The Best Cruise Lines For Families Guide

Family outings have become a popular pastime. Interesting sights, lots of activities, and entertainment, there is something for everyone at every age.

Cruise lines are offering plenty of promotions and family-friendly discounts, making it an economical way to travel, especially with kids.

In this guide, we take a look at the best cruise lines for families, along with the big names you’d expect and a few that might surprise you.

Here’s a look at the top cruise lines for families.

Royal Caribbean

Traveling around the world, with one of the world’s largest ships, Royal Caribbean is a great option for families looking for a wide selection of amenities.

Its Oasis class of ships, in particular, has something for every member of the family, regardless of age.

They offer a lot of promotional discounts on cruise fares, such as kids sail free, which can be a great cost saver.

Activities and entertainment

There are tons of thrills on board with high-energy activities like rock climbing, zip lining, ice skating, and many other sports. Water parks and epic slides are part of the royal experience, including the Ultimate Abyss, the tallest slide at sea at 216 feet, spanning 10 decks.

Little ones can enjoy the kids’ club (free), splash pads, or the fun boardwalk with a carousel. In the evening, catch movies, incredible diving shows, or popular Broadway musicals and other live productions at the Aqua Theater.

An incredible perk of sailing with Royal Caribbean is spending a day on their private island, the perfect day at Kokoki, located in the stunning blue waters of the Bahamas. The thrilling waterpark is a must with its sky-high slides like Daredevil’s Peak (North America’s tallest water slide) and a giant wave pool. For an extra chill, guests can lounge on one of the many beaches and pools, and sample the complimentary food.

Foods

Dealing with different priorities and schedules during the holidays can be difficult, but Royal makes it easy with mountains of options at all times of the day.

The main dining room and buffet offer a wide range of choices and are perfect for catering to different palettes and dietary needs.

Popular spots include Park Cafe and their famous roast beef sandwich or late-night pizza at Sorrento’s. Always a good choice, hot dogs and hamburgers by the pool, topped off with self-serve ice cream, definitely a youth favorite.

Adult entertainment

Whether it’s dancing, live music, Broadway-quality productions, comedy clubs, or casinos, there are plenty of activities for adult family members to explore.

Royal Caribbean has upscale dining and specialty restaurants. Parents can spend a relaxing evening at an upscale restaurant in the open-air Central Park or indulge in fresh sushi.

Escape to some adults-only areas like solariums with loungers, hot tubs, and bars (for guests 16+). Spas on board offer everything from massages to manicures.

Cabins

There are plenty of family-friendly cabins, from connecting staterooms to larger rooms that sleep all the way up to their popular, top-of-the-line Ultimate Family Suite, which sleeps up to eight, with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms. Also, and best of all, it has a slide.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line is a somewhat obvious choice for families. Whether you want to hang out with a princess, visit a distant world, take part in a Marvel adventure or become a pirate for a night, there’s plenty of fun to be had.

The cruise line has upped its game with the recent introduction of its newest ship, the Disney Wish, its first in a decade, featuring brand new shows, restaurants, and activities.

Not all of this Disney fun is without a price, though. Disney Cruises are priced much higher than other contemporary lines with limited sales promotions. They offer several 3-4 day cruises on the recently launched Disney Wish, an opportunity to experience the magic for less.

Activities and entertainment

On board, even the youngest guests have plenty to do. Complimentary kids’ clubs offer a wide range of activities and allow children to enjoy age-appropriate activities.

Other fun activities include water slides, character meet-and-greets, and live productions of Disney favorites like The Little Mermaid. Relax and watch Disney movies, including Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and more.

A major perk of sailing with Disney is access to their private island of Castaway, a stunning paradise in the Bahamas. The 1,000-acre island is a popular port of call, with its family beach serving as the main hub of activity. Swim in the water, snorkel in the lagoon or enjoy activities, music, and dancing.

Dining

A unique concept with Disney is its Rotational Dining, which allows guests to visit three different themed dining locations while sitting on board.

