I thought I would never be a cruise person. Secretly, I always pictured cruise ships as giant, floating water parks, rife with overly fruity drinks and cheesy tropical shirts. Then I had kids—and I started to see the allure of taking a family cruise.
Visiting multiple locales without having to pack up a hotel room and drag everything from place to place? Having all our food and drinks already paid for? Kid-friendly activities nearby, including a kids’ club? OK, I’m in. I’ve now been on two cruises with my husband and kids, ages 5 and 7, and we’ve already scheduled one for next summer. Here, I’m sharing why I’m now a family cruise enthusiast, plus the best cruise ships, destinations, and tips for taking a cruise with kids.
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Why choose a cruise for a family vacation?
First, a cruise ship makes traveling with little kids so much easier. You get all the best parts of travel, without the stress.
Multiple destinations without packing/unpacking
Cruises allow you to visit multiple destinations without constantly packing up (and unpacking) all the trappings that traveling with kids requires: clothes, monitors, swim stuff, portable cribs, and moving to another location. You arrive on the ship, unpack and set up your room, and that’s it. You’re also able to keep air travel or long car rides to a minimum, which, for kids who struggle with traveling, can be a godsend.
Easier to budget with all-inclusive packages
Second, they’re all-inclusive. That means that once you pay your cruise fare and any additional costs, such as dining or drink packages and room upgrades, you’re done. So, if your kid wants that extra ice cream cone or you want to spring for a second glass of wine? It’s easy to say yes when you know it’s already paid for.
Constant entertainment
Third, there’s always something to do on a cruise. From port stops and excursions to on-board programming and the kids’ club, you’ll always find something to do. For example, on our last cruise, we saw an ice-skating show, a high-diving acrobatic show, went to a silent disco, played mini-golf, and took a cupcake-decorating class. And that was just on the ship.
Best cruise lines for families
Best cruise line for young kids: Royal Caribbean
My kids are on the younger side, so when we had a recent four-day weekend with nothing on the calendar, we opted for a Royal Caribbean cruise that sailed to the Bahamas. It was one of the easiest and most cost-effective trips we’ve ever taken.
Cost-wise, we didn’t have to buy airfare, since we lived within driving distance of the port in Miami. (Major cruise ports in the U.S. include Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Port Canaveral in Florida, Seattle, Los Angeles, and San Diego on the West Coast, Juneau and Seward in Alaska, and Vancouver and Halifax in Canada).
The cruise fare itself was deeply discounted, and we didn’t have many upgrades to pay for since we opted for a standard balcony room and a drink package that didn’t include alcohol.
Royal Caribbean cruises are truly designed for children. We sailed on Wonder of the Seas, which has four pools, 10 hot tubs, and a kids’ splash park. There was also a mini-golf course, various playgrounds, a 10-story dry slide, a kids’ club, a surf simulator, and a carousel.
There were also a ton of other kids on board, so our kids had various playmates to swim with, golf with, and play on the playground with. Since it was such a kid-friendly atmosphere, we also didn’t have to worry about our kids’ behavior. We were able to let them run around, play, and act like, well, kids.
Our 3-day Royal Caribbean cruise itinerary
We took a 3-day cruise, so while our stops were minimal, they were still action-packed. Our first stop was at Royal Caribbean’s private island to experience their patented “perfect day.” Honestly? It kind of was. The kids swam in the calm waters of the bay, while my husband and I relaxed on shaded loungers. When it was time to eat, there was a buffet set up with various Caribbean offerings, from local fruit to tacos, plus all your expected standard cruise fare, like burgers, chicken fingers, and the like—and all included in our dining package.
Our second stop was Nassau, Bahamas. We disembarked, ate lunch of Conch fritters—a beloved Caribbean dish made from deep-fried queen Conch meat—then did a little shopping at the straw market. Honestly, this stop was my only real complaint about the Royal Caribbean cruise. Nassau is a bit run-down and doesn’t feel entirely safe with littles. However, it didn’t take much away from our overall positive experience with this cruise line.
Worth noting—Royal Caribbean doesn’t just sail to the Bahamas. They have cruise options to the Caribbean (think, Mexico’s Yucatan coast, Belize, and Grand Cayman), Alaska, and Central America. The cruise line operates upwards of 30 cruise ships, including Icon of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, and Oasis of the Seas. Before you book, be sure to check your individual boat’s on-board offerings. I tend to gravitate toward newer ships, but that’s personal preference.
