When it comes to setting sail on the high seas, potential cruisers have plenty of options. From European to Caribbean cruises and specialty itineraries, you won’t lack choice when planning a vacation. If you’re sailing with little ones in tow though, you’ll want to know which cruise line is best for families.
While most lines welcome families onboard, some offer more age appropriate activities and amenities than others. Below is what to consider when exploring a family cruise and travel agent and passenger rankings of best family friendly cruise lines.
What We’ll Cover:
- What to look for when selecting a cruise line for your family vacation
- The best cruise lines overall for families
- Which cruise line is best for budget-minded cruising
- Which cruise line is best for family luxury cruises
- What cruise line is best for larger families
What to Consider When Seeking the Best Cruise Line for Families
When considering a family cruise, one thing to keep in mind is the itinerary. Some sailings have daily port stops, where families can disembark on shore excursions. This is a great way to see new locales with your children, but keep in mind that many activities do have age restrictions. This could leave younger children spending more time on the ship, requiring a high level of onboard interaction.
Other itineraries may include one or more days at sea. When this is the case, finding a line that offers a well-planned slate of family-friendly activities is key to busting boredom for younger cruisers. Onboard kids clubs should offer a variety of daily happenings, designed to engage kids, tweens and teens, while giving parents some relaxation time. Also take a close look at the ship’s onboard features—think mini golf, go-kart tracks, or ropes courses—and decide what amenities may be worth an additional cost if required.
Parents of finicky eaters should look at the restaurants and menu items offered onboard. While some lines focus on pleasing a wide variety of food tastes, many feature chef-inspired culinary delights designed to please the most discriminating palates. If your child has very particular tastes, these refined menus may not be appealing.
You’ll also want to look at dining times. Many cruise ships seat passengers for evening meals in 2 waves—one early and one late. If children are accustomed to eating on a regular schedule, being forced to eat at an off time could seriously diminish family harmony. Be sure to check out the dining times offered by a particular line before booking, or find out if they offer flex-time dining options.
Last, consider cabin configurations. Standard cruise ship staterooms average around 250 square feet. That’s not a lot of space when you add in luggage and child accoutrements, such as cribs and strollers. A well thought out stateroom, with ample storage and under bed stowage, can make it easier to accommodate everyone without feeling cramped.
Best Cruise Lines for Families Overall
Cruise lines that cater to children and families may seem few and far between, but there are 2 that accommodate families extremely well.
Disney Cruise Line Tops Our List of Overall Best Cruise Lines for Families
It’s probably no surprise that Disney Cruise Line would top the list of best cruise lines for families, since the company has been hard at work delivering family entertainment for decades.
When sailing with Disney, a host of activities and amenities provide family style entertainment, including;
- Fireworks at Sea
- A pirate themed night
- 3 themed restaurants enjoyed on a rotational dining schedule
- Multiple daily opportunities to meet with Disney Characters
- Movie theaters featuring first-run Disney films
- Broadway style shows featuring Disney characters
Special areas offering entertainment and activities for younger passengers are provided through the Oceaneer Kids Clubs and Labs for youngsters aged 3-12, with special groupings provided for varying age levels. Tweens and teens will find their own places to chill and enjoy time with new friends. All clubs designed for kids on a Disney cruise feature some of the most innovative activities, sure to please a wide range of travelers.
Deluxe family staterooms are offered on most ships, providing families more room to spread out and get comfortable. With bed space for 4-5 passengers, these cabin types are perfect for larger families. Split bathrooms round out the family friendly features, providing a separate space for toilet and sink and one for shower and vanity.
Last, Disney focuses on kid-friendly dining across its fleet of ships. In addition to themed restaurants, some featuring Disney character shows, younger travelers can choose items from menus created to appeal to children. Whether dining in one of the main venues, at the ship’s buffet or one of the other onboard eateries, families of even the most discerning diners will find something to appeal to their tastes.
At certain times of year, Disney also offers special themed cruises, such as Halloween on the High seas or even Marvel themed adventures.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Receives Family Accolades
The Royal Caribbean Cruise Line also caters to family travelers, particularly those with younger children, thanks to available babysitting services, palate-pleasing dining options and a host of activities designed to appeal to all ages. However, you won’t find all activities on all ships.
