, do wine tasting, participate in world-class gaming, and attend art history lectures. 

During your Princess cruise voyage, you can also take a dip in the sparkling freshwater pools or relax in the hot tubs. The Princess ship cruises also have activities for sports enthusiasts and allow the guests to participate in fun dance classes. 

Princess also offers unique activities such as Discovery and Animal Planet shore excursions. One of their kid-friendly cruises, Caribbean Princess, includes Camp Discovery Youth and Teen Center and HD Movies Under the Stars. 

There is also a Reef Family Splash Zone that features an interactive water playground with a splash pool. 

The Princess Cruise Lines feature plenty of dazzling live shows from performers around the globe. The cruise ships provide plenty of hit production shows.

Apart from the shows, the cruisers can also participate in game shows such as Deal or no Deal, and The Voice of the Ocean, based on the popular singing competition, and attend magician and comedian shows, watch movies at the poolside movie theater, and more. 

The chefs from the Princess Cruise Lines offer many tasty dishes that tell stories of their own. You can opt for a formal dinner or order from casual eateries with your family. 

Moreover, the guests can order their favorite foods and drinks and have them delivered with free delivery.

Room suites 

The room suites from the Princess Cruise Line can easily accommodate large family groups. The cruisers can choose from inside cabins, ocean-view cabins, balcony cabins, and suits, depending on the cruise ship and their needs and preferences.

The Carnival Cruise Line is an excellent option for those looking for an affordable cruise for a family of 5. The ship cruises feature spacious cabins for larger families and various onboard attractions. 

The family-friendly ships offer some of the most entertaining voyages for children and adult cruisers and offer affordable prices for the amenities. 

With the Carnival Cruise Line, you can explore great destinations and join popular onboard activities such as ‘Family Feud Live’, Waterworks, and Skyride. 

The adults can also join a Cloud 9 spa and the serenity adult-only retreat. The carnival Cruise ships also include parties, shops, fitness, and more.

The adult cruisers can also have a fun night in the nightclubs, join themed parties or visit the casino. 

On such a cruise, the whole family can have an excellent time during the vacation and enjoy live music and comedy shows. The cruising ships also feature karaoke, a theater, and a piano bar. 

The guests on the cruise have several dining choices, such as a steakhouse, a sea day brunch, a seafood shack, and many restaurants, which makes it a fantastic cruise line afloat. Aside from the various dining choices, the Carnival cruise ships also have themed bars for adult cruisers.

The Carnival Cruise Line caters to all types of passengers. Hence, they have many options when it comes to accommodation. Larger families can choose from flexible staterooms, connecting rooms, and suite rooms with an extra bathroom. 

Aside from the large cabins with enough space for up to five passengers, you can also book a family harbor suite and get a family lounge with Wi-Fi, snacks, movies, games, and other essentials.

If you and your family would like to experience new fun activities on board, you can look into the Norwegian Cruise Line deals. From music mania, ropes course, and laser tag to waterslides, Broadway musicals, and live performances, these cruise ships have something to offer for every passenger.

The Norwegian Cruise Line is known for their fun water parks, slides, and activities for cruisers of different generations. The children can join the splash academy and showcase their artistic skills. 

They can also enjoy themed parties and gaming, burn energy in the dynamic zone or relax in the chill zone; one thing is for sure, the activities make sure that no passenger gets bored during their vacation.

The newer Norwegian Cruise ships also offer VR experiences, bowling, and go-karting. Aside from the thrilling race track, the cruisers can also hang the largest ropes course, do rock climbing, and participate in other fun activities.

The cruisers can also relax on a chaise lounge, rejuvenate at the spa or have an energizing workout at the fitness centers. The Norwegian Cruise line also offers shore excursions for the cruisers. 

The Norwegian Cruise Line provides award-winning entertainment for the guests. During the night, the guests can enjoy watching musicals and shows, attending live music performances, or joining themed parties. 

The cruise ships also provide game and comedy shows as well as a variety of other exclusive entertainment.

The Norwegian Cruise line is very flexible when it comes to the dining system, so many eateries onboard allow families to plan their meals according to their liking and provide them with many food options.

The cruisers can enjoy various complimentary, specialty, and family dining options that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. 

All of the cruising ships offer crafted menus with every guest in mind. The guest can visit the Main Dining Rooms, go to the Buffets, or choose food from casual eateries. Their renewed chefs offer original dishes made with the finest ingredients, ensuring an incredible dining experience.

The Norwegian Cruise line has family mini-suites, balconies, oceanviews, and inside staterooms. Also, most of their ships have 2-bedroom family suites near the kids’ area.

The ship’s ocean-view cabins are suitable for larger families, but you also have the option to connect cabins or book a family suite for extra space and access to a private pool and a restaurant. 

MSC Cruises has one of the largest glamorous cruises offering excellent family deals. Given their partnership with LEGO, their cruise ships ensure that the children have a lot of fun on board. 

With MSC Cruises, you can visit amazing destinations and have an exciting vacation with your family. The MSC Cruises are also suitable for families with babies. Many of their ships have baby areas, special baby menus, and push chairs. 

The cruise ship activities provided by MSC Cruises ensure fun times during the day and at night. From the F1 simulator, bowling, and billiard room to arcade games and 4D cinema, there are plenty of activities to do and spend quality time with your family. 

The MSC Cruise lines also have a kid’s club devoted to LEGO building. Among the activities they offer is a Family Game Show, which is a competition for the whole family to dance and do selfie challenges. The passengers who like dancing can also join the Family Disco for a special disco time. 

For those passengers who enjoy outdoor activities, the Italian cruise line has zip lines, waterparks, swimming pools, and others, such as taking a skywalk on the Himalayan bridge and witnessing breathtaking ocean views.

MSC Cruises offers Broadway shows with international artists to entertain guests. The cruisers can also enjoy watching Carousel Production Sea shows with dance and live music, acrobatics, and innovative technology, offering world-class entertainment.

When it comes to dining, MSC Cruises offers packages from various cuisines, including Mediterranean and Asian. The packages offer many dining options suitable for everyone’s taste. 

You also have the option to book specialty dining packages in advance for a discounted price and enjoy an incredible dining experience. There are also drink packages for everyone, offering cocktails, premium drinks, alcohol-free packages, and minor packages. 

The MSC Cruises have spacious ocean-view cabins for larger family groups. However, you can also choose from the variety of connecting family cabins suitable for accommodation for up to 10 people. There are also duplex suites, grand suites, royal suites, and other cruise accommodations. 

With Costa Cruises , you can explore destinations across the world from a different perspective. With bright and sophisticated rooms, delicious food, and plenty of family-friendly activities, there is something for everyone’s taste on these cruises. 

