If you’re planning a vacation with your children and want to explore the open seas, you’re in luck! We have compiled a list of the top family friendly cruise lines that are perfect for traveling with children. From entertainment options for kids of all ages to exciting excursions that the whole family can enjoy, these cruise lines know how to create an unforgettable experience for everyone. So, get ready to set sail and embark on an adventure that your family will cherish for years to come.
Top Family Friendly Cruise Lines
Disney Cruise Line
Disney-themed activities and entertainment
When it comes to family-friendly cruises, Disney Cruise Line is a top choice. The entire cruise experience is infused with the magic of Disney, providing endless entertainment for both kids and adults alike. From the moment you step onboard, you’ll be immersed in a world of Disney-themed activities and entertainment. Meet beloved Disney characters, join them for dance parties, and watch stunning Broadway-style shows featuring Disney classics. With deck parties, outdoor movies, and fireworks at sea, there’s never a dull moment on a Disney Cruise.
Character meet and greets
One of the highlights of a Disney Cruise Line experience is the opportunity to meet your favorite Disney characters up close and personal. Whether it’s Mickey Mouse, Elsa from Frozen, or Captain Jack Sparrow, there are plenty of opportunities for character meet and greets throughout the cruise. Get your autograph book and camera ready, because these magical encounters will create memories that last a lifetime.
Family-friendly dining options
Disney Cruise Line takes dining to a whole new level with their family-friendly options. The rotational dining system allows you to experience a variety of themed restaurants throughout your cruise, accompanied by your own personal waitstaff who move with you to each restaurant. From enchanting fairytale dining at Animator’s Palate to dining with Disney princesses at Royal Court, there’s always something to enchant both kids and adults. And don’t worry, there are plenty of options for picky eaters and those with dietary restrictions.
Royal Caribbean International
Adventure Ocean Youth Program
Royal Caribbean International is known for its Adventure Ocean Youth Program, designed to keep kids of all ages entertained and engaged throughout the cruise. Divided into age groups, this program offers a wide range of activities and events tailored to each age group’s interests and abilities. From arts and crafts to science experiments, theme parties to talent shows, your kids will have a blast while making new friends and creating lifelong memories.
DreamWorks Experience
If your kids can’t get enough of characters like Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, and Madagascar’s Alex and the gang, then Royal Caribbean’s DreamWorks Experience will be a dream come true for them. This partnership with DreamWorks Animation brings these beloved characters onboard your cruise, allowing you to meet and interact with them during special events and parades. From character breakfasts to 3D movies, your family will be immersed in the world of DreamWorks throughout your Royal Caribbean cruise.
Splashaway Bay Water Park
For those looking for a wet and wild adventure, Royal Caribbean’s Splashaway Bay Water Park is the perfect destination. Located on select ships, this family-friendly attraction features an array of slides, fountains, water cannons, and geysers that will keep your little ones entertained for hours. Whether they want to race down the water slides or splash around in the fountains, this water park is guaranteed to make a big splash with the whole family.
Carnival Cruise Line
Camp Ocean Kids Program
Carnival Cruise Line‘s Camp Ocean is a fantastic program designed to keep kids entertained from morning until night. Divided into age groups, this program offers a wide range of age-appropriate activities and events that will keep your children engaged and excited. From arts and crafts to scavenger hunts, games to dance parties, your kids will have a blast while making new friends and creating lasting memories.
Dr. Seuss at Sea
Carnival Cruise Line brings the beloved characters and wondrous stories of Dr. Seuss to life with their Dr. Seuss at Sea program. Kids can join in on interactive storytime sessions, participate in Seuss-themed parades, and even enjoy a special Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast with their favorite Seuss characters. With the magic of Dr. Seuss around every corner, your family will experience a whimsical and unforgettable cruise adventure.
