cheapest cruise line for families

7 Affordable Cruise Lines for Families (Kids Sail Free Deals)

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These days, planning a family vacation can be expensive. However, cruising offers families a great value vacation, at an affordable price.

Over the last few years, cruising has become very popular with families and kids . The great food, entertainment and an opportunity to visit beautiful destinations, makes cruising the ultimate family vacation.

Plus, cruise lines have “kids sail free” deals and promotions, that are particularly attractive to family cruisers.

In this post, I share 7 affordable cruise lines for families.

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Affordable Family Cruise Lines – A Comparison

1. carnival cruise line.

Carnival is known for their affordable cruise prices and cruise ships that the whole family can enjoy. Often referred to as “America’s Cruise Line”, Carnival is one of the best cruise lines for a families on a budget.

The great thing about cruising with Carnival, is that they have great promotions year round. Whether you’re cruising off-season cruise or during the holidays, you will always be able to find cruise deals on Carnival ships.

Carnival Family Cruise Sample Pricing

For example, we found a 5 day Eastern Caribbean cruise on Carnival Freedom, leaving out of Port Canaveral (Orlando) is priced at $1,325 USD for four family members in interior cabin. It also includes a $50 onboard credit.

Please note that prices vary and depend on many factors, including date of booking and date of sailing.

Related: What’s Included on a Carnival Cruise – Everything You Need to Know

What to Expect on a Carnival Family Cruise

If you’re looking for a kid-friendly cruise that the whole family can enjoy, then you will love cruising with Carnival. On select Carnival cruise ships, you’ll find water slides, water parks, roller coasters, ropes courses and entertainment, like Family Feud Live as well as other family-friendly shows.

Carnival Cruise Line Kids Club Information

The kid’s club on Carnival cruise line is lots of fun for children aged 2-17. There are supervised activities that vary by age group, including dancing, movie nights, theme parties and much more.

Here’s how the Carnival kid’s club is separated by age:

Camp Ocean (ages 2-11)
Circle “C” (ages 12-14)
Club O2 (ages 15-17)

If you’re cruising with family members that are 17 and under, they will have a blast. Both the kid’s camp and onboard activities will keep kids busy throughout the duration of your cruise.

Related: What to Pack for a Carnival Cruise (packing list)

2. MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises is an Italian cruise line known that has some amazing cruise ships families will love! MSC cruises can be a very good value, especially for families. On select cruises, MSC has a “kids sail free” promotion, where kids 17 and under can sail for free, when booked in the same cabin as their parents.

Depending on the sailing and promotion, you’ll often find free or discounted fares on 3rd and 4th passengers. Other sales may include an an onboard credit, included Wifi and the Kids Sail Free deal.

What to Expect on an MSC Family Cruise

When you cruise with MSC, you can expect beautiful ship designs, fun activities, pools, waterparks and hot tub areas. MSC cruises tend to be reasonably priced and provide an affordable way for the whole family to travel together.

Related: Best MSC Cruises For Families & Kids – Complete Guide

MSC Family Cruise Sample Pricing

For example, at the time of writing this article, a 5 day Bahamas cruise leaving out of Miami that is $350 per adult in an interior cabin before taxes. This cruise is part of the “Kids Sail Free” promotion, so you will only have pay the taxes and port fees for your children.

Overall, MSC is a family-friendly cruise line that is well suited for kids of all ages. Onboard select MSC cruise ships, you will find water slides, splash parks, ropes courses, spas and a casino.

MSC Kids Club Information

The kid’s clubs on the newest MSC cruises are pretty cool! Your kids will be able to hang out, participate in activities and make new friends in a supervised and safe environment. Plus, MSC’s kids camps have some of the latest video games and gaming consoles.

Here’s how the MSC kids club is separated by age:

Baby Club (ages 0-3)
Mini Club (ages 3-6)
Junior Club (ages 7-11)
Young Club (ages 12-14)
Teen Club (ages 15-17)

MSC creates a really fun, family-friendly environment that the whole family will enjoy. Whether if it’s spending time at the pool areas, in the kid’s club or the onboard attractions, your family will have a great time on an MSC cruise.

Related: 50 Most Popular Amazon Cruise Essentials

3. Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line is a family friendly cruise line that will occasionally have the Kids Sail Free promotion, as part of the Free at Sea perks. On Norwegian cruises, there are many attractions, the entertainment is great and there is a wide variety of dining options.

Newer Norwegian cruise ships like the Norwegian Prima is on the pricey side. However, Norwegian Cruise Line offers some amazing deals on some of their other cruises.

Norwegian Family Cruise Sample Pricing

For example, there is a 7 day Southern Caribbean cruise on the Norwegian Epic that is $1,978 for the whole family before taxes. This price includes two specialty dining dinners for the first and second passenger.

What to Expect on a Norwegian Family Cruise

If your family enjoys exciting attractions and fun activities, then they will love cruising with Norwegian . Onboard certain Norwegian cruises, you will find water slides, virtual reality, bowling, mini golf, basketball courts, ropes courses and more.

Related: What’s Included on Norwegian Cruise Line and What Is Not

Norwegian Cruise Line Kids Club Information

Norwegian has one of the best kids clubs at sea . As a kid who grew up cruising, I remember going on Norwegian cruises and my parents having trouble getting me out of the kids club!

Here’s how the Norwegian kids club is separated:

Splash Academy (ages 3-12)
Entourage (ages 13-17)

If you’re planning to cruise with children or teenagers 17 and under, they will absolutely love the kids clubs and teens clubs onboard Norwegian cruise line.

Related: Norwegian Cruise Line’s Free at Sea Perks Explained

4. Royal Caribbean

When it comes to a cruise line for families, it doesn’t get much better than Royal Caribbean. Royal Caribbean is known for making the largest cruise ships in the world and for having cruise ships with amazing attractions.

Although, newer Royal Caribbean ships can be pricey, they do offer some great deals on their older ships. Additionally at certain times of the year, Royal Caribbean will have Kids Sail Free promotions.

Royal Caribbean Family Cruise Sample Pricing

For example, there is a 4 day Bahamas and Perfect Day at CocoCay (private island) itinerary leaving from Florida, which starts at $277 plus taxes for the first two passenger and the kids sail free in an interior cabin.

What to Expect on a Royal Caribbean Family Cruise

If you’re looking to have a fun, action packed vacation, then you have to check out Royal Caribbean cruises. Onboard select Royal Caribbean ships , you’ll find water slides, water parks, zip lines, laser tag, rock climbing, arcade games, ice skating and much more.

Related: Best Royal Caribbean Ships For Families

Royal Caribbean Kids Club Information

Royal Caribbean has great youth programs where your kids can participate in scavenger hunts, themed parties and sports. The Adventure Ocean Youth Program separates children by age group.

Here’s how the Royal Caribbean kids club is seperated:

Aquanauts (ages 3-5)
Explorers (ages 6-8)
Voyagers (ages 9-12)

For teenagers , there is a teens club which is for 13-17 year olds. This is a great place for you teenagers to hangout, make new friends, play video games and participate in fun activities.

For those with children between 6-36 months, there is a babies and tots program. If you’re cruising with babies and toddlers, you can leave them in a supervised environment throughout the day on select ships.

Related: Royal Caribbean vs Norwegian Cruise Line – Everything You Need to Know

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5. Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises won’t usually be the cheapest option when planning a family cruise . However, they do often have really good deals on third and fourth passengers in the same cabin.

During the year, some of the best cruise deals for families have been kids sailing for $0 or $1 when cruising in the same cabin as their parents on select sailings. Typically, 3rd and 4th passengers are heavily discounted and may cruise for free or at lower rates.

Princess Cruises Family Cruise Sample Pricing

For example, Wave Season has a 5 day Caribbean cruise leaving from Fort Lauderdale starting at $418 for guest 1 and 2 and $148 for 3rd and 4th guests plus taxes.

Related: Princess Cruises vs Royal Caribbean – Everything You Need to Know

What to Expect on a Princess Family Cruise

Princess Cruises is known for its beautiful cruise ships, great food options and dining. They also have a fun kids club (Camp Discovery Kid & Teen Centers), which is a great place for your children to make friends and participate in interactive activities.

Princess Cruises is best for families that enjoy traditional cruising and family friendly fun. Such as poolside games, Movies Under the Stars and entertainment including game shows, guest entertainers and production shows.

Related: 10 Reasons Cruisers Will Love the New Sun Princess (coming in 2024)

6. Holland America

Holland America is a classic and traditional cruise line that is popular among an older demographic of cruise passengers. However, this is changing in recent years.

With newer cruise ships, Holland America has modernized their entertainment and live music onboard its ships. They’ve also made their cruise ships more family friendly and are popular among those planning multi-generational cruises.

The best part for families looking for an affordable cruise, is that Holland America offers a “Kids Cruise Free” promotion on select sailings at different times of the year.

Holland America Family Cruise Sample Pricing

For example, a 5 day Caribbean cruise leaving from Fort Lauderdale in an ocean view cabin is $488.99 plus taxes for the 1st and 2nd passenger, and the additional two passengers are free.

What to Expect on a Holland America Family Cruise

A Holland America cruise is best for a family that enjoys spending time together and appreciates quality food and service on a cruise. There is a kids club onboard (Club HAL), however don’t expect water slides and pool games.

Related: What to Wear on a Caribbean Cruise – Cruise Outfit Ideas

7. Celebrity Cruises

While Celebrity Cruises is not typically a low price cruise, it is possible to find a really good deal on a luxury family vacation. In particular, if you are cruising off-season or outside of the holiday’s and spring break, you can cruise with Celebrity for less than you think.

Celebrity Family Cruise Sample Pricing

For example, we were able to find a 7-day Caribbean cruise sailing in October, in a Veranda cabin for four, for $1,988 plus taxes. For those who prefer an all-inclusive rate, including tips, Wifi and beverage package, Celebrity’s all-included rate can add to the value of this family vacation.

What to Expect on a Celebrity Family Cruise

Although, Celebrity Cruises doesn’t have water slides and thrill rides, they do offer a luxury family-friendly experience.

Celebrity has a great kids club (Camp At Sea), which is fun for kids and teenagers 17 and under. The Celebrity kids club has activities, videos games and places for the kids to hang out in a supervised and safe environment.

Related: Celebrity Beyond Infinite Veranda Cabins: Pros & Cons

*All prices used as examples in this article were found in February 2023 and are subject to change. Prices and promotions may vary and you may have access to resident specials. Always check current prices on the cruise line website or with your travel agent.

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Final Thoughts on Affordable Cruise Lines For Families

Well there it is, everything you need to know about affordable cruise lines for families!

A family cruise vacation is a great way to travel , experience different cultures and spend time with your children. The cruise lines mentioned in this article, do a great job at being family friendly and offering promotions to make planning a cruise affordable.

No matter what cruise line you choose to travel with, you’ll have a memorable vacation that the whole family will enjoy.

In his post, I shared the 7 most affordable cruise lines for families.

What cruise line are you planning on cruising with? Please let me know in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

If you enjoy this post please don’t keep it to yourself ;-). Please feel free to share on Facebook or Pinterest (share buttons at the top). Thanks so much!

Author Bio: Ethan Schattauer writes about fashion, travel and college advice on the website WhatToWearMen.com . As a frequent cruiser, Ethan shares his unique perspective on what cruising is like for teens and young adults.

WHY CRUISING IS THE BEST WAY TO

Vacation with the family.

Trying to plan the ultimate family vacation? Royal Caribbean offers thrills for everyone onboard

Pulling off the perfect family vacation isn’t always easy, especially when you’re trying to cater to different ages and preferences. Fortunately, Royal Caribbean is known for delivering great family getaways designed to wow guests across multiple generations. Every ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet is packed with palate-pleasing dining options, incredible entertainment, and unforgettable activities for all ages included in your cruise fare — not to mention itineraries that take you to some of the world’s most adventure-filled shores. The best part? All the planning has been taking care of for you, so you can focus on bonding with your loved ones while doing as much or as little as you like.

GETAWAYS THE WHOLE CREW WILL LOVE

Your next family getaway is a click away — where will you wander next?

