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The only thing I knew about cruising was from my 58-year old aunt, who was constantly traveling all over the Caribbean via ship. From her, I thought cruises were basically laying by the pool all day, checking out the views and eating at speciality restaurants. (I mean, it is, but there’s so much more.) But in 2018, I finally set “sail” on a vacation at sea of my own, and my mind was completely changed. From the fun trivia to the adventure-filled excursions, cruises are for everyone! Italian cruise line MSC Cruises caters to family groups of all ages and often offers "kids sail free" specials for those 11 and under who are staying with their parents in the same stateroom. Like other family friendly cruise lines, the ships feature water parks and other exciting kid activities for ages 1-17.
The Disney Cruise Kids' Club Is One of the Best in Cruising
Whether it’s getting a burger at Guy’s Burger Joint, heading to the buffet or going to the dining room for a sit down meal, there is something for everyone. Carnival Cruises is known for having many different dining options that every member of the family can enjoy. Dining on an NCL cruise is an adventure in itself, characterized by the line’s Freestyle Dining concept. NCL does away with fixed dining times and pre-assigned seating, allowing families to dine when and where they wish. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) offers a distinctive cruising experience known for its relaxed atmosphere and flexible approach. NCL’s “freestyle cruising” is a favorite among families seeking a less structured vacation.
What Are the Ships Like?
Families keen on rooming together can take advantage of frequent "kids sail free" fares and pay only the taxes and fees for children under 18 who are the third and fourth passengers in a cabin. For a kid-friendly Alaska cruise, families on select Alaska sailings can embark on a search for Bigfoot (like the TV show "Finding Bigfoot") or participate in a crab-sorting challenge (inspired by "Deadliest Catch"). On Grand-class ships (Ruby Princess, Crown Princess and Emerald Princess), there are two large pools that are suitable for families (Calypso Reef and Pool, and Neptune Reef and Pool), plus a splash pool.
No. 9: Norwegian Cruise Line
Best Cruise Ships for Families in 2024 - Cruiseline.com
Best Cruise Ships for Families in 2024.
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It’s known for offering an affordable cruise option without a lot of the fluff of other cruise lines. In addition to excursions that you can book for an additional fee, Norwegian Cruise Line has a private island, Great Stirrup Cay, in the Bahamas. Onboard activities include Family Feud Live, waterslides, karaoke, and The Punchliner Comedy Club. The IMAX theater and a few other attractions incur an additional cost. Alternatively, there are places on every Royal Caribbean ship where you can get away from the excitement and relax. In the Solarium, where kids under 16 aren’t allowed, soothing music helps you to decompress while lounging on a daybed or hanging out in a hot tub.
PENCIL IN A PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT
And with Costa’s affordable pricing, families can enjoy a high-quality cruise without breaking the bank. Whether you’re looking for a short getaway or a longer vacation, they have options that will fit your needs. Their ships sail to destinations all over the world, so you’re sure to find an itinerary that interests you and your family.
Can You Sail From the UK?
An array of staterooms exist to choose from on Celebrity Cruise ships, including family verandahs that sleep 5. Celebrity Cruise ships also feature staterooms that cater to solo travelers as well, so when traveling with a group, no one has to feel obligated to share a room. Among the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet there are 8 different classes of ships of varying capacities and offerings. The class of ship that tends to be most popular with families is the Breakaway Class.
You’ll find even more activities to do with the family at their private island, Coco Cay. It’s home to one of the tallest water slides in North America, as well as a huge wave pool, expansive beaches and more. As for the food, the cruise line prides itself on buffet style at the Windjammer, specialty restaurants and complimentary favorites (like Loco Fresh, Sorrento’s Pizza and Park Cafe). If you’re looking for a table service, Royal Caribbean offers kids’ menu at their main dining halls, featuring pizza, spaghetti and chicken tenders. The children’s clubs on Disney cruises transform childcare into an adventure.
