Top 5 Best Cruise Lines for Families

If you’re looking for a cruise getaway for you and your family, you’ll want to ensure that there’s plenty to do onboard, whether you’ve got little ones or teens. A cruise ship that offers something for the whole family will keep everyone entertained throughout your sailing.

So what are the best cruise lines for families? We’ve rounded up the top 5 cruise lines that offer the best activities, dining options, kids clubs, entertainment options, and other key factors to help you plan your dream cruise vacation today!

1. Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line is arguably the most popular cruise line when it comes to family-friendly getaways. Offering a magical experience for both kids and adults alike, Disney Cruise Line currently has 6 ships within its fleet, and offers international cruises including Australia and New Zealand getaways, disembarking from destinations such as Auckland and Brisbane.

In terms of family-friendly activities, you can take advantage of character meet & greets, thrilling water slides (including the Aquaduck water coaster), Disney’s Oceaneer Club for kids aged 3-10 years old, and themed nights such as Pirate Night, filled with jaw-dropping theatrical displays and more! Disney Cruise Line also offers magical performances in their Walt Disney Theatre (such as a Beauty and the Beast live show and a Frozen musical), family-friendly accommodation options (such as Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandahs), and themed dining onboard that will suit everyone; kids will especially love the Animator’s Palate!

2. Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean is known for their huge ships that are filled with different attractions, ways to dine, and amenities. A fantastic cruise line for multigenerational families, both small children, teens, and adults have things onboard to keep them entertained throughout their holiday.

Top family-friendly activities include the FlowRider Surf Simulator, Category 6 Waterpark (on Icon of the Seas), escape rooms, bumper cars, rock climbing walls, and an award-winning Adventure Ocean youth programme, with activities for kids and teens. There’s also a babysitting service available if adults fancy time on their own.

Similarly to Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean boasts a wide selection of entertainment offerings, including original productions, shows in their extraordinary AquaTheater, ice skating performances, and more. Families will also love the spacious accommodation options and dining, including casual and formal dining options. Top family favorites include the Windjammer, Johnny Rockets, and El Loco Fresh.

3. Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line is another very popular option for families, due to the variety of itineraries they have on offer, fun activities, and vibrant atmosphere. For example, onboard Carnival Cruise Line, you’ll find the likes of video arcades, the Build-a-Bear Workshop at Sea, WaterWorks (complete with water slides!), family game shows, and the Dive-in Movies. Kids also have the Zumbini toddler class, the Camp Ocean kids clubs, teen clubs, and themed Dr. Seuss breakfast experiences (available on select ships).

Specifically designed with families in mind, the Family Harbor staterooms & suites are guaranteed to be a hit, with plenty of space for you and your kids. Dining-wise, there’s the Seafood Shack, Guy’s Burger Joint, and the huge Lido Marketplace.

Discover other reasons why Carnival Cruise Line is great for families on our blog – The Perfect Family Holiday with Carnival.

4. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

Norwegian Cruise Line offers flexible family programming, with activities from quizzes to go-karting, laser tag, mini-golf, sports courts, and complimentary youth clubs, for kids aged 6 months to 17 years old. Voted one of the best cruise lines for families by Travel Weekly, they often have cruise deals such as free 3rd and 4th guests, making it a great option for families looking for a bargain!

NCL also offers accommodation that’s suitable for families of all sizes, from balcony staterooms to family suites and The Haven. Dining includes something for all palates, from the complimentary buffet to the Texas Smokehouse, burger bars, and 24-hour room service.

5. MSC Cruises

And finally, we have MSC Cruises. Offering cruises that are designed for both parents and children, they were awarded the accolade of Best Family Cruise Line at the 2018 Wave Awards and the Best Cruise Line for Families in 2019 by Cruise Critic UK.

Activities onboard include zip lines, a virtual MSC Formula Racer, a LEGO Experience on Board, Broadway-style theatre shows, an interactive XD cinema, and more! There’s also kids clubs for kids aged 6 months to 17 years old with dedicated activities and spaces for them to hang out.

Accommodation includes balcony rooms, suites, and interconnecting cabins – perfect for any family type. Dining-wise, there’s not only the typical international buffet (with areas where kids can enjoy their dinner whilst making friends with others their age), but kids menus in the main restaurants.

Choose from a range of cruise holidays and book your dream getaway today. Whether you choose to cruise around Australia or beyond, you’ll have a truly unforgettable experience!