Family watching out for whales on an Alaskan Cruise

BOLDER FAMILY BONDING STARTS HERE

Family-friendly vacation destinations are always on the itinerary when you sail with Royal Caribbean®. From thrill-topping island hopping to exploring the Last Frontier, max memories like never before onboard the best family cruise ships in the world.

Perfect Day at Coco Cay Family at Oasis Lagoon

cococay getaway

Kick family bonding up a notch at Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas — voted Best Private Island Experience by Travel Weekly readers. Turn up the thrills, like conquering Daredevil’s Peak®, the tallest waterslide in the Caribbean. Or unplug and chill along Oasis Lagoon®, the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean.

EXPLORE OUR PRIVATE ISLAND

Aerial view of Labadee beach, Haiti. The Caribbean. Caption: Catch a bird's eye view of some of Labadee's beautiful beaches.

TROPIC TREKS

Sun-kissed shores are yours to explore. Build epic castles on the pink sand beaches of Barbados . Splash into the turquoise waters of Curaçao. Or wander through legendary forts in Puerto Rico . No one does kid-friendly cruises better than Royal Caribbean® — the cruise line voted Best Overall for 21 years running by Travel Weekly readers.

EXPLORE CARIBBEAN CRUISES

WILDEST WEEK EVER

Discover the magic of Alaska, where snowcapped mountains, towering forests and misty fjords dare you to deny their majesty. Spot bears hunting for salmon in Tongass National Forest. Listen to the thunderous roar of Hubbard Glacier . And cross once-in-a-lifetime experiences off your list together — on one unforgettable journey.

EXPLORE ALASKA CRUISES

Aaerial view of the Arch, El Arco, in Cabo San Lucas. Mexico.

WEST COAST WANDER

Nothing fuels bolder bonding like an epic adventure with your squad. Set out from L.A. on the family vacation you’ve been waiting for onboard the best cruises for kids. From whale-watching in Ensenada to post-card pretty shores in Puerto Vallarta and lounging on Cabo’s world-famous beaches — make memories that last a lifetime.

EXPLORE THE MEXICAN RIVIERA

SET SAIL ABOARD THE BEST SHIPS FOR FAMILIES

Cruise Planner is the place to get the most out of your adventure. Securing reservations and purchasing packages before you sail lets you score the best savings available anywhere. Add peace of mind to the mix — and you’re ready for big adventure.

OF THE SEAS

CUE THE MEMORY MAKING

From record breaking rides — like the tallest slide at sea — to dining that offers a taste of every culture and shows that will leave you in awe, being onboard a Royal Caribbean ship makes the journey as bold as the destinations you’ll visit.

Symphony of the Seas Splashaway Bay Group of Kids

SUN-SOAKED FUN

Each ship offers endless ways for families to fill their sea days. Think epic experiences like a plunge down the tallest slide at sea, Ultimate Abyss℠, and glow-in-the-dark laser tag battles that are bound to boost your adrenaline. Sun-soaked pool parties and hang ten sessions on the FlowRider®* surf simulator. A round of Mini Golf with a side of sea views and a rushing zip line ride ten stories above deck — and that’s barely scratching the surface.

EXPLORE ONBOARD ACTIVITIES

Mother and Son Dinning at Giovanni's Table

DIAL UP YOUR DINNER

With so many delicious dining options onboard, everyone in your family will find something to satisfy their cravings in between adventures. From the endless selection of complimentary flavors at Windjammer Café and family-friendly feasting with My Family Time Dining at the Main Dining Room, to specialty restaurants that take you from the Far East to Italy to Wonderland, there’s something to please every taste onboard.

EXPLORE ONBOARD DINING

Mamma Mia Broadway Show Three Women Singing

NEXT LEVEL SHOWS

Every night is an opportunity for the whole family to enjoy some of the best entertainment at sea. Dazzling original productions and fan favorites straight from Broadway, deck-defying high dives and aerial stunts at the AquaTheater, and the coolest moves you’ve ever seen on ice at the skating rink — you’ll quickly discover that on these ships, every performance is a show-stopper.

EXPLORE SHOWS & ENTERTAINMENT

room for everyone

Finding your crew’s just-right stay-place is easy, with spacious rooms designed with families in mind. Choose from rooms with endless ocean views or suites with wrap-around balconies. And if you’re craving next-level luxury, the first-ever Ultimate Family Townhouse on Icon of the Seas℠ maxes the memories with three tiers of unbelievable amenities and direct access to the Surfside℠ neighborhood from your private patio.

EXPLORE ACCOMODATIONS

ENDLESS WAYS TO DO DATE NIGHT RIGHT

Who says a family vacation has to be all about the kids? While the young ones are off exploring onboard or having a blast at the award-winning Adventure Ocean youth program, reconnect with your partner over dinner at one of the fleet’s world class specialty restaurants, catch a Broadway spectacular in the Main Theater, or get down on the dance floor to the sounds of a DJ or a talented live band.

KID APPROVED CARE

Craving a little grownup time? Both Adventure Ocean and the Royal Babies & Tots programs provide care and educational activities for kids in different age groups. Adventure Ocean also offers a Late Night Party Zone group sitting for children ages 3-11 between the hours of 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., so you can enjoy a stress-free adults-only night out on deck.

EXPLORE YOUTH & TEEN PROGRAMS

Giovanni's Italian Kitchen Couple Enjoying Olives and Wine

PENCIL IN A PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT

While the kids are at play, indulge in the ultimate date night with your partner in adventure. Kick things off with a dinner to remember, followed by a glass of your favorite wine at Vintages or a singalong session at Schooner Bar. Then keep the party going long into the night at a live stand-up comedy show before you take a whirl on the dancefloor at Club Twenty.

EXPLORE CRUISE NIGHTLIFE

FAMILY VACAY MODE ON

CRUISES FROM

STARTING FROM

CAPE LIBERTY

STARTING FROM

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Don’t sweat the details — they’re all taken care of so you can focus on making lifelong family memories.

Family vacations should be stress-free, and Royal Caribbean makes it easy to fuel your wanderlust without worry. You can book unforgettable shore excursions , onboard activities and shows online before you board, making the planning process a breeze. Once you’re on deck, you’ll enjoy award winning service by dedicated staff members that strive to meet every request, whether you’re traveling with special needs or just looking for ways to celebrate a special occasion onboard.

You can even get started customizing every aspect of your vacation from the moment you book. Browse and save big on onshore experiences, beverage and specialty dining packages, spa treatments and more when you reserve in advance online through Cruise Planner . That way, you can go straight to enjoying your vacation as soon as you come aboard the ship.

Family surfing at the beach HP Jumbotron 1920 1080 FAM NF 2x

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Many of the attractions onboard require closed-toed shoes and socks, so pack accordingly.

Even if you’re on a summer sailing to the tropics, pack a sweater if you plan to use the ice skating rink.

Luggage might not arrive in your stateroom until later. Pack a swimsuit in your carry-on so you can dive into adventure early.

BEYOND BRAGWORTHY

Fill every minute with everything you love, anytime you want. Indulge in gourmet globetrotting, applaud show-stopping entertainment, and take on fleet favorites like rock climbing and the FlowRider®* surf simulator, plus so much more!

H2O ZONE WATERPARK

ESCAPE ROOM

Odyssey of the Seas Friends Entering Zone Zero Virtual Reality

VIRTUAL ADVENTURE ZONE

THE PERFECT STORM

ADVENTURE OCEAN

IZUMI HIBACHI & SUSHI

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Cheapest Cruises for Families: Top 10 Budget-Friendly Lines with Kids Sail Free

Planning the perfect family vacation can be stressful and, let’s not mention, expensive ! You want to find something everyone will enjoy, adults and kids alike.

Cruises have been a staple family vacation for years now as they offer an amazing experience at an affordable price, especially with the Kids Sail Free promotion many offer.

However, there are some cruise lines that are more affordable than others especially if kids cruise free…

So we’ve gathered the most family-friendly, budget-conscious cruises on the market to make your nex booking that much easier…

Table of Contents

Affordable Family Cruise Lines

1. carnival cruise line.

Carnival cruise line waterslide - Great family friendly vacation cruise

Carnival Cruise Line is known for affordable pricing and family-oriented cruise ships. You can often find great promotions throughout the year. Carnival family cruises offer exciting onboard attractions, such as water slides, water parks, roller coasters, ropes courses, and entertaining shows like Family Feud Live

Carnival Cruise Line also offers a wide variety of family-friendly dining options, satisfying everyone from picky children to gourmet-loving adults.

With choices ranging from casual buffets and 24/7 pizza stations to specialty dining experiences, and main dining rooms featuring kid-friendly menus, families can enjoy diverse culinary delights together, tailored to all tastes and preferences.

Their kid’s club is accommodating for children aged 2-17, providing supervised activities, including dancing, movie nights, theme parties, and much more.

2. Norwegian Cruise Lines

Aerial view of Norwegian Cruise Line with water slides and gokart track

Norwegian Cruise Line offers family-friendly cruises with occasional Kids Sail Free promotions. Their cruises provide a wide variety of dining options, great entertainment, and numerous attractions like water slides, virtual reality, bowling, mini-golf, basketball courts, and ropes courses.

In addition to the variety of onboard activities, Norwegian also takes families to captivating destinations, offering tailored shore excursions that appeal to all ages.

From relaxing beach days to educational cultural tours, these excursions provide enriching experiences for both kids and adults, making every port visit an adventure.

Norwegian has one of the best kids clubs at sea, with separate sections for ages 3-12 and 13-17, ensuring that both children and teenagers have a blast onboard.

3. MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises is an Italian cruise line that boasts family-friendly ships at a great value, especially through their “kids sail free” promotions.

MSC ships feature elegant designs, engaging activities, pools, waterparks, and hot tub areas.

Some MSC ships have water slides, splash parks, ropes courses, spas, and casinos. Their kids club provides age-appropriate activities, ensuring your kids have a safe and fun environment.

MSC Cruises also offers many educational and culturally immersive experiences. Kids and teens can participate in a range of workshops and activities that blend learning with entertainment, covering topics from arts and crafts to science and nature.

4. Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean is known for offering some of the best family cruises, boasting the largest ships in the world and amazing attractions. They occasionally have Kids Sail Free promotions and offer great deals on older ships.

Royal Caribbean really elevates the family cruise experience with an array of dining options, catering to all tastes and preferences, from casual bites to gourmet meals, and special menus for younger guests.

These dining choices ensure that every family member, regardless of age or palate, can enjoy a memorable culinary journey at sea.

Royal Caribbean offers zip lines, water slides, laser tag, rock climbing and more! Not every cruise has the same amenities, some may have rock climbing while others have laser tag, but there will be an abundance of fun, kid-friendly options either way.

Their Adventure Ocean Youth Program offers age-appropriate activities, ensuring that kids have a fun and engaging experience.

5. P&O Cruises

P&O Cruises, particularly favored by UK-based families, stands out as an appealing option for those seeking a budget-friendly vacation at sea.

Known for its comfortable and relaxed atmosphere, P&O Cruises often features compelling pricing strategies, including special deals for families.

While specific promotions like “kids sail free” offers vary and are subject to availability, they do occur periodically, significantly reducing the cost for family cruises.

Onboard, families can enjoy a plethora of activities suitable for all ages, from dedicated kids’ clubs (minimum 2 years of age) and teen hangouts to family-friendly shows and pool areas.

From creative arts and crafts sessions to exciting sports activities and themed parties, these clubs provide a safe, entertaining, and supervised environment where children can make new friends while parents enjoy some relaxing downtime.

Dining options on P&O ships cater to the little ones as well, ensuring that even picky eaters have delicious choices.

With their focus on providing a quintessentially British cruising experience, P&O Cruises offers families an excellent blend of comfort, entertainment, and value, making it a strong contender for those looking to enjoy a memorable family holiday without breaking the bank.

6. Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises may not always be the most affordable option, but they offer a premium experience for families.

Celebrity ships feature various family-focused entertainment, dining options, and activities that cater to all age groups, ensuring a memorable experience for everyone.

Although on the higher end of the pricing spectrum, it provides families with a premium cruising experience that balances luxury with family-focused fun.

From their wide variety of dining options and sophisticated entertainment to their engaging children and teens programs, there’s something to delight every family member.