For the athletic cruisers, there are also equipped gyms, sports activities and tournaments, swimming pools and hot tubs, and massage and beauty treatments. 

With Costa Cruises, your cruise holiday can be filled with a lot of fun. The ships feature slides and waterparks, shows at the theater, game rooms, and more. Their cruising ships feature an Aqua Park dedicated to children where they can safely play water games.

There is also a Rope Garden Adventure Park for adventurers, an Outdoor Peppa Pig Area for family gathering moments, and a mini golf area for exciting challenges. The cruises have activities and games intended for every age group. 

There is also a Squok Club for arts and crafts with their entertainers and a teen zone offering board games, table tennis, and many sports tournaments. 

Certain Costa Cruise ships, such as Costa Esmeralda and Costa Toscana, also have babysitting services for families traveling with babies. 

The cruise lines offer entertainment throughout the day and the night. In the evening, the guests can enjoy watching shows and live performances at the theater, making the holidays an unforgettable experience. 

From comedy shows, musicals, games, acrobats, and more, the shows are designed for passengers of different age groups and preferences. 

The Costa Cruising ships not only provide an exploration of different places but also offer flavors from different regions of the world. 

The renowned chefs make a signature dish every night and offer destination dishes that represent the destination you are about to visit. 

The cruise ships have various themed restaurants. There are also wine bars for adults, ice cream parlors, and chocolate bars the whole family can enjoy.

Each of the suites on the Costa Cruises has its style, but they are all designed with modern touches. You can also book suites featuring a balcony allowing you to enjoy a scenic view while relaxing. Costa Cruises offers different suites, including large ones for families with multiple children. 

Celebrity Cruises boast large and luxurious cruising ships with technology features for an exclusive holiday experience. This is a cruise line designed for people with older children who value comfort and style while traveling.

These cruise lines are also designed for passengers with mobility issues in mind, and their attentive crew is always ready for assistance. The cruise lines provide a unique, comfortable, and fun experience, no matter your destination.

Activities on board

These cruising ships’ activities enable you to create memories and spend quality time with your family. 

Celebrity Cruises offer adventurous excursions on land and plenty of onboard activities, such as Xbox stations for video game tournaments, swimming in pools, archery tournaments, hot glass classes, and more. 

The cruise ships also provide spa and wellness treatments specially designed for teens. Moreover, they have autism-friendly ships with many products, services, and menu options. The ships also offer photography packages and cruise shopping.

Celebrity Cruises don’t disappoint when it comes to unique entertainment. The guests can gather for a movie night under the stars or participate in silent disco parties. There are also live music performances during the day and night and unpredictable parties that will make your voyage even more exciting. 

This cruising line also has an entertainment center and a program for children and teens. The Camp at the Sea program schedules activities based on the interest of the cruisers. The program covers art, recreation, culinary, and S.T.E.M. and has designed more than 500 activities.

The adult guests can also view main-stage productions with music, incredible acrobatics, and acting. On such a cruise ship, you can play Deal and no Deal, inspired by the popular game show, or play Bingo Express.

The delicious food also contributes to an amazing vacation experience. Hence, the renowned chefs from Celebrity Cruises offer appetizing scents and flavors. Here you can find specialty restaurants, various bars and lounges, and exclusive signature dishes. There is also an in-room kid’s menu with many delicious options.

Staterooms and suites

Celebrity Cruises have luxurious accommodations suitable for both solo travelers and bigger families with multiple children. The spacious styling rooms have exquisite bedding and offer picturesque views for the guests. All of their rooms have a modern style.

If you are looking for a cruise for a family of 5, cruise lines such as the ones we have reviewed in this post can be an excellent option for your next holiday. Such cruise ships have spacious cabins for large families and offer various onboard activities for passengers of all age groups. 

The cruises also offer dining specialties from different cuisines and offer entertaining shows during the evenings.

Cruising makes for a unique cruising experience to spend with your family and have quality time together.

More about our TFVG Author

Charmaine Cortes

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The 8 best alaska cruises for families.

Plan your next family vacation to explore the boundless beauty of the 49th state.

The Best Alaska Cruises for Families

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

A cruise to Alaska is a once-in-a-lifetime family or multigenerational vacation. With unique opportunities for wildlife viewing and outdoor adventures that you won't find anywhere else in the world – not to mention scenic cruising days on the ship to spend time together – this special experience will stay with you forever.

For an extended vacation in the 49th state, consider booking a cruisetour. This combined cruise and pre- or post-cruise land tour option is offered by many of the larger cruise lines. The tours visit some of the top attractions in the state , such as Denali National Park and Preserve, and often include picturesque rides into Alaska's remote wilderness aboard the Alaska Railroad. Some tours also head north to Fairbanks and visit Kenai Fjords National Park or Wrangell-St. Elias National Park (or both, in some cases). You can choose between fully escorted adventures or laid-back options to explore on your own, depending on what works best for your family.

Ready to book your Alaska adventure? These eight cruise lines offer excellent family-friendly excursions ashore , plus plenty of onboard activities to keep both kids and parents entertained during days at sea.

Find your perfect cruise

Princess Cruises: 7-Day Voyage of the Glaciers with Glacier Bay

Departure city: Vancouver, British Columbia

The 2024 cruise season brings Princess' 55th-anniversary sailing to The Great Land, and the line is offering more than 150 Alaska voyages between April and September. The popular Voyage of the Glaciers with Glacier Bay itinerary northbound from Vancouver to Anchorage (Whittier), Alaska , is available on dozens of dates this season on Grand Princess , Royal Princess or Sapphire Princess . The sailing includes stops in the ports of Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway, as well as scenic cruising in beautiful Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and College Fjord in Alaska. If you prefer a smaller ship, choose Grand Princess or Sapphire Princess, which hold 2,610 and 2,680 passengers (double occupancy), respectively. Meanwhile, Royal Princess accommodates 3,560 guests at double occupancy.

The Princess Cruises North to Alaska program features immersive, family-friendly opportunities to learn about the history and traditions of the 49th state. Guests can sample fresh local seafood and meet famous Alaskans such as Libby Riddles, the first woman to win the 1,100-mile Iditarod dog race. In Skagway, families can meet some of the newest sled dogs and their handlers during Puppies in the Piazza on the ship. Younger cruisers and teens can participate in the Alaska Explorers Youth Program in partnership with Glacier Bay National Park and the Discovery Channel, which includes activities like the "Deadliest Catch" Crab Sort Challenge.