Disney has taken the dinner theater to a prominent position with original and varied settings where cruisers are part of the show. Disney Wish treats guests to Arendelle, a Frozen-themed dinner theater in the Kingdom of Arendelle to celebrate the engagement of Queen Anna and Kristoff. Alternatively, guests can dine at Marvel’s World, taking part in an Avengers mission, the ultimate dining adventure.

There are plenty of other choices like quick bites and buffets to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Another bonus with Disney, the Soda Cruise is included in the rental price.

Adult entertainment

Mom and Dad have some fun too.

The Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge features out-of-this-world cocktails and first-hand views of exotic worlds like Batu and Tatooine, or enjoy a cold craft beer at Keg & Compass; A Viking-inspired pub.

The adults-only restaurant features a new take on Palo as a steakhouse, along with its popular classic Italian dishes. The ultimate in fine dining, Enchanté offers international cuisine from Michelin-star chefs. For those looking to soak up the sun and relax, Quiet Cove is an adults-only retreat with an infinity pool and lounge located on the upper deck of the ship.

Unlike most cruise lines, there are no casino or drink packages on Disney cruises.

Cabins

Disney Cruise Line offers its guests several cabin options. Whether it’s a cozy interior cabin or the ultimate fairytale suite, there’s something for every Disney fan, including large groups.

The new Concierge Wish Tower Suite at Disney Wish is an innovative space inspired by Moana. It has a private entrance, a double-height living room, with stunning chandeliers and floor-to-ceiling glass windows for great views, and is 1966 square feet.

There is also an onboard self-serve laundry facility, located on multiple decks.

Norwegian Cruise Line

With its growing fleet and wide range of activities and amenities, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) lends itself to easy, relaxing vacations.

There are a number of ongoing promotions to help make cruising affordable on any budget. Currently, they offer 40% off, in addition to free tours, Wi-Fi, and an open bar.

Activities and entertainment

Norwegian offers many high-energy activities. Whether it’s racing around the speedway, G-forces sliding down the ultimate ropes course, or engaging in kids’ fun clubs and games.

Families can participate in classic game shows like The Price is Right. Try Galaxy Pavilion, a high-tech games venue that looks like something from the future.               

Norway offers its guests not one but two private islands. A lush tropical paradise, Harvest Caye is located on the southern coast of Belize. A perfect place for nature lovers and divers. The other island, the Great Strip Cay, is located in the Bahamas. A 268-acre island oasis, it is a verdant paradise and guests can enjoy its wide beaches, great snorkeling as well as other activities.

Foods

A great feature for families is Norwegian’s flexible dining philosophy. Show when you want. It appeals to many guests who don’t want to be tied down to a meal schedule. Combined with casual dress codes, this cruise line is designed to relax.

NCL offers many dining options, including a buffet, main dining room, and plenty of classic pub food, Japanese, and Mexican specialty options.

Children 12 and under eat free from the free children’s menu at all specialty restaurants.

Adult entertainment

For some grown-up fun, try an evening at a nice restaurant, Broadway show, or casino.

Variety shows, live music, and even a Beatles-inspired Cavern Club, where guests get to step into the legendary Liverpool club and relive a Beatles performance.

Voted the world’s best cruise spa by the World Spa Awards, adults can enjoy some time with one of the more than 50 specialty treatments on offer.

Cabins

Norway has many options for families who want to stay together. Some of the largest include family suites and villas with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Everyone has their place.

Another plus, the family balconies/inside standard cabins are located near the kids’ club and pool deck. Some Norwegian ships have family ocean view cabins that sleep up to five.

MSC Cruise

MSC Cruises is known for its signature European flavors and cuisine, sailing to ports around the world. However, some may be surprised to learn that they are also a great option for family cruises, especially with their year-round Kids Sail Free program.

Activities and entertainment

In addition to kids’ clubs, sports and water activities, MSC has some special activities that families will love. An F1 simulator, bowling, a VR Maze, video games, and a 4D cinema are some of the great things to do (additional fees apply to some). Other favorites include family game shows, family discos, and live theater productions such as the world-famous Cirque de Soleil.

