Sunday, March 31, 2024

5 best cruise lines for families, according to travelers

best cruise destinations for families

Known worldwide for its epic theme parks, Disney offers some of the best family cruises. They are particularly outstanding for those traveling with youngsters. Every family's travel style is different, however, so these are certainly not the only ships to consider. Think of them as a starting point as you narrow your choices for fun, kid-friendly cruises. Disney Cruise Line is well-regarded for its family-oriented cruises, with features tailored to children and adults.

Celebrity Cruises

Kids in Camp Discovery (ages 3-12) may participate in science challenges tied to programs such as MythBusters and Shark Week. Seven-night Discovery Princess sailings to Alaska this summer from $399. 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. With so many delicious dining options onboard, everyone in your family will find something to satisfy their cravings in between adventures.

best cruise destinations for families

The 7 Best Family-Friendly Cruise Lines

Plus, Zodiac cruises enable you to step on the continent of Antarctica, which is an opportunity that few families have – to walk on Antarctica, visit research stations, and even have an overnight camp. Antarctica cruises provide unique wildlife experiences with penguins, seals, and whales and exciting activities like zodiac boat rides, kayaking, and landings on the continent. Mini Club is for ages 3 to 6, Junior Club is for ages 7 to 11, Young Club is for ages 12 to 14 and Teen Club is for ages 15 to 17. Activities range from sports and dance to video games, theme parties and more. Relax in your stateroom or take advantage of the ship’s many facilities, including pools, spas, fitness centers, and casinos.

Why MSC Cruise Ships Are Great for Kids

Family fun awaits at every turn, such as arcades, pinball, water slides and pools, rock-climbing walls, mini golf, and plenty of other organized sports like soccer, baseball, basketball, and bowling. A family cruise line will keep your children entertained day and night. I’ve rounded up seven of my favorites, which I’ll share in the first part of this guide.

Also, many ships have places where kids can go and participate in activities or just hang out with other kids, allowing the adults some time alone. And, of course, there’s also the chance to visit amazing destinations like the Bahamas and Mexico. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned pro, a Disney cruise is sure to be an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Other cruise lines for families just don’t compare to any of the Disney cruises. If you’re looking for a luxurious cruise experience, look no further than Princess Cruises. With elegant staterooms, world-class cuisine, and impeccable service, Princess Cruises offers travelers a truly royal experience.

Best Cruise Destination for Beach Lovers: Eastern Caribbean

The underdog on our list, MSC Cruises might not be a household name yet, but any cruise line that has a partnership with Lego should be on every family's radar. The cruise line also embraces simple pleasures like free-flowing soft-serve ice cream and pizza and a day spent lounging by the pool. Broadway musicals, festive parades, water acrobatic performances and ice skating shows wow the crowds on sea days. Want to try surfing, sky diving, rock climbing, laser tag, go-karts or zip lining? According to Cruise Critic, the general age range of cruisers is 30 to 80 years old.

best cruise destinations for families

Every expedition includes a certified photo instructor and often a National Geographic photographer, so guests take home new skills (along with great photos). This Norway-based cruise company features voyages along the Norwegian coast, ocean cruises, and expeditions to the Caribbean, Antarctica, South America, and more. Exploring the Galápagos with Hurtigruten aboard the newly refitted expedition ship MS Santa Cruz is an ideal family cruise. A variety of cabins are available for singles, couples, and families, with amenities that include a Science Center, library, Sky Deck, fitness room, and hot tub.

MSC Cruises

Redeeming points this way is a tough sell, but the earning isn’t too bad, especially paired with a Marriott Bonvoy credit card.. 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.

This itinerary might very well define the beaten path, but if you're seeking a tan, this is exactly where you belong. From Bordeaux to Porto to Vienna, the list of potential destinations on European river cruises tend to encompass at least one wine region and a gastronomic capital or two. That makes a European river cruise a must for foodies and oenophiles alike.

Mouse-shaped treats and Disney-themed karaoke are just a few of the features you’ll find on board. In partnership with AmaWaterways, Adventures by Disney River Cruises offer families an opportunity to experience river cruising that caters to them. 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.