Best cruise line for big kids & teens: Norwegian
If you have teens or older kids, Norwegian Cruise Line may be your best bet. That’s because this cruise line has a dedicated teens club for kids 13-17, called the Encourage Teen Club. It’s equal parts game room, dance club, and hangout zone. Plus, it allows older kiddos some much-needed independence while on board. Don’t worry if you have a younger kid; Norwegian also has a kids’ club for ages 3-12, called Splash Academy.
Many of the Norwegian cruise line ships also have activities aimed at older kids, like laser tag, virtual reality games, and go-karts. That’s in addition to the regular programming you’d expect on a cruise ship, like Broadway-style shows, cover bands, themed nights, and even a Deal or No Deal gameshow. But what makes Norwegian different is their self-dubbed “Freestyle Cruising,” marked by flexible dining times and no formal dress codes (Trust us, your teen will thank you).
The line has more than 20 cruise ships, including the Norwegian Aqua, the Norwegian Luna, the Norwegian Prima, the Norwegian Epic, and the Pride of America. Destinations include Alaska, the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, Mexico, and the Panama Canal.
Best cruise line for multigenerational families: Celebrity
Traveling with kids, grandparents, cousins, and in-laws? Celebrity Cruises is a solid option. I’m speaking from experience here. Last summer, we went on an Alaskan cruise on the Celebrity Edge with a group of ten: four kids 7 and under, my husband and I, my sister and brother-in-law, and my mother and father-in-law, who have been on many cruises and are something of cruise snobs (Don’t worry, I mean this in the best possible way).
I’m not sure how this cruise line managed to meet all our various needs, but it did. From the kids’ club to the indoor pool (which the kids were allowed to swim in during specified hours each day) to the on-board entertainment, to fitness classes, there was something for everyone. Another bonus? The on-board dining was super high-end, but there were still kid-friendly options like chicken fingers, steak, and burgers.
But what really set this cruise apart were the destinations. Celebrity Cruises sails to the Caribbean, Mediterranean, the Galápagos Islands, Asia, Australia, South America, and Alaska.
We opted for the 7-day cruise to Alaska, and trust me when I say every minute was worth it. From the stunning scenery we observed from the deck (Glaciers! Seals! Miles of untouched wilderness!) to the excursions to see lumberjacks, sled dogs, and more glaciers, there was no shortage of excitement from everyone, from grandparents to our youngest sailor at age 5 (Also worth noting: Royal Caribbean owns Celebrity).
Best overall cruise line for families: Disney
When it comes to cruise lines for kiddos, Disney Cruise Line is worth the hype. From character meet and greets to themed dinners to the over-the-top kids’ club (think a winding slide to enter the kids’ club, to playing in a to-scale replica of Andy’s room from Toy Story), there’s no shortage of things to do on a Disney Cruise.
It’s great for kids of all ages, too, since there’s the Oceaneer Club for younger kids, plus hangout spaces for older ones, like Vibe (for ages 14-17) and Edge (for tweens). You can expect the same level of service you’d get at a Disney park or resort—a cast made up of Disney enthusiasts who cultivate magical experiences at every turn.
There are five ships in Disney’s fleet (Magic, Wonder, Dream, Fantasy, Wish, Treasure, and Destiny) with five more in the works. They sail to all your standard cruise locations, i.e., the Bahamas and Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia.
And don’t write off Disney if your kids aren’t superfans. Disney cruises also feature characters from Star Wars and Marvel, another plus. Read one mom’s detailed review of the Disney Wish Cruise here!
Best family cruise destinations
We’ve covered the best cruise lines for families. But how do you decide where to actually sail? Here are some picks for top family cruise destinations.
Caribbean
If you’re cruising to seek out warmer weather, then a Caribbean cruise is just the ticket (Pun intended). From year-round warm temperatures to activities like snorkeling, swimming, zip-lining, and even visiting wildlife refuges, there’s something for everyone. Just be sure to avoid hurricane season, which runs from June to November. And if you do book at that time, be sure to opt for travel insurance.
Alaska
I’m not outdoorsy. I’ve never been camping. I don’t like to “rough it,” and I travel with my entire multi-step skincare routine. While visiting the rugged terrain of Alaska was on my travel bucket list, it was way outside of my comfort zone. But as it turns out, an Alaskan cruise was the perfect compromise. Cruises allow you to experience what Alaska has to offer, from seeing wild animals in their natural habitat (Bald eagles, y’all!) to riding a real dog sled to up-close viewing of glaciers without sacrificing comfort.