The North to Alaska program also partners with Discovery and Animal Planet to feature onboard exhibits about Alaska, as well as curated excursions like the White Pass Rail Bennett Lake & Yukon Adventure in Skagway, which was created by a train historian. Back on the ship, kids and teens can hang out with other young cruisers their age at Camp Discovery's Treehouse (ages 3 to 7), Lodge (8 to 12) or Beach House (13 to 17). In addition, be sure to keep an eye out for Princess Cruises' Alaska mascot: Stanley the Bear. You might even find him during story time at the kids clubs wearing a captain's uniform or destination-themed costumes, such as lumberjack gear in Ketchikan.

Norwegian Cruise Line: Alaska – Dawes Glacier, Juneau & Ketchikan

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Departure city: Seattle, Washington

This seven-day round-trip voyage from Seattle is available on Norwegian Bliss from April to September during the line's 2024 Alaska season. The sailing includes the ports of Sitka, Juneau , Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan (Ward Cove), plus scenic cruising in Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier in Alaska. There's also an evening stop in Victoria, British Columbia , before disembarking in Seattle. Norwegian Bliss can carry 4,004 passengers at double occupancy and 4,266 passengers at maximum capacity.

The entire family will enjoy excursions like the Whale Watching & Bear Search tour in Icy Strait Point, while thrill-seekers of all ages will want to book an adrenaline-pumping ride down the mountain on the massive ZipRider zip line. In Ketchikan, take a hike through Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the U.S., where you might catch glimpses of wildlife like black bears or bald eagles. You can also head offshore from Ketchikan aboard the Aleutian Ballad, the famed ship from Discovery Channel's "Deadliest Catch," to pick up the day's bounty of king crab and search for marine wildlife along Alaska's Inside Passage.

Plenty of family activities and entertainment options are offered on this Norwegian Cruise Line ship, including the Bliss Speedway, a two-level racetrack at sea; laser tag; mini-golf; an interactive aqua park with waterslides that zip above the side of the ship; a video arcade; and live entertainment. You'll also find kids clubs designed for younger children and teens , as well as adults-only escapes like Vibe Beach Club and Spice H2O. When it comes to dining, there's no shortage of casual fare for hungry kids at venues like the Garden Café buffet, American Diner and The Local Bar & Grill.

Disney Cruise Line: 7-Night Alaskan Cruise from Vancouver

Matt Stroshane | Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

This seven-night itinerary aboard Disney Wonder departs round-trip from Vancouver on several voyages throughout the 2024 Alaska season, which runs from May to September. The weeklong Disney Cruise Line sailing includes glacier viewing along the Stikine Icecap and stops in Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan. Plus, you'll enjoy plenty of Disney fun on board, with character meet-and-greets, Broadway-quality shows, and entertaining activities and venues for kids and adults alike.

Many of the ship's nautical-themed staterooms are designed with families in mind and feature a "split bath" concept and extra under-bed storage for suitcases. Disney Wonder can hold 1,750 passengers at double occupancy and 2,700 passengers at maximum capacity. The ship's unique rotational dining venues include an "under the sea" adventure at Triton's, a dinner show with Disney characters at Animator's Palate and Southern specialties with jazz music at Tiana's Place. For a night out sans kids, adults can savor a quiet evening with northern Italian cuisine at Palo or nosh on casual pub fare at Crown & Fin Pub. Younger sailors will find age-appropriate spaces at Disney's Oceaneer Club and Lab, tween venue Edge, and teen club Vibe.

Disney's excursions also offer family fun ashore – especially in Skagway. Try panning for gold with Disney characters like Donald Duck, then feast on baked Alaska salmon at Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp. You can also take an extended six-hour tour by boat into Alaska's deepest fjord, Lynn Canal, then hike through the rainforest to reach your canoe for a wilderness safari at Glacier Point. For a bucket list splurge, reserve a spot on the helicopter flightseeing tour that includes dog mushing on the Denver Glacier with a team of Alaska sled dogs.

Holland America Line: 7-Day Alaska Inside Passage

Courtesy of Holland America Line

Holland America's Koningsdam will sail the line's seven-day Inside Passage itinerary more than 20 times between April and September in 2024. This round-trip voyage embarks in Vancouver and includes multiple days of scenic cruising. You'll sail through the Inside Passage for two days; through Tracy Arm Inlet, where you can disembark for a shore excursion; and through Glacier Bay, where the Junior Ranger Program is a highlight for kids. The ports of call on this itinerary are Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan in Alaska.

Koningsdam features dedicated family staterooms with beds for up to five guests, two bathrooms and extra closet space. The ship carries 2,650 guests at double occupancy and 3,194 passengers at maximum capacity. A wildlife expert on the ship helps guests spot Alaska's incredible marine and land animals through announcements and during daily programs. Keep an eye out for humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, moose, brown bears and other wildlife. While in the Tracy Arm Wilderness Area, you'll want to take the Tracy Arm Fjord & Glacier Explorer excursion to explore glacier-covered mountains, jagged cliffs and the largest temperate rainforest in the U.S. surrounding the fjord. On a high-speed catamaran, you'll get up-close views of the Sawyer Glaciers and have potential sightings of harbor seals, bears, mountain goats and more.

Back on board, Holland America Line 's kids club offers supervised, age-appropriate activities for young cruisers ages 3 to 17 – including children who may need certain accommodations. You'll also find plenty of family-friendly options for dining on Koningsdam, including Lido Market, New York Pizza and the poolside Dive In grill. During the cruise, look for themed evenings in the Lido Market like salmon bakes or seafood boil pop-up dinners, which are in line with Holland America's commitment to serving certified sustainable and traceable Alaska seafood. An Alaska brunch is also offered once during the voyage in the main dining room; you'll enjoy dishes highlighting ingredients from Alaska and the Pacific Northwest.

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Royal Caribbean International: 7 Night Alaska Adventure Cruise

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Hop aboard Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas for the seven-night Alaska Adventure Cruise, sailing round-trip from Seattle . This itinerary is available on several dates between May and August 2024 and features stops in the towns of Ketchikan, Sitka and Juneau, plus scenic cruising in Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier in Alaska. There's also an afternoon call in the Canadian city of Victoria. While there, book an off-roading excursion through the coastal rainforest that includes a zip line adventure. Or, take a self-guided tour through Victoria's famed Butchart Gardens and the tropical Butterfly Gardens filled with wildlife.