The focus on upscale, comfortable accommodations ensures a relaxing and memorable experience for all ages, making it worth looking out for special deals and promotions to enjoy this elevated cruise experience.

7. Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises - Sky Princess in Norway

While Princess Cruises may not be the cheapest option, they often offer great deals on third and fourth passengers in the same cabin, making it more budget-friendly for families.

Princess Cruises offer a wide range of onboard activities and entertainment for the entire family, ensuring a memorable vacation for everyone.

Princess Cruises stands out as a family-friendly option by offering compelling deals for additional guests in the same cabin, often making it more economical for larger families.

This cruise line excels in providing a wide array of onboard activities and entertainment that cater to all ages, ensuring a fun and memorable vacation for everyone.

From their engaging youth and teen programs to a variety of dining options suitable for any palate, families can enjoy a blend of adventure, relaxation, and indulgence.

The focus on creating an inviting, comfortable atmosphere makes Princess Cruises a top choice for families seeking a balance of luxury and value.

8. Holland Cruises

Holland America is known to cater to an older clientele, but they still have programs focused on family fun. Look out for promotions and deals that make family cruises more manageable for your budget.

On a Holland America family cruise, you can expect a mix of traditional cruise activities combined with modern, family-friendly amenities.

Parents can find value in special promotions and deals, which help make these cruises more accessible budget-wise.

Onboard, families can enjoy a blend of classic cruise activities and modern amenities, with clubs and entertainment tailored to younger guests.

Despite its reputation, Holland America provides a calm, enjoyable environment that can suit families looking for a cruise experience with a touch of traditional elegance and relaxed pacing.

This is a great option for older children that the whole family can enjoy.

9. Costa Cruises

Costa Cruises, a Italy-based cruise line, is another excellent choice for families looking for an affordable vacation at sea.

Known for its vibrant, Italian-style hospitality, Costa Cruises offers a unique blend of cultural and recreational activities suitable for passengers of all ages.

One of the most attractive features for family budgeting is their frequent “Kids Sail Free” promotions, which allow children to cruise at no extra cost when sharing a cabin with two paying adults, making it a cost-effective option for families.

The onboard experience on Costa Cruises is tailored to be family-friendly, with a variety of activities and entertainment options.

They offer a comprehensive kids’ club program, with different clubs catering to various age groups, ranging from 3 to 17 years old.

These clubs provide a mix of educational and fun activities, from arts and crafts to sports and gaming, ensuring that kids are engaged and entertained throughout the cruise.

Honorable Mention: Disney Cruise Line

I know, I know, Disney Cruise Lines is anything but affordable and cheap . However, it is the epitome of family-friendly.

Their ships are decked out with Disney-themed decor, character experiences, and entertainment that ranges from Broadway-caliber shows to deck parties with fireworks.

Every detail on a Disney cruise, from the dining experiences to the cabin designs, is crafted with families in mind, ensuring that both children and adults have a magical experience.

Unique to Disney are their private island, Castaway Cay, and themed sailings like “Star Wars” and “Marvel Day at Sea.”

Although they tend to be much pricier than the other ships on this list, Disney cruises offer unparalleled family entertainment and service, making them a desirable, if not always affordable, option for a family vacation.

What Cruise Lines Offer ‘Kids Sail Free’ Deals?

Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Costa Cruises, and MSC Cruises all periodically offer the “Kids Sail Free” promotion.

This deal typically allows children aged 17 or 18 and under (age varies by line) to cruise free when sharing a cabin with two paying adults.

The offer is subject to availability and may be limited to certain itineraries and times of the year. While taxes, fees, and port expenses might still apply, these promotions can significantly reduce the overall cost of a family cruise.

Each of these cruise lines not only provides cost savings but also ensures a family-friendly experience.

Holland America Line, for example, includes children’s clubs and spacious family accommodations. Norwegian Cruise Line bundles family-friendly amenities like kids’ clubs, entertainment, and activities into its rates, and its ships feature staterooms designed for families, such as the two-bedroom family villas on the Norwegian Prima.

Royal Caribbean is known for its adventure-filled ships, offering water parks and various activities like zip lines and rock climbing.

Costa Cruises and MSC Cruises, popular in Europe and increasingly so in North America, offer an array of family amenities including water parks, arcades, and kid-focused clubs.

How to Find Affordable Family Cruises

Family trip, dad, two daughters and son before boarding a family cruise

It can seem impossible to find the perfect, affordable family cruise – but there are a couple of tricks of the trade that will help you secure a memorable vacation without breaking the bank.

The absolute best way to save money on a cruise is to book one during wave season.

This promotional period typically runs between January and March, when many cruise lines offer appealing deals.

Keep an eye out for sales during this time, as well as around holidays, as they can be a great opportunity to find discounted family cruises.

Timing is also important. Be ready to book early or late. Booking early, preferably as soon as dates and itineraries are released, can provide you with access to lower rates and better availability.

Alternatively, waiting until the last minute might give you a chance to snag fantastic deals – just be prepared to be flexible with your travel dates and destination preferences.

Taking advantage of kids sail free deals can help significantly decrease the overall cost of your family cruise. Look for cruise lines that offer these promotions, such as MSC Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line.

Keep in mind that these deals may come with specific conditions, such as limited availability or blackout dates, so read the fine print carefully before booking.

Make sure to compare different cruise lines as well. When comparing cruise lines, closely examine what’s included in the fares.

Even if two cruises appear similarly priced at first glance, differences in dining and drink packages can greatly affect the overall value, making one option more cost-effective than the other.

Another common tip (because it works) is traveling during off-peak dates and picking less popular destinations. Booking a cruise during shoulder season can lead to significantly cheaper rates and less crowds, without sacrificing the quality of the trip.

Also, consider working with a reputable travel agent. Nowadays we can book anything and everything online in a minute, but many times travel agents have great promotions and exclusive offers.

It doesn’t hurt to stop by an agents office and see if they have any special perks or promotions to offer.

Tips for Saving Money On Cruises

There are some ways to make your money stretch a little more on a family vacation.

Book At The Right Time

Timing is crucial when you’re looking for the best deal. Booking your cruise well in advance or during a promotion period can help you secure better rates and save on your overall expenses.

Additionally, consider cruising during the off-season, such as in late fall or early spring, to take advantage of lower prices.

Join Cruise Loyalty Programs

If you plan to take annual or frequent family cruises, you’ll want to join a loyalty program.

These programs typically reward repeat cruisers with a range of benefits that may include discounted fares, complimentary upgrades, priority boarding, and exclusive onboard amenities.

Some loyalty programs might also offer members special deals or credits for onboard spending, enhancing the overall cruise experience while saving money.

Over time, the accumulated points or tier status in these programs can lead to significant savings and perks, making your family cruise vacations more cost-effective and enjoyable.

Set A Daily Budget

I feel like your mother, but this is huge when traveling..

Setting a daily budget is great for managing your finances on a cruise and avoiding post-vacation bill shock.

Estimate and allocate a specific amount each day for various expenditures like gratuities, beverages, and incidental purchases.

This approach helps you keep track of your spending throughout the trip and ensures that you stay within your overall vacation budget.

Choose An Affordable Cabin

The type of cabin you select on the ship can significantly affect your cruise cost. Inside cabins are typically the most budget-friendly, followed by ocean view cabins and balcony staterooms.

If you’re willing to give up some extra perks, opting for a less expensive cabin can save you a good amount of money.

Take Advantage Of Deals And Discounts

Keep an eye out for promotions and discounts offered by cruise lines, travel agencies, and online booking websites.

Some cruise lines offer special rates for children, military personnel, or seniors. Others might have travel packages that include airfare and hotel stays – a great way to save on overall trip expenses.

It may be annoying, but signing up for the cruises newsletters is a great way to be in the loop of great deals and promotions.

Bring Your Own Amenities And Snacks

If you aren’t doing a dining package, dining on a cruise ship can slowly rack up the rate. Cruise ships tend to have expensive onboard shops and snack bars.

Packing your own toiletries, sunscreen, and snacks can save you from making costly, last-minute purchases.

Make sure to pack all your essentials so you don’t have to pay a premium at sea.

Plan Your Own Shore Excursions

While cruise lines often provide a variety of shore excursions, planning your own can save you a fair amount of money and still ensure a memorable adventure.

Research your destination ports in advance and create a DIY itinerary tailored to your family’s preferences.

Look For Onboard Dining Deals

Many cruise ships have extra-charge eateries, but if you plan it right, you can save money and still enjoy fantastic meals.

Check your ship’s daily newsletter for reduced prices or happy hour specials, and consider dining at these restaurants during lunchtime when the menus are smaller and cheaper.

Take Advantage Of Free Or Low-Cost Onboard Activities

To prevent overspending, participate in complimentary or low-cost ship activities like swimming, trivia contests, or dance lessons.

These activities can keep your family entertained without breaking the bank.

Remember, with a little planning and savvy decision-making, you can have a fantastic family cruise that fits well within your budget.

Limit Internet Use

It can be tempting to buy a WiFi package and pop an iPad in front of your kid, but these packages get pricey. Limiting internet usage can be a significant cost-saving measure on a cruise.

Since onboard internet packages often come with a high price tag, consider using free Wi-Fi in public areas during port days.

If staying connected at sea is necessary, look out for special internet package deals offered on the first day of the cruise, or opt for a more affordable limited data plan.

This strategy helps manage communication expenses while still keeping you connected when needed.

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7 Best Cruise Lines for Families (and Their 12 Most Kid-Friendly Ships)

By: Author Elizabeth Ciobanu

Posted on Published: 07/18/2023 - Last updated: 07/20/2023

Traveling to new places is always a thrill, but it can come with some challenges. For example, which side of the road are you supposed to drive on ?

Cruises simplify the bulk of your vacation planning and transportation, as everything you need is in one convenient package.

A family cruise line will keep your children entertained day and night. I’ve rounded up seven of my favorites, which I’ll share in the first part of this guide.

Then I’ll recommend the most kid-friendly cruise ships for booking your next vacation.

The 7 Best Family-Friendly Cruise Lines

1. disney cruise line.

Discover how enchanting life at sea can be on a Disney Cruise Line.

Entertainment of all kinds awaits you. If you want to splash and play on your family vacation, you can ride the AquaDunk or AquaDuck water coasters, romp in Donald’s Pool or Goofy’s Pool, or enjoy the sparkling pool at Mickey’s AquaLab.

Pools are also divided for guests of varying ages, such as the Quiet Cove Pool for guests 18 and older, splash pads for kids three and under, and Satellite Falls for adults.

Live performances and musicals give each night a magical feel, while karaoke, trivia, and Disney character meet and greets ensure every minute aboard is exciting.

There are even kids’ clubs to give parents a break to enjoy nightclubs, fitness facilities, or the adults-only pool.

Your cruise will stop at Castaway Cay if visiting a Caribbean or Bahamian island. This island is exclusively for cruise line guests. Your day at Castaway Cay will include food and refreshments, beach access, pools and water slides, trails, and yoga classes.

Oh, and there’s all-you-can-eat ice cream, which will delight children of all ages.

The family-centric staterooms offer television with in-room movies, a fridge, plenty of storage, and split bathrooms so the family can maintain its privacy.

Disney Cruise Lines can take you across the Transatlantic, South Pacific, Panama Canal, Pacific Coast, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Hawaii, Europe, the Caribbean, Canada, Bermuda, Alaska, and the Bahamas.

» MORE: How Long Is Summer Break in Canada?

2. Norwegian Cruise Line

Take the family vacation of a lifetime on the Norwegian Cruise Line.

Its Freestyle Cruising allows you to plan your vacation just the way you like it. Enjoy long-running, Tony Award-nominated musicals or top-notch concerts.

Family fun awaits at every turn, such as arcades, pinball, water slides and pools, rock-climbing walls, mini golf, and plenty of other organized sports like soccer, baseball, basketball, and bowling.

The ThrillPlex offers activities that will make your kids smile from ear to ear. How does a rousing game of family laser tag sound? Or maybe you want to climb a ropes course or race on a track to see who’s the fastest? The ThrillPlex has all that and more.