Private islands
When I found out that our recent cruise would stop at Royal Caribbean’s private island, I didn’t have high hopes. How big could it be? I wondered. And what will the beaches be like? Trust me, I was so wrong. CoCoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island, had pools, a water park, shops, an open-air restaurant, and beaches for what seemed like miles. We had everything we needed for a fun-filled and relaxing day, and were even able to purchase some beach toys and goggles when I realized we had forgotten ours. Many cruise lines that sail to the Caribbean have their own version, from Disney’s Castaway Cay to Norwegian’s Harvest Caye.
How much do family cruises really cost?
Well, it depends. Cruises can cost anywhere from hundreds to thousands per person. It depends on the cruise line, the length of the sail, and the time of year.
For reference, Celebrity Cruises to Alaska range from $1,200 to $1,500 per person for a 7-day cruise, depending on room, drink package, and excursions booked, but more on that below. Ours was a bit more, since we opted for connecting interior rooms so the kids could have their own space, plus the premium drink package, which included mixed drinks and high-end wine.
Our Royal Caribbean cruise to the Bahamas was less than $2,000 total, plus the cost of the drink package and excursions, which was less than $400 per person.
A baseline cruise fare typically includes:
- Your accommodations
- Housekeeping service (though laundry is extra)
- Meals in main dining rooms, the buffet, and entertainment
- Use of onboard activities like the pools and fitness center
- Beverages like water, tea, and coffee
Extra costs on family cruises may include:
- Drink packages
- Premium dining
- Excursions
- Daily WIFI fees
- On-board activities like arcade games
- Spa services
- Gratuity
There’s also gratuity costs to factor in. Some cruise lines automatically add it to your daily charges, which can be up to $20 per person per day; but we always tip our room steward, as well, since they clean your cabin daily and help handle last-minute requests, like a replacement room key.
While costs can vary, depending on your preferences, experts say to budget $125-$200 per person per day in addition to cruise fare.
Tips for booking the best family cruises
Book at least a year in advance, so you can score family-friendly amenities like connecting rooms, rooms with bunk beds, or family suites (We had the former on our Alaskan cruise, and they booked up fast).
It’s also smart to take advantage of off-season sales, kids sail free promotions, or even cruise travel agents. Cruise travel agents are free to use (they are paid by the cruise lines) and can get you access to perks like free beverage upgrades, better cabin selections, and onboard credit. They can also help with booking for larger groups.
Are family cruises worth it?
For us, the answer is unequivocally yes. Cruising can be an inexpensive, stress-free way to get away as a family for a few days, or a great way to take young kids on a more extensive family trip to a locale that might otherwise not have been accessible with little ones (Like Alaska). Cruises are a lower-stress way for families to travel, since entertainment, lodging, food, and other activities are in a centralized location and already included in the price.
But cruises aren’t for everyone. Those who get motion sickness, are claustrophobic (the rooms can be small), or who prefer traveling with less of a rigid schedule may not enjoy a cruise. Stops in various locations are also short, making them less ideal for adventurous travelers. Crowds can be another deterrent, since dining rooms, pools, and other main areas can be congested.
FAQs
Are family cruises safe for kids?
In short, yes. Cruise ships have high railings, locked balconies in rooms, and organized kids’ clubs that require parental sign-in and sign-out. While I wouldn’t let my kids wander a cruise ship unsupervised, and kids require supervision, especially around the pools, they are generally safe.
What age is best to take a family cruise?
Generally, kids ages 3 and up. That’s because most kids’ clubs start at age 3. Plus, the smaller size of the cabins can make napping and sleep schedules tricky with young babies.
Are Disney Cruises worth the price?
Like anything, this depends on your budget and income, but I have never met anyone who’s been on a Disney Cruise and regretted it. That said, Disney Cruises can be two to three times more expensive than a different line, so keep that in mind when budgeting.
Do I need passports for a family cruise?
While many U.S. port-to-U.S. port cruises may not require a passport, the U.S. Department of State strongly recommends that all cruise passengers travel with a passport book, even if not required by the cruise line. Why? For example, you’d need to have a passport book to fly home on an international flight in an emergency. Or if damage to the cruise ship required an unplanned international stop. So if planning a cruise, be sure your passport isn’t expiring within six months—and get those littles their first adorable passport pics.
Rachel Morgan Cautero, Contributing Writer
Rachel is a full-time freelance writer based in Ponte Vedra, Florida. When she’s not busy wrangling a toddler, preschooler, and one very stubborn French bulldog, she’s writing on all things personal finance and parenting. Her work has appeared in The Atlantic, Forbes, Parents, The Balance, Yahoo Finance, Truly Mama, SmartAsset, HerMoney, and DailyWorth.