The best cruise lines for families in 2015

Cruise travel agent Cruise.co.uk has identified the best cruise lines for families with children to sail with in 2015.

The travel agent admitted that cruising remains largely dominated by the over 55 market but also acknowledged a trend of more families taking a cruise holiday, thanks to a growing number of youthful activities on board modern liners.

The travel agent cited developments such as the new Seaplex offering from Royal Caribbean and the new calorie-controlled meals from the Disney Cruise Line as some of the reasons why families are now choosing cruise holidays as a viable alternative to traditional land-based holidays.

The most family friendly cruise lines

The travel agent has identified the most family friendly cruise lines based on the opinions of their travel consultants. The top five family-friendly cruise lines according to Cruise.co.uk are:

1. Royal Caribbean
2. Norwegian Cruise Lines
3. P&O Cruises
4. MSC Cruises
5. Princess Cruises

It is surprising that Disney Cruise Line did not make it into that list, especially with European itineraries on offer this year and next as well as Frozen and Star Wars themed sailings offered by the cruise line.

Newest child-friendly options on cruise ships

Cruise.co.uk did cite Disney Cruise Line’s calorie-controlled meals as one of the newest child-friendly options on cruise ships. The top three are:

1. Disney Cruise Line’s calorie-controlled meals for children on cruises – known as the “Mickey Check” this system helps parents to identify the healthier menu choices available on-board for children. To receive the seal of approval, meals must meet the Disney Nutritional Guidelines created by leading child health experts based on calories, saturated fat, sodium and sugar.
2. Royal Caribbean International’s Seaplex venue on Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas – this is the largest sports and activities complex at sea, which hosts a bumper car arena, roller skating, a circus school and more. Anthem of the Seas will spend her summer season sailing out of Southampton and will be officially launched later this month.
3. Norwegian Cruise Line’s three-storey sports complex – Due to be launched in November Norwegian Escape will feature the largest rope courses at sea over three stories complete with two planks, five Sky Rails and a zip track. It will also be home to the largest Aqua Park at sea and will include a new Aqua Racer slide. To add to the family fun, the ship will also feature a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle branded miniature golf course, entertainment from Nickelodeon and Norwegian Cruise Line’s first dedicated nursery for cruisers aged two and under.

(Photo credit to Cruise.co.uk)