Previously, the struggle was finding cruises featuring kid-friendly options. Today, there’s a new challenge. Instead, there’s a plethora of kids’ clubs, family cabin options, and child-friendly activities. Wading through these decisions to determine which is best for your family’s trip can prove overwhelming.
That’s why we’re presenting the best adventure, educational, and overall cruises to help you sort through the process.
Best Adventure Family Friendly Cruises
Does your family love adventure, the outdoors, and endless activities? If so, then selecting a cruise featuring “on-the-go” activities is optimal.
Look for ships where your children can find waterslides, rock climbing, and themes that will keep their attention. Instead of sitting poolside daily, your children will want to participate in something new. Here’s a rundown of our selections of the best adventure family-friendly cruises.
1. Disney Wonder Cruise Line
Source: picturethemagic
Approximate cost: $1,685 per guest
Aboard the Disney Wonder, families find pirate nights, thrilling waterslides, movies in 3D, and tons of adventurous activities. From live musical performances at night to dining rooms incorporating Disney movie themes, there’s something for everyone.
These cruises are optimal for children who have an obsession with Disney, adore interacting with characters, can’t get enough of musical productions, and never tire of movies.
Itinerary:
Round trip adventure from Vancouver to Alaska for seven nights
Port calls in Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway
Kids Club Information:
Character-driven performances
Dress-up parties
Lunch and dinner parties
Movies
Nurseries for children six months to three years old
Why Parents Love This Cruise:
Quiet Cove Pool
Vista Spa
Oceaneer Club available for kids
Why we like it: This activity is accessible to everyone. We like the DIY aspect and the fact that children can learn about recycling while making homemade drums.
2. Norwegian Getaway
Source: todaysparent.com
Approximate cost: $787 per guest
Families who love Broadway musicals and scream-worthy waterslides will appreciate the “freestyle” approach Norwegian’s cruises take. Active cruisers can choose either the New York or Miami route.
These cruises are best for children who don’t like to sit still, but who love to splash, slip, and slide instead.
Itinerary:
Round-trip, seven-day adventure from Miami to the Caribbean’s western side
Port calls to Belize, Costa Maya, Cozumel, Honduras, Mexico, and Roatan
Jungle-meets-beach adventures and Mayan culture
Kids Club Information:
Splash Academy: separate activities for children ages three to five, six to nine, and 10 to 12
Video games, karaoke, and crafts available
Entourage: space for teens ages 13 to 17 featuring video games, air hockey, flat screens, and plush couches
Teen space turns into a night club for teens-only every evening
Why Parents Love This Cruise:
Waterfront: promenade nearly a half-kilometer long lined with boutiques, lounges, and restaurants
Illusionarium: dinner-theatre with a magic-theme
Why we like it: We love the endless adventure children find in the three-deck sports complex, spider web climbing cage, action-packed aqua park, and pirate themes.
3. Royal Caribbean International
Source: travelandleisure
Approximate cost: $838 per guest
There’s no shortage of entertainment and thrills available on the Royal Caribbean International cruise line. Kids of all ages and their families will enjoy rock climbing, a zipline, multiple pools, an ice skating rink, a 3D theater, two surf simulators, and parades.
There’s also a skydiving simulator and a London Eye-Esque ride, the North Star, that takes passengers 300 feet above the ocean’s surface in a glass capsule.
This cruise is best-suited for families who have active children who are adventurous and love having fun in the sun.
Itinerary:
Round-trip, seven-day adventure from Cape Liberty, New Jersey to the Bahamas
Port calls to Kennedy Space Center, Nassau, and CocoCay, Bahamas
Kids Club Information:
Adventure Ocean Play Spaces: separate areas for toddlers, kids, tweens, and teens
Arts and crafts workshop, science lab, arcade, and theater
Scratch DJ Academy (not available on Anthem of the Seas)
Royal Babies and Royal Tots: interactive activities and classes
Drop-off babysitting services
Why Parents Love This Cruise:
Solarium: an adults-only area featuring tiered pools
Why we like it: We love that there’s Broadway-style shows, character breakfasts, spa treatments, and over two-dozen dining options. No details are left to chance for children, as well as their parents.