Quantum of the Seas – which holds 4,180 passengers at double occupancy and 4,905 passengers at maximum capacity – is one of the two larger Royal Caribbean ships sailing in Alaska in 2024 (Ovation of the Seas is the other). As such, it offers abundant activities and entertainment for families at sea. On board, guests can experience Ripcord by iFly (the only skydiving simulator at sea) and take in snow-capped mountain views from the FlowRider surf simulator or atop the ship's rock climbing wall. Other onboard activities include bumper cars, an escape room, an arcade, pickleball and The Silent Party (a dance party where everyone wears headphones).

At mealtime, kids will have plenty of choices for casual and quick bites, from carefully crafted hot dogs at the Dog House and specialty pies at Sorrento's Pizza to around-the-clock snacks at Café Promenade and grab-and-go fare at The Café@Two70. When the little ones want to play or chill out with kids their age, Adventure Ocean offers activities for children 3 to 12 years old. Meanwhile, teens can meet other 13- to 17-year-olds at the Hideout Hangout.

Carnival Cruise Line: 7-Day Alaska from Seattle, WA

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Departure city: Juneau, Alaska

Carnival's 2024 Alaska season runs from May to September, with the 7-Day Alaska from Seattle itinerary available every month during that time. The round-trip sailing aboard Carnival Luminosa stops in Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan, Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia. You'll enjoy scenic cruising in Victoria and through Tracy Arm Fjord. You'll also have one "fun day at sea" to check out the activities and entertainment on the ship, which offers a double occupancy capacity of 2,260 passengers and a maximum capacity of 2,826 passengers.

Younger sailors ages 2 to 11 can join in on ocean-themed games, songs and programming at Camp Ocean, while tweens and teens (ages 12 to 17) can participate in destination-focused activities at See the World. Club 02 is a designated space for guests ages 15 to 17 to watch movies, play sports and video games, and more. Families can enjoy Dive-In Movies together at Carnival Seaside Theater and watch live musical productions at Playlist Productions. When it comes to dining on Carnival , families will have a choice of several casual restaurants to satisfy finicky eaters, including Pizzeria del Capitano, The Carnival Deli, Lido Marketplace and Swirls for soft serve ice cream. For a special night out, make reservations at the Steakhouse, which costs extra but offers reduced prices for children 11 and younger.

When going ashore, Juneau offers many family-friendly excursions – some of which you may not have the chance to experience anywhere else in the world. The Taku Lodge Feast & 5-Glacier Seaplane Discovery takes guests airborne by bush plane over the five glaciers in the Juneau Icefield. After the ride, you'll land in the Taku River at the historic Taku Lodge, which sits across from Juneau's largest glacier, the Taku Glacier. At the lodge, you'll feast on a bountiful meal featuring homemade side dishes and one of the best-known local seafood specialties, Alaska king salmon.

Celebrity Cruises: 7 Nights Alaska Hubbard Glacier

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity's seven-night Alaska Hubbard Glacier itinerary is available on nine voyages between May and September 2024. The Celebrity Solstice (which holds 2,852 guests at double occupancy) sails round-trip from Vancouver and stops in the ports of Icy Strait Point, Juneau and Ketchikan in Alaska. You'll have two days of scenic cruising in the Inside Passage and around Hubbard Glacier. While in Icy Strait Point, book a guided nature walk excursion along the "Trail of the Bears" in the bush country of the Spasski River Valley. During your search for Alaska's coastal brown bears, you'll also learn about the Tlingit culture and community in Hoonah, and perhaps even see Sitka black-tailed deer and bald eagles.

Back on the ship, Celebrity's Camp at Sea program entertains children, tweens and teens ages 3 to 17 with four different age-appropriate programs: Shipmates (ages 3 to 5), Cadets (ages 6 to 9), Captains (ages 10 to 12) and Teens (ages 13 to 17). The customizable activities change every cruise and are based on the interests of the participants. Celebrity also offers autism-friendly activities and services for families on board.

When it comes to dining options on the ship, families will find kid-friendly selections on the in-room dining menu and at the main restaurant. For quick casual fare, head to the buffet-style Oceanview Café or to the Mast Grill for burgers and other grab-and-go bites. If you want healthier dishes, the Spa Café offers homemade energy bars, acai bowls, turkey wraps and other light choices.

UnCruise Adventures: Glacier Bay Adventure Cruise

Courtesy of UnCruise Adventures

If you prefer a small-ship cruise experience without the bells and whistles of some larger vessels, UnCruise offers adventure-style cruises to Alaska on its fleet of safari- and expedition-style ships. With these intimate cruises, you and the kids (ages 8 and older) can get up close to glaciers, wildlife and Alaska's vast wilderness directly from the ship via Zodiacs and kayaks. You may even see wildlife from a short distance away along the shoreline, as UnCruise vessels are able to sail into smaller waterways that are inaccessible to larger ships.

The line's Glacier Bay Adventure Cruise features two full days in pristine Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve aboard the Wilderness Discoverer, which holds a maximum of 76 passengers. Here, guests can hike along remote coastlines amid old-growth forests, view sea life up close and go birding at South Marble Island. You'll also have the opportunity to see several tidewater glaciers, go kayaking in the Keku Islands and explore Neka Bay on Chichagof Island. Another highlight is a visit to Glacier Bay Lodge at Bartlett Cove, the only hotel accommodations in the 3.3 million-acre national park. The seven-night itinerary departs round-trip from Juneau and is offered between April and September 2024.

The full itinerary includes stops in Icy Strait and Neka Bay; Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve; Chichagof Island (which boasts the world's largest population of brown bears per square mile); Frederick Sound; and Tracy Arm and the Sawyer Glaciers. During the weeklong cruise, you'll have narration by expert onboard guides and embark on some of the most memorable adventures your kids will ever have in Alaska's remote wilderness.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship, including the newest megaships, traditional masted sailing ships, river ships in Europe and a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica. She has cruised to Alaska and visited The Great Land in the summer, fall and winter, and journeyed to remote areas by bush plane above the Arctic Circle. She used her knowledge of Alaska cruises and extensive research to write this article. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• Alaska Cruise Packing List: Must-Have Items
• The Best Time to Cruise to Alaska
• The Most Affordable Alaska Cruises
• The Best Alaska Cruise Lines
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

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6 best Alaska cruises for families

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Adorable sled dog puppies, graceful whales, fascinating totem poles, crazy lumberjacks, majestic glaciers — Alaska has much to offer families of all ages. But if you’re looking for the best Alaska cruise for kids, which ship should you choose?

Families have great choices when sailing up north, including a ship full of Disney characters, one with laser tag and a go-kart race track and many with expansive play spaces for kids, waterslides and family-focused onboard activities. Look for bigger ships with plenty of amusements; smaller and older ships might not have as many kid-friendly attractions.

