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WHY CRUISING IS THE BEST WAY TO

Vacation with the family.

Trying to plan the ultimate family vacation? Royal Caribbean offers thrills for everyone onboard

Pulling off the perfect family vacation isn’t always easy, especially when you’re trying to cater to different ages and preferences. Fortunately, Royal Caribbean is known for delivering great family getaways designed to wow guests across multiple generations. Every ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet is packed with palate-pleasing dining options, incredible entertainment, and unforgettable activities for all ages included in your cruise fare — not to mention itineraries that take you to some of the world’s most adventure-filled shores. The best part? All the planning has been taking care of for you, so you can focus on bonding with your loved ones while doing as much or as little as you like. 

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BOLDER FAMILY BONDING STARTS HERE

Family-friendly vacation destinations are always on the itinerary when you sail with Royal Caribbean®. From thrill-topping island hopping to exploring the Last Frontier, max memories like never before onboard the best family cruise ships in the world.

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Kick family bonding up a notch at Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas — voted Best Private Island Experience by Travel Weekly readers. Turn up the thrills, like conquering Daredevil’s Peak®, the tallest waterslide in North America. Or unplug and chill along Oasis Lagoon®, the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean.

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TROPIC TREKS

Sun-kissed shores are yours to explore. Build epic castles on the pink sand beaches of Barbados . Splash into the turquoise waters of Curaçao. Or wander through legendary forts in Puerto Rico . No one does kid-friendly cruises better than Royal Caribbean® — the cruise line voted Best Overall for 21 years running by Travel Weekly readers.

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WILDEST WEEK EVER

Discover the magic of Alaska, where snowcapped mountains, towering forests and misty fjords dare you to deny their majesty. Spot bears hunting for salmon in Tongass National Forest. Listen to the thunderous roar of Hubbard Glacier . And cross once-in-a-lifetime experiences off your list together — on one unforgettable journey.

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WEST COAST WANDER

Nothing fuels bolder bonding like an epic adventure with your squad. Set out from L.A. on the family vacation you’ve been waiting for onboard the best cruises for kids. From whale-watching in Ensenada to post-card pretty shores in Puerto Vallarta and lounging on Cabo’s world-famous beaches — make memories that last a lifetime.

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SET SAIL ABOARD THE BEST SHIPS FOR FAMILIES

Cruise Planner is the place to get the most out of your adventure. Securing reservations and purchasing packages before you sail lets you score the best savings available anywhere. Add peace of mind to the mix — and you’re ready for big adventure. 

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From record breaking rides — like the tallest slide at sea — to dining that offers a taste of every culture and shows that will leave you in awe, being onboard a Royal Caribbean ship makes the journey as bold as the destinations you’ll visit.

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SUN-SOAKED FUN

Each ship offers endless ways for families to fill their sea days. Think epic experiences like a plunge down the tallest slide at sea, Ultimate Abyss℠, and glow-in-the-dark laser tag battles that are bound to boost your adrenaline. Sun-soaked pool parties and hang ten sessions on the FlowRider®* surf simulator. A round of Mini Golf with a side of sea views and a rushing zip line ride ten stories above deck — and that’s barely scratching the surface.

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DIAL UP YOUR DINNER

With so many delicious dining options onboard, everyone in your family will find something to satisfy their cravings in between adventures. From the endless selection of complimentary flavors at Windjammer Café and family-friendly feasting with My Family Time Dining at the Main Dining Room, to specialty restaurants that take you from the Far East to Italy to Wonderland, there’s something to please every taste onboard.

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Every night is an opportunity for the whole family to enjoy some of the best entertainment at sea. Dazzling original productions and fan favorites straight from Broadway, deck-defying high dives and aerial stunts at the AquaTheater, and the coolest moves you’ve ever seen on ice at the skating rink — you’ll quickly discover that on these ships, every performance is a show-stopper.

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Finding your crew’s just-right stay-place is easy, with spacious rooms designed with families in mind. Choose from rooms with endless ocean views or suites with wrap-around balconies. And if you’re craving next-level luxury, the first-ever Ultimate Family Townhouse on  Icon of the Seas℠ maxes the memories with three tiers of unbelievable amenities and direct access to the Surfside℠ neighborhood from your private patio.

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ENDLESS WAYS TO DO DATE NIGHT RIGHT

Who says a family vacation has to be all about the kids? While the young ones are off exploring onboard or having a blast at the award-winning Adventure Ocean youth program, reconnect with your partner over dinner at one of the fleet’s world class specialty restaurants, catch a Broadway spectacular in the Main Theater, or get down on the dance floor to the sounds of a DJ or a talented live band.

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KID APPROVED CARE

Craving a little grownup time? Both Adventure Ocean and the Royal Babies & Tots programs provide care and educational activities for kids in different age groups. Adventure Ocean also offers a Late Night Party Zone group sitting for children ages 3-11 between the hours of 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., so you can enjoy a stress-free adults-only night out on deck.

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PENCIL IN A PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT

While the kids are at play, indulge in the ultimate date night with your partner in adventure. Kick things off with a dinner to remember, followed by a glass of your favorite wine at Vintages or a singalong session at Schooner Bar. Then keep the party going long into the night at a live stand-up comedy show before you take a whirl on the dancefloor at Club Twenty.

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WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Don’t sweat the details — they’re all taken care of so you can focus on making lifelong family memories.

Family vacations should be stress-free, and Royal Caribbean makes it easy to fuel your wanderlust without worry. You can book unforgettable  shore excursions , onboard activities and shows online before you board, making the planning process a breeze. Once you’re on deck, you’ll enjoy award winning service by dedicated staff members that strive to meet every request, whether you’re traveling with special needs or just looking for ways to celebrate a special occasion onboard.

You can even get started customizing every aspect of your vacation from the moment you book. Browse and save big on onshore experiences, beverage and specialty dining packages, spa treatments and more when you reserve in advance online through  Cruise Planner . That way, you can go straight to enjoying your vacation as soon as you come aboard the ship.

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Many of the attractions onboard require closed-toed shoes and socks, so pack accordingly.

Even if you’re on a summer sailing to the tropics, pack a sweater if you plan to use the ice skating rink.

Luggage might not arrive in your stateroom until later. Pack a swimsuit in your carry-on so you can dive into adventure early.

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Fill every minute with everything you love, anytime you want. Indulge in gourmet globetrotting, applaud show-stopping entertainment, and take on fleet favorites like rock climbing and the FlowRider®* surf simulator, plus so much more!

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The Family Vacation Guide

The Family Vacation Guide

Cruise ship passengers in the US.

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.

cruise ships for family of 5

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.

cruise ships for family of 5

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.

cruise ships for family of 5

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.

cruise ships for family of 5

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.

cruise ships for family of 5

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. 

cruise ships for family of 5

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. 

cruise ships for family of 5

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. 

cruise ships for family of 5

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.

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cruise ships for family of 5

Charmaine Cortes

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

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

Family-friendly Cruise Amenities

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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.

Ocean Cay is MSC Cruises' private island in the Bahamas.

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

Mickey and Minnie Onboard Disney Cruise

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.

Icon of the Seas Thrill Island

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.

A woman rides the Skyride on a Carnival Cruise ship.

  • 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.

NCL sports gallery ropes course mini golf

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.

Lego Experience on MSC Cruises

  • 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.

Camp at Sea on Celebrity Cruises

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.

The Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection debuts

  • 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 ..

Lindblad family Alaska

  • 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.

Paul Gaugin cruise Tahiti environment kids program

  • 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.

Cap'n Knof welcomes families aboard every Hapa Lloyd Cruise.

  • 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.

Adventures by Disney Seine Paris

  • 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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10 best cruise ships for families this year

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Best Family Cruise (2023) March 24, 2023

Thanks to their excellent travel value, more and more families are turning to cruises when planning their vacations. These 10 cruise ships, voted as the best in the industry by our readers, cater to young passengers in many ways, including family-friendly at-sea experiences (bumper cars, bowling and water parks, to name a few), family cabins and kid-approved dining options. 

Disney Fantasy

No. 10: Disney Fantasy - Disney Cruise Line

Carnival Panorama

No. 9: Carnival Panorama - Carnival Cruise Line

Disney Dream

No. 8: Disney Dream - Disney Cruise Line

Disney Magic

No. 7: Disney Magic - Disney Cruise Line

Carnival Vista

No. 6: Carnival Vista - Carnival Cruise Line

Navigator of the Seas

No. 5: Navigator of the Seas - Royal Caribbean International

Mardi Gras

No. 4: Mardi Gras - Carnival Cruise Line

MSC Seashore

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No. 2: Carnival Horizon - Carnival Cruise Line

Regal Princess

No. 1: Regal Princess - Princess Cruises

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Jason Leppert is a San Diego-based cruising expert with more than 140 sailings under his belt and a fresh, millennial perspective on the industry. He has been cruising since before he was two years old, thanks to his parents' shared passion for traveling and their desire to experience all journeys together as a family. Now, he regularly sails and writes "he said, she said" cruise columns with his wife Heidi. He is the founding editor of Popular Cruising , producer of the successful Popular Cruising YouTube channel  and Cruise Editor for TravelAge West.

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Ming Tappin

Ming Tappin

Residing in New Brunswick, Canada, Ming has been...   Read More

Residing in New Brunswick, Canada, Ming has been in the cruise industry since 1994. Ming spent over 20 years in the retail travel sector, working with travel agencies in marketing initiatives, cruise training, and promoting cruise vacations to their clients. In 2015, Ming created  Your Cruise Coach  and transitioned into travel writing, preaching the merits of cruising via her partnerships with Canadian and American travel trade publications as well as consumer media outlets. An avid cruiser since 1991, Ming has sailed on over 70 cruises and has experienced over 25 ocean, river, and expedition cruise lines combined.

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Catherine Smith

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Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and  off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of  Her Bags Were Packed  where she focuses on helping  women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.

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Best Cruise Lines For A Family of 5 with Kids

Planning a family vacation can be a daunting task, especially when catering to varied interests and age groups. One of the best ways to ensure an unforgettable experience for the whole family is by embarking on a cruise vacation. Cruise lines offer a host of amenities, activities, and entertainment options that cater to everyone from the youngest children to the oldest adults. However, when it comes to choosing the perfect cruise for a family of 5, one must consider factors like accommodation, dining options, onboard activities, and the overall family-friendly atmosphere. This guide will navigate you through the best cruise lines for families. Our list is in order from the most family inclusive cruises, to the more luxury family cruises.

Disney Cruise Line: A Magical Voyage

Disney Cruise Line tops the list as the ultimate choice for a family cruise, thanks to its magical mix of kid-friendly activities, themed entertainment, and spacious family cabins. They bring your favorite characters to life, offering meet and greets with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and other beloved Disney characters. Furthermore, Disney’s youth programs are designed to keep kids of all ages entertained, while parents can take advantage of relaxing spa treatments or enjoy Broadway-style live shows.

Family in front of a Disney Cruise Line

The Disney Magic and Disney Wish ships, in particular, are known for their family-friendly design and amenities. From water slides and scavenger hunts to educational activities and arcade games, there’s something for every child. For older kids and teens, video games and teen clubs provide a perfect hangout spot. Plus, the entire family can indulge in numerous dining options, including specialty restaurants and unlimited ice cream.

Royal Caribbean: An Adventure on the Seas

Royal Caribbean International is another great option for large families. Known for its innovative ships and thrilling onboard activities, this cruise line ensures a fun-filled vacation for all. The Symphony of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas are among the newest ships in their fleet, offering a range of family suites and balcony cabins that comfortably accommodate larger families.

