Best Family-Friendly Cruise Lines
When one thinks of vacations that are appropriate for families, a cruise might not be the first thing that springs to mind; nevertheless, this perception is beginning to shift. Cruise companies have been trying for a long time to entice families to come on board with cutting-edge amenities that are kid-friendly such as night nurseries, pools, and waterslides, all of which are enjoyable for adults as well as children. And what could be a more exciting approach to educate the little ones about the wider world than to start each day in a different port? The following are the cruise lines that are the most accommodating to families.
1. A-ROSA
Even while all A-ROSA river cruises are created with families in mind, the company’s newest ship, the E-Motion, takes the concept of family-friendly travel to an entirely new level. The four-deck ship was designed with multi-generational families in mind and has spacious cabins with bunk beds, an age-appropriate toy box, two spacious pools, and a free kids’ club. Additionally, the cabins feature ample storage space. Relaxing in the spa, which features a whirlpool and a sauna, is an option for adults, while children have the opportunity to meet the ship’s captain and play in their own private pool. Participate in activities like preparing pizza and mocktails while your children play miniature golf. Children under the age of 15 sail for free, and the cost of all meals and drinks is included (excluding The Douro). There are free kids’ clubs available for children ages four to fifteen throughout the school vacations. Shore excursions cost extra. Those hoping for an experience with less pomp and circumstance should check into river cruises.
2. Carnival
Fun for the whole family is a priority for Carnival Cruise Line. Children may get their creative juices flowing in the ship’s craft workshop, scream their lungs out on BOLT, the first rollercoaster ever built at sea, or soar more than 150 feet above deck on SkyRide, a recumbent bike that is suspended beneath a metal track. There is no need to worry about having cabin fever thanks to the ship’s extra-spacious bedrooms and family area. Additionally, the ship’s top deck features enormous projectors that are ideal for group gatherings to watch movies beneath the stars. Their cutting-edge vessel, the Mardi Gras, boasts the largest youth spaces in the entire fleet and features hangout places tailored to each of the three age categories. Accommodation, meals (including bar specialty dining), entertainment, and activities are all included of the package. Not included are alcoholic beverages, spa services, shore excursions, and gratuities. As soon as you step on board, you’ll find yourself breaking into a lively dance.
3. Cruises offered by Celebrity
Celebrity has taken into consideration people of all ages, from infants to teenagers and all in between. Their Camp at Sea program provides slumber parties for younger children, Xbox stations for more introverted adolescents, and sports courts for older children who would like to play sports while at sea. In the extremely unlikely event that your children are absent from school, they will have the opportunity to brush up on topics such as marine wildlife and ecological conservation through STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), an organization that hosts activities and events centered on the aforementioned subjects. Meals (including bar specialty dining), performances, and activities are all included on cruises. With the “Always Included” package, you won’t have to worry about paying extra for things like wi-fi, drinks, or tipping. The majority of kids’ groups provide free memberships (charges apply when the ship is in port and in the evenings). Fans of contemporary interior design will likely be drawn to the ships the most.
4. The cruise line operated by Disney
The magic and spectacle that Disney Parks are known for are also present on Disney Cruises. There is a kid’s beauty salon where children may be pampered, where they can meet Mickey Mouse, and where they can settle in for theater presentations based on Disney classics. Castaway Cay is a family-friendly private island in the Bahamas that is owned and operated by the cruise line. It features a snorkeling lagoon, boat rentals, and a teen hangout. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to visit Castaway Cay. Entertainment, a variety of dining options (including round-the-clock room service), a kids’ and youth club, as well as Castaway Cay, are all included in the packages (on most Bahamian and Caribbean cruises). Alcoholic beverages, eating options geared solely toward adults, and tips all come with an additional cost. This cruise focuses entirely on the Disney brand and is an excellent option for guests who would like to interact with Mickey.
5. MSC Cruises
Onboard MSC ships, you will be delighted from sunrise until night, thanks to the ships’ award-winning facilities that are designed to keep the entire family satisfied. Experience the thrill of zipping across the deck on a zip line, roll a perfect game at the bowling alley, and watch Broadway plays every night. In addition to a jukebox and a silent disco, the MSC Virtuosa offers a space called the Teens Lab that is filled with interactive technology and is designed specifically for older children. There is no additional cost for any of the following: meals (including bar specialty dining), entertainment, the majority of activities, or kids’ clubs. Each and every Virtuosa cruise that visits the British Isles comes with a complimentary premium drinks package as well as gratuities. Excursions, as well as some drinks and visits to the spa, are charged at an additional fee.