I’m not mentioning luxury cruise ships here because they are geared for adults, but families looking for a more upscale, smaller-ship cruise to Alaska should know that many high-end lines will put on some kid programming during summer-break cruises to Alaska with a higher-than-usual number of children on board.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter .

If you’re ready to cross Alaska off your bucket list, here are our recommendations for the best Alaska cruises for families.

7-night Alaska Adventure cruise on Quantum of the Seas

The 4,180-passenger Quantum of the Seas is not one of Royal Caribbean ’s largest-in-the-world Oasis Class ships that boast zip lines, ice skating rinks and AquaTheaters. But it still offers a great mix of activities, including a skydiving simulator, high-tech theater with robotic “dancing” screens, an escape room, indoor basketball court/bumper car pavilion and dedicated spaces for both kids and adults.

Kids can gobble up hot dogs and pizza at themed eateries, while adults can enjoy date night at Wonderland with its imaginative molecular gastronomy or Jamie’s Italian, created by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver.

Seven-night Alaska cruises sail round-trip from the easily accessible port of Seattle and visit Sitka, Skagway and Juneau, Alaska; as well as Victoria, British Columbia. One day is spent cruising through the scenic Endicott Arm to Dawes Glacier. Sailings depart between late April and September.

Related: Alaska cruise packing list: What to pack for a sailing up north

7-night Alaska cruise on Disney Wonder

Disney Cruise Line ‘s 1,754-passenger Disney Wonder (which can carry 2,713 guests when completely full) is the perfect size ship for a family cruise to Alaska. It’s smaller than many of the megaships catering to families in this part of the world, so guests can view glaciers and enjoy shore excursions without feeling too crowded.

The ship is full of Disney magic — photo ops with Mickey and friends and Disney princesses, restaurants themed to “The Little Mermaid” and “The Princess and the Frog” and a musical stage show of “Frozen.”

Cabins are thoughtfully designed for families, with plentiful bunkbeds and split bathrooms so two people can get ready for bed at once. Waiters assist with cutting up food for little cruisers or bringing pureed baby food, and the imaginative kids clubs keep little ones happily occupied when you’re not exploring in port.

Disney Wonder’s weeklong Alaska cruises sail round-trip from Vancouver, so all Americans, even kids, will need passports to fly in to the departure port. The ship visits Juneau, Ketchikan and either Skagway or Icy Strait Point, with glacier viewing at the Stikine Icecap. Seasonal sailings run May to September.

Related: Alaska cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do

7-night Alaska cruise on Carnival Spirit

Carnival Cruise Line ’s Alaska cruises aboard the 2,124-guest Carnival Spirit might not be the cheapest sailings the line offers, but you get a lot for your money. Families will appreciate not having to pay extra for kid-friendly eats at the onboard pizzeria, Mexican outlet, Guy Fieri’s burger joint and all-day soft serve ice cream station. Comedy shows (both family-friendly and adults-only), an onboard water park, mini-golf and kid, tween and teen clubs are also included in the fare.

Cabins are no-frills but tend to be roomier than comparable cabins on competitors’ ships. Many rooms sleep four, but connecting cabins will get you more space and an extra bathroom while still keeping the family together.

Carnival Spirit spends summers in Alaska from late April to mid-September. It sails round-trip from Seattle and visits Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan and Victoria, BC, with scenic cruising in Tracy Arm Fjord.

Related: Best time to cruise Alaska

7-night Glacier Bay cruise on Norwegian Encore

Norwegian Cruise Line offers one of the longest cruise seasons in Alaska, and Norwegian Encore is based in the region from April through October each year. This might not help the typical family, but if your kids are young, you homeschool or have atypical breaks, a shoulder-season deal might be waiting for you.

The 3,998-passenger ship is NCL’s biggest, and families will be amazed at how much there is to do on board (though be prepared to pull out your credit card for the best activities). The ship features a laser tag arena, go-kart race track, virtual reality pavilion and water park.

Norwegian is also known for its entertainment, and after a day hiking on glaciers or chowing down at salmon bakes, you can take in the spectacular “Choir of Man,” sing along to the Beatles tribute show at The Cavern Club, or laugh yourself silly at The Social Comedy Club.

Like many of the best Alaska cruises for families, Norwegian Encore sails round-trip from Seattle, stopping in Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Victoria. The standout day on this itinerary is scenic cruising in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve , which only a limited number of ships can visit each year. Save more by taking advantage of Free at Sea perks , which often include a free beverage package, Wi-Fi, shore excursion credit, specialty dining and — perfect for families — free third and fourth guests in each cabin.

Related: Alaska cruise mistakes you never want to make

7-night Voyage of the Glaciers cruise on Royal Princess

Families with a little more vacation time might want to tack a visit to the Alaskan interior before or after their cruise, either independently or with a cruisetour. For this, you’ll need a one-way cruise that begins or ends in an Alaskan port.

A top candidate for this kind of family vacation is a seven-night cruise on Princess Cruises ‘ Royal Princess sailing between Vancouver and Whittier, Alaska. The ship stops in Ketchikan, Juneau and either Skagway or Sitka, with scenic cruising in Glacier Bay and either College Fjord or Hubbard Glacier, depending on the itinerary.

It’s then up to you whether you spend you pre- or post-cruise time in the Kenai Fjord area, in Anchorage or traveling north to Denali National Park, Fairbanks or into the Arctic.

Royal Princess is known for its fan-favorite Alfredo’s pizza, Movies Under the Stars (when the Alaskan weather permits) and snacks and entertainment in the central Piazza. With its special North to Alaska activities, families can cuddle some adorable sled dogs on board the ship and meet Iditarod winners and other notable locals. Kids can become junior rangers with the help of the park rangers who come aboard the ship in Glacier Bay.

7-night Kids in Nature cruise on Wilderness Legacy

Suppose your family isn’t into the big-ship lifestyle and wants a small-ship, off-the-beaten-path experience that’s also geared toward families with kids and teens? In that case, the best family cruise to Alaska for you might be the “Kids in Nature” departures of UnCruise Adventures ’ 86-passenger Wilderness Legacy.

The ship sails round-trip from Juneau on “Glaciers & Wildlife” itineraries. These seven-night cruises include hiking and biking on Chichagof Island, daytime and evening kayak and skift tours in places like Patterson Bay and Robert and Crow Islands, exploring Glacier Bay’s less-visited “Outback” and visits to the LeConte and Baird Glaciers.

On three departure dates in June and July 2024, the Wilderness Legacy will staff up with “Kid Wranglers” who will lead the kid-focused activities. The minimum age to sail is 8 years old, but plenty of tweens and teens join the fun as well.