Waterworks Aqua Park
For water-loving families, Carnival Cruise Line’s Waterworks Aqua Park is the ultimate playground. With thrilling water slides, splash zones, and interactive water features, this aqua park is sure to make a big splash with kids of all ages. Whether they want to zoom down the twisty-turny slides or splash around in the fountains, there’s no shortage of water fun on a Carnival Cruise.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Youth and Teen Programs
Norwegian Cruise Line offers an extensive range of youth and teen programs to keep your kids entertained throughout the cruise. From creative arts and crafts to sports tournaments, themed parties to scavenger hunts, there’s something for everyone in these age-appropriate programs. The dedicated cruise staff ensures a fun and safe environment for kids to make new friends and create lifelong memories.
Nickelodeon at Sea
For kids who can’t get enough of their favorite Nickelodeon characters, Norwegian Cruise Line offers Nickelodeon at Sea. This partnership with Nickelodeon brings characters like SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles onboard your cruise, providing endless opportunities for meet and greets, character breakfasts, and exciting interactive experiences. Your kids will feel like they’ve stepped right into their favorite Nickelodeon show.
Aqua Park and Waterslides
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Aqua Park and Waterslides take water fun to new heights. With thrilling water slides, splash areas, and water features, your family will have a blast cooling off and splashing around. From high-speed slides to winding tubes, there’s an adrenaline-pumping adventure for everyone. And if you just want to relax and soak up the sun, there are plenty of pools and lounging areas to enjoy as well.
Princess Cruises
Camp Discovery Youth Center
Princess Cruises’ Camp Discovery Youth Center provides a safe and engaging space for kids of all ages. Divided into age groups, this program offers a variety of activities and events designed to educate, entertain, and inspire. From science experiments to arts and crafts, dance parties to themed events, your kids will have a blast while learning and making new friends in this immersive environment.
Movies Under the Stars
Princess Cruises takes movie night to a whole new level with their Movies Under the Stars experience. Watch the latest blockbusters, family-friendly classics, and even catch live sporting events on a giant outdoor movie screen, right under the stars. Snuggle up under a cozy blanket, grab some popcorn, and enjoy a cinematic experience like no other.
Family-friendly shore excursions
Princess Cruises offers a range of family-friendly shore excursions, allowing you to explore new destinations together as a family. Whether you’re snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, embarking on a thrilling zip line adventure, or exploring ancient ruins, these excursions are designed to cater to the entire family’s interests and abilities. Create unforgettable memories as you discover new cultures, landscapes, and experiences.
MSC Cruises
Kids Clubs by age group
MSC Cruises offers a comprehensive kids club program that is tailored to different age groups, ensuring that all kids have a memorable experience. From tots to teens, these clubs provide age-appropriate activities and entertainment, giving parents the opportunity to relax and enjoy their cruise. Whether it’s arts and crafts, sports, dance parties, or talent shows, there’s always something exciting happening in the MSC Kids Clubs.
Dedicated LEGO and Chicco play areas
For younger children, MSC Cruises offers dedicated play areas that are sure to capture their imaginations. The LEGO play areas provide endless opportunities for creative building, while the Chicco play areas are designed specifically for babies and toddlers, providing a safe and stimulating environment. With toys, games, and activities designed for different age groups, MSC Cruises ensures that kids of all ages have a fantastic time on their cruise.
5D cinema and F1 simulator
MSC Cruises takes entertainment to the next level with their 5D cinema and F1 simulator. Kids and adults alike can experience the thrill of a 5D movie, with special effects that make you feel like you’re part of the action. And for those seeking a high-speed adventure, the F1 simulator allows you to test your driving skills on virtual racetracks. MSC Cruises offers a wide range of exciting activities and experiences for the whole family to enjoy.
Holland America Line
Club HAL
Holland America Line’s Club HAL caters to kids aged 3 to 17, providing a wide range of age-appropriate activities and entertainment. From arts and crafts to video games, scavenger hunts to themed parties, there’s always something fun happening in Club HAL. The dedicated staff ensures a safe and engaging environment for kids to have a memorable cruise experience.
Teen Lounges
Holland America Line understands the unique interests and needs of teenagers, which is why they offer dedicated Teen Lounges onboard their ships. These stylish and contemporary spaces provide teens with a place to hang out, make new friends, and enjoy a range of activities tailored to their age group. From karaoke nights to dance parties, gaming tournaments to movie nights, teens will have a blast while creating lifelong memories.
