Amanda PhillipsMore and more families are now opting to book a cruise for their summer getaway. With the chance to see more than one destination during a single trip, and a list of fun activities for children on board, it’s no wonder family cruising is becoming more popular. There are now several cruise lines aimed towards families, ranging from the adrenaline pumping to suitable for very young children. We’ve rounded up six of our favourite cruise lines for families.
Princess Cruises
As part of a recent re-design, Princess Cruises are revamping their children’s clubs with new experiences and games for children to learn and play. The cruise line’s youth programme will be renamed ‘Camp Discover’ and the new facilities will include hands-on science experiments, interactive scavenger hunts, cake decorating and destination themed activities that focus on local culture. This is due to be rolled out on all Princess ships.
Ideal for: parents who want activities that are fun and educational
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean has been everywhere this past year with the launch of their two new ships: Ovation of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas. This cruise line is constantly pushing the boundaries of innovative cruising facilities – from sky-diving simulators to virtual balconies to zip-liners. The ships also have areas dedicated to teens with the latest X-Box games, pizza and movie nights and the Scratch DJ Academy. Certain ships also have the DreamWorks Experience on board where kids can dine with their favourite characters. Not forgetting the parents, the adults-only Solarium is where they can put their feet up while their kids run around downstairs.
Ideal for: outgoing families who crave adrenaline
Norwegian Cruise Line
This cruise line prides itself on its Freestyle Cruising structure, that allows families to take part in all activities when they want and eat when their tummies are asking them to. Which is perfect as their ships have a range of facilities for the whole family – from 6 months to 60 years. For families with very young children there is the Guppies programme where adults can play with their little adventurers (on board the Norwegian Escape there’s also a crèche service). For slightly older children, there’s Splash Academy for 3-12 year olds and Entourage for teenagers between 13 and 17 years old.
Ideal for: families with kids of mixed age
Carnival Cruises
With a word like Carnival in their name (and fun in their tagline), it’s no surprise that these super-liners are full of family-friendly entertainment. Their newest liner, Carnival Vista, features an enclosed 445 foot water slide, an IMAX theatre, and SkyRide: a pedal-powered, open-air aerial ride. It isn’t just the on-board activities that make it perfect for families – their accommodation is ideal for larger families with connecting rooms, suites with an extra bathroom and family suites located near the family activities onboard.
Ideal for: families who like their cruises lively
MSC Cruises
A cruise line that combines family-friendly activities with classic Italian style. On their ships families will find kids clubs, teen zones (teens can also get their own on-board spending card with a limit set by the parents), a 4D cinema, F1 simulator, mini-bowling and even a baby laundry service, but also Swarovski staircases, high-end Balinese spas, authentic Mediterranean cuisine and stylish accommodation. While the kids are being looked after in the dedicated areas, parents can enjoy a drink in one of the sophisticated bars, work out in the gym and enjoy beauty treatments in the spa (where your teen can enjoy special teenage treatments).
Ideal for: Families who want stylish surroundings
Disney Cruise Line
We can’t write a blog about family-friendly cruising without mentioning Disney Cruise Line. Their four ships bring the Disney magic to the seas with itineraries that include Canada, Europe, the USA and the Caribbean (where you’ll find Disney’s private island Disney Castaway Cay). A cruise line aimed at children (and big-kids-at-heart) each of the liners have their own theatre shows, character experiences, teen activities and adult-only zones.
Ideal for: Families who love Disney