Eat well no matter the cuisine you and the family crave, from simple burgers to Brazilian steakhouses, Japanese food, seafood, or global cuisine. Some establishments offer buffet-style dining, and others are open 24 hours so you can always fill your belly.

The sizable suites and staterooms are family-friendly and accommodate larger groups of up to eight. Your room includes concierge and butler service, large rooms for privacy, and a balcony you’ll love to look out from.

Norwegian Cruise Lines visit Asia, New England, Florida, Alaska, the Bahamas, Canada, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, Europe, and Hawaii. You can also take special cruise tours or music-themed cruises.

3. Royal Caribbean International

Experience the world’s wonders on a Royal Caribbean International cruise line.

You won’t want for much, as the various ships under the Royal Caribbean umbrella promise fun and excitement from the moment you step onto the ship until you disembark.

You can take dance classes, check out a virtual concert, strategize to get out of an escape room, and eat to your heart’s (and stomach’s) content.

The youth programs feature an Imagination Studio for kids to explore and express their creative sides. Older kids can become junior scientists at the Adventure Science Lab, while the Teen Lounge keeps similarly-aged kids entertained.

Activities like story time, theater, art, and science will enchant the young’uns, who you will definitely want to bring, as kids sail free.

Cruise the world on a Royal Caribbean ship, including the Bahamas, Alaska, New England, the Caribbean, New Zealand, Asia, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, the Panama Canal, Hawaii, the Transpacific, Transatlantic, South Pacific, or Pacific Northwest.

» MORE: How Long Is Summer Break in Australia?

4. Carnival Cruise Line

It’s time to get away on a Carnival Cruise Line.

This vacation experience can be anything you want, from relaxing and rejuvenating (with adult-only retreats and spas) to exciting with breathtakingly tall water slides, Family Feud Live, and the SkyRide overlooking the ocean.

The kids can hop around and burn off energy at the bungee Sky Zone, make a new friend at the Build-A-Bear Workshop at Sea, play mini golf, spend the day at the arcade, or compete in a friendly game of basketball.

Camp Ocean keeps kids between 2 and 11 years old busy, and Circle “C” is for older kids between 12 and 14.

Of course, with a ropes course, IMAX theaters, and a space program for kids 2 to 11, there’s always something for families to do together.

A stateroom or suite can accommodate your entire brood, whether there are only a few of you or a larger group. The rooms have an extra bathroom, a TV, and climate control.

Some rooms even connect so your kids can feel independent while you keep a watchful eye over them.

A Carnival Cruise Line vacation can take you across Greenland, the Panama Canal, Asia, the South Pacific, the Transatlantic, New Guinea, the South Pacific, New Zealand, the Panama Canal, Hawaii, New England, the Bahamas, Canada, Alaska, Europe, the Transpacific, Bermuda, and the Bahamas.

5. Princess Cruises

Perhaps a vacation on a Princess Cruise Line is what your family needs.

Onboard activities for all tastes are available. Princess and Discovery have an immersive, unique Discovery at SEA Enrichment Program that lets you see this planet and its inhabitants in engaging ways.

The Festivals of the World Program will introduce your family (especially the kiddos) to new cultures as they celebrate Mexican fiestas, Carnaval de Panama, Celtic Festival, and more.

Take a dip in a pool, chill out in a hot tub, play every sport imaginable (from shuffleboard to mini golf), and catch a tan at the Reef Family Splash Zone, a mini water park with games, pools, and water features.

So where would you and the family like to go?

You can take a short excursion that lasts between three and six days or visit such parts of the world as the South Pacific, Panama Canal, Europe, Tahiti, Asia, Hawaii, Mexico, the Caribbean, New England, Antarctica, Japan, South America, Canada, New Zealand, the Pacific Coast, Australia, and California.

World cruises are also available.

» MORE: How Long Is Summer Break in Japan?

6. MSC Cruises

Immerse yourself in coastal wonder on an MSC Cruise.

You and your family will find it exceptionally easy to plan your itinerary both day and night. How does a family disco sound after dark, or a family game show that includes selfie, music, and dance challenges?

That’s only scratching the surface! The 4D cinema experience makes you feel like you’re racing on a freeway or experiencing other immersive scenes without leaving your seat. The Robotron is a thrilling amusement ride, and the Flight Simulator lets you take to the skies while still safely on the ship.

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.

The family-friendly staterooms include buffet access and a discounted drink package so you can feed the family for less.

An MSC Cruise will take you across New England, Asia, South Africa, South America, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, Canada, Bermuda, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean.

7. Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises are catered to families, with excursions, programs, and activities for kids and adults. They even offer autism-friendly activities, which are highly inclusive.

Imagine the look on your children’s faces when swimming with dolphins, exploring inactive volcanoes on foot, or seeing an exotic country from thousands of feet up in a plane! Celebrity Cruises makes it possible.

The kids and teen programs include Camp at Sea for kids between 3 and 12. Participants have themed parties, play sports, do arts and crafts, and engage in treasure hunts.

The Teen Club offers culinary classes, parties, and video game competitions.

The Retreat is the most family-friendly lodging option, as it includes more than 2,500 square feet of lounge space, an ample veranda, and a private sundeck.

Celebrity Cruises stop at more than 300 cruise ports, including Africa, New Zealand, Alaska, New England, Galapagos, the Caribbean, Europe, Bermuda, Asia, the Mediterranean, the Panama Canal, the Transatlantic, Mexico, the Pacific Coastal, South America, and the Transpacific.

The 12 Most Kid-Friendly Ships

You have some great ideas for where to book your next family cruise, but now the question is which ship specifically is right for your group?

I’m here to help you make this all-important choice by reviewing 12 of the best cruise ships for kids.

1. Disney Dream

Disney magic comes to life on the Disney Dream, an enchanting cruise experience.

The warm, opulent common areas add extravagance to your vacation, while kid-friendly activities and amenities will keep the young ones entertained.

Treat them to Vanellope’s Sweets, a candy shop with walls of candy as far as the eye can see. Disney entertainment comes to the big stages as only this brand can, with costumed characters singing, dancing, and entertaining guests all day or evening.

The staterooms have portholes that allow the kids to glance out at the ocean whenever they wish, and with family-centric amenities at every turn, you might not want to disembark!

2. Wonder of the Seas

The Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas embarks from Cape Canaveral and island hops the entire cruise, including a stop at Perfect Day at Coco Cay, the Royal Caribbean’s own private island only for cruise guests.

Kids will fall in love with the Wonder Playscape, which offers puzzles, games, climbing walls, and slides. Pool decks throughout will let you take a much-needed load off.

Perhaps you and the family are brave enough to try the 10-story Ultimate Abyss water slide!

Some staterooms overlook the majesty of the sea, and others have a virtual balcony. All rooms include Wi-Fi, spa features, and room service.

3. Disney Magic

You have so many ways to experience the wonder of a Disney Cruise Line vacation, including the Disney Magic.

This inviting ship is the home of D Lounge, the family-friendly hangout zone with dance parties, games, and hours upon hours of fun.

The kids can manage the Avengers during the Avenger’s Academy ride, visit the Mickey Mouse Club, receive a makeover at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (knights for boys and princesses for girls), or ride dizzying, spiraling water slides.

The nautical-themed staterooms are cozy and spacious for families, and split bathrooms, portholes, and private verandas also set the mood.

4. Symphony of the Seas

Calling itself “The Sound of Wonder,” the Symphony of the Seas through the Royal Caribbean is new and improved for families.

Hit up Sugar Beach and buy some candy, ride three water slides in one on The Perfect Storm, or learn to hang ten on the FlowRider. You’ll spend the days in the most fun ways possible.

Wonderland has whimsical food the kids will go gaga over. There are cocktails for the parents that are just as inspired.

Snuggle up to the Ultimate Family Suite, which boasts a private game room, a hot tub, table tennis facilities, and karaoke.

5. Mardi Gras

Carnival’s Mardi Gras is one of its latest and greatest creations, so you should expect the ultimate in entertainment.

Take a ride on the Bolt sea coaster for some exciting thrills. You can also spend a sunny day at the WaterWorks water park with a dumping bucket and countless water slides, then close out the day by seeing a show. It’s all waiting for you.

The Family Harbor Staterooms in the Family Harbor Lounge is where you need to be. Kids eat free at most restaurants in the lounge, and you can take advantage of entertainment like board games and movies. Babysitting is also available.

6. MSC Meraviglia

Departing from Florida, the Bahamas, and Bermuda, set sail for a world of adventure aboard the MSG Meraviglia. This ship sails to New England and Canada and delights the entire voyage.

Stroll through the 315-foot Galleria Meraviglia promenade, shopping, grabbing a bite to eat, or simply enjoying the beauty of it all.

Dive into the Horizon pool, which is open day and night (although there are dances and parties at night, so maybe visit sans kids).

Your kids will adore the F1 simulators, full-sized bowling alley, sportsplex, and Polar Aquapark with its sloping, looping enclosed slides.

Mini and Juniors Clubs give the kids a safe and fun place to play if you need to drop them off, as the rooms are bright, colorful, and full of toys.

7. Disney Wish

The Disney Cruise Line collection has recently expanded, adding Disney Wish to the ever-growing fleet. This ship has some claims to fame you’ll only find here, such as theatrical Frozen or Avengers -themed dining experiences.

Be one of the first to experience the Disney Unchartered Adventure, an immersive water experience with more than 700 feet of tubes and music, animations, special effects, and lighting. The experience ends by riding down a lazy river, so dress to get wet!

The Hero Zone is another standout the kids should love. They can compete with one another gameshow-style, play on the game floor or playground, and see who’s victorious on the sports court.

8. Carnival Panorama

Set sail to the Transpacific and Mexico on the Carnival Panorama through a Carnival Cruise Line. The 1,055-foot ship that weighs over 133,000 tons will put the whole family in a festive mood.

Laugh until you cry at The Punchliner Comedy Club, which also offers entertainment for adults.

The Carnival Panorama has plenty of Dr. Suess-themed entertainment the young ones will love, such as Dr. Suess Bookville, the Suess-a-palooza Parade, the Suess-a-palooza Story Time, and the Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast.

Zumbini is a Zumba class for kids two to five that will have their little bodies moving and grooving. There’s also a Night Owls overnight stay for the children, which is like one big sleepover!

9. Allure of the Seas

Royal Caribbean International invites families to sail away on the Allure of the Seas, an award-winning ship for family entertainment.

Included with your stay are kids and teen programs and access to the H2O Zone Water Park. The park boasts waterfalls, water cannons, pools, and sculptures the kids can climb. Geysers send water high into the sky, splashing down and refreshing your children all afternoon.

Dry off and play table tennis, ride a zipline, partake in an interactive game show, or watch an outdoor movie under the stars in the pool. The projector screen is 220 feet so there isn’t a bad seat in the house!

10. Norwegian Joy

The Norwegian Joy starts in the Mexican Riviera and wraps up its journey at the Panama Canal but alternately travels from Miami to the Caribbean. The ship is nearly 1,100 feet long and weighs more than 160,000 tons, so she’s quite heavy.

Fostering family togetherness on a ship like the Norwegian Joy is simple. You can take the twists and turns behind the wheel of the Joy Speedway, play a heart-thumping game of laser tag, or tee off at mini golf.

There’s so much more here. The Galaxy Pavilion offers a thrilling race-themed dark ride. Get your kicks at the Aqua Park, a water park for tweens and teens. The Norwegian Joy even has a Kids’ Aqua Park for the little ones.

11. Celebrity Equinox

Make your next family vacation something truly special on the Celebrity Equinox through the Celebrity Cruise Line. Deck 15 has all the amenities a family needs.

For instance, you and the kids can learn how to blow glass at the Hot Glass Studio, which is not something you see on every cruise ship.

How about some croquet or bocce on the Lawn Club? The kids’ club will watch your children between three and 12, offering lunch, dinner, and overnight stays if needed, and the ship even offers babysitting services in your cabin.

12. Norwegian Encore

Traverse the world on the Norwegian Encore, traveling from Alaska to Seattle or from the Caribbean to Miami. Adventure calls on the Encore, including many of the fun activities for families featured on other Norwegian cruise ships.

