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If you’ve ever wondered whether cruising is a good idea with kids—let me reassure you—it absolutely is. Our family has tried out some of the best cruise lines, and each one delivered unforgettable experiences in its own unique way. From water parks to scavenger hunts, dining options galore, and super fun kids’ clubs—it’s family vacation magic on the high seas.

So whether this is your first cruise or you’re already planning your next summer vacation, here’s my honest take on the best cruises for kids—with specific ships, standout features, and tips for the entire family.

Why Cruises Work So Well for Families

Cruises are one of the few vacations where everyone in the family—no matter their age or energy level—can truly have a great time. From the moment you step onboard, it feels like the stress of everyday life fades away. There’s no juggling transportation between hotels, no searching for restaurants that work for picky eaters, and no pressure to entertain kids 24/7. It’s all right there on the ship.

The cost of a cruise typically covers your accommodations, all meals in the main dining room (and often several other restaurants too), access to pools, shows, and endless ways for kids to stay busy. That means you don’t have to constantly pull out your wallet or say “no” every time your child sees something fun—they can join a cooking class, head to a dance party, or do scavenger hunts with the youth staff, all included in the price.

For our family, the freedom to split up during the day if there are different priorities and must do activities and reconnect at night is the best part. Our little kids love the kids’ club with themed crafts, dress-up days, and even character visits. Our older nieces and nephews gravitate toward the teen club or video game lounge, where they meet other kids their own age and quickly build new friendships. The youth programs are well-staffed, safe, and thoughtfully divided by age group, so everyone feels included and engaged.

Meanwhile, we parents take full advantage of the downtime—grabbing a coffee in peace, soaking in the hot tubs, or having a grown-up dinner at a specialty restaurant while the kids are happily off doing their own thing.

And once the day winds down, we regroup—usually for dinner and a show, a family stroll on the top deck, or snacks and movies delivered by room service. Some nights we hang out in the theater watching magic tricks and musicals. Other nights, we just relax on our balcony stateroom and talk about the amazing things we did that day.

It’s the rare kind of vacation that blends structured programming with total flexibility. Everyone gets to do what they love, without compromising on family time. That mix of fun, freedom, and togetherness is what makes cruising the perfect option for families like ours.

Disney Cruise Line

Best for: Younger kids, Disney lovers, and families looking for immersive storytelling
Ship to try: Disney Wish

Our first Disney cruise was everything we hoped it would be—and then some. We sailed on Disney Wish, one of the newer Disney ships, and from the moment we stepped into the grand atrium, the magic was everywhere. Designed with kids of all ages in mind, the ship is a floating fantasyland that’s especially perfect for younger children.

Our kids couldn’t get enough of the themed kids’ clubs. The Marvel Super Hero Academy let them “train” like Avengers, while Star Wars: Cargo Bay made them feel like real space explorers. Every day they came out of the youth program beaming and full of stories.

Even our meals felt like an adventure. The Arendelle dining experience included a live Frozen musical performance right at our table while we dined on Norwegian-inspired dishes. And in the Worlds of Marvel restaurant, Ant-Man and The Wasp showed up mid-meal with a Quantum Core table gadget that kept the kids wide-eyed and giggling.

Character meet-and-greets were plentiful and stress-free. We ran into Mickey and Minnie more than once, and even our Star Wars–obsessed son got to chat with Chewbacca. The youth staff knew every trick to keep little ones happy and engaged all day long.

One of the most memorable moments was our stop at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas. The beach had a splash park, water slides, family biking trails, and even a snorkeling trail with sunken statues of Disney characters. It was one of the best days of our trip—relaxing for parents and non-stop fun for the kids.

Yes, Disney cruises come at a premium—but the immersive experience, attention to detail, and sheer joy on our kids’ faces made it absolutely worth it.

Royal Caribbean Cruises

Best for: High-energy families, thrill-loving kids and teens, multigenerational groups
Ship to try: Icon of the Seas

If your family thrives on non-stop excitement, endless entertainment options, and jaw-dropping onboard features, Icon of the Seas is the ultimate floating playground. We recently sailed on this brand-new ship, and let me tell you—it didn’t just feel like a cruise; it felt like a theme park at sea, with something incredible around every corner.

From the moment we stepped onboard, our kids were wide-eyed. Icon has eight distinct “neighborhoods,” each with its own vibe, attractions, and energy. Our younger two spent hours at the Surfside neighborhood, designed entirely for families with kids. They hopped between the splash park, a carousel, and the family-friendly pool, while we relaxed nearby with snacks and tropical drinks—finally, a setup that lets kids play independently and safely.

Our older son was obsessed with the Category 6 water park—the largest water park at sea. He and my husband raced down waterslides, including the terrifying-looking Pressure Drop (which I happily skipped), while I joined them on the raft-style slides that let us scream-laugh as a family. We also caught a dazzling high-dive performance at the AquaDome and cooled off at the ship’s indoor ice-skating rink.