The back of a Royal Caribbean Cruise

Carnival cruises are packed with entertainment options for the whole family. From water parks and game shows to movie theaters and live music, there’s never a dull moment. Kids can participate in youth programs, while teens have their own club to socialize and make new friends.

Norwegian Cruise Line: Freestyle Cruising

Norwegian Cruise Line offers a relaxed, freestyle cruising experience that’s perfect for families. Their ship, the Norwegian Prima, features family suites and larger cabins to accommodate a family of 5 comfortably. Onboard, kids can enjoy water slides, arcade games, and youth programs. Separately adults can indulge in spa treatments or enjoy the casino aboard the ship.

One of the unique features of Norwegian cruises is the range of family-friendly excursions available at each port of call. Whether it’s exploring historical sites, participating in water sports, or simply enjoying a beach day, these shore excursions ensure quality time with the family.

Kids and adults enjoying a Norwegian Cruise

MSC Cruises: European Elegance at Sea

MSC Cruises offers a unique blend of European charm and modern amenities, making it a top pick among families. The MSC Seascape, one of their most family-friendly ships, offers spacious family cabins with connecting doors, perfect for larger families. Onboard, you’ll find a dedicated children’s area filled with video games and fun activities conducted by friendly crew members.

In addition to kid-friendly cruises, MSC Cruises also caters to adults with a range of spa treatments, specialty dining options, and live shows. For adventurous family members, sports activities and water sports are available. Plus, MSC’s private island, Ocean Cay, provides a day of beach fun and exploration for the entire family.

Princess Cruises: Experience the Difference

With a rich history and a reputation for excellence, Princess Cruises offers a fantastic cruising experience for families. Their ships, such as the Regal Princess and Sky Princess, feature large family suites with private balconies, ensuring ample space for a family of 5 or more. Onboard, children can immerse in a world of fun at the vibrant kids and teens clubs. At the same time, adults can relax at The Sanctuary, Princess Cruises’ exclusive adults-only retreat.

Princess luxury cruise

A unique aspect of Princess Cruises is their immersive Discovery at SEA program, where kids and teens can participate in enriching activities designed in collaboration with Discovery™ and Animal Planet™. From stargazing and wildlife education to engaging scavenger hunts, these activities inspire learning and adventure. In the evening, families can come together to enjoy Movies Under the Stars®, a poolside movie night under the open sky. With an array of dining options, including casual eateries and specialty restaurants, every meal is a culinary delight onboard a Princess cruise.

Celebrity Cruises: Modern Luxury at Sea

Celebrity Cruises is renowned for its modern luxury style and attention to detail, making it a popular choice among families seeking a refined, yet relaxed cruising experience. Ships like the Celebrity Reflection and the new Celebrity Apex provide a variety of family-friendly accommodations, including spacious suites and connecting staterooms that comfortably house a family of 5 or more.

Family enjoying a Celebrity cruise

Celebrity Cruises offers a carefully curated selection of onboard activities designed to cater to all family members. Kids can participate in the Camp at Sea program, which offers a variety of interactive activities and educational workshops. Teens have their own X Club, where they can mingle with peers and enjoy video games, sports, and parties. Parents can savor exquisite culinary experiences, indulge in spa services, or simply relax by the pool.

In addition, Celebrity Cruises provides a comprehensive array of family-oriented shore excursions at each port of call. Whether it’s an adventurous hike, a cultural tour, or a day at the beach, there’s an excursion for every type of family. With Celebrity Cruises, you can create unforgettable memories while enjoying the comforts of modern luxury at sea.

Closing Thoughts

Choosing the best cruise for a family of 5 depends on your family’s preferences and interests. All these cruise lines offer an array of activities, entertainment, and dining options that cater to children, teens, and adults alike. Be sure to reach out to the Best Adventure Spots Travel Advisors for recommendations and tips for your next cruise.

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The Disney Magic and Disney Wish ships are particularly family-friendly. They offer a variety of kid-focused activities and entertainment, including character meet and greets, water slides, and educational activities.

Royal Caribbean is known for its innovative ships and thrilling onboard activities like rock climbing walls, zip lines, water parks, and even ice skating rinks. The cruise line also offers educational and entertaining programs for children.

Carnival Cruise Line is synonymous with fun and offers a wide range of entertainment options for the whole family. Their Family Harbor Cabins and Suites are designed specifically for larger families, and they also offer an exclusive Family Harbor Lounge for guests to relax and enjoy.

Norwegian Cruise Line offers a relaxed, freestyle cruising experience. They offer family suites and larger cabins along with a range of family-friendly excursions at each port of call. These shore excursions ensure quality family time while exploring historical sites, participating in water sports, or simply enjoying a beach day.

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Best Cruise Lines for Families

Finding a cruise vacation that meets the needs of every family member can be tough. While you may be in search of some

Finding a cruise vacation that meets the needs of every family member can be tough. While you may be in search of some peace and quiet, the kids will probably be eager to play. To help you find a cruise that fits your family's needs, U.S. News ranked the best cruise lines for families using a methodology that factors in health ratings, reputation among experts and approval among families with both younger and older kids.

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cruise ships for family of 5

Disney Cruise Line

From its signature Mickey's Sail-A-Wave Party to its pirate-themed dinners, Disney attracts passengers looking for a full roster of entertainment options. Passengers can enjoy kid-friendly dining venues and amenities, plus visits from Disney characters like Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Pluto. The line's cruise ships also offer adults-only dining areas, quiet pool spots and nightlife options.

  • 4.46 Overall Rating
  • 5 Ships in Fleet

cruise ships for family of 5

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean offers onboard amenities and a variety of sailings that cater to cruisers of all ages. Some of the line's cruise ships feature rock climbing walls and ice rinks, while others boast zip lines, bumper cars and waterslides. Every ship also hosts fun and educational programs for kids and teens, plus a variety of evening shows, bars and lounges for older travelers.

  • 4.17 Overall Rating
  • 25 Ships in Fleet

cruise ships for family of 5

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival's frequent sales and budget-friendly fares mean you and your cruising crew can save some money on a voyage filled with family-friendly perks. Cruise ships are outfitted with water parks, basketball courts and ropes courses to entertain kids of all ages. Meanwhile, grown-ups can head to the spa, the casino or the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat.

  • 3.90 Overall Rating

cruise ships for family of 5

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian greets families with colorful cruise ships, ample onboard amenities and children's clubs. While adults are relaxing at the spa or gambling at the casino, kids can attend supervised youth programs where they can learn to juggle, enjoy arts and crafts or attend themed parties. Plus, children's menus are available in all of the line's restaurants, including specialty eateries.

  • 3.97 Overall Rating
  • 19 Ships in Fleet

cruise ships for family of 5

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises' ships feature kids and teen clubs with activities like LEGO games, dance classes and sports tournaments. What's more, the whole family can enjoy onboard swimming pools and waterslides (on select ships). Families can also purchase the MSC Fun Pass to access special amenities like flight simulators, a bowling alley and the XD Interactive Cinema.

  • 3.79 Overall Rating
  • 22 Ships in Fleet

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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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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The Best Cruises For Families

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Annie davidson watson , contributor, forbes vetted.

T he traditional family cruise isn’t like it used to be. Nowadays, popular cruise lines like MSC, Royal Caribbean and Disney are going the extra mile for families of all sizes and age ranges. From late-night babysitting and all-ages entertainment to customizable air and land arrangements and educational excursions, the best cruises for families offer amenities and activities so thoughtful, they’ve become equally as enjoyable for adults as they are for kids. With just about everything taken care of, these cruises are a perfect choice for families traveling with young children or teenagers, when the last thing you want to think about is another thing to think about.

Thanks to pre-planned, tried-and-true itineraries and many all-inclusive options (onboard spending can really add up), a family can experience not just one but several destinations, enjoy their own onboard activities and still meet in the middle for some family bonding—all without the stress. Below, we’ve selected the world’s best cruises for all kinds of families, from those with younger children to expedition-minded voyagers and groups with a wide variety of interests. Whether you’re looking for top-notch luxury, nonstop entertainment or simply something for everyone, these are the cruises to book in 2024.

  • Best Cruise For Families Overall: MSC Cruises , MSC Seascape

Best Luxury Cruise For Families: Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Evrima

Best all-inclusive cruise for families: royal caribbean, wonder of the seas, best cruise for families with young children: disney cruise line, disney wish, best cruise for families with teenagers: celebrity cruises, celebrity ascent, best cruise for large families: princess cruises, sapphire princess, best cruise for families with different interests: norwegian cruise line, norwegian prima, best cruise for active families: hurtigruten, ms santa cruz ii, best cruise for families overall: msc cruises, msc seascape.

The MSC Seascape features 11 dining venues, 20 bars and lounges and 13 pools.

MSC Seascape

Recommended Itinerary: 7-Night Western Caribbean From Miami
Departure: July through January
All Star Amenities: 11 dining venues, 13 pools and unique shore excursions such as the Excursions Explorer Package, MSC Bike Adventours and MSC Protectours

With four- to 14-night Caribbean cruises to and from Miami, Brooklyn or Orlando running consistently, MSC Cruises takes the headache away from the planning logistics. Its newest ship, MSC Seascape , has everything a family could need onboard: 11 dining venues, 20 bars and lounges, 13 pools and water features—and the list goes on. For children up to 17 years old, there are activities such as sports, competitions, parties and more across five different clubs included in the stay. Each club is dedicated to a specific age group, so kids can socialize with those their own age. The ship also offers baby and toddler services, so mom and dad can get some (much needed, surely) time to enjoy the cruise’s many dining and entertainment amenities.

Evrima, Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Recommended Itinerary: 11-Night Barcelona to Rome
Departure: April through October
All-Star Amenities: Full-service spa with a sauna; steam room and quiet areas; onboard classical and jazz performances

It doesn’t get more luxurious than the Ritz-Carlton—on land or sea. For families who want to spend time together but who still want to prioritize a white-glove experience, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has you covered with its first-ever ship, Evrima , which launched late last summer and is limited to suites only. Families will soon find that the real onboard luxury on this ship is the children’s programming: for kids aged four to 12, the cruise offers a comprehensive creative program complete with a dedicated, full-time youth counselor for an added fee per session. Take one of the Mediterranean routes (currently, there are 46) and advantage of the concierge’s customized air, land and hotel arrangements. All you have to do is show up and enjoy the service for which the Ritz-Carlton has become known.

Wonder of the Seas is Royal Caribbean's most family-friendly ship.

Wonder Of The Seas

Recommended Itinerary: 7-Night Eastern Caribbean
Departure: Monthly
All-Star Amenities: Six record-breaking water slides; Surfside, a family-friendly neighborhood; Thrill Island, a waterpark with rock climbing, mini-golf and more

Beyond all-inclusive pricing packages, Royal Caribbean really has it all. On Wonder of the Seas , the largest cruise ship in the world, families can find the Ultimate Abyss, a waterslide that boasts over 10 stories of height, plus a surf stimulator and zip lining for teens. The cruise line’s award-winning children’s program for ages six months to 12 years old, Adventure Ocean, includes immersive playrooms and even climbable creations (fees apply for infants six months to 36 months old and late-night programming for ages 3 to 11 from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.). But there’s more where that came from: for ultimate family time, Royal Caribbean features Surfside, a neighborhood for families to enjoy all day with an aqua park and plenty of dining options, and Thrill Island, an over-the-top waterpark including a redefined rock climbing wall, a mini-golf course, and more.