Best Cruise Lines for Families

Finding a cruise vacation that meets the needs of every family member can be tough. While you may be in search of some

Finding a cruise vacation that meets the needs of every family member can be tough. While you may be in search of some peace and quiet, the kids will probably be eager to play. To help you find a cruise that fits your family's needs, U.S. News ranked the best cruise lines for families using a methodology that factors in health ratings, reputation among experts and approval among families with both younger and older kids.

Read Best Cruises Methodology

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Disney Cruise Line

From its signature Mickey's Sail-A-Wave Party to its pirate-themed dinners, Disney attracts passengers looking for a full roster of entertainment options. Passengers can enjoy kid-friendly dining venues and amenities, plus visits from Disney characters like Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Pluto. The line's cruise ships also offer adults-only dining areas, quiet pool spots and nightlife options.

4.46 Overall Rating
5 Ships in Fleet

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean offers onboard amenities and a variety of sailings that cater to cruisers of all ages. Some of the line's cruise ships feature rock climbing walls and ice rinks, while others boast zip lines, bumper cars and waterslides. Every ship also hosts fun and educational programs for kids and teens, plus a variety of evening shows, bars and lounges for older travelers.

4.17 Overall Rating
25 Ships in Fleet

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival's frequent sales and budget-friendly fares mean you and your cruising crew can save some money on a voyage filled with family-friendly perks. Cruise ships are outfitted with water parks, basketball courts and ropes courses to entertain kids of all ages. Meanwhile, grown-ups can head to the spa, the casino or the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat.

3.90 Overall Rating

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian greets families with colorful cruise ships, ample onboard amenities and children's clubs. While adults are relaxing at the spa or gambling at the casino, kids can attend supervised youth programs where they can learn to juggle, enjoy arts and crafts or attend themed parties. Plus, children's menus are available in all of the line's restaurants, including specialty eateries.

3.97 Overall Rating
19 Ships in Fleet

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises' ships feature kids and teen clubs with activities like LEGO games, dance classes and sports tournaments. What's more, the whole family can enjoy onboard swimming pools and waterslides (on select ships). Families can also purchase the MSC Fun Pass to access special amenities like flight simulators, a bowling alley and the XD Interactive Cinema.

3.79 Overall Rating
22 Ships in Fleet

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

The 5 best cruise lines for families

The best cruise lines for families allow parents and kids to have fun together and apart while taking the stress out of group travel.

Our favorite family ships mix wow-factor activities with attractive kids clubs, plentiful and convenient dining and thoughtful touches like bathtubs and babysitting.

Your family might be happy anywhere there's a beach or pool, but if you want an at-sea family vacation you'll always remember, book a sailing on one of our top five cruise lines for families.

Interested in more tips and tricks for cruises? Sign up for TPG's free cruise newsletter .

Disney Cruise Line

No one will be surprised that entertainment juggernaut Disney offers an amazing family cruise experience.

Disney Cruise Line ships are known for meet-and-greets with Mickey Mouse and Disney princesses, interactive movie-themed dining experiences and enormous kids clubs and play areas.

What might surprise the uninitiated is how good the line is at taking care of the whole family, not just the Mouse-obsessed little ones.

Disney thinks of all the little things that can help parents have a stress-free trip with kids in tow. From split bathrooms (allowing one family member to take a bath while another uses the toilet) to waiters who will cut up your child's food, Disney Cruise Line takes the pressure off parents.

While other cruise lines limit water play to kids who are toilet trained and drop-off child care to ages 3 and up, Disney caters to all kids with onboard splash areas and nurseries.

It also offers adults-only pool decks and restaurants, a nightlife scene and couples spa treatments to revive exhausted parents who haven't had a date in months.

Teens might roll their eyes at the ever-present Mickeys, but Disney Cruise Line does not ignore its older kid guests. Tweens and teens get their own cool hangouts, Edge and Vibe, with video games, foosball and hip seating areas.

Additionally, first-run movies and Broadway-caliber musicals, waterslides, teen spa treatments and grab-and-go food options (and free room service) keep older kids busy and happy.

Disney Wish and soon-to-debut Disney Treasure feature sports areas for free play and competitions attractive to this age group.

Related: The 7 best cruise ships for kids

Royal Caribbean

With some of the biggest ships at sea and an amusement park-like private island in the Bahamas, Royal Caribbean is one of the best cruise lines for active families.

Want to try surfing, sky diving, rock climbing, laser tag, go-karts or zip lining? Families don't have to leave the ship to get their adrenaline highs.

Even the sedentary pursuits are high-octane on Royal Caribbean. Broadway musicals, festive parades, water acrobatic performances and ice skating shows wow the crowds on sea days.

Expansive play spaces for kids include separate clubs for teens and tweens, plus drop-off nurseries for babies.

Parents can sneak off to the adults-only solarium or thermal suite while the kids live it up at cruise camp.

After a hard day of play, worn-out families can refuel at a variety of restaurants, including burger and milkshake mecca Johnny Rockets, Italian and Mexican eateries and an all-day buffet.

Family cabins and connecting staterooms give larger families their needed space. The Ultimate Family Suite on Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas can sleep eight, but parents and kids alike might be tempted to stay up late playing air hockey, scrambling up the climbing wall, soaking in the private outdoor hot tub or watching the giant TV.

When Icon of the Seas debuts in 2024, the new megaship will offer an entire section of the ship devoted to family-friendly accommodations and an outdoor dining-and-play space targeted at parents with young children.

Related: The best cruises for teens

Carnival Cruise Line

Practicalities first: Carnival Cruise Line is an affordable and convenient cruise line for families who don't live the jet-set lifestyle. With home ports all around the U.S., Carnival puts its ships within driving distance of many Americans.

A variety of short-cruise destinations, affordable-yet-spacious inside cabins (they can sleep four) and lots of onboard attractions and restaurants included in the fares combine to make it one of the best-value cruise lines afloat.

Carnival doesn't dub its fleet the Fun Ships for nothing. The whole family will have a blast on board, whether you like getting down to live music, busting a gut at family-friendly comedy shows, getting soaked at an onboard water park or eating green eggs and ham with Dr. Seuss characters.

The cruise line also embraces simple pleasures like free-flowing soft-serve ice cream and pizza and a day spent lounging by the pool.

Families don't need to pull out their wallets to feed ravenous teens or sugar-fueled children. Guy Fieri burgers and barbecue, burritos for breakfast and lunch and Shaquille O'Neal's fried chicken are all included in your cruise fares. No one's going to make you dress up for dinner, either.

Carnival ships have plenty of cabins that can sleep four or five passengers, but its newest ships truly treat families right. Book a Family Harbor cabin or suite and get access to a family lounge stocked with all the essentials — snacks and coffee, games, Wi-Fi, movies and a concierge to make bookings so mom and dad can spend more time playing with the kids.

MSC Cruises

The underdog on our list, MSC Cruises might not be a household name yet, but any cruise line that has a partnership with Lego should be on every family's radar.

As the Mediterranean line grows its U.S.-based fleet, it is staying attuned to the needs of traveling families.

Case in point: Larger family groups don't have to cram into one cabin or be scattered across the ship. Instead, they can select from a variety of connecting cabins that can accommodate up to 10 people.

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.

Related: Kids cruise free: 7 cruise lines offering family deals in 2023

Speaking of kids clubs, MSC's ships offer play spaces for babies, kids, tweens and teens. Its ships not only offer a drop-off Baby Club with educational toys by Chicco but also a special baby laundry service to take care of that pile of dirty onesies.

Kids club activities go beyond arts and crafts and video games to include cooking events, sports competitions and hi-tech interactive games. Teens can sing karaoke, dance at the onboard disco and attend themed parties with their new friends.

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.

One of the line's newest ships, MSC Seascape, features Robotron, a three-seat robotic amusement ride that's a hit with thrill-seeking families.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line is all about giving cruisers options to create different versions of the perfect cruise vacation, all within the same ship.

The flexibility and choice make it one of the best cruise lines for families, especially those who need to satisfy diverse interests or get bored with the same activities day after day.

Kids clubs and adults-only sun decks allow for age-appropriate fun time apart, but Norwegian wants families to have fun together. Teaming up for laser tag, mastering a ropes course, singing along to a Broadway musical or live concert or screaming down a waterslide are guaranteed to create those unbreakable family bonds.

Norwegian's flexible dining system and a plethora of onboard eateries let families plan meals to suit their schedules and tastes.

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.

The cruise line also gets a shoutout for its family-friendly Hawaii itineraries. The only big-ship cruise line that sails weeklong itineraries round trip from Honolulu, Norwegian provides an easy way for families to visit multiple islands.

Beach time, boat rides, water sports, luaus and volcano tours combine for an epic family trip, with the ship taking the stress out of meals and transportation.

Bottom line

Families can have a great time on any cruise line, hanging out by the pool, visiting exciting new destinations and simply spending time together. But if you're looking for a ship that really caters to kids and their adult companions, you'll want to book a vacation on one of these five best cruise lines for families.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
Top ways cruisers waste money
The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

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The 11 Best Cruise Lines and Ships for Families and Kids in 2024

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The 11 Best Cruise Lines and Ships for Families and Kids in 2024

Family-friendly cruise amenities, cruise types and destinations, the 5 best cruise lines for families and kids, the 6 best luxury cruise lines for families, final thoughts.

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Cruising has long been a popular way for people to travel, especially for those that are retired. There’s something about getting to enjoy an endless amount of food, drinks, and onboard activities while the ship takes you from one destination to another. It’s surely a tempting way to see the world.

As cruise lines including Carnival and Royal Caribbean continue to introduce show-stopping attractions that kids love, such as roller coasters and laser tag, families are getting more and more into cruising, too.

However, as with any vacation parents and families consider taking with kids, we have to ask: what are the best cruise lines for families?

The answer is, it depends.

Just like when you choose a hotel, families look for certain amenities for a cruise vacation.

Entertaining kids on any vacation is usually top of mind when planning a trip. A kid-friendly cruise line will have entertainment for its youngest sailors . Kids’ and teens’ clubs, pools, and water slides are just a few of the kid-specific amenities that you’ll find on a lot of the cruises on this list.

Higher-end cruise lines like expedition cruises offer robust educational programs for kids as well as adults. A family-friendly cruise might also have a place for the adults to relax such as a spa or adults-only area.

The cabin size matters, too, just as it would at a traditional hotel or resort .

Larger families may prefer a suite over an inside cabin. But either way, the square footage matters — even more so if you’ll spend quite a bit of your time onboard the ship.

And lastly, food might be a factor in deciding what cruise line would be best for your family. Luxury cruise lines such as Regent Seven Seas and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will no doubt have a superb menu, but they may not be expert kid-pleasers like Disney Cruise Line when it comes to food.

Ocean Cay is MSC Cruises' private island in the Bahamas.

There are 3 types of cruises to choose from — ocean, river, and expedition cruises.

Ocean cruises are what most people have in mind when they think of taking a cruise. Most cruise lines have at least a few ocean cruise ships in their portfolio and they most popularly frequent the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska , and Hawaii.

River cruises have traditionally been more popular with older cruisers but are now appealing to the younger crowds as well. River cruises can be found throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa. Most cruise lines don’t have kid or family programs and some outright don’t allow kids under 18, though Adventures by Disney and AmaWaterways have partnered to offer river cruising for families (more on that later).

And finally, expedition cruises take adventure-seekers to curious and far-flung destinations like the Arctic, Antarctica , the Galapagos , and the Amazon. Expedition boats are much smaller than ocean liners, and the offerings on board are usually more tailored to history and education on expedition cruises .

With all of that in mind, here are the best cruise lines for families and kids.

Hot Tip: Consider our guides to the best websites to book cruises at the cheapest prices , and make sure to use one of our recommended credit cards for booking cruises .

1. Disney Cruise Line

Destinations :

Australia and New Zealand
Pacific Coast
Panama Canal
South Pacific

Number of Ships : 5

Disney Cruise Line is at the top of this list because it does a really fantastic job of catering to every member of the family. It has managed to bring the magic of Disney theme parks to the middle of the ocean — even the fireworks shows.

There are only 5 ships in Disney Cruise Lines’ portfolio, but Disney has plenty of cruise itineraries to choose from. It sails to popular destinations as well as unique places that families might not have considered, such as the Norwegian Fjords .