The ship’s sports zone had rock climbing, mini golf, and a new take on the surf simulator. But hands down, the FlowRider was our tween's favorite. He spent hours perfecting his balance while we cheered from the bleachers and soaked in the sun on the Cloud 17 adults-only sundeck.

Our stateroom had just enough space to keep the peace—over 250 square feet plus a balcony—and it was so thoughtfully designed that even with all four of us, we didn’t feel cramped. At night, we regrouped over dinner in the main dining room or one of the specialty restaurants. There were plenty of options for adventurous eaters, but also comfort food staples for the kid who just wanted plain pasta.

The teen club, Social020, was another hit. Our oldest disappeared into a world of video games, dance-offs, and late-night snack runs with new friends. He loved having his own space, and we loved that he had the freedom to explore in a safe, supervised environment.

And of course, no Royal Caribbean cruise is complete without a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay, the cruise line’s private island. We rode the hot air balloon, floated through the lazy river, and spent way too long racing down the massive water slides. It was one of the best beach days we’ve ever had.

Icon of the Seas took everything we love about cruising and dialed it up. It’s bold, bright, ridiculously fun, and perfect for families who want the best of both worlds: non-stop action and opportunities to slow down and reconnect. We left exhausted—but in the best way possible.

Carnival Cruise Line

Best for: Budget-conscious families, fun-seekers, larger groups
Ship to try: Carnival Glory

We booked our trip on Carnival Glory mostly because it fit our dates and our budget—but it completely exceeded our expectations. If you’re looking for an easy, affordable cruise that still delivers a great time for the whole family, Glory is a solid pick.

From the moment we boarded, the kids were all-in. Carnival’s signature Dr. Seuss programming brought storybooks to life with Seuss-a-Palooza parades, green eggs and ham breakfasts, and themed crafts in the kids’ club. Our youngest came home talking about Thing 1 and Thing 2 for weeks.

The youth program on Glory was impressively well-organized, with separate activities for each age group. Our little one enjoyed hands-on games and puppet shows, while the older two played video games, joined scavenger hunts, and even tried their hand at some kid-friendly karaoke. The youth staff was fantastic—friendly, energetic, and genuinely great with kids.

While Glory doesn’t have the flashy roller coaster or water park you’ll find on the newer Carnival ships, we never once heard, “I’m bored.” There was still mini golf, a splash pool, arcade games, and deck parties that had the kids dancing way past bedtime. And for us adults, the comedy club and nightly shows offered plenty of laughs and entertainment after the kids were happily checked into their evening activities.

Dinner in the main dining room was one of our favorite parts of each day. The staff treated the kids like VIPs, with magic tricks, jokes, and even the occasional conga line between courses. It made every night feel like a celebration.

What really stood out to me was how well Carnival Glory worked for our extended family. We were traveling with grandparents and cousins, and the ship was just the right size—big enough to have options, but small enough to bump into each other without trying. Some days we explored ports together, and other times we split off, knowing we’d reconnect later for dinner and a show.

All in all, Carnival Glory gave us everything we needed: sunshine, laughs, family time, and memories we’ll be talking about long after the next school year starts.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Best for: Flexible schedules, young children, relaxed vibes
Ship to try: Norwegian Joy

Our cruise on Norwegian Joy gave us exactly what we didn’t realize we were craving—a laid-back vacation with tons of variety, zero pressure, and all the freedom to go at our own pace. Norwegian’s freestyle cruising model worked perfectly for our crew. No fixed dining times, no formal nights (unless you want to dress up), and no rigid schedules. Just the right mix of structure and spontaneity for a family with three very different kids.

The kids were all about the Splash Academy—the daily themes kept things fresh with science experiments, arts and crafts, group games, and creative challenges. Every morning, they were basically pulling us toward the kids’ check-in area before we’d even finished breakfast. Meanwhile, our teen spent most of their time in Entourage, the teen club. Between gaming tournaments, sports competitions, and hanging out at the onboard arcade, we hardly saw him—but in the best way.

The top deck of Norwegian Joy was one of our favorite hangout spots. Our thrill-seekers were obsessed with the two-level go-kart track—yes, actual go-karts at sea! My middle child talked about beating Dad in a race for the rest of the trip. The laser tag arena was another big win, especially in the evenings when it lit up with glowing lights. For more mellow moments, we played mini golf and lounged near the pool while the kids splashed around.

One of the meals that still comes up in conversation was our dinner at Teppanyaki—the ship’s hibachi-style restaurant. It’s not included in the fare, but watching the chef put on a full-blown performance while flipping shrimp into his hat and cracking jokes with the kids? Totally worth the splurge.

Even with all the onboard action, Norwegian Joy never felt overwhelming. It’s a big ship, but it was surprisingly easy to navigate. We appreciated how attentive and approachable the crew was, especially when it came to little details like remembering our kids’ names or helping us find the quickest way to the observation lounge.

This trip gave us the best of both worlds: time to unwind when we wanted to, and plenty of ways to keep the kids entertained when they needed more excitement. Norwegian Joy is a fantastic choice for families who want a little bit of everything without being locked into a strict cruise routine.