Bottom line

You no longer have to wait until you’re retired to explore Alaska. Take the kids on a weeklong exploration of the 49th State, and you’ll have plenty of cruise ships and itineraries to choose from. The best Alaska cruises for families combine action-packed itineraries with vessels designed for family fun, but we’re sure your family can find a way to have a great time up north no matter which cruise ship you choose.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

SPONSORED:  With states reopening, enjoying a meal from a restaurant no longer just means curbside pickup.

And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free. 

These are the best credit cards for dining out, taking out, and ordering in to maximize every meal purchase.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

The 5 best cruise lines for families

The best cruise lines for families allow parents and kids to have fun together and apart while taking the stress out of group travel.

Our favorite family ships mix wow-factor activities with attractive kids clubs, plentiful and convenient dining and thoughtful touches like bathtubs and babysitting.

Your family might be happy anywhere there's a beach or pool, but if you want an at-sea family vacation you'll always remember, book a sailing on one of our top five cruise lines for families.

Interested in more tips and tricks for cruises? Sign up for TPG's free cruise newsletter .

Disney Cruise Line

No one will be surprised that entertainment juggernaut Disney offers an amazing family cruise experience.

Disney Cruise Line ships are known for meet-and-greets with Mickey Mouse and Disney princesses, interactive movie-themed dining experiences and enormous kids clubs and play areas.

What might surprise the uninitiated is how good the line is at taking care of the whole family, not just the Mouse-obsessed little ones.

Disney thinks of all the little things that can help parents have a stress-free trip with kids in tow. From split bathrooms (allowing one family member to take a bath while another uses the toilet) to waiters who will cut up your child's food, Disney Cruise Line takes the pressure off parents.

While other cruise lines limit water play to kids who are toilet trained and drop-off child care to ages 3 and up, Disney caters to all kids with onboard splash areas and nurseries.

It also offers adults-only pool decks and restaurants, a nightlife scene and couples spa treatments to revive exhausted parents who haven't had a date in months.

Teens might roll their eyes at the ever-present Mickeys, but Disney Cruise Line does not ignore its older kid guests. Tweens and teens get their own cool hangouts, Edge and Vibe, with video games, foosball and hip seating areas.

Additionally, first-run movies and Broadway-caliber musicals, waterslides, teen spa treatments and grab-and-go food options (and free room service) keep older kids busy and happy.

Disney Wish and soon-to-debut Disney Treasure feature sports areas for free play and competitions attractive to this age group.

Related: The 7 best cruise ships for kids

Royal Caribbean

With some of the biggest ships at sea and an amusement park-like private island in the Bahamas, Royal Caribbean is one of the best cruise lines for active families.

Want to try surfing, sky diving, rock climbing, laser tag, go-karts or zip lining? Families don't have to leave the ship to get their adrenaline highs.

Even the sedentary pursuits are high-octane on Royal Caribbean. Broadway musicals, festive parades, water acrobatic performances and ice skating shows wow the crowds on sea days.

Expansive play spaces for kids include separate clubs for teens and tweens, plus drop-off nurseries for babies.

Parents can sneak off to the adults-only solarium or thermal suite while the kids live it up at cruise camp.

After a hard day of play, worn-out families can refuel at a variety of restaurants, including burger and milkshake mecca Johnny Rockets, Italian and Mexican eateries and an all-day buffet.

Family cabins and connecting staterooms give larger families their needed space. The Ultimate Family Suite on Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas can sleep eight, but parents and kids alike might be tempted to stay up late playing air hockey, scrambling up the climbing wall, soaking in the private outdoor hot tub or watching the giant TV.

When Icon of the Seas debuts in 2024, the new megaship will offer an entire section of the ship devoted to family-friendly accommodations and an outdoor dining-and-play space targeted at parents with young children.

Related: The best cruises for teens

Carnival Cruise Line

Practicalities first: Carnival Cruise Line is an affordable and convenient cruise line for families who don't live the jet-set lifestyle. With home ports all around the U.S., Carnival puts its ships within driving distance of many Americans.

A variety of short-cruise destinations, affordable-yet-spacious inside cabins (they can sleep four) and lots of onboard attractions and restaurants included in the fares combine to make it one of the best-value cruise lines afloat.

Carnival doesn't dub its fleet the Fun Ships for nothing. The whole family will have a blast on board, whether you like getting down to live music, busting a gut at family-friendly comedy shows, getting soaked at an onboard water park or eating green eggs and ham with Dr. Seuss characters.

The cruise line also embraces simple pleasures like free-flowing soft-serve ice cream and pizza and a day spent lounging by the pool.

Families don't need to pull out their wallets to feed ravenous teens or sugar-fueled children. Guy Fieri burgers and barbecue, burritos for breakfast and lunch and Shaquille O'Neal's fried chicken are all included in your cruise fares. No one's going to make you dress up for dinner, either.

Carnival ships have plenty of cabins that can sleep four or five passengers, but its newest ships truly treat families right. Book a Family Harbor cabin or suite and get access to a family lounge stocked with all the essentials — snacks and coffee, games, Wi-Fi, movies and a concierge to make bookings so mom and dad can spend more time playing with the kids.

MSC Cruises

The underdog on our list, MSC Cruises might not be a household name yet, but any cruise line that has a partnership with Lego should be on every family's radar.

As the Mediterranean line grows its U.S.-based fleet, it is staying attuned to the needs of traveling families.

Case in point: Larger family groups don't have to cram into one cabin or be scattered across the ship. Instead, they can select from a variety of connecting cabins that can accommodate up to 10 people.

Families keen on rooming together can take advantage of frequent "kids sail free" fares and pay only the taxes and fees for children under 18 who are the third and fourth passengers in a cabin.

Related: Kids cruise free: 7 cruise lines offering family deals in 2023

Speaking of kids clubs, MSC's ships offer play spaces for babies, kids, tweens and teens. Its ships not only offer a drop-off Baby Club with educational toys by Chicco but also a special baby laundry service to take care of that pile of dirty onesies.

Kids club activities go beyond arts and crafts and video games to include cooking events, sports competitions and hi-tech interactive games. Teens can sing karaoke, dance at the onboard disco and attend themed parties with their new friends.

Outside of the kids club, families can race in a Formula One simulator, experience virtual reality, get soaked in a water park or brave their fear of heights on a suspension bridge.

One of the line's newest ships, MSC Seascape, features Robotron, a three-seat robotic amusement ride that's a hit with thrill-seeking families.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line is all about giving cruisers options to create different versions of the perfect cruise vacation, all within the same ship.

The flexibility and choice make it one of the best cruise lines for families, especially those who need to satisfy diverse interests or get bored with the same activities day after day.