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. Here are seven of the best cruise lines for families, with itineraries that kids and adults will love. Princess Cruises’ affiliation with Discovery TV makes it an excellent choice for multigenerational families—especially in Alaska.

Cruise lines where kids sail free - The Points Guy

Cruise lines where kids sail free.

Posted: Fri, 29 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

The allure of the Seas has casinos, bars, and nightclubs for you to enjoy. First, the company offers an extensive kids’ program with activities for children of all ages. There’s also a designated kids’ pool area on each ship, so little ones can splash around while parents relax nearby. In addition, Costa’s onboard babysitting services give parents some well-deserved time to themselves. Carnival offers a number of kid-friendly amenities such as a waterslide park, mini golf, arcade, and kids clubs for different age groups. There are also babysitting services available for parents who want to enjoy some time on their own.

So whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation with kids’ clubs or an action-packed adventure on a Dinsey cruise line, one of these family cruises is sure to be the ultimate family vacation. The tropical islands of the Caribbean are a superb destination for families with kids of all ages. Family Caribbean cruises are a great choice for vacationers seeking world-class beaches, a wide variety of watersports, kid-friendly attractions, historic sites, and lots of opportunities for cultural exploration. Onboard an MSC cruise ship, you’ll find water slides, a sports court, a really fun kid’s club and teen club.

The kid’s club area is a great place to leave your children so they can meet new people, do fun activities and play video games. Families that want the ultimate family vacation with all the bells and whistles, it’s best to book one of the newer Carnival cruise ships, such as Carnival Mardi Gras or Carnival Celebration. 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. For family cruisers in particular, MSC offers family excursions with special pricing for kids, and tours designed to be interactive as well as educational.

14 Best Family Vacation Spots to Visit with a Cruise

best cruise destinations for families

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. Royal Caribbean has a whopping 27 cruise ships in its portfolio with another, Utopia of The Seas, scheduled for delivery in 2024. While the kids are at play, indulge in the ultimate date night with your partner in adventure.

You’re our first priority.Every time.

For starters, they offer exceptional value, as they’re inclusive of dining, lodging, and transportation to amazing ports around the world. 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.

Airline Reward Programs

When it comes to the best cruises for families, it’s hard to beat what Royal Caribbean has to offer. For instance, you and the kids can learn how to blow glass at the Hot Glass Studio, which is not something you see on every cruise ship. The Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas embarks from Cape Canaveral and island hops the entire cruise, including a stop at Perfect Day at Coco Cay, the Royal Caribbean’s own private island only for cruise guests. The Retreat is the most family-friendly lodging option, as it includes more than 2,500 square feet of lounge space, an ample veranda, and a private sundeck.

Allure Of The Seas

Activities might range from Caribbean-shark-themed scavenger hunts to hands-on "Mythbusters"-style challenges and learning the science of magic. Other kid-approved activities include video game tournaments, art projects and storytime. Disney's ships also hold a cool "Pirates of the Caribbean" deck party, complete with fireworks and Jack Sparrow rappelling off the ship's funnel. Other themed events on select sailings include Star Wars Day at Sea, Marvel Day at Sea and special Halloween and Christmas events throughout the fall. Disney family rooms offer room-dividing curtains, bunk beds with twinkle-light constellations and plenty of storage.

best cruise destinations for families

The prices of food, drinks and accommodation in Norway can be eye-wateringly expensive, with a hamburger or sandwich at a café costing around £20 and beer costing £8. A standard hotel room in a central location can easily cost upwards of £200 per night. A cruise is the cheapest way to see Norway, as once you’ve paid for the cruise you’ll have very little else to shell out for.

GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND

This ship has some claims to fame you’ll only find here, such as theatrical Frozen or Avengers-themed dining experiences. Your kids will adore the F1 simulators, full-sized bowling alley, sportsplex, and Polar Aquapark with its sloping, looping enclosed slides. This inviting ship is the home of D Lounge, the family-friendly hangout zone with dance parties, games, and hours upon hours of fun. Treat them to Vanellope’s Sweets, a candy shop with walls of candy as far as the eye can see. Disney entertainment comes to the big stages as only this brand can, with costumed characters singing, dancing, and entertaining guests all day or evening.