MSC Cruises

Best for: International flair, multi-generational families, and a mix of classic and modern ships
Ships to try: MSC Seashore, MSC World Europa, MSC Divina, MSC Sinfonia

MSC Cruises was a new adventure for us—and one I wish we’d discovered sooner. While it's better known in Europe, MSC has been expanding its North American offerings, and we've now cruised on several of their ships, each one offering something different for families. From ultra-modern designs to more classic cruise vibes, MSC has a little something for everyone.

On MSC Seashore, our kids loved the sleek, high-tech atmosphere. The ship felt bright, fresh, and full of energy. The kids’ clubs were broken into tight age groups, which really made a difference. Our youngest got to build LEGO cities, our middle child joined digital scavenger hunts, and our teen made fast friends over talent shows and late-night video game competitions. The VR zone and interactive activities kept them more than entertained.

MSC World Europa was like nothing we’d seen before. It’s one of MSC’s newest ships and it’s massive. The standout feature? An 11-deck spiral slide that my kids raced down over and over again. The indoor sports zone and bumper cars were especially popular with our tweens and teens. Even with so much happening onboard, the design felt organized and easy to navigate. Plus, the youth staff was multilingual and incredibly welcoming.

But not all MSC ships are megaships—and honestly, that’s part of the charm. We also sailed on MSC Divina and MSC Sinfonia, two ships that gave us a more traditional cruising experience with a cozy, classic feel. On Divina, we loved the elegant design and quieter pace. It was a great option when we wanted a bit more relaxation but still had plenty of poolside fun and family-friendly shows. On Sinfonia, the atmosphere was more intimate, and we really appreciated how easy it was to keep track of the kids and meet up throughout the day without needing to coordinate every move. Smaller ships like these are especially good if you’re cruising with grandparents or younger children and want to avoid overwhelming them with size and crowds.

Another major win for MSC? The family cabins. Many are over 300 square feet and can accommodate larger families comfortably—something we’ve learned not to take for granted. And depending on the itinerary and season, kids often cruise free, which makes MSC an incredible value for families watching their budget.

We also really enjoyed the variety in their shore excursions. MSC leans into culture and nature in a way that makes every port feel like an adventure. On different itineraries, we’ve seen blue-footed boobies along the Spanish coast, met giant tortoises in southern Italy, and spent lazy, sandy days at the beach in the Canary Islands. It felt educational in the best way—without any pressure or boredom.

Each MSC ship brought its own flavor to our travels, but across the board, we found the experience family-friendly, flexible, and surprisingly affordable. If you're looking to balance kid-focused fun with cultural experiences—and maybe sneak in a cappuccino while your kids build a LEGO robot—MSC might just be your new favorite line.

Best Itineraries and Cruise Ports for Families

If you're wondering where to cruise with kids, here are some of the best routes we've loved:

Bahamas & Caribbean (Disney, Royal Caribbean, Carnival)
Great for first-time cruisers. Short sailings with private island stops like Castaway Cay and CocoCay. Think beach days, splash parks, and snorkeling.
Western Mediterranean (MSC, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean)
Ideal for families with older kids. Includes stops in Italy, France, and Spain. Great food, ancient ruins, and wildlife adventures like dolphin watching or hiking volcanoes.
Alaska (Disney, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian)
Amazing for families who love nature and adventure. Spotting whales, hiking glaciers, and riding scenic railways was a highlight for us.
Northern Europe & Baltic (MSC, Disney)
Culturally rich, but surprisingly fun for kids thanks to castle visits, scavenger hunts in medieval towns, and Viking history tours.
Mexico Riviera (Carnival, Norwegian, MSC)
Great for families based on the West Coast. Ziplining, beach days, and hands-on cultural excursions in places like Puerto Vallarta and Cabo.

Whether you want roller coasters at sea, Disney magic, or cultural immersion with a side of gelato, there’s a cruise itinerary out there that will give your family the time of their lives

Final Thoughts

Cruising has become our family’s favorite way to travel—and honestly, it’s not hard to see why. There’s no easier way to explore multiple destinations, try out new experiences, and enjoy a vacation where everyone, from toddlers to teens to tired parents, actually has a great time. Between the built-in entertainment, incredible dining options, and cozy staterooms to retreat to at night, cruises offer that rare balance of adventure and ease that we haven’t found anywhere else.

Whether you’re chasing Disney characters through a fairytale ship, braving the tallest waterslide at sea, watching dolphins leap during a shore excursion, or simply eating soft-serve ice cream on the top deck as the sun sets—there are endless ways for families to make lasting memories together. For every age group and interest, there’s a cruise line, ship, and itinerary that fits. Some families might love the storybook charm of a Disney ship. Others may be drawn to the thrill rides and surf simulators on Royal Caribbean. And for big families or larger groups, options like MSC or Carnival provide serious value and variety.

There are few vacations that allow you to bond, explore, relax, and play—without feeling like you need a vacation from your vacation when you get home. For us, cruising has checked every box.

If you’re thinking about setting sail, I’m happy to help! Drop your questions in the comments below!

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