Kids clubs and adults-only sun decks allow for age-appropriate fun time apart, but Norwegian wants families to have fun together. Teaming up for laser tag, mastering a ropes course, singing along to a Broadway musical or live concert or screaming down a waterslide are guaranteed to create those unbreakable family bonds.

Norwegian's flexible dining system and a plethora of onboard eateries let families plan meals to suit their schedules and tastes.

Also, free kids meals at extra-charge restaurants mean parents can sample Brazilian, Japanese , French or seafood dishes while the littles gobble up pasta and chicken fingers. Casual all-day options suit fussy eaters who need unfussy dining areas.

The cruise line also gets a shoutout for its family-friendly Hawaii itineraries. The only big-ship cruise line that sails weeklong itineraries round trip from Honolulu, Norwegian provides an easy way for families to visit multiple islands.

Beach time, boat rides, water sports, luaus and volcano tours combine for an epic family trip, with the ship taking the stress out of meals and transportation.

Bottom line

Families can have a great time on any cruise line, hanging out by the pool, visiting exciting new destinations and simply spending time together. But if you're looking for a ship that really caters to kids and their adult companions, you'll want to book a vacation on one of these five best cruise lines for families.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

On a multigenerational family cruise, my kids got to know their grandmother better — and my husband and I got free babysitting

• My family has cruised several times and recently took my mother-in-law along on her first cruise.
• Cruising with Grammy proved to be a great option for a multigenerational vacation.
• Our experience on the Caribbean Princess was the perfect itinerary for older, first-time cruisers.

My kids are teenagers now, but we've been taking them on cruises since they were tiny. Each time we returned from our days at sea, I told my husband how much I wanted to take his parents on a cruise with us, as it seemed like the perfect multigenerational vacation to me for a variety of reasons. My father-in-law passed away unexpectedly last year, and the devastating loss made me even more determined to get my mother-in-law, who my kids call Grammy, onto a cruise ship with my family.

We finally planned an eight-day cruise aboard the Caribbean Princess this March, and we were all so excited. Not only did a cruise ship seem like a perfect spot to keep me, my husband, our kids, and Grammy all entertained for an entire week, but I thought my mother-in-law, who enjoys a slower pace of life, would enjoy the build-your-own-schedule style of a cruise.

The multigenerational trip , for which one of my mother-in-law's best friends tagged along as her travel partner, proved to be an unforgettable memory for all of us. My kids left the ship feeling like they got to know their grandmother — who lives far from our Florida home in Pennsylvania — even better, and so did I.

Cruising was a great way to spend time together

My mother-in-law had never cruised before, so we chose to book the Caribbean Princess because we'd had great experiences with Princess Cruises before. Plus, it had a great mixture of days at sea and ports of call, and the ports we visited were easy ones to navigate: Princess Cays in the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, and St. Thomas.

The trip was a perfect environment for making memories with my mother-in-law and her friend. On days at sea, there were tons of things for us to do: family activities, like dinner or trivia, that we'd all do together; individual activities, like paper-flower-making classes for the retirees in our group; and activities in the ship's teen club for my kids. On port days, we planned excursions through Princess Cruises that allowed everyone in our party to experience the destination, regardless of speed or physical abilities.

My kids got to see their Grammy be adventurous

While we focused on port excursions that offered driving tours and other slower-paced ways to see the destinations, my mother-in-law was a great sport when it came to being adventurous. In Puerto Rico, she climbed 100 steps to the top of a tower in the El Yunque National Forest tropical rainforest and tried mofongo for the first time on the streets of San Juan. She also rode a Skyride to a spot 700 feet above the harbor in St. Thomas to take in beautiful, panoramic views and climbed out onto rocks overlooking the beach on Princess' private island, Princess Cays.

Related stories

Seeing their grandmother's desire to see and learn new things was fun for my kids, and as experienced travelers, they enjoyed helping her along the way.

We had great conversations during meals

Most nights on the ship, we had dinner together in one of the main dining rooms. One night, we even splurged on a specialty dining experience, paying a bit extra for a steakhouse dinner at Princess' fleetwide restaurant, Crown Grill. Dining aboard a cruise ship is often a multi-course experience that unfolds at a leisurely pace, so having an hour or two to chat with their grandmother each night was special for my kids.

To keep things interesting, we took a book of questions along with us on the trip, breaking it out while we waited for our food to arrive each night and asking questions like, "What's your favorite way to connect with nature?" or, "Do you think money can by happiness?" Hearing each other's answers was a great way for everyone to connect and learn about each other.

Even when it didn't go as planned, we found things to laugh about

Combining a large group when traveling can bring its share of stressful situations, but even in the chaos we found things to laugh about. My kids are still talking about the time Grammy and her friend went back to the tour bus without us in Puerto Rico, and we thought we lost them during our excursion to Castillo San Felipe del Morro. But, all miscommunications and frustrating moments aside, the trip made us stronger as a family and was well worth those moments of stress.

Yes, bringing Grammy along meant we got some free babysitting

Although my kids are now teenagers, having Grammy on board the ship to help out was an invaluable part of our vacation. My husband and I went to another specialty dining restaurant on board the ship for a date night and even stayed in town in St. Thomas for some grow-up time, sightseeing, and shopping while the kids returned to the ship with my mother-in-law.

Though we spent the bulk of our time hanging out together as a family, having some extra help aboard the ship allowed my husband and I to make some vacation memories with just the two of us.

She's always supported us, and it was nice to thank her

My mother-in-law has always been there for my husband and me. She has taken care of our kids while we reconnect by traveling together and shared wisdom with us when we're struggling with life's stresses. It was a true joy to share our vacation with her and treat her to a week of sunshine and sightseeing after all the ways she's supported us throughout our nearly 20 years of marriage. Cruising together as a family was a great way to thank her.

Being together held an unexpected benefit

The last two days of our sailing were days at sea and, early on the first day, we learned of a family tragedy that had occurred back in Pennsylvania, where most of my husband's family lives. The tragedy was significant enough that my mother-in-law probably would have gone home early if we had been on a vacation on land. But because we were in the middle of the ocean, we were unable to cut the trip short and spent two days together processing what had occurred.

While there's never an optimal time for a great loss to occur, we found ourselves grateful that we were close to my mother-in-law when the news came in so we could help her process her grief in those first few days. Had we been in Florida and she in Pennsylvania, we'd have felt powerless to help comfort her, but being together during that time proved to be invaluable.

Experiencing a family tragedy during our vacation wasn't in the plan, but it was a reminder to all of us of the importance of being close to family and experiencing the world together while we can.

