A cruise can be the most stress-free family holiday. From kid-friendly activities and teen hangouts to fine dining and spa days for adults, family-friendly cruises offer something for everyone. It’s a holiday where the journey is the adventure! Here’s our pick of cruise lines that make family holidays truly unforgettable.

Royal Caribbean
From a 2-night weekend getaway cruise to an 11-night Greek Isles cruise, Royal Caribbean offers several family cruise itineraries. The cruise line is known for its family-friendly accommodation with options ranging from interconnected staterooms to the spectacular 3-storey Ultimate Family Treehouse.

Once onboard, you can enjoy spectacular Broadway musicals, unique culinary experiences, and signature experiences like the FlowRider surf simulator, robot mixologists at Bionic Bar®, and the tallest slide at sea – Ultimate Abyss. You’ll also find adult-only escape spaces where parents and grandparents can put their feet up while the kids enjoy specially programmed activities at age-specific clubs.

Disney Cruises
With Disney, you can set sail on a relaxing 3-night cruise between England and France or enjoy longer holidays like their 9-night Alaskan Cruise. Accommodation takes the form of varied family-friendly configurations, going up to the Disney Wish Concierge Tower Suite that can sleep as many as 8 guests.

Like their theme parks, Disney ships brim with magic. Treat yourself to award-winning shows, movie screenings, rides, character meet-and-greets, fireworks, and more. And yet, you don’t have to do everything together. While babies, tweens, and teens enjoy activities in supervised kids’ clubs, parents can relax at adult-only spas and lounges.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
Norwegian Cruise Line’s ‘Freestyle Cruising’ approach, along with connected balcony staterooms and 2-bedroom suites, makes it ideal for family holiday cruises. What’s more, with NCL, kids sail free on select cruises to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, the Bahamas, or Alaska. You could also consider popular itineraries like the 7-night Alaskan cruise and the 12-night Greek Isles and Italy cruise. The best part - NCL’s dining options cater to every taste—and kids under 12 eat free at all specialty restaurants.

Onboard, the fun matches the excitement of port days. You can plunge down some of the fastest drop slides at sea, zip line over the ocean, and race around a thrilling track. Or, let the kids enjoy NCL youth clubs while you indulge in ‘me’ time at the ship’s adult-only spaces.

MSC Cruises
From a 3-night cruise around the Emirates to 7-night Mediterranean cruises, MSC offers several family cruise experiences. Their ships are known for family-focused amenities like connecting cabins, casual dining venues, and clubs with age-specific activities.

With an unending list of things to do onboard, your kids won’t have a minute to complain about being bored. If they’re splashing around in the Aqua Park on one day, they can enjoy immersive VR experiences and Broadway-style theatre shows on the next. All MSC cruises also have an entire day dedicated to LEGO activities!

Carnival Cruises
Carnival Cruises combine a lively atmosphere, competitive pricing, flexible stateroom layouts, and globe-spanning itineraries to create the perfect family holiday. Choose from 5-night cruises around North America to 10-night cruises in the Tasman Sea.

Carnival cruise experiences are designed to be flexible. You can splash about WaterWorks™, Carnival's onboard waterpark, watch Dive-In Movies at Carnival Seaside Theater™, and enjoy signature experiences like the Bolt Sea Coaster together. Or, do your own thing at the ship’s spas, bars, and casinos while kids explore Carnival’s Youth Programs.

Costa Cruises
Costa’s casual vibe and family cruise packages make it a great pick for families not wanting to be tied down to strict meal schedules and dress codes. Their 7-night Mediterranean Cruise and 12-night Northern Europe Cruise are amongst their most popular itineraries.

Between port stops, take a dip in the pool or let the kids battle it out in the games room. Evenings are made equally memorable with live musicals, comedy shows, acrobatic performances, and more. You’ve even got the option of letting kids have fun at supervised clubs while you try your luck at the casino or sample cocktails at the bar.

What About Family-Friendly Luxury Cruise Ships?
Given their focus on personalized service, luxury cruise ships are usually smaller. They prioritize spaces for relaxation over slides and roller coasters. That doesn’t mean you can’t take the kids along for a luxury cruise. You’ll still find luxury cruise ships with pools, play areas and connecting cabins. Some cruise lines like Regent Seven Seas, Ponant, and Explora Journeys also have age-specific kids clubs to entertain little ones of all ages.

All you really need to do is pick the right cruise line. Look for an itinerary with stops at cities you can explore with your family and make sure the pools are open to voyagers of all ages.  

Booking a Family Cruise Holiday
Whether it’s a quick getaway or an extended vacation, CruiseBay can help you plan the perfect family cruise. Our team will match you with the ideal itinerary, ship, and accommodation to suit your family’s needs and budget. We’ll also handle the details—visa applications, insurance paperwork, and flights to and from your cruise ports. Want to extend your trip? We can also plan a land holiday to complement your cruise. All that’s left for you is to pack your bags and set sail for lifelong memories.