Another perk families get while onboard is LEGO Day, an entire day dedicated to fun LEGO activities with lots of special activities.

The cruise line’s private island Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve is located in the beautiful Bahamas. The island doesn’t have giant slides and pools, but it does offer a variety of beach and water activities. A major benefit of visiting Ocean Cay is its late-night activities such as stargazing, glow-in-the-dark paddleboarding, and nighttime cruises.

Foods  

Food is an essential part of any cruise, and whether you have a toddler or a starving teenager, MSC has it covered with a wide range of buffet, main dining and specialty options.

The buffet has a dedicated children’s corner with a variety of food, including pasta, daily specials, healthy options, Mediterranean dishes, international cruises and desserts. There are even food choices for ages 6-12 months. MSC caters to a variety of dietary needs, including vegetarian and gluten-free.

MSC staff will take the children to their club after they finish their meal, leaving the parents to relax. Or they can eat with their friends, under supervision. MSC makes things easy with takeout and 24-hour room service.

Adult entertainment

For evening shows, some of the highlights include the world-renowned Cirque de Soleil, which has created unique productions for MSC Cruises. Beyond that, there are Broadway shows and lots of live entertainment.

Adults can enjoy the central promenade with extensive shopping areas, restaurants and bars and other adult-only zones.

Relax at the spa, have some fun at the casino while the kids hang out at the complimentary kids’ club, and make new friends.

Cabins

Another plus for large families or extended family tagging are the spacious cabin options, including:

The Super Family Plus Cabin consists of three connecting rooms, one inside and two balcony cabins, which can sleep up to 10 guests.

Super Family Cabins consisting of two balcony rooms for a total of 6 guests.

Family balcony connecting the two cabins, an inner room with an outside balcony/sea view, for a maximum of 6 people.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival is known for offering affordable entertainment with a large fleet and tons of different ship options and prices.

They offer a number of promotions throughout the year, including the ongoing Fundraiser Save & Sale event, with cruises starting at $139 per person. Additionally, they offer financing options that allow cruisers to book with zero down time, paying over time, interest-free.

Activities and entertainment

Carnival lives up to its reputation for fun with plenty of activities, including its BOLT roller coaster and the Skyride, a bike ride above the plane.

There are many other activities onboard such as sports, live productions, game show fun with Family Feud Live, comedy clubs, dine-in movies, and deck parties.

Carnival’s private island, Half Moon Cay, was named “Best Private Island” 20 years in a row by Puerto Cruises magazine. The island’s 2,400 acres offer mostly natural scenery, with a 2-mile long, crescent-shaped beach. There are plenty of places to explore, and guests don’t have to worry about bumping into each other.

Foods

The ship’s Carnival Celebration has 20+ dining options, something for everyone. They have also partnered with several high profile celebrities to bring some unique spots.

Favorites include Big Chicken, the famous basketball player Shaquille O’Neal, Carnival’s Chief Fun Officer. In addition, famous, well-known TV host Guy Fieri has some comprehensive and specialty restaurants throughout the fleet, serving smokehouse meats and classic burgers.

Kids and families also love the 24-hour pizza delivery or the sensational Green Eggs and Ham breakfast.

Adult entertainment

While the kids play in the complimentary kids’ clubs, parents can enjoy a quiet moment at Serenity, an adults-only retreat, or perhaps some time at the Cloud 9 Spa.

In the evenings, there are many live music options, comedy clubs, dancing, or plenty of opportunities to try your hand at the casino.

Upscale dining options include legendary chef Emeral Lagasse’s Bistro 1386, which celebrates the best of seafood at Creole cuisine, or Rudy’s Seagrill where you can tuck into a bran-filled lobster tail.

Cabins

Family Harbor has some great family options including staterooms and suites.

Family Harbor Staterooms are located adjacent to the Family Harbor Lounge, an exclusive space featuring breakfast, all-day snacks, as well as activities such as board games, family movies, video games and more.

In addition to cabin perks, kids eat free at most onboard specialty restaurants. A major plus, Night Owl has a free evening of babysitting service, so parents can enjoy some alone time.

