Planning a cruise with kids can be a delightful way to create lasting family memories. To ensure a fun and stress-free vacation, it’s important to choose a cruise line and itinerary that cater to families. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to select the best cruise with kids, highlighting family-friendly amenities, activities, and tips for a memorable voyage.
Family-Friendly Cruise Lines: Several cruise lines are renowned for their family-friendly offerings, making them ideal choices for cruising with kids.
Disney Cruise Line is a top contender, famous for its magical experiences that include character meet-and-greets, themed dining, and Broadway-style shows. Their ships feature spacious staterooms designed with families in mind, along with age-specific kids’ clubs offering activities for children of all ages.
Royal Caribbean International boasts some of the largest and most innovative ships, equipped with family-friendly amenities like water parks, rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks, and mini-golf courses. Their Adventure Ocean youth program provides engaging activities for kids and teens, while the DreamWorks Experience offers character parades and photo opportunities.
Carnival Cruise Line offers a fun and affordable option with their Seuss at Sea program, featuring Dr. Seuss-themed activities and parades. Their ships include water slides, sports courts, and the Camp Ocean kids’ club, which offers supervised activities for children aged 2 to 11.
Norwegian Cruise Line provides flexibility with its Freestyle Cruising concept, allowing families to dine whenever and wherever they want. Their ships feature exciting amenities like go-kart tracks, laser tag arenas, and water parks. The Splash Academy kids’ program and Entourage teen club ensure that children of all ages are entertained.
MSC Cruises offers a unique European flair and family-friendly amenities like the LEGO Experience, where kids can participate in themed activities and challenges. Their ships also feature water parks, sports facilities, and the MSC Kids Club, which provides age-appropriate activities and entertainment.
Family-Friendly Cabins and Amenities: When choosing a cruise with kids, look for family-friendly cabins that offer ample space and convenience. Many cruise lines offer staterooms with additional beds, connecting rooms, and family suites with separate sleeping areas for parents and children.
Onboard amenities like kid-friendly dining options, including buffets and specialty restaurants with children’s menus, ensure that even the pickiest eaters are satisfied. Many ships also provide babysitting services and in-cabin babysitting for a fee, allowing parents to enjoy some adult-only time.
Exciting Onboard Activities: A variety of onboard activities is essential for keeping kids entertained throughout the cruise. Look for ships with water parks, splash zones, and pools specifically designed for children. Sports courts, mini-golf courses, and arcades offer additional opportunities for family fun.
Kids’ clubs and teen lounges provide supervised activities and socialization opportunities. These programs often include arts and crafts, video games, themed parties, and talent shows, ensuring that children of all ages have a blast.
Shore Excursions for Families: When selecting a cruise itinerary, consider the shore excursions available at each port of call. Family-friendly excursions might include beach days, wildlife encounters, cultural tours, and adventure activities like zip-lining or snorkeling. Many cruise lines offer special family excursions designed to be engaging and enjoyable for both kids and parents.
Packing Tips for a Family Cruise: Packing for a cruise with kids requires careful planning. Bring essential items like sunscreen, hats, swimsuits, and comfortable walking shoes. Pack a small backpack for shore excursions to carry snacks, water, and any necessary items. Don’t forget to bring any required medications, as well as seasickness remedies.
Entertainment for downtime, such as books, tablets, or travel games, can help keep kids occupied during travel times. Consider packing a small first-aid kit for minor injuries and ailments.
Travel Tips: To make your family cruise as smooth as possible, book early to secure the best cabins and dining times. Take advantage of family-friendly promotions and packages that offer added value, such as free kids’ fares or onboard credits.
Research the ship’s layout and onboard facilities before departure to familiarize yourself with the amenities and plan your activities. Arrive at the port early to avoid long lines and settle into your cabin without stress.
