Cruising is one of the easiest ways for families to vacation together without the stress of constant planning. With built-in entertainment, kid-friendly dining, flexible itineraries, and child care options, cruises can offer relaxation for parents and adventure for kids of all ages. But not every cruise line offers the same level of family-friendliness. Here’s a guide to the best cruise lines and ships for families, along with tips to help you plan a smooth and memorable voyage.
- Disney Cruise Line – Best for immersive kid-friendly experiences
Disney Cruise Line is widely regarded as the gold standard for family cruising. Ships are designed with kids in mind and feature themed entertainment, character meet-and-greets, kids’ clubs, and rotational dining with interactive shows. While more expensive than most, Disney delivers an unmatched experience for families with younger children.
Explore sailings at disneycruise.disney.go.com - Royal Caribbean – Best for families with older kids and teens
Royal Caribbean offers enormous ships packed with features like water slides, rock climbing walls, escape rooms, arcades, and zip lines. Kids’ programming ranges from nursery care to teen lounges. Their private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, is also a family favorite with its water park and beach activities.
Check ship details at royalcaribbean.com - Carnival Cruise Line – Best value for budget-conscious families
Carnival delivers affordable family cruises with onboard waterparks, Seuss-themed activities, supervised youth programs, and family comedy shows. Their new Excel-class ships include attractions like roller coasters, ropes courses, and splash zones.
Learn more at carnival.com - Norwegian Cruise Line – Best for flexibility and multigenerational groups
Norwegian’s “Freestyle Cruising” model works well for families who want flexibility with mealtimes and attire. Their ships feature kids’ clubs, game zones, aqua parks, and family mini-suites. The Haven suites also offer private luxury for parents while keeping kids close to the fun.
Explore options at ncl.com - MSC Cruises – Best for international families and European itineraries
MSC Cruises offers free cruise fares for kids 17 and under on many sailings. Their ships include LEGO-themed play areas, family cabins, and multilingual staff. MSC also partners with Chicco to provide baby care gear for families with infants.
View sailings at msccruisesusa.com
Features to look for in a family-friendly cruise
- Kids clubs: Check the age breakdown and hours for supervised activities
- Family cabins: Look for connecting staterooms or suites with bunk beds
- Water fun: Pools, splash zones, and waterslides are key for warm-weather cruises
- Dining flexibility: Casual options, kids’ menus, and included meals ease planning
- Entertainment: Look for family movies, shows, and hands-on activities like cooking or crafts
Planning tips for families
- Book early: Family cabins fill quickly, especially during school holidays
- Bring the essentials: Diapers, sunscreen, medications, and favorite snacks may be expensive or limited onboard
- Prep the kids: Show them videos of the ship and explain safety rules ahead of time
- Time port activities carefully: Choose shorter excursions or those with built-in downtime for kids
Bonus savings tip: While Disney Cruise Line does not allow third-party gift cards, other cruise lines like Carnival may offer more flexibility. You can earn cashback with a Carnival gift card when you purchase through Fluz and apply it during the booking process to cut costs.
For more travel savings strategies, browse options on the Fluz homepage.