Sailings feature character experiences just like at the Disney theme parks. You’ll also find live shows, a spa, nightclubs, and lounges. Each ship also has various kids’ clubs for passengers as young as 3 years old (a fee-based nursery is available for kids under 3), as well as pools with waterslides and aqua play areas. Older kids can enjoy a little independence in spaces designed just for them where they can play video games, watch TV, and meet other kids their age.

Dining options aboard Disney cruises include main and casual dining as well as adult-exclusive dining options. There are almost a dozen restaurants, cafes, and snack shops on each ship. Some nod to beloved Disney movie characters, like Lumiere’s on Disney Magic and Tiana’s Place on Disney Wonder.

Within each ship, there are 4 categories of staterooms: Inside, Oceanview, Oceanview with Verandah, and Concierge. Within most categories are family rooms with bunk beds as well as accessible rooms.

Shore excursions include private tours, culinary adventures, and accessible excursions in more than 25 countries. Guests especially love Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay , when cruising select Caribbean itineraries.

2. Royal Caribbean

Destinations:

Arabian Gulf and North Africa
North America
South America

Number of Ships: 27

Royal Caribbean has a whopping 27 cruise ships in its portfolio with another, Utopia of The Seas, scheduled for delivery in 2024.

The cruise line features the world’s largest ships and the tallest water slide at sea . From arcades to roller coasters, there is never any shortage of thrill-seeking activities to find on board any Royal Caribbean cruise.

If you and your family want to make the most of a Royal Caribbean cruise, you’ll want to check out Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class and Amplified ships . These classes of ships feature even more exciting attractions including glow-in-the-dark laser tag and several on-deck pools.

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.

Royal Caribbean also has a private island exclusively for its guests . Coco Cay is located in the Bahamas and features a 13-slide water park as well as the region’s largest wave pools and freshwater pools.

Kids always sail free on Royal Caribbean cruises.

3. Carnival Cruise Line

A woman rides the Skyride on a Carnival Cruise ship.

Australia and the Great Barrier Reef
Canada and New England
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea

Number of Ships : 24

Carnival Cruise Line has a reputation for being a party cruise line. However, the prices can rarely be beaten, which a lot of family travelers can appreciate.

Similar to Royal Caribbean, Carnival likes to wow its guests with nonstop fun. The onboard attraction Bolt Ultimate Sea Coaster — the first rollercoaster at sea — can be found on 2 of its ships: Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration .

There are 4 standard cabin types on Carnival cruise ships: Interior, Ocean View, Balcony, and Suite. There are also specialty rooms on select ships.

Family Harbor staterooms and suites are located near Family Harbor Lounges and come with a free evening of Night Owls babysitting, among other perks. Cloud 9 Spa staterooms and suites offer Elemis toiletries, spa-branded bathrobes and slippers, and priority spa reservations. And lastly, Havana staterooms and suites are located close to the Havana Bar and Pool. Some suites come with hammock chairs in the outdoor area.

New Orleans native and Food Network star Emeril Lagasse is the newest Chief Culinary Officer for all 24 ships with 3 original restaurants. There are plenty of dining options to choose from across the fleet with cuisines including Italian, Creole, burgers, and teppanyaki.

Onboard activities include Family Feud Live, waterslides, karaoke, and The Punchliner Comedy Club. Most but not all activities are included in the cruise fare. The IMAX theater and a few other attractions incur an additional cost.

Family-friendly excursions and tours include a wildlife safari and beach bonfire on an Alaskan cruise, panoramas and painting in Grand Turk, and a stingray adventure in the Bahamas.

Carnival has a private island that it shares exclusively with Holland America called Half Moon Cay.

4. Norwegian Cruise Line

NCL sports gallery ropes course mini golf

Destinations

Mediterranean

Number of Ships : 19

Norwegian Cruise Line is best known for being the most innovative cruise line . Notably, it has done away with traditional cruise concepts such as inflexible dining schedules and even dress codes.

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 . The 2 ships in this class, Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Breakaway , each have a capacity of about 4,000 passengers. Between the 2 of them, they sail all over the world.

What makes this class of ships on Norweigan Cruise Lines so appealing to families is that it feels like a floating resort. These are the second-largest ships in Norwegian’s fleet. Activities on either ship include multiple pools, a waterpark, and even a full-size ropes course.

The stateroom categories aboard both the Norwegian Getaway and the Norwegian Breakaway include Studio, Inside, Oceanview, Balcony, Spa, Club Balcony Suite, and The Haven. Within those categories are another 30 stateroom types to choose from, including a 2-bedroom family villa . The Haven is an exclusive set of staterooms at the top level of the ship that features a 24-hour butler, concierge service, and sundeck.

In addition to room service, guests aboard Breakaway Class Norwegian Cruise Line ships can enjoy almost 2 dozen restaurants and bars. Not every restaurant is included in your cruise fare. Specialty dining options include seafood restaurant Ocean Blue, Brazilian steakhouse Moderno Churrascaria, and French restaurant Le Bistro.

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.

5. MSC Cruises

Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar
Northern Europe
South Africa

Number of ships : 19

MSC Cruises is a European-based cruise company with a growing footprint in North America and the Caribbean. It’s known for offering an affordable cruise option without a lot of the fluff of other cruise lines.

Even without a rollercoaster that jets out over the sea, MSC Cruises is still a popular option for family travelers.

For family cruisers in particular, MSC offers family excursions with special pricing for kids, and tours designed to be interactive as well as educational . There are also kids’ clubs aboard their ships in addition to the LEGO Experience on Board, which is a day dedicated to LEGO activities for the whole family.

Select ships feature a fully-immersive virtual reality experience, a movie theater, and an arcade room.

Passengers can expect the typical array of dining options aboard MSC Cruises as well as a special kids’ corner available at the buffet. There’s also a dessert corner and a wellness corner.

There are simply 4 stateroom categories aboard most MSC ships: Interior, Oceanview, Balcony, and MSC Yacht Club. Within the highest category of staterooms, MSC Yacht Club, guests can expect 24-hour butler service, complimentary access to the Thermal Suite in the MSC Aurea Spa, relaxation amenities, and more.

For some families, a megaresort — or in the case here, a mega ship — just isn’t the way you’d like to spend your time on vacation.

There are more upscale and low-key cruise lines that cater to more discerning travel habits while also considering the needs of your youngest family members. In the luxury cruise category, you’ll find expedition and river cruises.

Luxury cruise lines come with a higher financial investment than the cruise lines listed above, but in return, you’ll find more inclusions, often better food, and far fewer onboard guests .

They also admittedly don’t offer as many action-packed attractions on board and some do not cater to especially young children. However, the cruise lines on this list each have unique kids and teens programs that you should be aware of.

Here are the best luxury cruise lines for families.

1. Celebrity Cruises

Number of Ships : 16

Celebrity Cruises features large ships but aims to provide a more high-end experience than you’ll find on cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises. It also does a great job of catering to multi-generational cruisers .

Camp at Sea is Celebrity Cruises’ kids’ club for kids 3 to 17 years old. Camp is open every day from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and is broken into 4 age groups. Activities range from arts and crafts for the youngest age group to video game tournaments, scavenger hunts, and movie nights for older kids.

Family-friendly excursions include cultural tours, water sports, volcano and glacier hikes, and swimming with dolphins.

There are 4 classes of cruise ships offered by Celebrity Cruises: Edge Class (its newest and most innovative), Solstice Class, Millenium Class, and Galapagos Vessels.

Hot Tip: Cruisers say that Celebrity Equinox is the most family-friendly Celebrity ship thanks to 2 kids’ programs only available on this ship as well as over 100 adjoining cabins.

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.

There are a dozen dining options across each ship such as the French restaurant Normandie or the Mediterranean eatery Cyprus Restaurant. Specialty dining options include Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud, Raw on 5 Restaurant serving fresh seafood, and Fine Cut Steakhouse.

2. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

The Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection debuts

Northern Europe and the Baltic

Number of Ships : 1

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection struggled to set sail when its first yacht was delivered during the height of the pandemic. But Ritz-Carlton hotel loyalists, eager to experience the 5-star hospitality at sea, waited patiently for the first yacht to embark. That finally happened late last year.

Its solo yacht Evrima , which is the Greek word for “discovery,” will be joined by Ilma in 2024.

Guests aboard a Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection vessel can expect the same service they would on land, including the Ritz Kids program. At Ritz Kids, children ages 4 to 12 years old have the opportunity to participate in unique activities based on where they’re traveling . Programming mainly focuses on sustainability, marine life, sailing, and arts and culture.

There’s not an expectation for the yachts to frequently be teeming with children, but the cruise line expects to host more young passengers during summer and holiday school breaks.

The all-suite Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection features ocean views from every room, as well as 6 restaurants and in-suite dining. Guests can enjoy Southeast Asian cuisine from contemporary restaurant Talaat Nam or check out Mediterranean restaurant Mistral.

Ritz-Carlton is a Marriott Bonvoy brand and as such, you can earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy points when sailing the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection . You’ll earn 5 points per $1 spent on the price of your cruise and hotel package and 1 Elite Night Credit per night of your sailing. Redemptions start at 180,000 Bonvoy points to save $1,000, followed by 90,000-point increments to save $500. Redeeming points this way is a tough sell, but the earning isn’t too bad, especially paired with a Marriott Bonvoy credit card ..

3. Lindblad Expeditions

Central America
French Polynesia
Vietnam and Cambodia

Lindblad Expeditions aims to be the premier expedition cruise line. Its National Geographic Global Explorers program offers exclusive and family-friendly programming for kids and teens.

Expedition cruises are all about exploring remote destinations like Antarctica, the Galapagos Islands, and the Amazon. Expedition passengers can expect expert-led educational tours and excursions, and smaller ships that cater to less than 100 people .

With the National Geographic Global Explorers program, kids and teens get hands-on experience collecting and analyzing samples, learn how to take field notes, and even learn how to take slow-motion and timelapse videos to document their findings. The National Geographic Global Explorers program can be found on cruises to Antarctica, Alaska, Baja California, and Galápagos.

Lindblad Expeditions ships carry as few as 28 guests and at most 148. As such, cabins and suites vary across the company’s fleet of ships. 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. As a tip, the best way to book a Lindblad Expedition cruise with your family may be to work with a travel advisor to ensure that you’re making the right investment.

Expedition cruisers seem to be less concerned about the dining options, however, Lindblad does boast that the dining is delicious and sustainably sourced.

4. Paul Gauguin Cruises

Paul Gaugin cruise Tahiti environment kids program

Cook Islands
Society Islands

Paul Gauguin Cruises specializes in luxury cruises in Tahiti, Fiji, and the South Pacific. With just 1 cruise ship in its fleet, Paul Gauguin takes cruisers to ports that larger cruise ships can’t access.

The Gauguin has a limited capacity of 330 guests . Featuring a spa, 3 dining venues, and an onboard watersports marina, the ship is mostly informal luxury.

The Moana Explorer Program , in partnership with marine education and conservation foundation “Te mana o te moana,” teaches kids ages 7 to 15 about the wonders of the South Pacific.

Only available on summer and holiday sailings, the free program includes activities such as naturalist-led island and beach excursions, crafts, and science. Other fun ways that kids can spend their time aboard The Gauguin are with treasure hunts, stargazing, and designing their own Polynesian tattoos.

All 3 of the dining venues aboard The Gauguin offer a well-thought-out menu with both formal and informal dining options. La Veranda offers alfresco dining inspired by the destinations the ship sails to, Le Grill serves a buffet breakfast, grilled lunch favorites, salads, and tropical fruits, and L’Etoile is the main dining option and serves a fine dining menu with complimentary wine pairings.

5. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

Cap'n Knof welcomes families aboard every Hapa Lloyd Cruise.

Middle East
Pacific and South Seas

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has been called “the most luxurious cruise line you’ve never heard of” by Cruise Critic and is frequently featured on lists of the best cruises for families.

The cruise line claims to pay the same amount of attention to the children and teenagers onboard as the adults. Cap’n Knof, Hapag-Lloyd’s mascot, welcomes each family on board every sailing and participates in games with guests.