Disney Wish

Recommended Itinerary: 3-Night Bahamian from Port Canaveral
Departure: March through December 2023; January through September 2024
All-Star Amenities: Theatrical/cinematic dining experiences that incorporate favorites like Marvel and Frozen

Less than a year old, Disney Wish is a 4,000-person ship that is as popular as ever, thanks to its range of offerings that keep the little ones busy. Onboard, children will not only find their favorite characters from Disney, Marvel, Star Wars , and Pixar films, but be able to live out their fantasies through experiences like dining with Frozen ’s Elsa, Olaf, and others over a theatrical meal. The best part of this cruise line is arguably the staff, who are well-acclimated to handling overtired children or picky eaters and keeping things as seamless as possible—which, as most parents know, is truly priceless. Plus, the 3-night voyages are the perfect length for a quick getaway.

Celebrity Ascent

Recommended Itinerary: 12-Night European Route From Barcelona To Athens
Departure: From May 2024
All-Star Amenities: Spa treatments available for the whole family with separate kid and teen offerings

While Celebrity Cruises has a range of amenities that are fantastic for the whole family (movie nights beneath the stars, cupcake decorating, and beyond), its Camp at Sea program is particularly interesting for more mature children and teens. With over 500 art, culinary, and recreational activities available, the teen-specific category (for those aged 13 to 17 years old) includes silent discos, sports competitions, video game challenges, socialization with other teens onboard, and more. The cruise line is introducing another ship this fall— Celebrity Ascent —that has all of these offerings for kids and teens plus some extra special ones for adults. The spa, for example, is state-of-the-art and includes a kid- and teen-specific menu, making it an activity the entire family can enjoy.

Sapphire Princess

Recommended Itinerary: 7-Day Jeff Corwin's Nature & Adventure Voyage From Vancouver to Anchorage
Departure: September 6-13, 2023
All-Star Amenities: OceanMedallion, a wearable device which grants access to accommodations and even tracks other members of your party onboard

While Princess Cruises offers routes through the Caribbean, Europe and more, its Alaskan journeys are the cruise line’s crown jewel. Its 7-Day Jeff Corwin's Nature & Adventure Voyage on Sapphire Princess , in particular, features a fun-filled itinerary from Vancouver through multiple ports in Alaska ending in Anchorage (Whittier), Alaska. Children age three to 12 can participate in Camp Discovery, full of science-based activities associated with the Discovery Channel’s programming lineup, including MythBusters and Shark Week . Kids of any age can meet at their respective lounges (The Treehouse for ages 3 to 7, The Lodge for ages 8 to 12 or The Beach House for ages 13 to 17) to socialize with others, and entire families can partake in Animal Planet-affiliated shore excursions or meet under the stars to enjoy films on the big screen. With so much to do, larger families are sure to be kept busy while learning new things each day.

Exterior of Norwegian Prima.

Norwegian Prima

Recommended Itinerary: 9-Day Mediterranean: Italy, France And Spain
Departure: From November 2023
All-Star Amenities: The sheer amount and variety of children’s programming

With posts all around the world, Norwegian Cruise Line offers extensive destination options aptly timed with holiday breaks, including routes through Italy, France and Spain to others between Santorini, Mykonos and Florence. Onboard its over 3,000-passenger Norwegian Prima , expect tons of family-friendly programming: for children 6 months to 4 years of age, there’s the Guppies Program, giving space for children and parents to play; for ages 3 to 12 years old, there’s the Splash Academy that features free, interest-based programming including sports and art; and for teens (13 to 17 years old), the Entourage programming includes video games, movies, music, socializing, and more. The cruise line also offers family activities such as mini-golf and scavenger hunts, and adults can enjoy amenities like a spa, casino and theater while their children are supervised.

MS Santa Cruz II

Recommended Itinerary: 14-Day South America Expedition Cruise With Stops In Machu Picchu and Galápagos
Departure: From March 2024
All-Star Amenities: An onboard photographer who shares his tips and tricks for capturing wildlife photography

Based in Norway, Hurtigruten is a cruise line that clearly understands adventure. Its MS Santa Cruz II ship in particular provides an intimate experience through the Galápagos Islands with just a 90-passenger capacity. Families can choose from a range of routes, including a 7-day route focusing on wildlife starting from a UNESCO World Heritage City, Quito or a 12-day journey tracing Charles Darwin’s footsteps through the natural wonders of the destination. The ship also offers several different accommodation arrangements with cabins for single travelers, couples, and families, as well as common areas to enjoy together including its Sky Deck, Science Center, library, fitness room, and hot tub.

About Annie Davidson Watson, Your Family Cruise Guide

I'm a writer, editor and consultant who has covered luxury travel and cruising for the last ten years. Formerly, I was an editor at Departures, Travel + Leisure, Glamour and more, and I now contribute regularly to both Forbes and Forbes Vetted. I'm also the founder of @littleackbook , a Nantucket-based publication and concierge service. For more, follow me at @anniedavidsonwatson .

Annie Davidson Watson

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Cruise Trail

The 8 best family-friendly cruise ships

The best cruise ships for cruising with your family

The eight best cruise ships for families are luxury hotels, restaurants, sports arenas and entertainment venues all rolled into one. Cruise ships today are no less than our holiday escape on a 5-star floating resort.

So which cruise ship is best for you and your family, and who offers kid-friendly cruises?

There is much to consider when choosing how to spend your vacation budget. Especially as you have most likely taken time to save for your dream vacation . Or if this is one of the few times a year you can get the whole family on a fantastic holiday that everyone – old and young – can enjoy together.

Knowing what questions to ask yourself in the planning stage will guide you in making the right choice when picking the best family cruise for you. And our tips below will help you narrow your choice.

We have put together our top 8 best cruise ships for families – and the reasons we think they are great. All of these are kid-friendly cruise lines. Here’s what to expect onboard and in which region these cruise ships sail in 2023. If you find the cruise ship to suit you but not the itinerary you want, check out the sister ships, which offer similar facilities but have different ports of call. That way, you can build your perfect cruise.

Quick navigation

1. Royal Caribbean Cruise Line – Wonder of the Seas

  • Number of guests: 5400

Let’s start with the biggest and best cruise line among these eight best cruise ships for families. Who doesn’t like to sail the ocean in a mini-city and have the best of everything within walking distance? Here is our first vote in Royal Caribbean Cruise Line’s fleet for the best cruise ship.

The Oasis Class – perfect for kids and active families

Sister ship to Harmony, Allure, Symphony, and Oasis of the Seas, which all belong to Royal’s “Oasis” class, Wonder of the Seas gives you some of the best adventures and entertainment at sea. Recommended for families and adventurous, lively couples, Wonder had its maiden voyage in March of 2022. Expensive? Yes. Value for money? Absolutely.

Start with a ten-story high slide thrill in a tunnel, the Ultimate Abyss, that delivers you safely to the boardwalk deck. Learn to surf on their wave riders on the top deck or meet new friends in a glow-in-the-dark laser tag game. Adventure is the name of the game here.

There are great kids clubs, and if you are traveling with teens. They will have their lounge and a new dedicated outdoor deck area where making new friends will be easy. Your kids can even try out a Mission Control Apollo 18 escape room.

The pool decks are fantastic – so good that they get very crowded. Expect a Caribbean-style pool area with more bars, whirlpools, and a variety of seating, including day beds and cabanas.

Family dining and live music

You will be spoilt for choice when dining, but we like Giovanni’s Italian kitchen and wine bar. You get rustic family-style dining with the traditional Italian dishes that everybody loves. Also on offer will be Poolside BBQ and Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, both highly popular with families.

For music fans, you will love the Music Bar, where you will find live music and fantastic dance floors. The Spotlight Karaoke venue is always a cruise highlight where you can sing your heart out in front of other guests. This is one of the most popular venues onboard Royals ships and is great fun. It is safe to say that Wonder of the Seas offers some of the best family fun at sea.

Cruise destinations for Wonder of the Seas

2. royal caribbean cruise line – voyager of the seas.

  • Number of guests: 3602
  • Year: 1999. Updated 2019

Voyager of the Seas is a great cruise ship amongst the fleet of Royal Caribbean for all types of guests. It’s a classy, elegant ship without being stuffy. You get a luxurious cruise on a ship that has recently upgraded. And offers just the right variety of restaurants, entertainment, sports, and relaxation.

Guest areas such as the Promenade deck, the Royal Theatre, and the fitness area have all been refreshed and refined. And the ice rink – the first at-sea ice rink on any cruise ship – still offers mesmerizing evening shows. The Perfect Storm twin waterslides and laser tag areas have been rebuilt, and a fantastic outdoor space is now exclusively for teens.

Great design, great restaurants

The Schooner Bar, a Royal Caribbean classic, is a must. We love the classical nautical design, ample seating areas, friendly bar service, and excellent atmosphere day and night. But if you’re traveling with teens, visit The Tavern instead, as they will enjoy the big-screen TV sports games. Among all the specialty restaurants onboard, Chops Grill is the firm favorite with our teens.

Cruise destinations for Voyager of the Seas

3. norwegian cruise lines – norwegian encore.

  • Number of guests: 3998

Norwegian Encore is our favorite in the Breakaway Plus class of ships and is the sister ship to Joy and Bliss. If you find an itinerary to your dream destination and are lucky enough to be on one of these ships, you will not be disappointed. These cruise ships are spectacular and authentic works of art.

Thrill rides for an adrenalin rush onboard

To start with, let’s talk about activities. The go-kart track on board gives the kids the adrenaline rush they may seek! There are two water slides – including Ocean Loops, for a real thrill ride. You’ll find four hot tubs and plenty of loungers. On deck 16, there are two large pools, a kid’s aqua park, and bars. At night there are great dance parties on deck.

A speedway track that loops over the ship’s side will give a fantastic experience for those who love speed! This feature alone could win this ship among the best cruise ships for families! The galaxy pavilion is a virtual reality theme park, but there is an extra charge – not really for me, but your teenagers will love it!

Nearer to the front of the ship, you can play laser tag. We recommend making a reservation from your cabin via your TV. The laser tag and the speedway track cost extra, and you can book and pay on board.

The new Galaxy Pavilion offers full och virtual reality experiences. It’s incredible. However, everything is at an extra charge.

A multitude of dining options

You have a fantastic choice regarding their main dining restaurants (no reservation needed). Try the American Dining restaurant – a specialty restaurant with great food and decor reminiscent of a 50’s diner with booths and authentic touches everywhere. I love this place.

On deck 17, we recommend Le Bistro, a French diner for those who want elegant dining and perfect service. Cagney’s Steakhouse is excellent if you prefer a casual atmosphere and offers food to rival any great steak restaurant.

Back to deck 8, you find The Waterfront, a quarter-mile extended outdoor promenade deck that comes into its own at sunset. Relax at the bar at sundown, an excellent place to recharge your batteries before you choose evening entertainment.

If you are a music fan, NCL has built a replica of The Beatle’s famous Cavern Club; here, you can hear Beatles music and listen to the tribute bands. If you love beer, visit the District Brew House, where you are spoilt for choice. And if you never tire of a pub atmosphere, visit The Local for pub-style food and drinks, and you can even try your hand at bowling.

At the Q Texas Smokehouse on deck 6, try authentic Texas-style BBQ and listen to country music. Head to The Social comedy club afterward. We recommend you pay at least one visit to Teppanyaki, where you can watch your entertaining chef’s slicing and dicing skills; it’s a fun family experience with a menu to suit all.

Open-air movies on deck

There is a vast open-air movie screen with plenty of seating; it’s excellent in the evening as the sun goes down. Grab a bite from the buffet restaurant and a glass of wine, and nab a sofa before the crowds arrive. If you need something warmer, we appreciate the Starbucks on board for a warm drink and something sweet to finish the evening. Check out the Southern Night Rock evenings with great music and good snacks.