Family-friendly entertainment options
Holland America Line ensures that the whole family can enjoy quality time together with their family-friendly entertainment options. From nightly live music performances to theatrical productions and comedy shows, there’s always something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you want to relax and enjoy a Broadway-style show or dance the night away at a deck party, Holland America Line has you covered.
Costa Cruises
Squok Club for kids
Costa Cruises’ Squok Club is a lively and engaging kids club that offers a wide range of age-specific activities and entertainment. From arts and crafts to treasure hunts, sports tournaments to dance parties, kids will have a blast while making new friends and creating lasting memories. The dedicated staff ensures that kids have a fun and safe environment to enjoy their cruise.
Teen Zone with social activities
Costa Cruises understands the unique interests of teenagers and provides them with a dedicated Teen Zone. This space is designed specifically for teens, providing a place to hang out, chat, and enjoy a variety of social activities. From dance parties to movie nights, sports tournaments to gaming sessions, teens will find plenty of opportunities to have fun and connect with other like-minded individuals.
Water slides and pools
For those seeking water fun, Costa Cruises offers a range of water slides and pools that are perfect for kids and families. Race down high-speed water slides, splash around in the pools, or simply relax and soak up the sun. The water slides and pools onboard Costa Cruises provide endless hours of entertainment and fun for the whole family.
Celebrity Cruises
Fun Factory Kids Club
Celebrity Cruises’ Fun Factory Kids Club offers a wide range of age-appropriate activities and entertainment for kids aged 3 to 11. From arts and crafts to theme parties, sports activities to scavenger hunts, kids will have a blast while making new friends and creating memorable experiences. The dedicated staff ensures a fun and safe environment for kids to enjoy their cruise.
X Club for teenagers
For teenagers looking for a space to hang out and connect with fellow teens, Celebrity Cruises offers the X Club. This cool and contemporary lounge provides a wide range of social activities and events that cater to the interests and preferences of teenagers. From dance parties to gaming sessions, karaoke nights to movie screenings, teens will find plenty of opportunities to have fun and make new friends.
Family-focused shore excursions
Celebrity Cruises offers a range of family-focused shore excursions that allow you to explore new destinations together as a family. Whether it’s snorkeling in vibrant coral reefs, exploring ancient ruins, or embarking on a thrilling zip line adventure, these excursions are designed to cater to the interests and abilities of the entire family. Create unforgettable memories as you discover new cultures and experiences together.
P&O Cruises
P&O Cruises Kids Clubs
P&O Cruises offers a comprehensive Kids Club program that is divided into age groups, ensuring that kids have a memorable and age-appropriate experience. From arts and crafts to sports activities, games to themed parties, there’s always something fun happening in the Kids Clubs. The trained staff ensures that kids have a safe and engaging environment to enjoy their cruise.
Family Shore Experience Program
P&O Cruises’ Family Shore Experience Program allows families to discover new destinations together through a range of family-friendly excursions. Whether it’s exploring ancient ruins, going on a wildlife safari, or enjoying a scenic tour, these excursions are designed to cater to the interests and abilities of the entire family. Explore new cultures and create lifelong memories as you embark on these exciting adventures.
Sports and activities for children
P&O Cruises offers a wide range of sports and activities for children, ensuring that they have plenty of opportunities to have fun and stay active during their cruise. From mini golf to basketball, table tennis to swimming, there’s something for every young sports enthusiast. Whether they want to hone their skills or simply have a good time, P&O Cruises provides a range of options to keep kids entertained.
In conclusion, when it comes to family-friendly cruises, there are plenty of options to choose from. Each cruise line mentioned above offers a variety of activities and entertainment options to keep kids of all ages engaged and excited throughout the cruise. Whether your family is looking for Disney-themed magic, thrilling water park adventures, or educational and cultural experiences, these cruise lines have you covered. So pack your bags, gather your loved ones, and set sail on a family vacation that will create memories to last a lifetime.