6. Norwegian Cruise Line
With no predetermined times for dining or entertainment, Norwegian provides families with the all-important flexibility they need. And even though all of the ships in the fleet offer activities for children aged six months to seventeen years, the Norwegian Encore takes things to a whole new level. Visit the Galaxy Pavilion for a virtual reality experience that includes simulated hang-gliding, where you can race towards the checkered flag on the largest racing track at sea, where you can zap the youngsters in the laser tag arena, or where you can race yourself. Meals (including bar specialties), a coffee bar, children’s groups, evening entertainment, and activities by the pool are all included. Drinks, shore excursions, babysitting, and popular activities like the race track and laser tag all have additional costs associated with them. Keep an eye out for the rare Kids Sail Free promotion that offers complimentary cruise prices for third and fourth guests.
7. P&O Cruises
P&O is putting their Excel class ship, the Arvia, to the test to see how far it can go. There is the opportunity to test your balance on the Altitude Skywalk high-ropes adventure and train your swing at the Altitude Minigolf course. Alternatively, if you’d rather put your feet on the ground, there is a four-screen cinema and a retro-style restaurant serving all-American food. Included in the price are dance classes, use of the sports deck, the majority of the activities offered by the kids’ clubs, as well as full-board dining and entertainment. The majority of passengers are typically British.
The days of tracking down runaway children are long gone. You’ll be able to track down exactly where family members are on the Princess MedallionClass ship at the push of a button thanks to the smart wearable devices that are available onboard. You’ll also be able to request food and drink to be delivered to any location on the ship. The top-deck astronomy experience, the inside planetarium, and, depending on where you’re sailing, the opportunity to meet guest pups or parrots on board are some of the standout elements that are sure to excite the children. At the Reef Family Splash Zone on the Caribbean Princess, children may enjoy hours of water-based fun, which can be washed down with mocktails designed for for children and cocktails designed specifically for adults. What exactly do you get? Activities, kid’s clubs, the main eating area, soft drinks, and entertainment available on board.
9. Royal Caribbean International
Rock climbing, ice skating, and zip lining are three of the most notable family-friendly activities offered by Royal Caribbean, which gives it a competitive advantage over other cruise lines in this category. The Anthem of the Seas is likely the most stunning ship in the series so far with features such as a skydiving experience called RipCord, a surf simulator called FlowRider, and robot bartenders that shake beverages. Full board (specialty meals is an additional cost), some drinks, and the majority of the ship’s entertainment and activities are included in the price of a cruise. Extra fees will be assessed for alcoholic beverages, visits to the spa, shore excursions, wireless internet, and tips.
10. Uniworld (n.)
Since Uniworld is well-known for being a favorite among those who enjoy luxurious experiences, the fact that it also caters to families comes as a nice surprise. Paddle boarding, treasure hunts, bike rides, and painting classes are some of the on-shore activities that are included in the Generations program, which operates on a select number of departures during the school holidays in the United Kingdom. In addition to providing tours of the ship with the captain, the on-board amenities include a lounge with a PlayStation, frequent culinary courses, and craft workshops. All meals, drinks (including premium wines and spirits), activities, bike rental, gratuities, port costs, and return flights are included in the price of the trip.
FAQ
Which cruise lines offer family suites in their accommodations?
Family suites are available on a variety of ships, including those operated by Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Princess, MSC, Disney, and Norwegian Cruise Line, which features the Haven Family Villas on nine of its ships. If you’re interested in booking a family suite on one of these cruise lines, you can find more information on their websites.
How much does it typically cost for a cruise for a family?
This is dependent on the cabin grade that you choose as well as the destination that you have in mind. We found that MSC offered the most affordable Mediterranean cruise at a price of £1,240 for a family of four that shared an inner cabin and sailed for seven nights in October 2022. Keep an eye out for promotional offerings on select ships such as “Kids Sail Free,” which could result in significant cost savings.
When is the best time of year to go on a cruise to get the best deal?
Once more, this is dependent on the route as well as the region of the world in which you will be sailing. If you are looking for a good deal on a Caribbean cruise, the best time to book is during the school year or during hurricane season, which runs from late summer to autumn (September, October, and November). If you are interested in a cruise around the Mediterranean, the best time to book is during the cooler months of March, April, or November.