The Guppies and the Splash Academy kids clubs offer fully supervised activities for your youngsters. Entourage is a parent-free zone, so your teens will have a fun, safe environment to enjoy with other teen guests.

Cruise destinations for Norwegian Encore

  • Southern Caribbean
  • Dominican Republic
  • Panama Canal

4. Norwegian Cruise Lines – Norwegian Jewel

Every cruising family I meet loves NCL Jewel , and that’s why Jewel is on our best cruise ships for families list. It’s a popular mid-size with a capacity of under 2400 passengers; the ship is comparatively small compared to the larger, newer ships. And it may be old (built in 2005) but has undergone an extensive refurbishment in 2018, bringing it to its gleaming glory again. With a more modern, fresher, and lighter decor, Jewel feels more personal than the bigger ships and is one of the best cruise ships we have experienced.

The renovation included building the brand new Pit Stop, an all-American bar reminiscent of the beloved 50s era. This replaced the old Sky High bar and is an exciting addition.

Open 24/7, the O’Sheehans Neighborhood Bar & Grill is great. It’s a relaxed place to eat breakfast, lunch, or dinner and a good party venue in the evening. These are just a couple of the 20 restaurants on board to choose from. Six of these are included in your price, and where you will have great food even if you don’t want to pay extra to try the specialty restaurants.

The Bliss Ultra lounge has replaced the old karaoke lounge, as it is the place where you enjoy more classic dance music.

A smaller ship with exciting itineraries

What we love about this ship as one of the best cruise ships for families is that it is elegant without being flashy. The colors are soft and modern without being cold, and the staff seems at ease, experienced, and with an eye for detail. I loved being on board. It’s smaller than many other NCL ships, with exciting itineraries to more unusual ports.

Smaller ships can dock at ports that don’t allow the bigger ships to dock. So you are likely to find your dream itinerary but note that while there are great kids clubs and pools, there are fewer activities on board, Which means fewer venues for you to visit compared to the Bliss, Encore, and Joy.

Cruise destinations for Norwegian Jewel

  • Mexican Riviera

5. MSC Cruises – MSC Grandiosa

  • Number of guests: 6300

MSC Cruises has a reputation for being a less expensive cruise experience with great kids’ prices. Founded in Italy, MSC is very popular amongst European guests. MSC Grandiosa was launched in November of 2019 and is, in our opinion, their best ship to date. And therefore, it’s here in our summary of the ten best cruise ships.

The glamour of Italy on board

MSC Grandiosa has a stunning interior, full of glamour and highlighted by the sparkling digital sky overhead. As you walk the indoor promenade, look up – the digital LED roof changes view often and are remarkable.

MSC Grandiosa is a big ship. There are enough cabins for over 6000 guests. The vast theatre offers free nightly shows, like most other cruise lines. And while the standard may not be up to the same par as the Broadway shows of Royal Caribbean, they are entertaining.

Cirque de Soleil at Sea

As an alternative, there is a smaller theatre that offers the Cirque de Soleil shows at an additional cost. We recommend booking dinner and the Cirque de Soleil show package from home before you sail, as it is popular. But apart from some of the stand-up comics evenings, we must admit that we mostly gave the theatre shows a miss while on board. We preferred instead to spend time in the bars, lounges, and on the dance floor.

Family-friendly prices

MSC Cruises is very family-friendly, with prices to match. You often have a luxurious family cruising experience at a lower price than Royal Caribbean or NCL Cruise Line. As the cruise line was founded in Italy, the theme of the food in the main dining rooms is Italian too. But coupled with specialty restaurants (12 dining rooms on board), you will be spoilt for choice for cuisine from around the world.

There are some different classes to choose from when booking MSC Cruises. Each cabin class offers different experiences: Bella, Fantastica, or Aurea, and you can read all about what is included in each category on their website.

We have cruised with MSC Cruises several times and are a fan of their Aurea class, including the all-inclusive beverage package, free spa treatment, and a private sun deck. We felt this was well worth the extra.

Cruise destinations for MSC Grandiosa

  • Mediterranean

6. Carnival Cruise Line – Carnival Vista

  • Number of guests: 3934

Carnival is one of the largest cruise companies in the world and is soon celebrating its 50th birthday. With a long history of being synonymous with fun, Carnival Vista offers all the family fun you could wish for on vacation.

With playgrounds for all ages, this fun ship boasts a “sky ride,” a suspended pedal bike track early 50 meters above the ocean. There are numerous colorful activities on board – take the Imax theatre, for example – that keep Carnival attracting families with children coming back for more.

Family Harbour is a family zone offering various room configurations where up to 5 can stay in each cabin. Carnival is one of the cruise lines that cater to large families. You can access the family lounge with movies, popcorn, self-serve ice cream machines, and more.

What we love about Carnival Vista is the endless choices of food venues; you will soon see that this is a cruise ship for families and kids who may be fussy eaters. There is something for you all on board, including you adults, with fantastic piano bars, comedy clubs, and even an onboard brewery.

Havana Cabanas on Vista class ships

We recommend looking at the Havanna category of cabins to book a room if you have children 12 or over. Havana cabins are available only on Vista category ships (Carnival Vista, Carnival Panorama, Carnival Horizon).

The Havana Cabana rooms are spacious, with island-inspired decor and ocean-facing patios. In addition, you have access to a private area designated only for Havana guests: pool, hot tubs, bar area, 24-hour ice cream and pizza, and a breakfast buffet area. Beware! If you are a super-private person, then it’s essential to know that other guests can walk by your area. There is a walkway between your patio and the railings looking over the ocean.

Therefore if you like your privacy, opt for the balcony rooms instead. But if you can afford the extra cost and are very social, we love the additional perks that this area on Carnival Vista offers!

Cruise destinations for Carnival Vista

  • Western Caribbean

7. Princess Cruises – Sky Princess

  • Number of guests: 3660

Much like Celebrity Cruises, Princess ships do not have giant water slides and aqua parks for your kids. But they make up for this in many other ways. The newer vessels are beautiful and modern yet still feel traditional, focusing on good cuisine and service, many activities on board, and fun-packed evening shows.

We recommend the newer Princess ships, and our choice is Sky Princess. We can also expect good things from the latest ship Enchanted Princess, and Discovery Princess is launching in Spring 2022.

A mix of private areas for adults and fantastic facilities for the whole family

Sky Princess is stunning. We feel that you get good value for money on this ship. If you are traveling as a couple, we highly recommend The Sanctuary and The Retreat, private outdoor areas for adults. The main pool area for all guests and families has two deep pools and plenty of space for loungers. In the evening, this area becomes an outdoor movie theatre. It’s one of our favorite spaces onboard among the many.

If you are lucky enough to book one of the two sky suites onboard, you can even get a direct view of the movie screen from your private balcony.

One downside we discovered with Princess Cruises is that they allow smoking inside the casino rather than having a separate room for smokers. So if you adults were considering visiting the casino while the children were using the kids’ clubs, beware that there will be smokers there. If you don’t enjoy being around smokers, this will affect your enjoyment of the casino.

The entertainment is great fun onboard Sky Princess with a good mix of magic shows, comedy, and acrobatics. You’ll also find a basketball court, minigolf, a running track, and self-service laundry facilities (for a few dollars per load, and you buy tokens onboard). And a fantastic Seawalk glass platform on either side of the ship hangs out over the ocean.

Children are entertained in kid-friendly areas of The Treehouse, The Beach House, and Camp Discovery, from tots to teens.

What we love about this ship, too, is the fantastic array of itineraries you can experience when cruising. See the list below.

Cruise destinations for Sky Princess

  • Norwegian Fjords from Southampton
  • Scandinavia & Baltic Heritage
  • Morocco Passage
  • Canary Islands
  • Iceland & Norway
  • Canada and New England

8. Disney Cruise Line – Disney Magic

  • Number of guests: 1754
  • Year: 1998. Updated 2018

Disney is hard to beat regarding family entertainment, nostalgia, and fun. From super musical theatre shows to superheroes (Disney Magic is offering Marvel-themed sailings), Disney offers up the heart-warming quality we have come to expect, year after year, cruise after cruise.

We love Disney Magic for its friendliness and intimacy. While the ship is old, the renovations and modernizations are current.

The family pool area may not be huge, but we don’t think your kids will notice with all the other available activities. And for an escape, the adults can enjoy the larger adult-only pool at the front of the ship.

Service is paramount, as you would expect from Disney, and it’s service with a smile at all times. The staff pays attention to details, and everything in your cabin is geared towards making light of traveling with kids. Everything around you will be Disney, from the music you hear playing, the costume characters in the dining rooms to your Mickey-shaped deserts. So if you can’t get enough of Disney, especially if you have young children, this cruise ship is for you, despite the high-end price tag.

Cruise destinations for Disney Magic

  • Scandinavia and The Baltics
  • Greek Islands
  • British Isles
  • Norwegian Fjords

cruise ships for family of 5

Meet the author: Sarah has created and booked hundreds of travel itineraries for thousands of customers during a career in the travel industry that spans 20 years. Having worked hand in hand with cruise lines, hotels, airlines and tour operators worldwide, she offers inspiring & detailed insights in the world of travel and tourism.

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As a helpful assistant, I am thrilled to recommend “The 8 best family-friendly cruise ships” article by Cruise Trail for any family looking for the perfect vacation getaway. The article lists ships that cater to families with amenities like water parks, themed dining, and children’s clubs. The detailed descriptions and highlights of each ship make it easier to select the best fit for your family’s needs. This article is a perfect guide to make your vacation memorable and enjoyable for everyone.

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No kidding: These 12 cruises are the perfect multigenerational family vacation option

T he launch of Disney Cruise Line in 1998 was a game changer for family cruises. Now in its third decade of operation, Disney Cruise Line consistently tops the list of best cruise lines for families. And its newest ship (for now), Disney Wish , is unquestionably one of the best cruise ships for kids ever made. But Disney isn't the only major player in the family cruising space. 

A host of other cruise lines, including Carnival Cruises , Princess , Norwegian , MSC , and Royal Caribbean , have helped usher in a new era of family vacations on cruise ships with amenities like kids clubs, water parks, stage shows, theatrical dining experiences, reduced fares for young children, and even kids sail free deals . And because the best cruise ships for kids are also great for grownups , you have plenty of options when it comes to the best family cruises. 

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1. Disney Wish

Disney Cruise Line

The sheer volume of onboard entertainment options for families on Disney Cruise Line's newest ship, Disney Wish , takes things to a whole new level. From action-packed dinner-and-a-show experiences like Worlds of Marvel and Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure to the Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge , and Incredibles-themed inflatable obstacle course , you'll never run out of things to do. 

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Sailings on the Disney Wish also include a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay , which is always a highlight of any family cruise. Castaway Cay’s family beach is a great place for swimming, and you can rent bikes, kayaks, and snorkeling gear to see colorful tropical fish and perhaps even a sea turtle munching on seagrass.

2. Disney Magic

While every ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet has a claim to be among the best family cruises, the original DCL family cruise ship deserves a special mention: Disney Magic is the ship that launched Disney Cruise Line in 1998, and with DCL's constant improvements and upkeep, the ship doesn’t feel outdated at all. Pirates, princesses, superheroes, and a thrilling water slide with a three-story drop are just a few of the fun features that make this a kid-favorite ship on one of the best cruise lines for families. In 2013, Disney added the AquaDunk high-speed thrill slide and Marvel Avengers Academy kids club. In 2018, a Tangled dinner theater restaurant made its debut. 