While some cruise lines might not necessarily come to mind for a family cruise, there are some interesting inclusions and options that may appeal to families.

Princess Cruises

Carnival is known for offering affordable entertainment with a large fleet and tons of different ship options and prices.

They offer a number of promotions throughout the year, including the ongoing fundraiser Save and Sell event, with cruises starting at $139 per person. Additionally, they offer financing options that allow cruisers to book with zero downtime, paying over time, interest-free.

Activities and entertainment

Carnival lives up to its reputation for fun with plenty of activities, including its BOLT roller coaster and Skyride, a bike ride on top of an airplane.

There are many other activities onboard such as sports, live productions, game show fun with Family Feud Live, comedy clubs, dine-in movies, and deck parties.

Half Moon Cay, Carnival’s private island, was named “Best Private Island” by Puerto Cruises Magazine 20 years in a row. The island’s 2,400 acres offer mostly natural scenery, including a 2-mile long, crescent-shaped beach. There are plenty of places to explore, and guests don’t have to worry about bumping into each other.

Foods

The ship’s Carnival celebration features 20+ dining options, something for everyone. They have also partnered with several high-profile celebrities to bring some unique destinations.

Favorites include Big Chicken, famous basketball player Shaquille O’Neal, Carnival’s Chief Fun Officer. In addition, famous, well-known TV host Guy Fieri has some comprehensive and specialty restaurants throughout the fleet, serving smoked house meats and classic burgers.

Kids and families also love the 24-hour pizza delivery or the sensational Green Eggs and Ham breakfast.

Adult entertainment

While the kids play at the complimentary kids’ clubs, parents can enjoy a quiet moment at Serenity, an adults-only retreat, or perhaps some time at the Cloud 9 Spa.

In the evening, there are many live music options, comedy clubs, dancing, or plenty of opportunities to try your hand at the casino.

Upscale dining options include legendary chef Emeral Lagasse’s Bistro 1386, which celebrates the best of seafood in Creole cuisine, or Rudy’s Segral where you can tuck into bran-filled lobster tails.

Cabins

Family Harbor has some great family options including staterooms and suites.

Family Harbor Staterooms are located adjacent to the Family Harbor Lounge, an exclusive space that offers breakfast, all-day dining, as well as activities such as board games, family movies, video games and more.

In addition to cabin perks, kids eat free at most onboard specialty restaurants. A big plus, Night Owl has free childcare evenings, so parents can enjoy some alone time.

While some cruise lines don’t necessarily come to mind for family cruises, there are some interesting inclusions and options that may appeal to families.

Celebrity Cruises

While the celebrity has made a name for itself with its innovative designs and cutting-edge offerings, it can also be a great choice for families.

Celebrity offers some promotions, though not family-specific, that can help lower the price of a cruise regardless. They often offer 30% off per guest as well as an additional onboard credit. Some of their benefits/programs include:

Wide range of destinations

With over 300 destinations, there are many interesting places waiting to be discovered such as tropical islands, cosmopolitan cities, seaside villages and rustic towns all over the world.

Children’s Programs / STEM

For science-loving kids (and families), the celebrity STEM program is inspiring. Partnering with the Frost Science Museum, they’ve created a one-of-a-kind educational experience onboard. The STEM at Sea program offers special activities and events that will engage, entertain, and educate children about a variety of topics such as marine wildlife, environmental conservation, and ocean exploration.

Camp at Sea is the industry’s only fully customizable children’s cruise program. With over 500 activities, their schedule changes each ship depending on the interests of young cruisers. From arts and entertainment to science and technology, they cover all kinds of subjects and hobbies, ensuring that every child (regardless of their interests) has fun and something to do during their family trip. Feel busy.

Autism Friendly Ship

Celebrity Cruises offers autism-friendly interactive initiatives for families, including sensory-friendly movies and toys and nutritional menu options. Additionally, they offer a wide range of autism-friendly products and services, including:

• Priority check-in, boarding, and departure
• Special dietary accommodations including gluten-free and dairy-free
• Pagers/phones (subject to availability) for parents of children while signed in to care for Camp at Sea programs.
• A flexible grouping camp at sea for children ages 3 to 12 by ability
• Autism-friendly movies with low light and volume environments.
• Autism-friendly toy lending program with non-toxic crayons, markers, watercolors, building blocks, dominoes and picture books.