Costa is better suited to families with younger children under 6, as much of the theming and activities are targeted at these age groups. Older children might get a bit bored with the lack of variety when they want to hang out with their friends, although if your teens enjoy relaxing by the pool then they might enjoy the atmosphere. Costa’s ships are not the most exciting or feature-packed, and they feel like they’re a bit of a budget cruise line at times. They don’t look cheap, but they aren’t offering some of the glitz and wow-factor moments that other cruise lines do. There’s normally quite a mix of nationalities on an A-ROSA river cruise, including guests from around Europe and also from the US.
The right cruise will offer activities for adults as well as kids to ensure that everyone has an enjoyable trip. Adventures by Disney River Cruises feature local experts that tell the story of each location. What makes river cruises most attractive to some travelers is that you can travel slowly through a destination and spend more time learning about where you are. Disney’s river cruises are no exception with cultural immersion part of every day of the itinerary. Lindblad Expeditions ships carry as few as 28 guests and at most 148. It’s a little difficult to find out on your own which suites would accommodate more than 2 people or if you can get connecting cabins, though they do exist, as well as standard double-occupancy suites.
One of the biggest draws, though, for Carnival Cruises is the price point. With the frequent family cruise vacation deals you can find, your cruise can be a relatively inexpensive holiday. This, along with its all-ages inclusivity, makes Carnival an attractive option to first-time cruisers and a more youthful demographic. While Carnival's party-forward environment is undoubtedly fun, the downside is that it can create a noisy, sometimes overwhelming atmosphere. Also, the high-capacity ships can feel crowded, especially at the buffet, by the pool on a hot day, and during embarkation and disembarkation.
Anthem of the Seas has a more sophisticated vibe, but many of its attractions are great for families. While there are lots of great things for families on a Celebrity ship, their main demographic remains adults, as it has been from the beginning —marketing themselves as an edgier alternative to staid competitors. If you have young kids or are looking for a cruise fully focused on the younger set, Celebrity may not be the line for you. There's lots to do on a Norwegian ship, but we should mention that the cruise line is making a shift in its itineraries toward more time in ports of call.
The cruise lines and recommended ships that follow are our top picks for family cruises. English Claymation animation stars Wallace and Gromit and Shaun the Sheep make special guest appearances on family-friendly cruises. The characters are featured in arts and crafts in The Reef kids club and play an augmented reality version of hide and seek with younger passengers.
All ships have a variety of dining options, including a main dining room, specialty restaurants and other casual options for all kinds of diners. Also, free kids meals at extra-charge restaurants mean parents can sample Brazilian, Japanese, French or seafood dishes while the littles gobble up pasta and chicken fingers. Casual all-day options suit fussy eaters who need unfussy dining areas. Outside of the kids club, families can race in a Formula One simulator, experience virtual reality, get soaked in a water park or brave their fear of heights on a suspension bridge.
MSC Cruises ships are very glitzy and glamorous, with Swarovski crystal staircases and lots of marble. Carnival Mardi Gras, which launched in 2021, features the first-ever rollercoaster at sea. There are waterslides aplenty and you’ll also find Dr Seuss characters on board. Under threes can be cared for in the nursery, but this is quite expensive. One of the great things about Royal Caribbean is that there is a nursery (on select ships) for children between the ages of 6 months to 36 months.
There are also separate kid’s clubs for children between the ages of 3 to 11. The teen clubs on Royal Caribbean are divided up for teenagers ages 12 to 17 year olds. Stepping aboard an MSC cruise ship is like entering a world where contemporary elegance and vibrant entertainment coexist, creating an experience that appeals to all ages. These itineraries are thoughtfully planned to allow families to explore, learn, and create lasting memories. Shore excursions are varied, offering everything from cultural tours and nature explorations to adventure activities, catering to the diverse interests of family members.
The kids can also play at the arcade, practice driving in the F1 simulator, or play some sports. Live entertainment abounds, with options for just the adults or the entire family. Sarah Christie and Donna Vallance are experienced cruise and travel writers and cruise enthusiasts specializing in cruising.
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