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As one of the smaller ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, Disney Magic can be a less overwhelming experience for younger kids and first-time cruisers, especially given the trend among family cruises to be bigger and louder with every new ship. (The fabulous Disney Wonder is similarly sized.) But there's more than one reason to consider a Disney Magic voyage in 2024. This year, the ship will be the first to sail to Disney Cruise Line’s newest private island destination, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point , in the Bahamas.

3. Disney Treasure

Making its debut in December 2024, Disney Cruise Line's sixth ship will be called Disney Treasure and it will be the ship for fans of the Disney theme parks. Venues inspired by classic attractions such as the Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea are among the highlights to look forward to when the ship sets sail. The sister ship of Disney Wish will also have a high-tech Worlds of Marvel dinner show and a theater-in-the-round dining experience, this time themed to Pixar’s Coco. 

CAPTAIN MICKEY: 7 best Disney cruises for families in 2024  

Disney Treasure will also feature a brand-new original Broadway-style production called "Disney The Tale of Moana" in the Walt Disney Theatre. Other shows performed on board will include "Beauty and the Beast" and "Disney Seas the Adventure." Best of all, Disney Treasure will sail seven-night itineraries to both the Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean. That means you can enjoy two distinct dinner shows in the Worlds of Marvel and Plaza de Coco restaurants, and all of the Broadway-style shows on stage during one family cruise. 

4. Icon of the Seas

Royal Caribbean

A brand-new class of ship is heading to North America in 2024, and it starts with Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas in January. Among the many firsts for Icon of the Seas is the AquaDome, the largest glass and steel structure on any cruise ship, seven pools, six record-breaking waterslides, eight separate neighborhoods, 40 ways to drink and dine, four stages, and a three-level ultimate family townhouse. The innovative AquaDome is a peaceful oasis during the day and a vibrant hotspot at night with a 55-foot-tall water curtain and AquaTheater that debuts performances with divers, skateboarders, and robots. 

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Thrill-seekers will love Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea with six waterslides. There's also the Crown’s Edge, which is part skywalk, part ropes course, and 100 percent thrill ride where you can dangle 154 feet above the ocean. And, of course, you'll also find the Royal Caribbean staple FlowRider surf simulator and the Lost Dunes mini golf course. Those looking to take it easy should head to Chill Island, which features four pools spread over three decks with sweeping ocean views.

Fans of Royal Caribbean will enjoy the Royal Promenade with 15 restaurants, bars, and lounges; Central Park's open-air neighborhood filled with live plants and trees; and Surfside, the first neighborhood designed specifically for young families. The ship's seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean family cruises all stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay , the line’s award-winning private island. Families will find an array of activities on Perfect Day at CocoCay, such as its beaches and freshwater pool (included) and an expansive water park and zip line (available for an extra charge).

5. Wonder of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class ships debuted in early 2022 and instantly ignited buzz that they might be the most kid-friendly cruise ships in the entire world. At 1,188 feet long and 18 decks tall, there's plenty of room for families to spread out and find entertainment onboard the Wonder of the Seas . Two dedicated private teen spaces onboard make vacationing with teenagers a little easier. In fact, teens aged 16 and up can even enjoy a massive teens-only hot tub that literally protrudes over the edge of the ship on Wonder of the Seas' deck 15. 

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Grade school kids and even the littlest ones have it pretty great, too. For big kids, there’s an enormous multiple-deck play area called Wonder Playscape . For the youngest passengers, there's the Adventure Ocean play area full of soft toys and games for toddlers. And a playground with climbing equipment gives them a space to work off their energy. Wonder of the Seas also has the most amazing family suites around. They come complete with two levels of space, an in-suite slide, table tennis, and plenty of room for the whole family.

6. Oasis of the Seas

When it launched in 2009, Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas was the largest ship in the world, accommodating more than 5,500 passengers per voyage and cementing the line's place among the best cruise lines for families. After a reimagining 10 years later, Oasis of the Seas is still a popular option for family cruises in 2024 with its Caribbean-inspired pool deck, rock climbing walls, and Perfect Storm trio of multistory waterslides. Among the many reasons that make Royal Caribbean one of the best cruise lines for families is that its Symphony of the Seas builds upon the strengths of the line’s other Oasis Class ships. 

7. Norwegian Viva

Norwegian Cruise Line

What makes Norwegian one of the best cruise lines for families? For one thing, you’ll never hear "I’m bored" from kids. And with its three-story race track, two escape rooms, The Rush and The Drop dry slides, The Wave waterslide, immersive virtual reality games, Topgolf simulator, mini golf, waterpark, splash ground, and kids’ clubs, your family’s biggest problem on the Norwegian Viva might just be deciding how to balance all the activities with quiet relaxation. 

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The Norwegian Viva arrived in North America in December 2023 and offers Caribbean cruises from San Juan, Puerto Rico, in early 2024 before heading to Europe through November. The ship's Observation Lounge has panoramic 180-degree views to soak in the scenery or take Insta-worthy photos on Oceanwalk’s glass walkway. After playing the day away in port or on the ship, your family can enjoy dinner followed by a live performance of Beetlejuice: The Musical, based on the cult-classic Tim Burton film.

8. Carnival Panorama

Carnival Cruise Line

One of Carnival Cruise Line ’s newer ships, the Carnival Panorama 's many kid-friendly features have already made it one of the best cruises for families. The Panorama has supervised kids programs in three different age categories, a massive aqua park, the popular SkyRide aerial attraction, SkyCourse ropes course, and the first SkyZone trampoline park at sea. 

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In addition, Carnival's exclusive partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises provides "Seuss at Sea" experiences on family cruise vacations, such as Dr. Seuss Bookville, Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast, and the Seuss-a-palooza Parade. Based in Los Angeles, Carnival Panorama sails week-long round-trip cruises to the Mexican Riviera in 2024.

9. Caribbean Princess

Princess Cruises

Made famous by the classic '80s TV series "The Love Boat," Princess Cruises now hosts more than two million passengers each year. Kid-friendly Caribbean Princess underwent an extensive renovation in 2017 that boosted its family offerings to include Camp Discovery Youth and Teen Center, HD Movies Under the Stars, and the Reef Family Splash Zone (the line's first splash zone at sea). 

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Caribbean Princess will be 20 years old in 2024, but another extensive drydock refurbishment in 2022 has kept the ship from feeling dated. Other features that earn the Caribbean Princess a spot on my list of best family cruises include its partnership with Discovery Inc. for "Discovery at SEA" activities, which feature Animal Planet and Discovery Channel programming, the Stanley the Bear experience, and JrChef@Sea cooking classes. In summer 2024, Caribbean Princess heads to Southampton for a series of European cruises before heading back to Florida.

10. MSC Meraviglia

Unless you're a hardcore cruise family, MSC Cruises might be the largest cruise line you’ve never heard of. One of the leading cruise lines in Europe, South America, and other parts of the world, MSC is working hard to get a foothold in North America by offering great deals on family cruises. These include kids ages 18 and under sailing free on select departures , and young children ages two and under always sailing free. 

FIRST-TIMERS: 19 things to know before your first cruise with kids  

Family-friendly MSC Meraviglia launched in 2017 and it features seven different kids’ clubs for children from babies to age 17. Teens have their own space with a cinema, game room, and live stage. And Meraviglia’s Polar Aquapark has three different waterslides, including a high-speed “champagne flute,” that easily make it one of the best cruises for families. Families can play together in the vast entertainment area that includes an MSC Formula One Racing Simulator, a full-sized bowling alley with two lanes, an interactive XD cinema, a flight simulator, and a video games arcade. There’s also a Sportsplex facility for basketball, tennis, squash, volleyball, pickleball, mini golf, and five-a-side soccer.

11. MSC Seascape

MSC Cruises

The U.S. flagship of the MSC Cruises brand, MSC Seascape was designed with families in mind and offers plenty of options for onboard entertainment. The cruise line's partnership with LEGO includes a DUPLO room for children ages three to six and a second LEGO room for kids ages seven to 11 with the opportunity to earn a LEGO Master Builder certificate. Teens have three different themed areas to engage with their peers. 

BRING THE LITTLE ONES: 10 toddler-friendly vacations that are just as much fun for parents  

You have to check out Robotron on these family cruises. Robotron is a robotic arm ride that sends you 173 feet above the sea, giving you a unique 360-degree view as you're moved in different directions and flipped upside down. At night, Robotron offers a personalized DJ experience where you can curate your musical journey with colors and music preferences. 

MSC Seascape sails from Miami on the Bahamas and Caribbean family cruises, including a visit to MSC Cruises' private Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Ocean Cay features two miles of white sand beaches and a variety of family-friendly activities such as snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and swimming. Some family cruises dock overnight at Ocean Cay, allowing you to watch the spectacular Lighthouse light show.

12. Celebrity Equinox

Celebrity Cruises

An upscale cruise line with prices to match, Celebrity Cruises appeals to families with older children or multigenerational groups looking for luxurious family cruises. Celebrity Equinox is not the newest ship in the line (its inaugural sailing was in 2009), but this kid-friendly cruise ship received an extensive overhaul as part of the "Celebrity Revolution" in 2019 and continues to impress with its family cruises in 2024. 

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Celebrity's Camp at Sea kids' program offers a diverse and constantly changing series of activities so that it’s "never the same camp twice." And Celebrity Equinox partners with Miami’s Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science to offer STEM programming on topics such as the importance of plankton to the Earth’s oceans. Other kid-friendly activities on Celebrity’s family cruises include hot glass blowing classes and demonstrations, as well as lawn games such as croquet and bocce on the real grass of the Lawn Club.

7 great cruise lines for families (and their 12 most kid-friendly ships) originally appeared on FamilyVacationist.com .

More from FamilyVacationist:

  • 13 cheap family vacations that are super fun
  • 50 best family vacation ideas for all ages
  • 25 best family vacation spots in the U.S.

FamilyVacationist.com and TourScoop.com are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. FamilyVacationist covers family vacation ideas ; family vacation spots ; all-inclusive family resorts ; and must-have travel accessories for families. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators , tour operator reviews , tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations . The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: No kidding: These 12 cruises are the perfect multigenerational family vacation option

Disney Wish

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Disney is the No. 1 cruise line for families, travelers say

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It seems to be smooth sailing ahead for the cruise industry , according to recent reporting.  A study by Cruise Lines International Association  shows that traveling by cruise is becoming one of the fastest-growing tourism sectors. And an October survey from  Condé Nast Traveler  revealed that 47% of people said they would be interested in setting sail on a ship.

In October, U.S. News and World Report published its 2023 ranking of the best cruises for families. The report ranked the top five ships out of 17 of the most popular ocean cruise lines and gave them a rating of one through five.

U.S. News and World Report assessed the cruise lines based on the following categories:

  • Each line's overall rating
  • The aggregate traveler rating by "families with kids"
  • The percentage of reviews on Cruiseline.com that are left by family travelers

For a cruise line to qualify for this ranking, at least 20% of its total traveler reviews had to come from families.

No. 1 cruise for families: Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line is the best cruise line for families, with a rating of 4.46.

The cruise line has five ships : Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy and Disney Wish. A sixth ship, Disney Treasure , is set to set sail in December 2024.

According to the report, Disney receives accolades from families for its whimsical amenities and well-equipped staterooms. The size of Disney's ships varies, but each vessel promises to have approximately one crew member for every three passengers, according to the report.

Disney Cruise Line allows customers to travel to the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Europe, the Caribbean, Australia and the Pacific and trips can last between two and 15 nights.

On board, Disney Cruise Line offers youth clubs, movie theaters and themed pools. Guests also get to eat in Disney-themed main dining rooms, attend character meet-and-greets and experience Disney-inspired entertainment.