Watch: Inside the world's biggest cruise ship that just set sail

• Main content

Middle East latest: Iran attack on Israel could be 'imminent' - but what might it look like?

Security circles in the US and Israel have likely accepted that the killing of a top Iranian commander in Damascus earlier this month means Iran will have to "retaliate in some form", with reports suggesting an attack could be imminent.

Thursday 11 April 2024 09:54, UK

• Israel-Hamas war

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• Biden says US support for Israel 'ironclad' on Iran
• Alistair Bunkall : Attack from Iran on Israel reported to be imminent
• Three sons of Hamas leader killed in strike | IDF gives details of attack
• Explained: Who is Ismail Haniyeh?
• Watch: Moment he is told his family has been killed
• Alex Crawford report : Yemeni fishermen face threat of Houthi attack - but on Gaza they are firmly behind the militants
• Live reporting by Brad Young

More than 100 female soldiers are refusing to serve in surveillance units on the Gaza border, according to reports.

Fears among the conscripts included that female border observers were among those killed or taken hostage by Hamas on 7 October, Israeli news agency Ynet said.

Of the 346 draftees, 116 would not travel to a border protection corps training base.

This is the third group of draftees that have refused the posting, where soldiers monitor cameras and report potential incidents, since the war began.

In January, Ynet reported a group of 50 female soldiers declined to be taken to the base on the grounds that senior commanders had disregarded warnings from observers ahead of the 7 October attacks.

The vast majority of those serving in the border surveillance unit are female soldiers, according to the Times of Israel.

Israeli forces did not consult senior commanders or Benjamin Netanyahu before killing three sons of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, according to Israeli media.

Neither Mr Netanyahu nor defence minister Yoav Gallant were told in advance of the strike, which was coordinated by the Israeli military and the Shin Bet intelligence service, senior Israeli officials told Walla news agency.

They said his sons were targeted as fighters and not because they were relatives of the political leader.

The Israeli military did not comment on reports that four of Mr Haniyeh's grandchildren were killed in the attack.

A 23-year-old man from Leeds has been handed a suspended sentence after publishing pro-Hamas content on X.

Ozain Ibn Yousef, of Mexborough Place, admitted posting images of armed soldiers wearing Hamas headbands and sharing Hamas-led videos in October and November last year, according to the UK's counter-terrorism policing group.

He was given a 16-week custodial sentence, suspended for two years, on Tuesday.

Since 2001, the UK has proscribed Hamas's military wing as a terrorist organisation. This was extended to the whole group in November 2021.

Yousef was charged on 27 February 2024 with publishing images that aroused reasonable suspicion he supported a proscribed organisation.

Alongside the suspended sentence, Mr Yousef was ordered to undertake 100 hours of community service and he will be subject to a 35-day rehabilitation requirement.

Russia's foreign ministry has told citizens they should refrain from travelling to the Middle East, especially to Israel, Lebanon and the Palestinian territories. 

The US and its allies believe major missile or drone strikes by Iran or its proxies against military and government targets in Israel are imminent, Bloomberg reported yesterday.

"The tense situation in the Middle East region persists," said the Russian foreign ministry.

"We strongly recommend that Russian citizens refrain from traveling to the region, especially to Israel, Lebanon and the Palestinian territories, except in cases of extreme necessity."

Earlier this morning, German airline Lufthansa said it had suspended flights to the Iranian capital, Tehran.

German airline Lufthansa has said it has suspended flights to Tehran.

Israel is currently on alert for an Iranian retaliation following a suspected Israeli airstrike on Iran's embassy in Syria earlier this month. 

An Iranian news agency briefly caused concern when it published a report saying all airspace over Tehran had been closed for military drills. This story was then removed and the agency denied it had issued such a report.

Lufthansa says it has suspended flights to and from Tehran from 6 April until probably today.

"We are constantly monitoring the situation in the Middle East and are in close contact with the authorities. The safety of our guests and crew members is Lufthansa's top priority," a spokesperson for the company told Reuters news agency.

Lufthansa and its subsidiary Austrian Airlines are the only two Western carriers operating international flights into Tehran, which is mostly served by Turkish and Middle Eastern airlines.

We've just been hearing from our Middle East correspondent Alistair Bunkall , who says reports suggest an attack from Iran on Israel is "imminent". 

Security circles in the US and Israel have likely accepted that the killing of a top Iranian commander in Damascus earlier this month means Iran will have to "retaliate in some form". 

Watch: Attack that killed Iranian commander

That killing was more than 10 days ago, but Bunkall says the Iranians "tend to be quite calculated in what they do" and "don't often act rashly". 

Reports from the US which cite intelligence sources say Iran is planning to target military or government infrastructure, rather than Israeli civilians. 

This would be seen by Iran as a "like for like" response, but Bunkall says it's not clear whether the US and Israel would agree. 

The US has been warning Iran "not to push it too far" as there is a "big risk of it spiralling dangerously out of control".

Bunkall says the Iranians have a "network of proxies around the Middle East that they leverage to their own interests" and they may well use these again for their attack.

Until now, Iran has not wanted to be directly involved in the war with Israel. 

The US president has said that Washington will do "all it can" to protect Israel's security in the face of Iranian threats.

Joe Biden said support for Israel was "ironclad" on the issue, despite his frustration with Benjamin Netanyahu over his approach to the war in Gaza.

Antony Blinken has reiterated US support for Israel when it comes to threats from Iran.

The US secretary of state told Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant in a late call yesterday that Washington would stand with Israel against the threats.

The pair also discussed the effort to release hostages from Gaza as talks over a potential ceasefire continue.

The US's Middle East envoy has called on the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar and Iraq to step in and urge Iran to lower tensions with Israel.

Tensions between the rival powers have been heightened since the killings of Iranian generals in an attack on the Iranian consulate building in Damascus, Syria, earlier this month.

Tehran blames Israel for the attack. Israel has not commented.

According to a source with knowledge of the situation, White House Middle East czar Brett McGurk asked officials to send a message to Iran that it should de-escalate with Israel, which they did.

Iran said yesterday that its foreign minister had spoken with his Saudi, UAE, Qatari and Iraqi counterparts.

It comes after Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Israel "must be punished and it shall be" for the Damascus blast.

We reported last night on a story in Iranian media that air traffic over the capital of Tehran was suspended for "military drills" (see 10.55pm post).

In a later update, the semi-official Mehr news agency removed its report that Iran was closing the airspace and denied it had published the news.

The original report, which it posted to X, cited the Iranian defence minister as saying all air traffic had been halted from 8.30pm (UK time) "due to military drills".

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