If you’re planning a family cruise, one of the most important factors to consider is which cruise line caters to kids. After all, a successful family vacation depends on keeping everyone happy – especially the little ones. Here are some top picks for cruise lines that offer plenty of activities and amenities for children.
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line is known for being one of the most family-friendly cruise lines out there. Their ships offer a wide range of activities for kids of all ages, from toddlers to teens.
The Camp Ocean program is designed for kids ages 2-11 and offers age-appropriate activities like arts and crafts, movie nights, and scavenger hunts. For older kids, there’s Circle “C” (ages 12-14) and Club O2 (ages 15-17), which offer everything from dance parties to video game tournaments.
Disney Cruise Line
It should come as no surprise that Disney Cruise Line is a top choice for families with young children. The ships are outfitted with all kinds of Disney-themed fun, from character meet-and-greets to Broadway-style shows featuring your favorite Disney characters. Kids can participate in age-specific clubs – like the Oceaneer Club and Lab – where they can play games, make crafts, and even cook up some tasty treats in the kitchen.
Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean International is another great option for families with kids. Their Adventure Ocean program offers supervised activities for children ages 3-17, divided into age groups like Aquanauts (ages 3-5), Explorers (ages 6-8), and Voyagers (ages 9-11). Teens have their own hangout spot called the Living Room where they can watch movies or play video games together.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line is known for its freestyle cruising concept, which gives families the flexibility to create their own itineraries and dining schedules. The line’s Splash Academy offers activities for kids ages 3-12, while Entourage is a hangout spot for teens ages 13-17. Norwegian also has partnerships with Nickelodeon and DreamWorks Animation, so kids can meet characters like SpongeBob SquarePants and Shrek.
Princess Cruises
While Princess Cruises may not have as many bells and whistles as some of the other cruise lines on this list, they still offer plenty of activities for kids. The line’s Youth Centers are divided into Pelicans (ages 3-7), Shockwaves (ages 8-12), and Remix (ages 13-17). Kids can participate in scavenger hunts, pool parties, and talent shows.
- Conclusion: There are plenty of cruise lines that cater to kids – it just depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. Whether you want Disney-themed fun or freestyle cruising flexibility, there’s a cruise line out there that will keep your little ones entertained.