Beyond the baby center, they even offer guests a baby laundry service to make life extra easy for parents on board. Norway cruises may originate in the same cities or Amsterdam, sailing north to Bergen and some of Norway’s idyllic storybook towns, including Geiranger, Alesund, and Flam. Bermuda’s underground crystal caves are one of the island’s unique attractions. Climbing Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse and biking along the Bermuda Railway Trail are fun for families, too. Family-friendly small ship sailings from Juneau and other Alaskan ports are available as well. You can depart from ports within the Caribbean such as San Juan, St Lucia or Bridgetown, Barbados.

best cruise destinations for families

Norwegian is great for younger parents because the entertainment and activities are fun for adults as well. The food on Norwegian is really good and there are plenty of different restaurants to eat at when you’re onboard a Norwegian cruise. The great thing about Norwegian is that there are things to do for the whole family. The kids’ club will watch your children between three and 12, offering lunch, dinner, and overnight stays if needed, and the ship even offers babysitting services in your cabin. The kids can also play at the arcade, practice driving in the F1 simulator, or play some sports. Live entertainment abounds, with options for just the adults or the entire family.

Princess Cruises Kids’ Club

The 7 Best Cruise Lines for Families of 2024 - PureWow

The 7 Best Cruise Lines for Families of 2024.

Posted: Fri, 12 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT [source]

Outdoors, you'll find pools, splash zones and waterslides on ships like MSC Virtuosa, Meraviglia, Grandiosa, and Preziosa. You'll find exclusive clubs (and childcare) for children from infancy to age 12, plus teen spaces for those up to 17 years old aboard all MSC ships. Norwegian's Splash Academy features separate activities for kids ages 3 to 5, 6 to 9 and 10 to 12.

The Best Cruises For Families 2024 - Forbes

The Best Cruises For Families 2024.

Posted: Tue, 27 Jun 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

A Mediterranean cruise with kids is the ultimate field trip for families and multigenerational groups. Mediterranean cruises provide a tantalizing combination of learning, adventure, and cultural experiences for all ages and interests. Western Caribbean cruises are popular with families, often visiting destinations and private ports in Belize, Grand Cayman, Jamaica, Mexico, and Roatan, Honduras. Southern Caribbean cruise itineraries venture further into the West Indies region, visiting tropical isles such as Aruba, Antigua, Barbados, Bonaire, Curaçao, St. Lucia, St. Kitts, and others. A number of cruise line private islands are also located in the Bahamas. Families with kids of all ages will enjoy Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay.

With some of the biggest ships at sea and an amusement park-like private island in the Bahamas, Royal Caribbean is one of the best cruise lines for active families. While other cruise lines limit water play to kids who are toilet trained and drop-off child care to ages 3 and up, Disney caters to all kids with onboard splash areas and nurseries. Our favorite family ships mix wow-factor activities with attractive kids clubs, plentiful and convenient dining and thoughtful touches like bathtubs and babysitting. They also admittedly don’t offer as many action-packed attractions on board and some do not cater to especially young children.

Kids will fall in love with the Wonder Playscape, which offers puzzles, games, climbing walls, and slides. The 4D cinema experience makes you feel like you’re racing on a freeway or experiencing other immersive scenes without leaving your seat. The Robotron is a thrilling amusement ride, and the Flight Simulator lets you take to the skies while still safely on the ship. Norwegian Cruise Lines visit Asia, New England, Florida, Alaska, the Bahamas, Canada, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, Europe, and Hawaii. Eat well no matter the cuisine you and the family crave, from simple burgers to Brazilian steakhouses, Japanese food, seafood, or global cuisine.

If parents want some late-night fun, group babysitting is available for a fee for kids ages 3 to 12. All ships have a variety of dining options, including a main dining room, specialty restaurants and other casual options for all kinds of diners. Celebrity Cruises offer families a chance to spend quality time together while enjoying all the amenities of a luxury cruise.

The subtropical islands of the Bahamas are home to stunning white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and a number of kid-friendly attractions. Choosing the best cruise destination for your family will depend on the age of your children and what you like to do. That said, most places have great options for children of all ages from babies to teens. This article highlights some of the most popular cruise destinations for families with children.

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