Monday, April 1, 2024

The 11 Best Cruise Lines and Ships for Families and Kids in 2024

best cruise ships for kids

That includes the water slides – six brand new ones, breaking many of the record for slides at sea. If your young ones (or you) love thrills then you can’t go wrong here. Shoutout to Wonder of the Seas – she used to be on this list, but if I’m limiting myself to one ship per cruise line then I can’t not include the newest, biggest ship in the fleet which is Icon of the Seas. Even if you’re on a summer sailing to the tropics, pack a sweater if you plan to use the ice skating rink. Discover the magic of Alaska, where snowcapped mountains, towering forests and misty fjords dare you to deny their majesty.

Best for All Ages

Home to freestyle cruising, Norwegian Cruise Line has developed some of the best facilities and amenities for family cruising. Whereas the slightly older 6-8-year-olds can spend time on Playstations, Nintendo Wii’s, spin art and many themed activities. Teenagers (aged 12-14) partake in much more hands-on activities such as rock climbing, dodgeball, and Dance Dance Revolution.

Wonder of the Seas

Look out for special offers where you might get drinks included in your cruise fare. I’ve worked in the cruise industry for over eight years and have taken my children on lots of different cruises in that time. So I’d love to use my experience to help you find the best cruise line for your family. The onboard youth programs are really never-seen-before with activities ranging from Cirque du Soleil classes to over twenty sports for older teenagers. And so, I’ve developed a wide amount of knowledge on the topic of family cruises, based on my own experience. As soon as you’ve made a deposit, purchase travel insurance from Allianz so unforeseen circumstances don’t ruin your vacation.

Family-friendly cruises

If you're planning to cruise with little kids, my advice is to start with a short, warm-weather sailing on a ship that caters to the youngest cruisers. Cortney Fries (pronounced “freeze”) is an award-winning Chicago-based writer and mom to two spunky elementary school-age kids. She loves nothing more than traveling with family, having adventures with friends and exploring the outdoors. Cortney believes that you should definitely do things that scare you just a little bit. Reimagined children’s areas are interactive and organized by activity type and age groups, including a nursery for the littlest of cruisers and teen areas that can be accessed through a “hidden” entrance.

The Unmatched Experience on Disney Wish

It’s like the entire world is brought to them, in the most entertaining way possible. For the young ones, a Royal Caribbean family vacation is nothing short of an epic adventure. Under-threes are allowed in the kids’ club when accompanied by an adult and free baby food is available (either in a jar or pureed fresh). Princess Cruises ships are medium to large in size and offer understated luxury with excellent food and service. Princess Cruises are very popular with multi-generational families who want to cruise with kids, parents and grandparents all together.

It’s hard to pick just one favorite aspect of the Disney Dream, but we can confidently say that the entertainment is hard to beat. Gravitate toward the Millennium Falcon area in the kids club or head to a stage show production of Beauty and the Beast. At the end of a long day of play, kids can snuggle up and watch Disney movies on the pool deck under the stars. Find the top ship for your next trip with our list of the seven best cruise ships for kids (and their parents). Each ship is a testament to Royal Caribbean’s commitment to family-friendly cruising, offering an array of amenities and activities for all age groups.

best cruise ships for kids

MSC Cruises is an Italian cruise line and is popular with passengers from all over Europe. Because of this, all the announcements and signage are in six different languages and the entertainment often doesn’t include much speaking – think acrobats rather than comedians. MSC Cruises ships are very glitzy and glamorous, with Swarovski crystal staircases and lots of marble. On board, you’ll find the most exciting features at sea, outstanding food and a fun atmosphere. Here we are in the North Star observation pod which extends 300 feet above Anthem of the Seas. Under threes can be cared for in the nursery, but this is quite expensive.

Paul Gauguin Cruises specializes in luxury cruises in Tahiti, Fiji, and the South Pacific. With just 1 cruise ship in its fleet, Paul Gauguin takes cruisers to ports that larger cruise ships can’t access. The National Geographic Global Explorers program can be found on cruises to Antarctica, Alaska, Baja California, and Galápagos. Camp at Sea is Celebrity Cruises’ kids’ club for kids 3 to 17 years old. Activities range from arts and crafts for the youngest age group to video game tournaments, scavenger hunts, and movie nights for older kids. There are more upscale and low-key cruise lines that cater to more discerning travel habits while also considering the needs of your youngest family members.

Family entertainment is elevated with immersive storytelling and interactions, making it arguably the best Disney cruise for toddlers and young adventurers alike. Disney cruises kids’ clubs are reimagined aboard Disney Wish, giving children the chance to live their dreams in real-time. In sum, my search for the best Royal Caribbean ships for families confirms that the company has mastered the alchemy of family entertainment. Loads of laughter and unforgettable experiences go hand-in-hand when cruising with your kids.

Best Cruise Ship for Families - Newsweek

Best Cruise Ship for Families.

Posted: Thu, 22 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Aquanauts, (3-5 years) can enjoy many activities involving from bubbling potions to Jurassic Park dinosaurs. Also getting the chance to participate in the Pirate Party Parade around the ship. Carnival will also expand its West Coast offerings this year when Carnival Firenze joins the fleet and sails year-round from Long Beach, California. Especially if you are a cruise newbie, work with a travel advisor who is a cruise expert. Princess Cruises and Holland America Line have added more immersive programming and a focus on locally sourced food, especially in Alaska.

The balance test continues on the top deck at the two powerful FlowRider® surf simulators. Kids will love seeing familiar characters from DreamWorks throughout the ship including Shrek, the animals from Madagascar, and Po the panda from Kung Fu Panda. They also have programs for each age group, including the Splash Academy (3 to 12) and Entourage (13 to 17). As for the Guppies Program (6 months to 4), parents are required to stay with their child and enjoy the amenities together. However, Norwegian does offer group babysitting during the evenings for parents to enjoy a child-free dinner. When it comes to dining, parents can rest assured that Carnival has you covered.

Canyon Ranch spa even offers special teen services, including hair straightening lessons, sensitive skin facials and personal training sessions. Every sailing on the Disney Fantasy includes a stop at Castaway Cay, Disney Cruise Line’s private island in The Bahamas, where turquoise waters meet soft, white sand. Splash on the Pelican’s Plunge waterslides, snorkel to uncover undersea treasures, run the Castaway Cay 5k or just float your cares away by the sand bar with a Frozen-themed drink in hand. Supervised children’s activities like digging for artificial whale bones, an adults-only beach and a teens-only excursion ensure every member of the family has a memorable day at Castaway Cay. But really, Prima’s standout features are the karting and mini golf – if your kids love these activities then they’ll love this ship.

Fast, flavorful and fun dining options are available for families aboard the Carnival Panorama. Kids will love the burgers and fries served at Guy’s Burger Joint, as well as the Shake Spot and pizzeria. A New England-inspired Seafood Shack and Asian kitchen, as well as Mexican and Italian eateries, provide a diverse variety of cuisines.

It may seem odd that two of our top ships for kids haven't debuted yet. However, like Icon of the Seas, Princess Cruises' new 4,300-passenger Sun Princess will be heads and shoulders above the rest of the fleet in terms of family entertainment. If you're booking a multigenerational family cruise for 2024 or beyond, you will definitely want to keep this kid-friendly cruise ship in mind. No matter your family size or price range, you can find some incredible vacations at sea that will have kids exclaiming, "Best cruise ever!" by the end of the week. For youngsters under 10, Symphony of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas from Royal Caribbean’s fleet are excellent choices, offering a perfect blend of fun and discovery.

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