Holland America Line

Originally a Dutch company, it is now part of the Carnival family and continues to grow with the launch of MS Rotterdam in 2021. She travels around the world from Antarctica to Asia, offering more than 500 itineraries.

Families will love our Kids Cruise Free program, a low deposit, free Wi-Fi, and extra onboard credit.

Immersive experiences

Stopping in 100 countries around the world, the cruise line enhances the guest experience with their “Our Explorations Central (EXC™)” program that connects meaning and context, as they describe it, Makes traveling a richer experience.

They offer “curated itineraries” that focus on immersive experiences for families who want to learn more about where they’re going through food, culture and sightseeing.

Activities and entertainment

Holland America Line’s youth activities program, Club HAL, offers a series of recreational programs for children and teenagers ages 3-17, supervised by a full-time, professionally trained crew. They will have the opportunity to join other children their age for arts and crafts, games, video game contests, scavenger hunts, challenging team games and themed parties.

Foods

Families can enjoy their world-class cuisine but also have kid-friendly meals at the on-board restaurant. Kids can enjoy mac and cheese, pizza and more, and order half off the main menu to discover new dishes.

Cabins

There are various options for families, including staterooms with connecting rooms and suites. Nieuw Statendam and Koningsdam have family staterooms with beds for five and an additional bathroom.

Ama Waterways / Adventures by Disney River Cruises

Not everyone thinks of a river cruise as a family, but river cruises now cater to a much wider audience, with some excellent family-friendly sailings. A unique pairing between leading river cruise line AmaWaterways and Disney to take families on the adventure of a lifetime.

Bucket List Destinations

Explore some of Europe’s most spectacular sights, sailing on the Seine, Rhine and Danube rivers. Check off many bucket list destinations with just one spectacular river cruise in some of Europe’s most spectacular cities.

Activities

Whether it’s tobogganing in Germany’s Black Forest, visiting a chocolate museum, or a medieval castle, local guests and experts make every trip special with amazing experiences. While adults enjoy wine tastings and adult-only dining, there is plenty of programming for our teen guests, including a special welcome party, Teen and Junior Adventure Dinners, and Disney Movie Nights.

All-inclusive

Although this is a premium river cruise experience (and a premium cost) families will enjoy an all-inclusive experience. It features deluxe staterooms, locally sourced food and wine, incredible views, and an array of amenities, including Internet access and in-room entertainment.

Disney magic

Whether on board or ashore, the magic of Disney is embedded in this travel experience. From Mickey Mouse-themed items to fun activities onboard, including Disney-themed karaoke and trivia, the world-class service fans expect from Disney.

Uniworld River Cruises

The boutique river cruise line, Uniworld, is known for its quality and experiences, but they don’t believe it’s just for adults. They welcome families with some great amenities and programs.

Although they are a premium river cruise line, they do offer some promotions such as their current two-for-one price on cruise fares.

Foreign destinations

With exotic destinations in Asia and Egypt and several in Europe, their wide range can appeal to families who want to try a variety of excursions.

Stopping at multiple locations on each trip, guests visit bustling cities and hidden gem villages, unpacking only once. Even while on board, guests are treated to immersive experiences with local landmarks and changing landscapes.

Activities and entertainment

There is an amazing amount of kid-focused activities on board such as:

• On-board activities just for kids, such as cooking classes and dessert-making with the ship’s chef and pastry chef.
• Young travelers lounge and game room, complete with PlayStation, games, movies and local treats
• Two dedicated family hosts to oversee all activities for Junior Cruisers (ages 4 to 12) and Teen Cruisers (ages 13 to 17)
• “Live the Lingo” and opportunities to learn words and phrases in other languages ​​from our family hosts
• Kids-only movie nights, where kids can enjoy popcorn-fueled screenings of family-friendly movies with their new onboard friends and family hosts.
• Free bicycles, helmets, and Nordic walking sticks for use on the beach

Foods

Guests onboard are treated to regionally inspired, farm-to-table cuisine. However, there are kid-friendly menus for less adventurous eaters.