Best Educational Family Friendly Cruises
Are you looking for a vacation experience that’s educational for your children, too? You’re in luck because these cruises not only have fun activities available but also a wide variety of educational options as well. Children of all ages can learn, explore, and experience their creative side on these cruises.
1. Carnival Cruise Line
Source: cruiseradio
Approximate cost: $749 per guest
Booking, a trip on a Carnival cruise, means parents will find accommodations for children according to their age group in Camp Ocean. For example, there are separate clubs for children ages two to 11, tweens, and teens. Pre-teens, ages 12 to 14, join the Circle C space and teens ages 15 to 17 join Club 02. Depending on which ship you choose, there’s a choice of Seaside Theater, Thrill Theater, or IMAX theater.
This cruise is best suited for parents who are looking for a social atmosphere, Camp Ocean, and loads of kid-friendly activities that are educational.
Itinerary:
Round-trip, seven-day trip traveling from Miami to the Caribean’s westside
Port calls to Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Jamaica, Mexico, and Ocho Rios
Two sea days
Kids Club Information:
Camp Ocean: children ages two to 11
Marine-themed activities and games
Teens-only excursions
Dr. Seus Bookville
Why Parents Love This Cruise:
Counselors available to take care of and educate children
Most restaurants offering kid-friendly menus
Supervised meals so parents can dine alone
Family-friendly excursions, including horseback riding and swimming with dolphins
Why we like it: We love this cruise because, in addition to entertainment and education, families have groups of enthusiastic counselors ready to keep their children happy at Camp Ocean.
2. Princess Cruises
Source: princess.com
Approximate cost: $1,525 per guest
Princess Cruises is expanding its entire fleet to include discovery-themed programming for children of all ages. That way, they can embrace fun and educational activities as part of Camp Discovery in addition to the kids club spaces, pools, jungle gym, and outdoor movie theater.
This cruise is best-suited for families who love participating in educational programming together, as well as for teens who don’t have an interest in theme-park thrills.
Itinerary:
Eleven-day round-trip traveling from Copenhagen to either Scandinavia or Russia
Six additional city stops in countries, including Berlin via Warnemunde; Helsinki, Finland; Oslo, Norway; St. Petersburg, Russia; Stockholm, Sweden; and Tallinn, Estonia.
A seven-day trip out of Fort Lauderdale sailing to Cozumel, Mexico; Falmouth, Jamaica, Georgetown, Grand Cayman; and Princess Cay, Bahamas is also available
Kids Club Information:
Camp Discovery: educational adventures, including The Treehouse, for children ages three to seven
The Lodge: optimal for children ages eight to 12
The Beach House: activities perfect for teens ages 13 to 17
Junior-ranger programs, myth-buster challenges, scavenger hunts, the science of magic, art projects, storytime
Why Parents Love This Cruise:
The Chocolate Journeys: delectable desserts
Crooners: casual piano-bar
Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens: Victorian-era amusement park
Stockholm’s Vasa Museum
SeaWalk: walk above the waves 128 feet below
Why we like it: Our favorite things about the Princess Cruise is that, in conjunction with the Discovery Channel, there are Discovery at Sea activities and The Voice of the Ocean singing competitions. Families will also find delicious pizza by the slice at Prego’s poolside or Alfredo’s restaurant.
3. Pride of America
Source: cruisecritic
Approximate cost: $1,376 per guest
When parents are looking for an educational adventure, the Pride of America will not disappoint. This cruise doesn’t feature the waterslides and ropes courses you’ll find on most other ships.
This cruise is best suited for children who have an appreciation for Hawaiian lore and volcanoes.
Itinerary:
Seven-day round-trip adventure from Honolulu
Spend two days each on the Big Island of Hawaii, Kauai, and Maui
Kids Club Information:
Cadillac Diner: 1950s decor and retro shakes
Sports Court: hoops challenges
Blast-Off Video Arcade
Atlantis submarine voyage
Cave tubing
Why Parents Love This Cruise:
Shuffles Card Room
Mandara Spa
South Beach & Oasis Pool
Hollywood Theater
Waikiki Bar
Mardi Gra Cabaret Lounge & Nightclub
Why we like it: We love this cruise because of its one-of-a-kind Hawaiian experiences, educational opportunities, and adventures. You can also explore volcanoes!