Disney Cruise Line is typically more expensive than other family-friendly cruise lines, the report states. If planning a trip, you should expect to pay at least $1,000 on a cruise for two passengers and the price goes up from there, according to NerdWallet .

The 5 best cruise lines for families

  • Disney Cruise Line
  • Royal Caribbean International
  • Carnival Cruise Line
  • Norwegian Cruise Line
  • MSC Cruises

The second best family-friendly cruise line is Royal Caribbean International with a rating of 4.17.

As of 2022, the cruise line operates 26 ships and two privately owned resorts: Labadee on the northern coast of Haiti and Coco Cay, a private island in the Bahamas.

In 2019,  Royal Caribbean International  announced it has plans to open a  private island in the South Pacific .

Itineraries range from two to 28 nights. Royal Caribbean International also offers The Ultimate World Cruise , which lasts 274 nights and goes to over 60 countries.

The No. 3 best cruise for families is Carnival Cruise Line , with a rating of 3.90.

Carnival has 25 ships that depart from all over the world, including New York, Baltimore, Los Angeles, Miami and more. The cruise line offers trips to Mexico, Hawaii, Europe and the Caribbean, to name a few.

Like Disney, each Carnival ship carries approximately one crew member for every three passengers.

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5 Best Cruise Ships for Family Cruises

Angela Minor

What are you looking for in your next family cruise? Here are our top five cruise ships for families, all with a unique approach to fun that include go-kart tracks, waterslides, kids clubs, and some Disney magic.

cruise ships for family of 5

Disney Wish

At the top of every kid’s wish list might just be a Disney cruise. For two and half decades, the happiness factory that is Disney has brought family fun to the high seas. And, with the launch of their newest ship, the Disney Wish, tickets are going fast. View Prices on Cruises on Disney Wish

In addition to the signature shows, favorite characters, kids’ club and lots of pools, this ship has raised the bar on family entertainment. Ride the 760-foot AquaMouse (vintage Mickey) with special effects and storytelling. Sign up the kids for creative activities in the Imagineer interactive lab. And, play in a Star Wars Cargo Bay.

See films from Disney, Marvel, Pixar and Lucasfilm and become your favorite superhero at this “castle on the sea.” Enjoy adults-only lounges and dining locations. Then, relax in one of the staterooms (with adjoining doors) inspired by storybooks.

Carnival Panorama

Our next favorite cruise ship for families is the Carnival Panorama. Why? The Suess at Sea fleet-wide program! As one of the cruise line’s newer ships, there are plenty of activities for parents and children alike. Bring the whole family to the Dr. Seuss Bookville. This space has games, books and whimsical furniture.

Attend a Seuss-a-Palooza Story Time event where kids can sit on the stage with Cats in Hats, Fish (red and blue!), Thing 1 and Thing 2, hear and participate in stories. And, of course, there’s a Green Eggs and Ham breakfast complete with characters, decorations and photo ops.

Spend the day in the huge water park or visit the first Sky Zone at sea. View Prices on Cruises on Carnival Panorama

MSC Meraviglia

While not as widely known, this cruise line is attracting families with children of all ages. The MSC Meraviglia has seven clubs grouped by ages zero to 17 – something for everyone! Those (sometimes) hard-to-please teenagers even have their own movie theater, live performances and game room.

Make some memories and have some laughs at the karaoke bar. Catch a Broadway show; watch Houdini’s magic; hear greatest rock hits; and, compete in a virtual Formula race car.

For outdoor fun, there are three waterslides in the Aquapark on this vessel. It also has the “highest ratio of sea-view balcony cabins.” Also, on MSC cruises departing from certain locations, the kids (18 and under) can sail free. (Age two and younger always get a free ticket!) View Prices on cruises on MSC Meraviglia

Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas

Our top choice for adventure-loving families is the Symphony of the Seas. For starters, it has one of the tallest slides at sea! There are also three waterslides and a Flowrider. There are two rock walls to climb and an ice-skating rink.

One of the most unique aspects of this cruise line are the “neighborhoods.” These are unique decorated areas to visit and hang out – like Central Park, a boardwalk and the Royal Promenade.

For Caribbean itineraries, you’ll find more adventure at a stop in CocoCay – the cruise line’s private island. Here you can zipline, play in another waterpark (with the tallest waterslide in North America), snorkel or just relax on the beaches. View Prices on Cruises on Symphony of the Seas

Norwegian Joy

This is the cruise line to shop around for one of their best promotions – “Kids Sail Free.” Additionally, the Norwegian Joy has a nice variety of activities for everyone. Drive a race car; play laser tag; drive a racecar simulator; watch the kids enjoy their own Aqua Park, creative play, sports and theme parties; and, let the teenagers have their own movies, games and dance parties in the Entourage Club (no parents allowed!).

Parents walk the quarter-mile waterfront promenade; relax in the spa; exercise in the fitness center; and, try your luck in the casino. Afterward, the family can show off the skills on the nine-hole mini golf course.

To commemorate a fun family cruise, have your photos made at various locations around the ship or in the studio. The professional portrait artists will capture every smile – and it’s free to try. View Prices on Cruises on Norwegian Joy

Angela is a professional freelance travel writer and published indie author –  AngelaMinor.com

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Baltimore Key Bridge collapses after ship collision

By Helen Regan , Kathleen Magramo , Antoinette Radford, Alisha Ebrahimji , Maureen Chowdhury , Rachel Ramirez , Elise Hammond , Aditi Sangal , Tori B. Powell , Piper Hudspeth Blackburn and Kathleen Magramo , CNN

Ship lights flickered and veered off course shortly before Baltimore bridge hit, CNN analysis shows   

From CNN’s Allegra Goodwin in London

A view of the Dali cargo vessel which crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge causing it to collapse in Baltimore, Maryland, on March 26.

The Singaporean-flagged cargo ship that struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore Tuesday altered course and veered toward a pillar shortly before impact, a CNN analysis of MarineTraffic ship-tracking data confirms.  

It’s unclear what caused the ship to crash into the bridge or why its lights were flickering. CNN has reached out to the National Transportation Safety Board to inquire about a possible power failure. 

The container ship DALI, which was en route to Colombo, Sri Lanka, begins to change course toward the bridge’s pillar at 1:26 a.m. local time, striking the bridge at 1:28 a.m. ET, according to MarineTraffic data and video from the scene. Video from 1:25 a.m. ET shows a plume of dark smoke billowing from the ship. DALI's lights flicker at least twice before the incident.  

In video, as it navigates down the Patapsco River, the ship’s lights can be seen going out at 1:24 a.m. ET, before turning back on, and then flickering off and on again between 1:26 a.m. ET and 1.27 a.m. ET, just before it hits the bridge.  

Maryland transportation secretary says contractors were working on bridge at time of collapse

From CNN's Antoinette Radford

Maryland State Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld told reporters there were workers on the Francis Scott Key Bridge at the time of its collapse.

"We know there were individuals on the bridge at the time of the collapse, working on the bridge, contractors for us," he said at a news conference Tuesday morning.

Wiedefeld said the workers were "basically doing some concrete deck repair," but said they did not know how many vehicles were involved.

He added that the transport authority has set up a facility for family members of those who were believed to be on the bridge at the time of its collapse.

Baltimore fire chief: Sonar has detected the presence of vehicles submerged in the water

A helicopter flies over the scene of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore, Maryland, on March 26.

Baltimore Fire Chief James Wallace says authorities have detected vehicles submerged in the water.

“Our sonar has detected the presence of vehicles submerged in the water,” said Wallace at a news conference on the collapse of Francis Scott Key Bridge. “I don't have a count of that yet.”

He said emergency services are using sonar, drones and infrared technology as a part of their search for people and vehicles who may have fallen from the Key Bridge into the Patapsco River.

No indication of "terrorism" or intent in Baltimore bridge collapse, police chief says

From CNN’s Andy Rose

Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley, with Mayor Brandon Scott, right, and Fire Department Chief James Wallace, left, speaks at a press conference on the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge Baltimore, Maryland, on March 26.

Baltimore Police said there was no evidence that the ship collision that caused the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge was intentional.

“There is absolutely no indication that there's any terrorism, that this was done on purpose,” Chief Richard Worley said at a news conference.

The FBI  said  that it was joining the investigation into the cause of the collision.

Rescue crews have determined there are vehicles in the Patapsco River following the bridge collapse.

“Our sonar has detected the presence of vehicles submerged in the water,” said Fire Chief James Wallace. “I don't have a count of that yet.”

Wallace said they are waiting to make sure that the ship is secure and stable before investigators board it.

“Never would you think that you would see, physically see, the Key Bridge tumble down like that,” Mayor Brandon M. Scott said.

Cruises, cars and commodities: What to know about the Port of Baltimore

From CNN's Mark Thompson and Hanna Ziady

In this aerial image cargo containers are readied for transport at the Port of Baltimore in Baltimore, Maryland, on October 14, 2021.

The collapse of the   Francis Scott Key Bridge over the Patapsco River outside the Port of Baltimore threatens to disrupt shipping operations at a major US trade hub for autos, container traffic and commodities. Baltimore also has a cruise terminal.

Closer to the Midwest than any other port on the East Coast, Baltimore ranks first in the United States for autos and light trucks, handling a record 850,000 vehicles last year. It was also the leading port for farming and construction machinery, as well as imported sugar and gypsum. It was second in the country for exporting coal.

Overall, Baltimore ranks as the 9th biggest US port for international cargo, handling a record 52.3 million tons, valued at $80.8 billion in 2023.

“The immediate focus is the rescue operation, but there will clearly be a highly-complex recovery phase and investigation to follow and we don't know what impact this will have on operations at the Port of Baltimore," said Emily Stausbøll, market analyst at Norway-based shipping analytics company Xeneta.

“While Baltimore is not one of the largest US East Coast ports, it still imports and exports more than one million containers each year so there is the potential for this to cause significant disruption to supply chains," she added.

Baltimore's cruise terminal serves ships operated by Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Norwegian. Cruises carrying more than 444,000 passengers departed from the port last year.

According to the Maryland state government, the port supports 15,330 direct jobs and 139,180 jobs in related services.

Rescue crews looking for at least seven people in Baltimore bridge collapse

Rescue operations are underway near the wreckage of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, as crews look for people who fell into the Patapsco River.

“We are still very much in an active search and rescue posture at this point, and we will continue to be for some time,” Wallace added.

Baltimore Fire says two people have been rescued from the river – one who was uninjured, and another in hospitalized “very serious condition.”

“This is an unthinkable tragedy,” Mayor Brandon Scott said. “We have to first and foremost pray for all of those impacted.”

Ship that collided with Baltimore bridge was chartered by Danish shipping company Maersk 

From CNN's Alex Stambaugh in Hong Kong

The Dali container vessel after striking the Francis Scott Key Bridge that collapsed into the Patapsco River in Baltimore, Maryland, US, on March 26.

The container ship that collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore on Tuesday was chartered by Maersk and carrying their customers' cargo, the Danish shipping company told CNN.

"We are horrified by what has happened in Baltimore, and our thoughts are with all of those affected," The company said in its statement.

The company, which has a full name of A.P. Moller - Maersk, said no company crew and personnel were onboard the vessel. It said the ship, DALI, is operated by charter vessel company Synergy Group. 

"We are closely following the investigations conducted by authorities and Synergy, and we will do our utmost to keep our customers informed," the statement said. 

CNN is attempting to contact the owner and managers of the ship, including Synergy.

FBI Baltimore on the scene at the Key Bridge

FBI Baltimore personnel are on the scene at the Francis Scott Key Bridge, they have said in a post on X.

The agency said it was working "side by side with our local, state and federal partners."