There is even a Young Travelers Table, a special dining table reserved only for our younger guests and hosts on certain nights.

All-inclusive

Uniworld offers a truly immersive experience. Once on board the boat, there is no need to worry about extra charges, as the fare includes unlimited drinks, five-star meals and gratuities. While sailing, enjoy complimentary excursions, fitness classes, bike rentals, Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment.

Which cruise ships are family friendly?

Every family’s travel style is different, so think about your travel style and narrow down your choices for an unforgettable family vacation at sea. Thus, here we have selected the most innovative and entertaining cruise ships that are family and kid oriented.

• Carnival Vista, Dream, Magic, Panorama, and Splendor offer the most sophisticated decor and entertainment options for the entire family. Parents can enjoy more carefree days with their kids on Vista which is ideal for all ages.
• Celebrity Constellation, Equinox, Infinity, Millennium, and Summit are known for their personal service, exquisite cuisine, and high-end design. It includes numerous indoor and outdoor activities, live shows, entertainment options, sports, games, pools, retreats, a spa, and accommodations.
• Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Magic, and Disney Wonder have magic from back to back and deck parties to events, spectacular fireworks, lots of kids activities, animated characters, splash pools, and more to explore on the ocean. Includes more items for Earth
• Anthem of the Ocean can accommodate up to 4905 passengers at a time, has excellent features, entertainment options, indoor and outdoor activities, and much more, including an interior design that evokes the feel of a resort at sea. It’s perfect for families with active kids who are looking for some sun.
• Harmony of the Seas features a kid-friendly Broadwalk and ranks as the largest cruise ship and sister ship in the world. It is longer than three football fields and can hold and entertain 6,272 passengers at a time. It includes many entertainment options, gaming arcades, food places, sports courts, and accommodation.
• MSC Seaside is considered one of the best cruises for kids because of its year-round sailings from the Caribbean to Miami. It includes modular connected rooms, family activities, interactive water parks, water slides, adventure zones and more. There are even kids-only zones and clubs.
• MSC Davina cruises from Miami to the Caribbean but offers a Mediterranean atmosphere. It includes a lively atmosphere, games galleries, an international clientele, and lots of entertainment. Children under 11 travel free on this cruise, and parents can save a lot of money and interact with other parents from different countries and states.
• Norwegian Gateway’s 14-passenger decks feature 26 dining venues and a variety of activities based on age groups, such as rock climbing, video games, a casino, adults-only retreats, live shows, programs, and bowling. It even offers family-friendly shore excursions.
• The Regal Princess can carry 3,560 passengers and is more about cultural appreciation than adrenaline. As part of the cruise, there are multi-level glitter atriums and piazzas, deck parties, and light shows, as well as kiddie pools, kiddie clubs, and play zones.

How much does it cost?

A family cruise vacation can be a very affordable option because the price includes meals, onboard activities, specialty beverages, nightly entertainment, and transportation to foreign ports of call. It can also be a great option to spend quality time with extended family.

Things to Consider Before Planning a Family Cruise

These tips will help you consider which cruise line to choose. Age requirements for kids’ clubs on board.

• Child care (in cabin)
• Bathtub and crib
• Walking during pregnancy
• destination
• entertainment
• Children’s pool and water park
• Children’s group activities at night

How to Plan a Family Cruise?

Family cruising is an easy way to spend school holidays with your kids as it provides quality time with your family. So, here’s what to look for when planning a family cruise with kids.

1. Choose your week carefully.

The first step in planning a family cruise is choosing your week carefully. For example, if your child is young and has no school, off-seasons are the best places to visit. During this time, sailing is quieter, rates are lower, and children’s areas are less crowded.

2. Select a destination.

Whether you want to explore culture and arts or relax on the beach, plan your cruise accordingly. When you choose a destination, make sure that it suits almost every taste of your family members. Top family cruise destinations are Alaska, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada/New England, Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico and Mediterranean. Even some off-season destinations can make your family trip a great vacation time.