Childcare offers vary across the 5 ships. However, sailors can expect a kids’ club for children as young as 4 years old on Europa and Europa 2, the cruise line’s 2 ocean liners. Activities include language classes, unique children’s excursions designed around the interests of the kids onboard, and even spa treatments for kids as young as 8 years old.

Unfortunately, there is no kids program on the cruise lines’ 3 expedition ships: Hanseatic Nature, Hanseatic Inspiration, and Hanseatic Spirit .

Children 11 years old and younger sail free on Hapag-Lloyd Cruises and receive reduced pricing on arrival and departure packages.

6. Adventures by Disney River Cruises

Danube River
Rhine River
Seine River

Number of Ships : 4

In partnership with AmaWaterways, Adventures by Disney River Cruises offer families an opportunity to experience river cruising that caters to them.

AmaWaterways is a leader in luxury river cruising, with destinations that include the Nile River in Egypt and the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia, in addition to its European river cruises.

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.

Hints of Disney can be found throughout the ship just as on Disney Cruise Line ocean ships. Mouse-shaped treats and Disney-themed karaoke are just a few of the features you’ll find on board.

Stateroom configurations range from inside to suites and can accommodate between 2 and 4 guests. Dining on board varies depending on the ship that’s sailing. This information can be found on the highlights page of each sailing’s itinerary.

Hot Tip: Adults who love Disney but prefer to travel without kids can sail on Adventures by Disney adult-exclusive sailings.

If a family cruise vacation is on your list, you’ve got plenty of options to choose from. Whether you prefer nonstop energy and lots of things to do or a more laid-back and low-key vibe with luxury amenities and excursions, there is a cruise line for you and your family.

Thrill seekers and budget-conscious travelers will find a great balance on cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and MSC Cruises. And luxury travelers interested in expeditions and educational cruising with their families will be delighted to cruise with Lindblad Expeditions, Celebrity Cruises, and the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. Those interested in river cruising can also bring the kids along on Adventures by Disney River Cruises in Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is royal caribbean or carnival more kid-friendly.

Though Royal Caribbean and Carnival cater to families, they differ in several ways. Carnival is more affordable and offers more family-friendly amenities. Royal Caribbean offers a slightly higher-end experience and thrilling, adventure-filled activities and attractions onboard.

What is the highest quality cruise line?

The best cruise lines in the world are ranked each year and categorized by type of ship, not exactly the highest quality. This would depend on the type of cruise you’d like to take. In 2022, Conde Nast Traveler’s Reader’s Choice Awards ranked Royal Caribbean as the best mega ship and Norwegian Cruise Line as the best large ship. Viking Ocean Cruises and Viking River Cruises won for best medium ship and best ocean ship, respectively. And, lastly, Ponant won for best Expedition cruise.

Are cruises family-friendly?

Whether a cruise is family-friendly depends on the type of cruise you’re taking and with which cruise line. The cruise lines listed above all have special programming for kids and guests of all ages.

What age group cruises most?

According to Cruise Critic, the general age range of cruisers is 30 to 80 years old. You’re not likely to find a cruise line or ship that exclusively caters to 1 age group.

Is it worth taking kids on a cruise?

This depends on what you like to do as a family. The right cruise will offer activities for adults as well as kids to ensure that everyone has an enjoyable trip.

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6 family-friendly cruise lines for a multi-generation cruise

We pick the best family-friendly cruise lines

Family. The one thing you value above all else. And what better way to spend time together than on a family cruise? It’s a perfect way to get the whole family together in one place, and here we look at the best family-friendly cruise lines.

On a family cruise, you never need to compromise. You decide exactly how you want to live, where to eat, and how to spend your days. Multi-generation cruising does offer something for everyone.

Quick navigation

Multi-generation cruising is more popular than ever before

Cruising takes on a whole new meaning when traveling with your family group. Multi-generation cruising is a growing trend as you discover what great value for money your family cruise offers. From youngest to oldest, you can be together as much as you please or take time for yourself on board. You can always meet up at the end of the day for those family dinners or nights at the theatre.

On a family cruise, kids and adults have many activities to choose from. Adults can feel like kids again, and the kids are creatively entertained from dawn until dusk! It’s also a fantastic way for grandparents to make memories with their grandchildren. And parents get a welcome break when grandparents can enjoy activities with the kids in a fun environment.

Wake up in a new port every day.

In addition to having a great time onboard, each day offers an opportunity to see something new together. Each day, stepping off the cruise ship and into a new port is just fantastic. You travel to a new city while you sleep and wake up to new sights and sounds daily. Multi-generation cruising allows you to create these memories for life with the people who mean the most to you.

Whether exploring by yourselves or with a group excursion, the sights, and sounds of a new destination ensure variety. The anticipation of meeting the locals, tasting fresh foods, and trying out new activities add to one unforgettable day. Times that by at least seven, and who can deny that a multi-generation cruising holiday is anything but fabulous?

Choosing cabins on the best family-friendly cruise lines

Cruise lines offer more family cabins and combined cabins than ever before. That means your family can select cabins that suit your budget. You can combine premium cabins – for example, grandma and grandpa, who may have a bigger budget – with standard family cabins. All while still living close by one another in the same area of the ship.

Things to consider before you book your multi-generation cruise

Which family members will live together in one cabin? You may decide you need, for example, two cabins that sleep four quests in each and two cabins that sleep two guests each. Tell your cruise consultant you are flexible, though other configurations may suit you and your pocket. For example, imagine if you are eight family members traveling together. Do you book a 2-bedroom suite for four guests plus a balcony room for four guests? Compare this to 4 cabins with two guests each, and you could get a much better price.

Do you need interconnecting doors on your family cruise? These cabins are great for adults with teenagers. You can be close but do not need to be all squeezed together in one cabin. Our tip is if you are a family of 4 sharing a cabin and the kids are young adults, book a family balcony cabin. You will be glad of the extra 4-6 square meters of space a balcony gives you.

Multi-generation cruising – cabin choice matters.

What kind of cabin do you want? You choose between inside cabins, window cabins, balcony cabins, or suites. Price will play a significant factor here. But sometimes, the price difference between a balcony cabin and a window cabin can be minimal, depending on where on board the cabin is located. Look out for any special offers or campaigns the cruise line is running.

Perhaps the senior members of your family will use a balcony more if they are relaxing in their cabin during the day or have a slower start to their mornings. At the same time, mums and dads with youngsters may not want a balcony at all, just a window. Teenagers sharing a room will most likely always be busy onboard. If they mainly use their cabin just for sleeping, perhaps an inside cabin without a window is enough, enabling you to save money.

Are there any parts of the ship you do not want to live close to? For example, a cabin close to elevators is excellent if you don’t want to walk so far. However, you may hear loud guests walking past at all hours. Cabins directly under pool decks or near the theatre can also be noisy.

You may want to avoid cabins at the front of the ship where the anchor is located. And the engines are at the back of the ship, and vibrations will be louder in these areas.

What is important to you is important to the cruise line. They want to keep you happy, so make sure you talk to them about the best options to suit your family on your multi-generation cruise.

Our top pick of the six best family-friendly cruise lines

When looking for family-friendly cruise lines and cruises for large multi-generational families, you will find that the Caribbean and Mediterranean offer extensive popular itineraries.

The largest cruise ships have more facilities, larger pool areas, and more family-based excursions. They are hard to beat when there is something for everyone of all ages. And these cruise ships offer endless activities and countless ways to have fun on board.

These cruise lines offer all this and much more:

Luxury cruise ships with fantastic amenities
Cabins to suit all family members
A vast array of activities for all ages
Awesome Kids Clubs

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line

Royal Caribbean’s big new mega-ships have a vast range of activities. The cruise line ensures families have a great time and is ideal for family and multi-generational cruising. It offers everything from surfboarding, ziplining, and carousels to top Broadway musicals, ice-cream stations, and phenomenal water slides. It’s hard to go wrong with Royal Caribbean.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Freestyle cruising approach is a hit with families of all ages who love the flexibility and no dress code. Many NCL restaurants have flexible dining options, great kids’ clubs, and exciting water parks. You do not need to pre-book anything; you do what you like when you like.

Watch out for their prices, though, and compare with other cruise lines – the price jump from inside and window cabins up to balcony options can be extreme. Otherwise, be sure to try and get a deal with their extra Free at Sea packages when booking (wifi, open bar, excursions, specialty dining, and additional guests). The extras can all add up on board when you have many guests in your group.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival offers excellent value for money. Most major cruise lines in the world are centered purely on having fun and are very popular in the Caribbean. It’s an upbeat cruise line and very energetic, where every night is party night. Carnival Cruise Line has fun partnerships with some big brands, such as Dr. Zeuss.

MSC Cruises

MSC is a family-run cruise line based in Italy. On board, you will find a fantastic mix of multicultural guests, mainly from Europe, with six standard languages. The food in the buffet restaurants is Italian-inspired, and who doesn’t like a taste of Italy?

MSC Cruises is a well-priced cruise line with great prices for kids under 18. Their summer itineraries from northern Europe to beautiful Norway are fantastic. Ports of call in the Norwegian Fjords are outstanding and suited to teens and older kids who love the great outdoors. Choose MSC Cruises for your multi-generational cruising if your kids are teens or older.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney is the expert in kids’ entertainment, which is unrivaled for kids ages 4 to 11, to whom they cater the best. But you’ll always find the adult-only areas on board when you need a break! Disney offers suburb cruises, but prices can be high compared to, for example, Royal Caribbean.

P&O Cruises

P&O Cruises are relatively traditional in their style of cruising. This one is very popular with British families when looking for family-friendly cruise lines for multi-generational cruising. This is a good choice if you are traveling from a port in the UK, most likely on a cruise from Southampton . The ships are big, airy, and fun but still quite traditional in their style of cruising.

Meet the author: Sarah has created and booked hundreds of travel itineraries for thousands of customers during a career in the travel industry that spans 20 years. Having worked hand in hand with cruise lines, hotels, airlines and tour operators worldwide, she offers inspiring & detailed insights in the world of travel and tourism.

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Cruises for Families

5 Ways to Find Cheap Family Cruises

Jan 25, 2017

See recent posts by Courtney Elko

There are always ways to save when booking a family cruise vacation. Whether it’s choosing a budget-friendly family cruise line or choosing a departure location that isn’t far from home, you can certainly find a cheap family cruise that is fun for the whole family. Consider these saving tactics for a cheap family cruise.

1. Find a Port Close to Home

Where there’s an ocean, there’s a cruise port! Do a quick search to find the nearest cruise port. By removing the flight from your family cruise, you have already saved a bundle. Some popular ports of call include Baltimore; Boston; Cape Liberty, New Jersey; Norfolk, Virginia; New York; Fort Lauderdale; Miami; Orlando; Seattle and Tampa. There are numerous cruise options and itineraries out of these ports of call (as well as many others), so if you are within driving distance, this is a great way to create a cheap family cruise vacation.

2. Look for Kids Sail Free Promotions

Some cruise lines offer kids sale free packages and promotions. (Be aware that restrictions will very likely apply.) Royal Caribbean, which partners with DreamWorks and offers numerous kid-friendly onboard activities, often features a discounted rate for the “third or fourth person” in your cabin. This deal is not a guarantee, but it’s a good one to keep in mind when researching and booking. Norwegian Cruise Line also sometimes offers the “third and fourth passenger” discounted rates. Holland America, CroisiEurope, Crystal Cruises and the luxury cruise line, Paul Gauguin, also offer similar discounts for kids. And we love this one — MSC Cruises allows all children 12 years old and younger to sail free when they share a cabin with their parents!

3. Book Early (or Late)

A little research goes a long way when it comes to finding a cheap family cruise. Cruise lines often offer sales; you just need to find them. Wave season, considered a promotional time when many cruise lines offer deals, runs between January and March. Holidays can also be a good time to find and book a cheap family cruise. Many cruise lines offer early-booking deals. Advance booking is great if you know your exact travel dates and what you are looking for in a cruise. Or, if booking too far in advance is too much of a commitment, try finding a last-minute cruise deal. Cruise lines consider “last-minute” anywhere between a few days and a few months before the sailing.

