What cruise ship do you go on when you have kids in tow? If you’re not familiar with cruising with children, the prospect of taking them on vacation on the high seas can seem daunting—but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some of the best cruise ships for families, so you can relax and have a great time together!
1) Carnival Horizon
The Carnival Horizon is a new ship that has just come out on the market. This ship has many different venues to enjoy including the SkyRide, Carnival WaterWorks, and the Aqua Park. It also offers fun family-friendly events like Family Game Night and Family Karaoke. The pool deck is designed in such a way to make it easy for families with small children to enjoy at their own pace and no one has to feel like they need to rush off the deck because someone else needs it more. There are three pools on board: two large pools that are great for swimming lengths or just lounging by the water, and one smaller wading pool with a slide and sprinklers.
2) Disney Fantasy
Disney is one of the best cruise ships for families because it’s a Disney ship, so you know that there will be some Disney magic. The ship has lots of relaxation areas, peace and quiet spots, and comfort areas to make the whole family feel at home. You’ll find everything from a children’s play area to an adults-only serenity deck where kids are not allowed, giving peace of mind while parents enjoy their time away.
3) Norwegian Bliss
The Norwegian Bliss is the newest and largest ship in the world. It is also a favorite among families. There are many family-friendly amenities, including plenty of on-board entertainment options like arcades, bowling alleys, and ropes courses. It also has comfortable cabins with plenty of storage space that can accommodate up to six people. Plus, there are over 20 dining options onboard! Carnival Breeze: For those who want an experience at sea but don’t have the money or time for an extended cruise, Carnival Breeze is a great option. For example, you can board at Port Canaveral and disembark just three days later in Miami. Though it doesn’t have as much entertainment or dining choices as other ships, it still offers some fun things to do while on board – like shooting hoops on the basketball court or climbing around outside the ship. And when you’re done exploring this ship’s deck 14 zip line course – you’ll know what true excitement feels like!
4) MSC Seaside
MSC Seaside is a cruise ship that will suit the needs of your family just fine. The ship is designed to be family-friendly with its kid-friendly spaces, including a special area called Teen Corner. This area offers teens their own space with video games, computers and more. Plus, there are plenty of sports activities onboard including basketball, soccer and mini golf. The cabins are also designed with kids in mind, giving them their own space to relax after a day of exploring the ship or hitting the waves.
5) Symphony of the Seas
Families and kids of all ages will love Symphony of the Seas. For starters, there’s a whole water park on the 18th deck complete with a lazy river and water slides. The adults can relax in one of five unique restaurants, or head to the casino where they can play slots, table games, and poker. The kids can enjoy their own private disco called Club H2O. Kids under four feet tall get free access to Splash Academy, an indoor interactive splash zone that includes jets, fountains and more. Kids under 12 also get free access to Aqua Park & Beach club. Teens 13-17 have their own clubs too – Kaleidoscope nightclub and Undersea Disco! There are plenty of other exciting activities including high ropes courses and rock climbing walls that families can try together.
6) Carnival Sunshine
Carnival Sunshine is a great option for families who want to get away and have fun. This ship is perfect because it has lots of fun things like the Serenity Deck, which has water slides and pools. The Camp Carnival will keep your little ones entertained, while the Carnival Water Works provides plenty of opportunities to play in the sun. There’s even an Aqua Park with a slide for those looking for more adventure. Plus, there are lots of family-friendly dining options on board this ship!
7) Anthem of the Seas
The Anthem of the Seas is a great choice for families with children under 12. It has an Aqua Park, which includes seven slides, as well as a pool with waterfalls and a lazy river. There’s also plenty to do aboard the ship itself, including mini-golf and rock climbing. Children will also enjoy Camp Ocean, which provides supervised activities throughout the day. The Royal Promenade shopping area features kid-friendly stores like Build-A-Bear Workshop, Ben & Jerry’s and Rita’s Italian Ice.
8) Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas may be one of the largest cruise ships in the world, but it also has plenty to offer families. The ship features two full-service restaurants, a 24-hour pizzeria, a Ben & Jerry’s ice cream parlor and frozen yogurt shop, and more than 20 different bars and lounges. There are two full-service spas on board that can fit up to six people at once. There is also an outdoor amphitheater with live entertainment every evening.