3. Look for family deals.

Many cruise lines offer complimentary, age-appropriate programming, adventures, entertainment, and amenities specifically designed for toddlers to teens and tweens. Often there are special fares for children.

4. Select the correct cruise line.

Cruisebooking.com makes finding the perfect cruise easy. You can get complete details about cruise lines, ships and ports of call. There are many kid-friendly cruise lines and cruises in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles. There are many mainstream cruise lines that offer something for everyone, such as Royal Caribbean and Princess; NCL and Carnival are affordable family cruises; Holland America and celebrity.

5. Make dinner reservations

If you want to expand your horizons and try something special, make dinner reservations in advance or once you board the cruise. You can even plan a date night by dropping your baby off at the Kids Club or arranging private babysitting when available.

6. Realize that diapers can dictate your experience.

Some cruise lines do not allow children in the pools who are still in their diapers. So if your baby is still in diapers, check the cruise line’s basic guidelines and see if they allow swim diapers.

Packing Tips for Kids

The list below will help you pack what your parents and children need when they travel with you on a cruise. Don’t stuff your kids’ suitcases with extraneous things. Consider adding:

• A small pack of wipes or tissues
• A small set of travel toys and a handy soft toy.
• Beach toys
• Comfortable water shoes and flip-flops
• Convenient refillable water bottle
• Hat
• Some digital activity books or portable video games
• Sunglasses
• Water wings or arm straps.
• Swimming diapers

Packing Tips for Parents

It was a child’s checklist or packing list, but what about a parent? What do they need to carry in a bag? Anything you need on the first day, add it to your carry-on bag or shoulder bag, eg

Include folders with important documents such as tickets, pens and blank paper.

• Medicines for emergencies
• Passport
• Printed copies of identity proofs
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear, flip flops, and dry bag

Ways to Save Money on Family Outings

Here are some tips to save money on family outings.

• Be flexible in choosing a cabin on a family cruise.
• Book a cabin inside
• Book early with CruiseBooking.com.
• Book your spa appointment on port days.
• Consider beverage packages.
• Ask about children’s sale-free promos.
• Sign your kids up for a kids club.
• Skip the specialty restaurants.

How old does a child have to be to go on a cruise?

Babies must be at least 6 months old to be able to travel on most celebrity cruises. For transatlantic cruises, transpacific cruises, and some cruises to South America, as well as three or more consecutive days at sea, infants must be at least 12 months old.

For those traveling with infants over 6 months of age, there are various onboard programs to keep them entertained, including Toddler Time (for babies under 3), and Camp at Sea (age 3-12) are included.

What are some of the best cruises for young children?

If it’s your first time cruising with a toddler, these are some of the best cruises to book.

Cruises with departure ports near your hometown

Flying before embarking on a cruise with a toddler can be taxing on both children and parents. By choosing a departure port close to home, you’ll be able to cut down on travel time before your cruise even begins, ensuring a smooth journey once you’re off on your actual vacation.

If you don’t live near one of our departure ports, consider breaking up your travel time by spending a day or two in the city you’ll be traveling from. This will also give you a chance to stock up on travel essentials like diapers, their favorite snacks and sunscreen.

Short walk

If you are taking your first cruise with a toddler, you may want to book a shorter itinerary (3-4 days) to see how your toddler adjusts to the sea. If your little one has had a good cruise before, go ahead and book a longer itinerary (7-10 days), but we recommend to avoid seasickness and provide more opportunities. Choose one with multiple port stops for For activities on land.

Excursions with family-friendly attractions

While we offer fun and exciting shore excursions in all of our port cities, some are more family friendly than others. For example, young children may not find visiting a European city as exciting as swimming with dolphins in the Bahamas. Browse our website for family-friendly excursions (you can search by age) before deciding which cruise you’ll finally go on.

Are cruises fun with small children?

Of course, they are! Cruises are fun for kids of all ages, and there are plenty of activities to keep your little ones entertained.