Older ships in the line may appear lackluster to family travelers, in absence of the pool deck splendor of newer Oasis class ships. However, families should find plenty to do on all but the oldest of Royal Caribbean’s fleet offerings. Family-friendly amenities include:
- Distinct neighborhoods, including one designed just for families
- Splash pads for younger children
- Hair-rising waterslides
- Family-friendly zip lines, climbing walls, sports plex and other active spaces
- High-quality original stage productions and shows, including AquaTheater, a spectacular that’s part stunt show, part diving spectacular that always makes a splash
- Surfing simulator
- iFly skydiving simulator
Keep in mind, activities and offerings will vary by ship. While the vast majority are included, some may require a separate charge. If your family is set on a particular offering, be sure to check the ship you plan to sail to ensure its availability.
Family-sized staterooms accommodating up to six guests are available on several of Royal Caribbean’s ships, though they do tend to fill up fast. Suites offer additional rooms for families traveling the high seas and are a good choice when sailing itineraries with multiple sea days.
Cheap Family Friendly Cruises
When it comes to finding the best budget friendly line, Carnival Cruises wins hands down. Fortunately, families won’t have to sacrifice fun for a more budget friendly price point either. While Carnival’s offerings may not match the sheer thrill of some of Royal Caribbean’s ships, families certainly won’t fall prey to boredom, with activities such as:
- Camp Ocean: supervised, ocean-themed programming for kids ages 2 to 11, including crafts, games, and group play.
- Circle “C”: a fun space for tweens ages 12 to 14 to socialize, play video games, and join in themed parties.
- Club O2: teen-only lounge for ages 15 to 17 with music, movies, karaoke, and late-night events.
- Night Owls: a fee-based evening childcare service for kids up to age 11, featuring movies, snacks, and quiet playtime.
- Zumbini™: is a playful parent-child music and movement class designed for children under 5 years old.
- Hasbro, The Game Show: a live stage event where families compete in giant versions of classic board games.
- Family trivia, karaoke, and game nights offer chances for parents and kids to team up for onboard fun.
- WaterWorks Water Park features thrilling waterslides, splash zones, and giant soaking buckets.
- Mini-golf courses provide an easygoing activity for all ages with ocean views.
- Ropes courses challenge guests to balance and climb while harnessed above the ship’s deck (available on select ships).
- Basketball and sports courts give active families space for friendly competition.
- Pools and hot tubs are available throughout the ship, including options geared toward families.
- Playlist Productions® delivers Broadway-style musical performances that entertain guests of all ages.
- Dive-In Movies are family-friendly films shown poolside on a big screen under the stars.
- Comedy shows include early evening sets appropriate for families and kids.
- Live music, magicians, and onboard games round out the entertainment schedule with something for everyone.
Families won’t go hungry when sailing Carnival either. The Main Dining Room includes flexible seating options and kid-approved menus with classics like mac and cheese. Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, and Pizza Pirate offer casual, kid-friendly dining throughout the day. Twenty-four-hour ice cream and frozen yogurt stations are always a hit with kids too.
Family staterooms and suites offer extra space and convenience for groups traveling together. The most spacious accommodations include family harbor staterooms and suites (available only on Vista Class ships). Designed specifically for families and located in a special family designated area, these rooms offer extra sleeping space like sofa beds or pull-down bunk beds. Family Harbor suites come with 2 bathrooms.
If you’re wondering just how budget friendly it is for a family to sail with Carnival, we checked out some recent fares. As of this writing, a family of four could take a 7-day cruise to Alaska and the inside passage for as little as $842 per person with available discounts. This same family could head to the warm waters of the Caribbean for a sunny 7-night sailing for just over $700 per person. When you consider that all meals are covered in this fare, it’s a solid deal for family’s not looking to break the bank on a vacation.
Best Luxury Cruise Line for Families
Luxury cruise lines, such as Silver Seas, Oceania and Viking, offer upscale amenities combined with refined accommodations and discerning service, but they may not provide the best environment for kids. Most lines at the luxury level focus on pleasing the older adult traveler. Viking, for instance, touts itself as the “Thinking Person’s Cruise,” reflecting the line’s commitment to culturally enriching, adult-only travel.
