Compare & book Family cruises(3,585)
Are cruises family-friendly?
Not all cruise lines cater specifically to families, but many have made it their bread and butter. Companies like Royal Caribbean International and Disney Cruise Line have made the family market one of their main priorities.
Find the right ship, and your family will have a fabulous holiday. You’ll find splash pools, kids’ clubs, special movie showings and shows, and much more. Many lines run special children’s activities and programming in addition to the kids’ clubs.
You can even find ships with all kinds of fun things to do, from surf simulators (Royal Caribbean International) to go-karts at sea (Norwegian Cruise Lines).
Family-friendly cruising isn’t all about the children, either. Parents will be able to enjoy quiet time too. Many ships often feature after-hours childcare services (so you can enjoy a romantic meal) and adults-only areas.
What are the best cruise lines for families?
It depends on what type of family you are. If you want a magical experience for the little ones, it’s hard to look beyond Disney Cruise Lines.
For thrills and high-octane entertainment, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Lines are fantastic choices. And if you’re looking for a more peaceful and sophisticated experience, Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruises are top options. But the list doesn’t stop there. MSC Cruises, P&O Cruises and Marella Cruises are also excellent for families.
Beyond ocean cruising, the choice is more limited. A-Rosa is one of the only river operators to offer child-friendly facilities, like kids’ clubs on its ships. When it comes to expedition voyages, HX (Hurtigruten) Expeditions offers a Young Explorers discount of up to 50% for children sharing a cabin with two adults.
For more information, read our guide to the best cruise lines for families.
What cruise lines are not suitable for families?
It goes without saying, adults-only lines such as Virgin Voyages won’t do the trick. Other operators, while technically not kid-free, are also less suitable for families. This is often the case for most ultra-luxury, expedition and river lines.
On these lines’ ships, you won’t find any kids’ club and children's programming. In addition, guests tend to book these cruises for the peaceful, grown-up environment, and may be less tolerant of children.
What are the best cruise destinations for families?
Families tend to favour sunshine destinations like the Mediterranean, the Canaries and the Mediterranean. But if you sail with the right cruise lines, most destinations can be great for families. One of our writers recently took his three-year-old to Alaska, and the entire family had a great time.
Of course, it’s worth considering the weather. You might not want to take a little one to Antarctica, for example. In fact, most cruise lines set a minimum age for sailings to the White Continent. But less extreme destinations also require some thought. Temperatures can be bitterly cold on a winter sailing to Norway and might not be conducive to happy children.
You should also think about the itinerary itself. If your children like exploring places, a transatlantic cruise with six nights at sea might not be the best bet. Similarly, culture-heavy voyages with city tours and daily visits to cathedrals and museums might not suit all children. You know your kids best, so think about which itineraries will suit their personalities.
Family-friendly cruising: frequently asked questions
Are cruises safe for children?
The short answer is ‘yes’. Cruise lines invest millions of dollars every year to make sure their ships are safe and suitable for children. However, you should always ensure that your children understand the risks of being on a cruise ship – and that you monitor their behaviour.
Even if that sounds obvious, explain to your children that they should never climb on railings. If you have a balcony cabin, move the furniture away from the railing, or ask for it to be removed.
For more tips, read our guide to keeping children safe on a ship. But above all, remember that cruises are an extremely safe holiday option for families.
What are the best cabins for families on a cruise ship?
Cruise ships will have a range of options for families. These range from regular cabins (inside, outside and balcony) fitted to accommodate a third and sometimes fourth guest.
For families with older children or more than two kids, interconnecting cabins can also be an option. However, these can be hard to secure, so make sure to book early if you’re interested in this arrangement.
Finally, mini suites and suites are the final and, often, priciest solution for families. However, depending on the size of your family and what cabin category you usually buy, they can sometimes work out cheaper than booking interconnected balcony rooms.
Check out our guide to the best family cabins at sea.
Are kids’ clubs on cruise ships any good?
Talk to any parents who have been on a cruise, and they’ll tell you the kids’ club is what their children prefer. You’ll start your voyage feeling guilty dropping your kids off, only to realise they’ll be the ones asking to go before long.
Kids’ clubs are usually divided into age groups, such as babies, toddlers and teens. This means your children will be with peers of similar ages, rather than younger or older kids. And the crew are polite and engaging and will do their best to keep the little ones entertained.
Cruise lines will also have systems, be it pages or app notifications, to inform parents if their little ones are feeling upset or need picking up.
For more information, check out our guide to the cruise lines with the best kids’ clubs.