Children under the age of 3 can enjoy toddler time in the ship’s playroom, where they can play with educational toys and interact with other children around their age. Parental supervision is required during Toddler Time, but children do not need to be trained to participate in Toddler Time activities. Some toys and books will also be available to check out and bring back to your stateroom.

Potty-trained children ages 3 and up can participate in our Camp at Sea program. Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Camp at Sea’s fun center offers activities for kids with all interests, including STEM-based excursions, Xbox tournaments, food experiments, and art programs.

For parents who want to enjoy a few hours off or perhaps a romantic dinner, the Camp at Sea program also offers afternoon and slumber parties at various times of the day. During these parties, children will eat and enjoy activities under the supervision of our youth staff, so you can rest easy knowing they are being looked after while you have the chance to enjoy some alone time. will get. It’s a win-win situation for everyone. A range of childcare services are also available on board for passengers staying in one of our suites.

What should I pack for my toddler on a cruise?

Preparation is key when traveling with a toddler on a cruise. For those traveling with a toddler, we recommend packing the following essentials in your suitcase:

• Passport or proof of citizenship
• Diapers and swim diapers
• Baby monitor
• Umbrella or foldable stroller
• salty
• Inflatable tub (This will come in handy since most staterooms only have a shower.)
• Sunscreen
• Medicine/first aid kit containing children’s acetaminophen, band-aids, aloe gel and antibiotic cream
• Two clothes per day (in case of any fall or accident)
• A formal look (you’ll be thankful you dressed your little one when you see the cute photos)
• Baby wipes
• At least 3 swimsuits
• Sandals or water shoes
• Sippy Cup
• toys
• White noise machine
• Baby body wash and lotion
• Childproofing supplies (such as outlet plugs)

What is the best stateroom for families traveling with a small child?

The type of stateroom you choose when taking a toddler on a cruise depends on your personal preference and budget. While all of our staterooms are family-friendly, there are some benefits if you decide to book an advanced stateroom on your cruise while traveling with children.

Veranda Stateroom

Parents traveling with young children may want to book a Branda Stater room as this gives adults a little more room flexibility. Since children usually go to bed first, a verandah stateroom allows parents to sit out on their private verandah and still keep an eye on their sleeping children inside. Just because their bedtime is early doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the view—and maybe a glass of wine, too.

Ocean View Stateroom

For parents of young children who may prefer to book a room without a balcony, our ocean view staterooms offer you peace of mind and large windows to view the outdoors.

Suite

If you prefer to travel in a more spacious and exclusive stateroom, a suite is your best bet. Not only do our suites offer private rooms, living areas, and outdoor balconies, but they also include concierge or butler service (which can come in handy if you’re having a particularly rough day with the kids), onboard Access to VIP areas. , and plenty of space for active toddlers who love to run around.

What will my toddler do on the cruise?

There are tons of fun activities for your little one during the cruise!

For starters, all of our ships include a large outdoor pool, where potty-trained children of all ages are welcome to swim, play, and splash while onboard.

At the Lawn Club, on half an acre of real grass, children are free to run around, play croquet, or enjoy a picnic while enjoying a spectacular view of the open ocean all around.

Children under the age of 3 can enjoy toddler time in the ship’s playroom, where they will be able to play with fun and educational toys and children their own age.

Potty-trained older children can also enroll in the Celebrity Cruises Camp at Sea program, which is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. At Camp at Sea, kids will be entertained with daily activities like science field trips, video game tournaments, art activities, and even cooking challenges.

In port, choose from a number of family-friendly shore excursions that you and your little one will enjoy. The possibilities are endless.

In port, choose from a number of family-friendly shore excursions that you and your little one will enjoy. The possibilities are endless.

Ultimate ideas on the best outings for families

Well, this is it, the perfect excursion for families!

When it comes to family vacations, cruises have been the way my family has vacationed throughout my life. As someone who has cruised a lot, I know firsthand that a cruise is the perfect family vacation!

Whether you’re an adult, teen, or toddler, there’s something for every member of the family to do on a cruise.

Happy outing!