Best Overall Family Friendly Cruises
When you’re looking for a family adventure that doesn’t fit a particular theme but have high expectations, the following cruises fit that bill. Not only do these trips feature a wide variety of activities amenities, but they’re also budget and kid-friendly. Families with children of all ages enjoy booking these vacations because they know they’ll receive the creature comforts they want while simultaneously keeping their kids active.
1. MSC Divina
Source: cruisehive.com
Approximate cost: $537 per guest; children under 11 sail for free
When you want to book a vacation on a budget without sacrificing quality, fun, or amenities, opting for the MSC cruise line is an excellent idea. Not only will you and your family find a kid-friendly atmosphere, but at affordable rates.
This cruise is best suited for parents who are seeking optimal vacation savings while having opportunities to meet and interact with other families from around the world.
Itinerary:
Option to sail a seven-day cruise from Miami to Cozumel, Mexico; Georgetown, Cayman Islands; Jamaica; and Ocho Rios
Opportunity for a seven-day round-trip from Miami to the Antilles and the Caribean with port calls to Nassau, Bahamas; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and San Juan, Puerto Rico
Kids Club Information:
Virtual formula-one auto racing
Interactive 4D theater
Virtual World Arcade
Lego activity spaces
Kid-friendly Aqua Park
Why Parents Love This Cruise:
Free Chicco childcare equipment: baby backpacks, bottle warmers, strollers, and more
Caffe Italia: authentic cappuccino
Venchi: delicious gelato
Super Family Suites: sleep up to six
Inside Cabins: budget-friendly cabins that sleep four
Garden Pool
Why we like it: We love that; in addition to finding lots to do on this ship, there are endless opportunities for adventures during each stop.
2. P&O Cruises
Source: pocruises
Approximate cost: $537 per guest; children under 11 sail for free
When you want to book a vacation on a budget without sacrificing quality, fun, or amenities, opting for the MSC cruise line is an excellent idea. Not only will you and your family find a kid-friendly atmosphere, but at affordable rates.
This cruise is best suited for parents who are seeking optimal vacation savings while having opportunities to meet and interact with other families from around the world.
Itinerary:
Option to sail a seven-day cruise from Miami to Cozumel, Mexico; Georgetown, Cayman Islands; Jamaica; and Ocho Rios
Opportunity for a seven-day round-trip from Miami to the Antilles and the Caribean with port calls to Nassau, Bahamas; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and San Juan, Puerto Rico
Kids Club Information:
Virtual formula-one auto racing
Interactive 4D theater
Virtual World Arcade
Lego activity spaces
Kid-friendly Aqua Park
Why Parents Love This Cruise:
Free Chicco childcare equipment: baby backpacks, bottle warmers, strollers, and more
Caffe Italia: authentic cappuccino
Venchi: delicious gelato
Super Family Suites: sleep up to six
Inside Cabins: budget-friendly cabins that sleep four
Garden Pool
Why we like it: We love that; in addition to finding lots to do on this ship, there are endless opportunities for adventures during each stop.
3. Eastern Caribbean Cruise
Source: royalcaribbean
Approximate cost: $628 per guest
Travel on one of their third-largest vessels in the world. In doing so, you and your family have the opportunity to experience ice skating, a surf simulator, basketball, rock climbing, ziplining, and volleyball.
This cruise is best suited for families who are looking for tons of things to do together, as well as independently.
Itinerary:
A seven-night voyage from Ft. Lauderdale to Labadee (Haiti); Phillipsburg, St. Maarten; and San Juan Peurto Rico
Travel from Miami to Labadee, Falmouth, and Cozumel
Kids Club Information:
Imagination Studio: where children can create sculptures and paintings
Aqua Theater: acrobatic and high-diving acts
Why Parents Love This Cruise:
Broadway shows
Private port in Haiti
Why we like it: We love this cruise because, in addition to how massive the ship is, there’s no shortage of kid-friendly activities and fun for the entire family.
Source: picturethemagic
Source: todaysparent.com
Source: travelandleisure
Source: cruiseradio
Source: princess.com
Source: cruisecritic
Source: cruisehive.com
Source: pocruises
Source: royalcaribbean
