Family Cruising
Family cruising provides a stress-free way for families to enjoy a holiday together, with everything needed for fun, relaxation, and exploration included. Children can dive into kids’ clubs filled with creative activities, games, and themed events, while teens have dedicated lounges, sports courts, and gaming areas. Adults can relax at the spa, indulge in specialty dining, or enjoy live entertainment knowing their children are engaged. There will be endless ways to connect, have fun, and create memories the whole family will treasure.
DISCOVER THE JOY OF TRAVELLING TOGETHER, ONE DESTINATION AT A TIME
A family cruise is more than a holiday; it is a unique way to travel together where every member of the family can find something to enjoy. Picture starting the day exploring sun-soaked Caribbean islands or historic Mediterranean ports, spotting glaciers in Alaska, or discovering wildlife in the Galápagos. After a day ashore, return to a ship designed with families in mind.
Modern cruise ships offer a variety of staterooms and suites tailored for families, including interconnecting cabins, spacious two-story suites, and even rooms with slides. Children and teenagers can take part in exciting kids’ clubs, splash through waterparks, join sports tournaments, or get creative in workshops, while adults unwind at the spa, enjoy fine dining, or watch live shows.
There are plenty of ways to enjoy time together too. Families can race down waterslides, play mini golf, try a surf simulator, or join a wildlife or cultural excursion. A cruise can be the highlight of your holiday, offering days filled with activities and new destinations, or it can complement a longer journey as a unique and memorable segment. Whichever way you choose to cruise, it delivers convenience, exceptional value, and experiences that will stay with your family long after you return home.
WHY CHOOSE A CRUISE FOR YOUR FAMILY?
Simple and stress-free
On a cruise, the logistics are taken care of. Unpack once and let the ship transport you from one destination to the next, without worrying about transfers or hotel changes. Accommodation, dining, and entertainment are all included, so you can focus on making memories together.
Dining made easy
Family mealtimes are stress-free at sea. Choose from casual buffets where kids can try a little of everything, themed restaurants with burgers and pizza, or family-friendly main dining rooms with flexible menus. For a special night, treat yourself to a specialty restaurant while the kids enjoy dinner with their club friends. Room service and grab-and-go snacks mean no one ever goes hungry.
Fun for all ages together
Ships are packed with activities designed to bring families together. Race down waterslides, challenge each other at mini golf, ride surf simulators, or test your balance on ropes courses. Many ships also offer movie nights under the stars, Broadway-style theatre shows, and hands-on learning experiences like science labs or cultural workshops.
Exceptional value
Cruising bundles accommodation, dining, and entertainment into one fare, often making it better value than a land-based holiday. Many cruise lines offer family-friendly promotions such as discounted third and fourth guest fares or “kids sail free” deals, helping your holiday budget go even further.
| Cruise Line | What Makes It Perfect for Families |
|---|---|
| Royal Caribbean International | Known for the Adventure Ocean® Youth Program (ages 3–17). Ships feature FlowRider® surf simulators, Ultimate Abyss® slides, mini golf, ice skating, and bumper cars. Themed dining like Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen plus family staterooms. Partnerships with DreamWorks (on select ships) bring movie characters onboard. |
| Disney Cruise Line | Themed kids’ clubs such as Marvel Super Hero Academy, Frozen Adventures, and Star Wars: Millennium Falcon. Broadway-caliber shows, character meet & greets, fireworks at sea, and Disney’s private island Castaway Cay. Dining includes Animator’s Palate where characters interact during meals. |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | Splash Academy for kids, Entourage teen lounge, and Guppies nursery for toddlers. Action-packed decks with ropes courses, go-karts (on select ships), and Aqua Parks with multistory slides. Family-friendly dining through Freestyle Cruising®. Partnerships with Nickelodeon (past) and onboard Broadway musicals. |
| Carnival Cruise Line | Camp Ocean®, Circle C® (ages 12–14), and Club O2® (teens 15–17). Ships have WaterWorks™ aqua parks, SkyRide® suspended bikes, and Seuss at Sea™ program in partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises (character parades, storytime, Green Eggs & Ham breakfast). Family comedy shows and Dive-In Movies. |
| Princess | Kids’ clubs created in partnership with Discovery™ and Animal Planet™ (Discovery at SEA). Activities include stargazing, hands-on science experiments, and “My Planet” environmental programs. Family staterooms and Movies Under the Stars®. Teens have lounges with video games and dance floors. |
| MSC Cruises | Partnerships with LEGO® (LEGO Experience Day) and Chicco® for toddler play areas. Doremiland kids’ club split by ages. Teens get a dedicated club with VR games and discos. Newer ships feature aquaparks, F1 racing simulators, and bowling alleys. Flexible family dining and babysitting options. |
| Celebrity Cruises | Camp at Sea® program with over 500 activities, powered by partnerships with Xbox®, STEM.org™, Lonely Planet®, and Fat Brain Toys®. Programs include coding, cooking classes, and photography workshops. Family shore excursions available. Premium atmosphere but still engaging for kids. |
| Hurtigruten Expeditions | Science Centre partnerships with leading research institutes let families join real research (sampling plankton, testing water salinity, mapping whales). Citizen science apps for kids to contribute. Junior hosts onboard create family activities. Excursions include glacier hikes and northern lights spotting. |
| Quark Expeditions | Focus on Polar Learning: glaciology, marine biology, and wildlife education for kids and teens. Zodiac rides and kayaking adventures with polar guides. Family-specific departures sometimes include youth programs. Suited to older children and teens. |
Please note: All programs, features, and promotions are subject to change and may vary by ship, itinerary, and season. Check with your travel advisor for the most up-to-date information before booking.