When it comes to combining the elegance and premium sophistication of luxury lines with family friendly onboard environments, Celebrity Cruises offers just what families seeking this level of luxury hope to find. While typically hosting adults in the over 40 set, it is not uncommon to find multigenerational travelers onboard. Given Celebrity’s refined design, top-tier service, destination rich itineraries and immersive shore excursions, the line appeals to families who prefer more educational and enriching activities over loud or overstimulating environments.
While Celebrity doesn’t have waterparks or movie characters, the line provides thoughtfully curated activities for kids and teens through its Camp at Sea program, which includes STEM, arts, recreation, and culinary experiences. While kids and teens are engaged in age-appropriate supervised programming, parents and grandparents can unwind in luxurious spas, adult-only solariums, rooftop gardens, or wellness and enrichment classes.
With options like suites, multi-room connecting staterooms, and The Retreat (Celebrity’s all-suite luxury enclave), families can spread out without sacrificing privacy or comfort. Grandparents may opt for a suite with private butler service, while parents and kids enjoy adjacent veranda rooms—all sharing the same elevated cruise experience.
In short, Celebrity Cruises strikes the perfect balance: modern luxury and relaxation for adults, thoughtful engagement for kids and teens, and enough variety for the whole family to bond—making it a top choice for luxury-minded family travelers.
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Request a QuoteWhat Cruise Line Can Accommodate a Family of 5 or 6
Larger families looking to cruise should find it easy to secure accommodations, since most lines offer connecting staterooms. This type of configuration can accommodate up to 8 passengers, giving families room to breathe and parents peace of mind.
Lines like Royal Caribbean and Carnival offer suite class accommodations with more space and amenities for a family who may be ready to splurge. One of Royal Caribbean’s most impressive family-friendly accommodations is the Ultimate Family Suite, available on Oasis and Quantum Class ships . This two-level suite is a kid’s dream and a parent’s solution to functional luxury. It features a private in-suite slide, an air hockey table, a cinema and gaming room, and even a LEGO wall for creative play.
The space comfortably sleeps up to 8 guests with two full bedrooms, a split master bath, and a bunk room for kids. Outside, the expansive balcony includes a whirlpool and table tennis, creating a private outdoor play space with ocean views.
Not to be outdone, Carnival Cruise Line offers its own upscale family oasis. The Family Harbor Suite, available on Vista-Class ships, offers a a cozy and convenient layout that sleeps up to five guests with a separate bedroom area, sofa bed, and drop-down bunk. What sets these suites apart is the two-bathroom setup, a rare and much-appreciated feature for families getting ready each day.
Guests staying in Family Harbor Suites also enjoy exclusive access to the Family Harbor Lounge, a dedicated space offering daily breakfast, snacks, board games, movies, and family concierge assistance.
The Concierge 2-Bedroom Suite with Verandah, available on Disney Cruise Line, is another boon to larger families or multi-generational groups traveling together. Each thoughtfully designed space offers an elegant retreat perfect for larger families seeking comfort and privacy at sea. This suite sleeps up to seven guests and features two separate bedrooms, including a master bedroom with a queen-size bed and a second bedroom with two twin beds and an upper berth. A spacious living area includes a double sleeper sofa, making it easy for everyone to spread out.
With two and a half bathrooms, including a master bath with a whirlpool tub and a second full bath for added convenience, the suite ensures smooth mornings even for bigger groups.
Which Cruise Line Is Best for Families—Making a Choice
When it comes to selecting the right line for your family vacation, be sure to choose a line that fits your lifestyle and preferences. Active families will want to review each individual ship before selecting a particular sailing, to ensure that onboard activities will keep everyone occupied and having fun. Fortunately, it’s easy to find the itineraries that match your ship preferences by using available filters on the booking page for each line.
Another approach is to look for an itinerary that suits your style. If you’re looking for a sun-soaked itinerary filled with beach pursuits, lines make it easy to find the right Caribbean cruise.
No matter how you plan to sail, it’s never been a better time for families to cruise together, as several lines step up the family-friendly ship offerings, destinations and excursions.