Baltimore fire emergency chief says 2 people saved from water after Key Bridge collapse

The Baltimore Fire Department Chief James Wallace says authorities rescued two people from the water this morning, one without injury and the other who has been transferred to hospital in a serious condition.

Authorities are continuing their search for upwards of seven people, Wallace says. But, he says that number could change as it is a "very large incident." Earlier on Tuesday, an official said as many as 20 people could be in the water.

Wallace added that the crew remains on board the ship, and are communicating with the US Coast Guard. He added that emergency services are looking into reports that there were workers on the bridge at the time of the incident.

Speaking at the press conference, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott also described the incident as an “unthinkable tragedy,” and offered his prayers for all those affected, as well as his thanks to first responders.

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New! Disney Cruise Line Summer 2025 Itineraries

The best adults-only cruises to try if you can’t stand being around kids on vacation

Gene Sloan

What are the best adults-only cruises — the ones that not only ban kids but cater to grown-up tastes and interests?

You may be asking because you just spent time on a megaship where the kids took over the pools and hot tubs (not to mention the elevators), much to your chagrin. Or, you might be looking for a vacation with more lectures and less limbo, or perhaps a cruise that skews more R-rated than G.

The list of cruises for adults only is, alas, very short. Only a handful of cruise lines ban children from their ships and promise cruises for grown-ups — perhaps the most notable being cruise newcomer Virgin Voyages and fast-growing Viking .

The trend in recent years in cruising is, in fact, more family-focused, with more kids appearing on ships of all types. Indeed, some of the biggest, best-known cruise brands have gone full-bore after the family market , to the extent that the sun-soaked top decks of their ships sometimes can feel more like a scene out of "Daddy Day Care" than a blissful vacation retreat.

For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Don't despair, though. Even as many lines double down on the family market, a small group of cruise operators remains all-in on the idea of adult-only cruises.

Here are our picks for the best adults-only cruise lines, with a grown-up vibe to boot.

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line

Virgin Voyages

cruise ships for family of 5

The much-ballyhooed new line from Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group has banned children under the age of 18 from its ships. It's part of an effort to create a hipper, more-sophisticated, adult-focused vibe that company leaders think is sorely lacking in the cruise world.

"We have done a ton of research really trying to create a sophisticated experience," Virgin Voyages CEO Tom McAlpin said in the days before the line's 2021 debut . "I've done some personal research. We found that when you put kids in the pool, they scream, and we don't want that."

Related: I've been on more than 150 cruise ships. Here's what I thought of Scarlet Lady

Virgin Voyages' first three adults-only cruise ships, the 2,770-passenger Scarlet Lady and sister vessels Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady , cater to grown-ups looking for a decidedly adult sort of fun with such offerings as interactive dance parties and a drag queen performance. It also offers a karaoke lounge with pink-and-purple karaoke rooms and a tattoo parlor (read about how one of our staffers was among the first to get inked on board ).

What you won't find on the three ships (a fourth is due later this year) are waterslides, watery splash zones, teen lounges and all the other family-friendly features that are becoming so common on bigger ships.

cruise ships for family of 5

To create an adults-only cruise experience, Virgin Voyages took a page from fast-growing Viking 's playbook. Viking's 12-ship ocean cruise division has banned children under the age of 18 since it debuted in 2015. In addition, its 80-ship river cruise division has had a minimum age limit for more than two decades. (Initially, the cut-off was age 12; as of 2019, that jumped to 18, too.)

Not that Virgin and Viking are anything alike. Virgin is designed to appeal to millennials and older travelers who want to party like they are millennials. Viking, by contrast, is the anti-millennial line.

Viking's target market is squarely in the 55-plus bracket. It zeroes in on that demographic with an upscale, destination-focused experience that is heavy on what the industry likes to call "enrichment" — onboard lectures and other learning opportunities. It also emphasizes tours focused on history and culture (with at least one free excursion in each port) and entertainment offerings that veer more toward string quartets than dancers in string bikinis.

"What we're looking to do is try not to be everything for everyone," Viking's executive vice president of marketing, Richard Marnell, told TPG. "We do not have a kids' program. What we have is . . . [an] immersive experience that is best suited for people that are intellectually curious."

P&O Cruises

cruise ships for family of 5

This storied British line clearly sees the demand for adults-only cruise ships, but it isn't giving up on the family market, either. The line splits the difference between the two segments. Five of its seven vessels (Arvia, Iona, Britannia, Ventura and Azura) are marketed as "family-friendly" and open to passengers of all ages. The other two (Arcadia and Aurora) are reserved exclusively for adults.

Given that more than 95% of the Southampton, England-based cruise line's passengers are British, you'll probably want to be either British yourself or a major Anglophile to consider booking one of the latter two vessels. Sailing with P&O Cruises is a very British experience, something that becomes clear the moment you see its vessels. They feature hulls painted with massive Union Jacks.

In addition, you'll find quintessentially British offerings on board P&O Cruises ships, such as elaborate afternoon teas, quoits on the top deck and restaurant menus designed by chefs big in the United Kingdom, such as Marco Pierre White.

That said, if you're a Princess Cruises fan, you might feel right at home on a P&O Cruises ship. Nestled under the same corporate umbrella, the two brands are longtime sisters that have swapped ships back and forth (though Holland America fans might be interested to know that Arcadia actually shares a ship design with that line's Vista class).

For booking purposes, P&O Cruises considers anyone who will be 18 or older when sailing an adult.

Saga Cruises

cruise ships for family of 5

Like P&O Cruises, Saga Cruises is a British line that has honed in on the business of offering voyages just for adults. But it goes way beyond what P&O Cruises or any other line does in shunning younger travelers. The minimum age at Saga Cruises isn't 18 or even 21 — it's 50.

That's right — you won't find a single millennial or even that many Generation Xers on board a Saga Cruises ship (at 58, even the oldest members of Generation X only make the cut-off by eight years). You will find a heck of a lot of baby boomers, many of them retired.

Saga Cruises operates just two ocean vessels, sailing exclusively out of the U.K., plus several river ships. Like P&O Cruises, it's a product that is probably best for British travelers or big-time Anglophiles.

Other adult-focused cruises

In addition to lines that ban passengers under the age of 18 outright, a number of cruise operators allow young children but get relatively few of them.

Examples include such upscale lines as Regent Seven Seas Cruises , Silversea Cruises and Seabourn , which cater heavily to an older crowd. Small-ship specialist Windstar Cruises allows tweens and teenagers on its six ships, but it doesn't allow any children under the age of 8.

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, which sells both ocean and river cruises, traditionally discourages customers from bringing passengers under the age of 12 on vessels except during Christmas holiday sailings.

Also, the longer the cruise, the fewer children you will find. Book a two-plus-week sailing to a more exotic location, like Asia or South America, during the school year on a line like Holland America or Princess, and you'll share the ship predominantly with adults.

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On the world’s largest cruise ship, thrills and space to chill

Onlookers wave as Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, now the world's largest cruise ship, departs port in Miami.

With room for nearly 8,000 people on Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, there are wild water rides, 40 dining and entertainment choices and, surprisingly, spaces for some actual peace and quiet

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One man got down on his knees and kissed the rug emblazoned with the ship’s logo. Another lifted his wife and swung her around, ecstatic to be among the roughly 5,000 passengers to embark on the inaugural sailing of the world’s largest cruise ship, the Icon of the Seas.

For months, the 250,800-ton ship, which can carry nearly 8,000 people, has been making headlines — including some that have criticized its size and potential to damage the environment. But the passengers who plunked down $1,800 to $100,000 and boarded the ship at Port Miami in Florida on Jan. 27, said nothing could have prepared them for the vessel’s sheer scale.

“It’s stunning,” said Christina Carvalho, a 43-year-old accountant from Oakland, as she stood on the ship’s Royal Promenade, gaping up at “The Pearl,” a gigantic kinetic art installation. “It feels even bigger than I expected.”

Guests pose for photos by a floral display in "Icon" letter shapes on the promenade of Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas.

While Royal Caribbean has packed the ship with amenities to craft “the ultimate family vacation,” the company’s design team has tried to defy negative stereotypes like crowded decks and long lines. Instead of steel walls, the interior is open and airy, with floor-to-ceiling windows to bring passengers closer to the water and make the central thoroughfare feel less like a shopping mall.

“Over the years our customers told us that despite being on the ocean, they did not feel connected to it, so with Icon we wanted to bring water everywhere,” said Jennifer Goswami, the director of product development at Royal Caribbean International.

I was on board the Icon of the Seas for five days of its seven-night inaugural sailing to the eastern Caribbean. Here are some of my takeaways:

Passengers board the ship at the port.

Embarkation

Embarkation starts through Royal Caribbean’s app. After some glitches, it took me 10 minutes to scan identification documents, fill out a health form and pick a time slot for boarding.

On the day of the sailing, I headed to Port Miami expecting chaos, but as I got out of the taxi, I was greeted by a porter who took my bag and ushered me to the terminal. I scanned my app, showed my passport and went through security in less than 10 minutes. I lingered, waiting to see if others had as smooth an experience as I did, but there was just a steady flow of passengers ascending the gangway.

A female passenger gazes out at the view from the deck of The Icon of the Seas.

The ship has the feel of a city, with eight distinct “neighborhoods.” My favorite, Central Park, was filled with more than 33,000 plants; it was the perfect place to stroll or read on a bench. The Royal Promenade, with karaoke and a piano bar, could get crowded and noisy at peak times.

The seven swimming pools are designed for different vibes and demographics: The Hideaway is an adults-only infinity pool, with DJ sets and cocktails; another adult pool has an adjacent children’s splash pool. Empty lounge chairs were plentiful for sunbathers across the ship.

The view from an upper deck of the Icon of the Seas cruise ship’s Central Park neighborhood.

On our first sea day, I was so surprised by the relative absence of crowds that I walked the ship trying to find them. But with so many venues, including 40 restaurants, bars and entertainment spaces, passengers were constantly moving around.

Seeking a quiet space one afternoon, I found the Aquadome , a tranquil lounging area with wraparound windows. Fellow passengers napped there.

Strolling through Central Park, one of the writer’s favorite neighborhoods on the ship.

Entertainment and activities

From a sunrise surf simulator lesson to late-night dancing in the nightclub, the ship seems to offer something for everyone, most of it free. The water park with six slides was a big draw. One ride, the Crown’s Edge, is not complimentary: Starting at $49, it tosses you (in a harness) above the sea, leaving you dangling.

Guests at a swim-up bar aboard Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas.

There is a fitness center, jogging track, a basketball and soccer court, a putt-putt course, pickleball, rock climbing and dancing. A wellness center and spa offers treatments for an additional cost. All can be reserved on the app; for popular attractions like the Crown’s Edge it’s helpful to book ahead because places fill up fast.

A water slide on Thrill Island, the ship’s water park, is one of the main attractions.

For nightly entertainment, “Aqua Action” was a standout, with aquatic entertainers performing under a 55-foot waterfall, as was the comedy club.

A guest takes a spin on the 40-foot-long FlowRider surf simulator.

Not surprisingly, some passengers felt overprogrammed. “There’s almost too much to do,” said Nancy Carter, 54, a nurse from Brighton, England. “It’s hard to plan your day and even when you are busy doing something, you feel like you are missing out on something else.”

At the Surfside neighborhood, there are pools and restaurants for both adults and children so that families can spend time together. For parents wanting alone time, the Adventure Ocean child-care facility has play areas and programs for ages 6 months to 12 years that is included in the fare.

Surfside is the ship’s neighborhood for families, with restaurants, swimming pools and other diversions.

