Cruises are often designed with families in mind, offering a self-contained experience with a wide range of amenities to cater to diverse tastes. Whether traveling with one generation or multiple, families of all sizes can enjoy a vacation filled with customizable activities and excursions both onboard and ashore. This flexibility allows for quality time together, while also offering moments of quiet time when needed.
Family cruises come in different formats, such as the classic parents-and-kids trip, multigenerational cruises where grandparents join their children and grandchildren, or "skip-gen" trips where grandparents take just the grandkids. Regardless of the format, many cruise lines provide such variety that it's possible for everyone to have a vacation that suits their preferences.
Selecting a cruise line
When traveling with children, three cruise lines consistently stand out in conversations with experts: Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian, each offering unique features that make them family favorites. Even the smallest differences in kids’ programs or babysitting policies can make a big impact, and top travel specialists can provide invaluable insights based on their extensive knowledge of these cruise lines.
Both Disney and Royal Caribbean offer excellent children’s programming, Royal Caribbean has a “slight edge” due to its adult-focused entertainment options, such as a casino, which Disney doesn't provide. For the best family cruise experience, consider everyone’s travel preferences, not just those of the children.
Disney and Royal Caribbean are particularly well-suited for families with babies and younger toddlers. Both lines offer facilities and babysitting services for children under three, unlike many others that only offer programming for children aged three and up. Disney focuses more on storytelling and family memories, while Royal Caribbean leans towards action-packed, high-energy activities. Small details, like room service hours, can also make a difference: Disney offers free room service 24/7, whereas Royal Caribbean only includes continental breakfast in the fare, with other meals being surcharged.
Royal Caribbean's private island is a perfect day at Coco Cay, as a standout for families. It's a true island paradise with attractions for all ages, from a private beach club to a waterpark and the Caribbean's largest freshwater pool. Coco Cay has a vibrant waterpark atmosphere, contrasting it with Disney’s private islands, which offer a more relaxed beach experience.
Don't overlook other cruise lines, such as MSC Cruises, which offers a Kids Sail Free promotion, allowing two children under 18 to stay in the same cabin as their parents at no extra cost. MSC and Norwegian also stand out for their "ship-within-a-ship" products, which have become popular with family cruisers.
For families seeking a more upscale experience, we suggest considering cruise lines like Celebrity, Princess, or Holland America. While these lines also offer children’s programming, they aren't as heavily focused on families as Royal Caribbean or Disney.
We recommend considering expedition cruising for families, particularly those with teens and older children. Cruise lines like Silversea, Lindblad, and Quark Expeditions are popular for their small ship, wildlife-centric cruises—think whale watching off Baja California or polar bear sightings in the Arctic.
As for booking tips, we advise choosing a cruise line, itinerary, and ship based on factors that appeal to the entire group, such as port stops, excursions, dining, and onboard activities. Cruise lines offer a variety of accommodations, from interior cabins to suites with large verandahs, allowing families to book rooms that suit their preferences. For example, if the grandparents prefer a suite while the kids and grandkids want an adjoining stateroom, they can select the accommodations that work best for them on a ship with all the amenities they need.
How to book a family cruise
We recommend booking early, as cruise lines tend to adjust their pricing as cabins are sold. Larger groups, in particular, may struggle to secure the cabins they want if they wait too long. Discounts are often applied retroactively, so there’s “no downside to booking early.”
For larger family groups, we suggest asking Rainbow Travel Inc. about group rates, which can come with additional perks. Booking through a travel specialist like Rainbow Travel Inc. can also be beneficial for multiple family groups traveling together, as we can help coordinate reservations to ensure cabins, dining assignments, and shore excursions are booked together.
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