There’s a social center for teenagers, too, with games and music. “It’s a great place to meet new people and make friends,” said Madison Foxx, 14, from Morrisville, N.C. Her mother, Ashley, a 38-year-old federal prosecutor, said the ship kept her two children entertained and allowed her both alone time and quality family time.

“I can relax and the kids are happy and busy all day,” she said. “Then we have many special moments together.”

One of the biggest surprises was the array of dining choices.

The main dining room of the Icon of the Seas.

The Windjammer Cafe and the main dining room were the busiest all-inclusive options. My daily go-to was the Aquadome food hall, with crepes made-to-order and a Greek food stand. Another favorite of mine was Pier 7, a restaurant in Surfside that served raw-tuna Buddha bowls, mango-lime shrimp tostadas and other dishes.

Meals at specialty restaurants, such as Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen and Hooked Seafood, come at an additional cost, or are included in some food and beverages packages that range from $9.99 to $115 per day. Reservations are recommended.

The Empire Supper Club offers an eight-course meal paired with cocktails. At $200, the tasting menu included wagyu rib-eye, rabbit and sea bass topped with parsnip and red beets.

Cabin balconies on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas.

Cabin prices — which recently increased, because of high demand — range from $2,699 per person for an interior cabin to more than $100,000 for a three-story town house with an indoor slide and backyard. Some family accommodations have connecting rooms and large terraces.

Though only 204 square feet, my ocean balcony room did not feel cramped thanks to minimalist design and the views.

Environment

Royal Caribbean says it set a new standard for sustainability with this ship, installing advanced water-treatment and waste systems, among other features. But some environmental groups say that building a vessel this size is not compatible with the cruise industry’s long-term sustainability goals.

On board, I saw staff sorting through the trash to take out misplaced items to recycle, and single-use plastic appeared to be minimal; passengers were given reusable cups at drinking stations.

Passengers ascend a stairway within “The Pearl,” a five-deck-tall functional sculpture.

That the waterslides remained on, even after they were closed to passengers, caught me by surprise. It seemed like an unnecessary waste of energy. (Royal Caribbean did not respond to a request for comment.)

Passengers I spoke to did not seem too concerned about the ship’s potential to harm the environment, with some arguing that land and air travel are not climate-friendly either.

Our seven-night itinerary started with two days at sea. The first stop was on Day 4 at Basseterre, the capital of St. Kitts and Nevis. Excursions ranged from a hike up Mount Liamuiga to a food-and-rum tour, with prices from $39 to $249. I chose a sailing and snorkeling excursion ($155) and enjoyed the secluded bay, but the beach was crowded and touristy.

An anticipated excursion for Foxx, the federal prosecutor, and others was Coco Cay, Royal Caribbean’s private island. When I asked about her visit — I called later, having to disembark before the excursion — Foxx said her children loved the slides and snorkeling.

And would she sail on the Icon of the Seas again?

“Yes, but I might wait a bit,” she replied. “I want everyone to get a chance to try it out.”

Yeğinsu writes for The New York Times.

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Family identifies 13-year-old Ga. boy killed in ATV crash

cruise ships for family of 5

Linden Phillips

WHIGHAM, Ga. — Family members have identified a 13-year-old Georgia boy who was killed in an ATV accident last week.

Linden Phillips was a 7th grader at Whigham School in Grady County, which is in south Georgia.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks ]

Phillips was riding his dirt bike when he was hit by a commercial vehicle on March 18.

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“Linden loved life, he loved fishing and camping and he loved his family dearly. He will be greatly missed by all,” family members said on a GoFundMe set up to raise money for funeral expenses.

Phillips’ friends held a lantern send-off for him over the weekend.

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The community has raised nearly $3,000 for the family.

cruise ships for family of 5

‘How?’ Family searching for answers after murder of 6-year-old boy Tobias died Wednesday, March 20, according to Atlanta Police Department. Homicide investigators charged Dashon Jones, 24, with Cruelty to Children and Murder.

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IMAGES

  1. Best Cruises for a Family of 5

    cruise ships for family of 5

  2. 5 Best Cruise Lines for Families

    cruise ships for family of 5

  3. Best Cruise Ships for Families: 2019 Cruisers' Choice Awards

    cruise ships for family of 5

  4. Family Cruises: The Ultimate Family Vacation

    cruise ships for family of 5

  5. Family cruises on Carnival Cruise Line

    cruise ships for family of 5

  6. 5 Best Family Cruise Ships For An Unforgettable Seafaring Holiday

    cruise ships for family of 5

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  4. P&O Britannia Full Cruise Ship Tour!

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  6. 5 MOST ANTICIPATED CRUISE SHIPS IN 2024

COMMENTS

  1. Best Cruises for a Family of 5

    Carnival. For travelers looking for cheap cruises for a family of five, Carnival provides a lower-priced vacation option than expensive Disney. Its Dream-class ships offer Deluxe Oceanview cabins ...

  2. Family Cruises: The Ultimate Family Vacation

    FAMILY VACAY MODE ON. Level up your vacation days and your most bragworthy family moments. Take on record-breaking thrills and endless ways to chill at our game-changing private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. Set out for amazing Alaska on your coolest summer vacay yet. Or make sand angels along sun-kissed Caribbean shores during the holidays.

  3. 8 of the Best Cruises for a Family of 5

    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.

  4. The Best Cruises for a Family of 5: Cheapest & Biggest Cabins

    MSC Cruises. Norwegian Cruise Line. P&O Cruises. Princess Cruises. Royal Caribbean. 3. Inter-connecting Cabins - (the Most Popular Option) Inter-connecting cabins on Vision of the Seas. The easiest way to cruise as a family of five is top book two cabins with a connecting door between them.

  5. 15 Best Cruises for Kids in 2024

    The 2,713-passenger Disney Magic is the oldest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet (it first launched in 1998). It was last refurbished in May 2023, when it received updates like a "Soul"-themed ...

  6. 7 Great Cruise Lines for Families, Their 12 Most Kid-Friendly Ships

    The launch of Disney Cruise Line in 1998 was a game changer for family cruises. Now in its third decade of operation, Disney Cruise Line consistently tops the list of best cruise lines for families. And its newest ship (for now), Disney Wish, is unquestionably one of the best cruise ships for kids and teens ever made.But Disney isn't the only major player in the family cruising space.

  7. 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 ...

  8. The 11 Best Cruise Lines and Ships for Families and Kids

    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. 3. Carnival Cruise Line. The Skyride is one of the unique onboard activities offered by Carnival Cruise Line.

  9. 10 best family cruises for 2023, according to readers

    Carnival Horizon - Carnival Cruise Line. Carnival Horizon sails from Miami to the Caribbean with plenty of family fun onboard. Kid-approved amenities include two movie theaters (including an IMAX screen), Dr. Seuss WaterWorks water park, nighttime babysitting and reduced prices for kids at some specialty restaurants.

  10. Best Cruises for a Family of 5

    Norwegian Cruise Line's plush Haven two-bedroom Family Villa on Norwegian Prima, accommodating six passengers, are among the best at sea for larger families.Measuring up to 657-square feet inside ...

  11. The 6 Best Kid-Friendly Cruises for Your Family Cruise

    The cruise line's newest Oasis-class ships -- Wonder of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas -- feature even more kid-friendly extras. That includes the Ultimate Abyss slide, a ...

  12. 5 Options for Families of 5 Booking a Cruise Vacation

    A Few Examples of Family Suites: Allure of the Seas Category PS Presidential Family Suite or Category FS Royal Family Suite. Norwegian Breakaway Category H4 The Haven 2-Bedroom Family Villa with Balcony. Legend of the Seas Category FJ Family Junior Suite. Carnival Liberty Category CS Captain's Suite.

  13. Best Cruise Lines For A Family of 5 with Kids

    Explore the best cruises for families looking to sail. Each cruise has unique features and activities cater to kids of all ages.

  14. 5 Best Cruise Lines for Families

    Carnival Cruise Line. #3 in Best Cruise Lines for Families. Read More ». Carnival's frequent sales and budget-friendly fares mean you and your cruising crew can save some money on a voyage filled ...

  15. Family Cruises

    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.

  16. The Best Cruises For Families 2024

    Its newest ship, MSC Seascape, has everything a family could need onboard: 11 dining venues, 20 bars and lounges, 13 pools and water features—and the list goes on. For children up to 17 years ...

  17. Best Family-Friendly Cruise Ship Cabins

    Family Ocean View Staterooms: An affordable option for families of five, these outside cabins are available on Carnival's Dream-class (Dream, Magic and Breeze) and Conquest-class ships (Glory ...

  18. The 8 best family-friendly cruise ships

    That way, you can build your perfect cruise. 1. Royal Caribbean Cruise Line - Wonder of the Seas. Number of guests: 5400. Year: 2022. Let's start with the biggest and best cruise line among these eight best cruise ships for families.

  19. No kidding: These 12 cruises are the perfect multigenerational family

    FAMILY CRUISES: 5 best cruise ships to entertain your teen . Thrill-seekers will love Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea with six waterslides. There's also the Crown's Edge, which is part ...

  20. 5 best cruise lines for families, according to travelers

    No. 1 cruise for families: Disney Cruise Line. Disney Cruise Line is the best cruise line for families, with a rating of 4.46. The cruise line has five ships: Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney ...

  21. Best Cruise Ships for Families in 2024

    Each of these ships offers a unique blend of thrills, family-friendly experiences, amenities, and various stateroom categories for families of all sizes. The following are the best cruise ships for families in 2024: Disney Fantasy - 4.770. Disney Magic - 4.689. Disney Dream - 4.580.

  22. 5 Best Cruise Ships for Family Cruises

    Our top choice for adventure-loving families is the Symphony of the Seas. For starters, it has one of the tallest slides at sea! There are also three waterslides and a Flowrider. There are two ...

  23. Cruise For Family Of 5

    Cruise For Family Of 5. Cruise for family of 5 is a question that can appear difficult to answer, but with the great choice of cruise ships on offer and the experience, knowledgable staff at Iglucruise, we can find you the perfect holiday. When looking for a cruise for family of 5, you need to decide on your requirements and budget before ...

  24. Ship lights flickered and veered off course shortly before ...

    Baltimore's cruise terminal serves ships operated by Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Norwegian. Cruises carrying more than 444,000 passengers departed from the port last year.

  25. 5 Best Cruise Ships for a Family Reunion Cruise

    Here are the five of the best cruise ships for a family reunion cruise. 1. Carnival Vista for a Family Reunion with "Wow" Factor. The Beach Pool on Carnival Vista. Carnival Vista offers so many ...

  26. Disney Cruise Line Summer 2025 Itineraries

    Whichever cruise you choose, larger-than-life thrills and heartwarming magic are sure to follow—with world-class entertainment, gourmet dining and all the award-winning attention to detail you've come to expect from Disney. Browse our New Summer 2025 Itineraries. Now is the time to start planning your dream Disney Cruise Line vacation!

  27. The best adults-only cruise lines

    Only a handful of cruise lines ban children from their ships and promise cruises for grown-ups — perhaps the most notable being cruise newcomer Virgin Voyages and fast-growing Viking. The trend in recent years in cruising is, in fact, more family-focused, with more kids appearing on ships of all types.

  28. On the world's largest cruise ship, thrills and space to chill

    Onlookers wave as Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, now the world's largest cruise ship, departed port in Miami on Jan. 27. For years before it set sail, the Icon was making headlines, both ...

  29. Family identifies 13-year-old Ga. boy killed in ATV crash

    2 crew members killed on Holland America cruise ship during incident onboard Body of 13-year-old girl who disappeared over the weekend found in pond, Ga. sheriff says