4. Have Flexible Travel Dates

Obviously school breaks are the most convenient time to take a family vacation. But the cruise lines know this as well. If you have some flexibility with your travel dates, finding a cheap family cruise will be a lot easier. The summer and holidays are peak cruise times with larger price tags, but if you can set sail in the fall or early spring, it is a great way to save on your family cruise vacation (and possibly enjoy fewer crowds).

5. Take Advantage of Packages

Once you’ve booked your cruise, make sure to inquire about purchasing beverage packages in advance of your sail date. Whether it’s alcohol, soda or water, each cruise line has a different price and policy. Some lines even allow you do bring your own onboard so see what your cruise line and specific ship has to offer prior to boarding.

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The Ultimate Guide To Cheap Cruises For Families

April 12, 2024
Lauren Stuttaford

Picture this: the sun sparkling on the open sea, laughter echoing from the onboard water park, and your little ones’ eyes widening with wonder at each new port of call.

It’s the dream getaway for any family, but let’s face it – finding cheap cruises for families that keep the kids entertained requires some savvy strategy.

In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know to plan cheap cruises for families.

All aboard!

Finding the Perfect Cruise Line for Your Family

Cheap cruises for families start with the ideal cruise line that caters to the needs and preferences of every member of your family. Here’s how you can navigate the seas of options to find the perfect fit:

1. Research Family-Friendly Cruise Lines

Start your quest by researching cruise lines renowned for their family-friendly offerings. Look for those that prioritize entertainment and amenities tailored to children of all ages, from toddlers to teenagers.

Places like OTAs, cruise line websites, Cruise.com, and social media offer tons of information about cruises, so be sure to visit them to do your research!

Consider Kids’ Clubs

Check if the cruise line offers supervised kids’ clubs and youth programs, providing parents with some well-deserved relaxation time while ensuring the little ones are entertained and engaged.

These clubs often organize age-appropriate activities, games, crafts, and themed parties, catering to various age groups and interests.

Assess Amenities

Assess the onboard amenities and entertainment options available for families, focusing on features that will appeal to both kids and adults.

Water parks, swimming pools, miniature golf courses, and sports courts offer endless opportunities for family fun and bonding.

2. Make A Budget-Friendly Itinerary

Here’s how you can plan an itinerary that fits your budget while maximizing fun and adventure:

Decide On Cruise Length

Begin by selecting a cruise length that aligns with your budget and preferences.

Shorter cruises typically cost less than longer ones, making them a budget-friendly option for families looking to save money.

Consider opting for a 3-5 day cruise rather than a week-long voyage, especially if it’s your first time cruising or if you’re on a tight budget.

Select The Right Cruise Destination s

When choosing a destination, look for ports of call that offer a variety of affordable and family-friendly activities and attractions.

Consider destinations known for their natural beauty, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures, such as the Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexico, or Alaska.

Keep in mind that certain destinations may be more expensive than others, so be sure to factor in those additional costs.

Pick Shore Excursion Options

Researching shore excursion options at each port of call is key to crafting a budget-friendly itinerary.

Look for affordable activities and attractions that appeal to the interests of your little ones like beach days, nature hikes, or exploring local markets and landmarks on your own.

Keep an eye out for discounts, promotions, and group rates, and be sure to read reviews and testimonials to ensure the quality and safety of the excursions you choose.

Set A Spending Allowance

Setting a realistic daily spending allowance is essential for staying within your budget during your cruise vacation.

Take into account all potential expenses, including onboard purchases, gratuities, shore excursions, dining, and souvenirs, and divide your total budget by the number of days of your cruise to determine your daily spending limit.

3. Pack Smart

Packing smartly for cheap family cruises is essential for saving money and avoiding unnecessary hassles along the way. Here are some tips to help you pack efficiently and make the most of your cruise experience:

Make A List Of Essentials

Packing the essentials can contribute to a stress-free and enjoyable family cruise vacation. Here’s a checklist of essential items to ensure you have everything you need:

Travel Documents

Passports & Visas
Cruise Ticks & Boarding Passes
Identification
Travel Insurance
Health & Vaccination Records
Versatile clothing
Comfortable shoes
Jackets & Hoodies

Personal Care

Electronics

Travel Adapters

4. Keeping The Little Ones Entertained

Cheap family cruises will definitely have some activities to keep the little ones entertained during the day. But if you’ve got some downtime, here are some things you could do as a family.

Pool Time : Many cruise ships feature kid-friendly pools with water slides, fountains, and shallow areas for younger children to safely enjoy.
Family Shows : Attend family-friendly shows and performances onboard, such as Broadway-style musicals, magic shows, comedians, or acrobatic performances.
Sports Games : From basketball and mini-golf to ping pong and shuffleboard, there are plenty of opportunities for friendly competition and active play.
Game Shows : Put your family’s knowledge to the test and compete against other families for fun prizes and bragging rights.

3 Cheapest Cruises For Families

With everything we’ve told you above, you should be able to find cheap family cruises without a problem.

But, if you prefer to skip straight to booking, here are 3 of the best cheap family cruises.

1. Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line offers “Freestyle Cruising,” allowing guests to enjoy flexibility and freedom in their vacation experience.

They also frequently have promotions and special offers, including reduced fares for kids.

2. MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises offers Mediterranean-style cruising with an emphasis on family-friendly activities and entertainment.

They have competitive pricing and promotions, especially for families traveling with children.

3. Cheap Cruises

Cheap Cruises offers… you guessed it! Cheap cruises.

They’ve got competitive pricing, and over 5450 cruise options to choose from, making them competitive, and great for families with kids.

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A cruise line for every type of traveler: How to choose the right one for you

Cruise lines have their own identities and areas of focus, and some lend themselves more to certain vacation types than others.
Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line and Disney Cruise Line are solid options for families.
Aurora Expeditions, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises offer trips with a spirit of exploration at their core.

No matter what kind of vacation you're planning , there's likely a cruise for you.

Whether you want to spend your trip kayaking and scuba diving or prefer to lounge on a sun deck sipping a cocktail, cruise lines have a wide range of offerings. But not every line or ship is right for every passenger.

Cruise brands have their own identities and areas of focus, and some lend themselves more to certain vacation types than others (amenities can also vary from ship to ship within the same line). Here's what to know:

Best cruise line for families

◾ Royal Caribbean International ships have an array of onboard offerings for kids and adults. For example, the line's most recent addition, Icon of the Seas, has been billed as the ultimate family vacation .

The vessel – the largest cruise ship in the world – has an entire neighborhood designed for young families, a large water park and activities ranging from a FlowRider surf simulator to Crown's Edge, where guests can walk more than 150 feet above the ocean. The line's Bahamas private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, offers plenty of thrills and places to chill , too.

◾ Norwegian Cruise Line also offers a range of activities like free-fall dry slides, go-kart tracks, and high-caliber stage shows. Disney Cruise Line draws on a huge catalog of stories to bring magic to life on the water, with character appearances, themed dining and special events like Marvel Day at Sea .

◾ Carnival Cruise Line and MSC Cruises also cater to families, and Princess Cruises and Holland America Line are solid options for multigenerational travelers. Mainstream cruise lines generally have kids clubs that are included in the fare, as well.

Best cruise line for adventure and expeditions

Adventure seekers may want to consider expedition ships and lines that offer sailings to less common destinations such as Antarctica .

◾ Aurora Expeditions offers a range of activity-centric itineraries, including Zodiac boat outings, kayaking, snowshoeing and more. Celebrity Cruises, meanwhile, has a vessel designed especially for the Galapagos Islands .

◾ Operators like HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions) , Lindblad Expeditions and Silversea Cruises also offer trips with a spirit of exploration at their core.

Best cruise line for letting loose

◾ Virgin Voyages offers adults-only sailings and a unique onboard atmosphere with its immersive Scarlet Night celebration and innovative performances . There is also no main dining room or buffet, with a focus on a variety of different food and drinks instead.

▶◾ Guests can also find parties on other lines, such as Carnival . But the length of the sailing and the time of year play a role in a cruise's vibe. Spring break cruises, for instance, may be rowdier than times when school is in session.

◾ Parties can take different forms, too. Cunard Line , for example, hosts formal gala nights .

Best cruise for rest and relaxation

Upscale cruise lines can lend themselves to a more relaxed and pampering experience. Guests are less likely to encounter rock-climbing walls or ice-skating rinks but will find amenities like pools and carefully curated dining. The following operators are all in that category:

◾ Silversea

◾ Regent Seven Seas Cruises

◾ Oceania Cruises

◾ The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

However, even on mainstream lines, guests can often get away from the bustle of the ship in onboard spas and adults-only areas. Luxe ship-within-a-ship concepts like Norwegian's The Haven or MSC's Yacht Club can also offer a more intimate, laid-back experience.

What should I pack for a cruise?: Here are 5 essential items to bring

Best lines for river cruising

River cruising tends to be small-scale and destination-focused.

▶◾ European river itineraries from lines like AmaWaterways, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises and Viking often stop at a mix of marquee and less-visited ports, so guests aren't fighting crowds the whole time.

▶◾ In the U.S., American Cruise Lines offers a diverse selection of itineraries, from sailings on the Columbia and Snake Rivers to round-trip cruises from Washington, D.C. Viking also has a ship purpose-built for the Mississippi River .

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .

I tried to spend as little as possible on Carnival's newest cruise ship. I recommend shelling out for better food and more fun.

I turned down almost all upcharged amenities during my four-day Carnival Firenze cruise .
The new ship has more complimentary family-friendly activities than some of its competitor's latest vessels.
But snubbing the up-charged food made for a less-than-amazing cruise.

Looking for a vacation that lets you ball on a budget? You'll certainly hit your "budget" requirement on Carnival's new Firenze ship — so long as you don't expect to truly ball out.

Cruises are an economical vacation option . After all, what other ticket includes unlimited food, a hotel room, activities, and the opportunity to see several destinations in one trip — all for less than $80 a day like Carnival is offering in 2024?

But if you're unwilling to spend more than the base fare, you could have a pretty different vacation experience from your peers who are ready to pay-to-play. At least, that's how I felt during my first Carnival cruise in mid-May on the new Firenze.

My stubborn stance against upcharged services resulted in a less-than-amazing experience.

Josh Weinstein, president and CEO of Carnival Corp, the cruise line's parent company, told investors in late June that the company wants to continue to be known as a "cost leader" in the industry.

Its new ship is a great example of this. Carnival says it's seeing strong demand from its US market. But instead of building a new vessel, the company acquired Firenze and its sister ship from Costa Cruises, another Carnival Corp brand, in 2022.

Besides WiFi, I refused to front for Firenze's up-charged activities and services.

I went on Carnival Firenze for work, which meant I had to cave on the ship's premium WiFi at $85 for all four nights.

Internet connectivity, specialty dining, and drinks packages are always extra on mass market ships . But over the last few years, cruise giants have added more irresistible pay-to-play amenities to their vessels, all while still luring travelers in with affordable base fares.

On Norwegian's newer ships , for example, this means paying $10 for a round of mini-golf or $29 for an hour at the VR arcade.

Not bad compared to Royal Caribbean's new Icon of the Seas , where travelers have to pay $200 for the fanciest restaurant or $49 for a ropes course that could be completed in less than a minute.

To Carnival’s credit, Frienze had more complimentary family-friendly amenities than some of its competitors’ newer ships.

The mini-golf course wasn't nearly as flashy as Norwegian's. But mini-golf is mini-golf, no matter the number of bright lights and animated courses.

The same was true for Firenze's ropes course. While it didn't have the same thrilling floor drop as Icon of the Seas', the multi-part walkway was longer, more diverse, and, more importantly, free.

I much preferred it to the one on Icon.

Families could spend their afternoons shooting hoops, going on the waterslides, and competing over board games — all without spending a cent.

The arcade was one of the few activities that wasn't free. Then again, they rarely are.

But don't book Firenze if you're seeking a quiet, relaxing ship. I struggled to find a peaceful public space where I could churn out some work without being distracted by the loud music and guests.

The only truly quiet space could've been the spa. But again, I wasn't going to pay for a massage.

In the eveing, I passed the time by catching the nightly movies and attending the theater's shows.

Just know that the latter isn't a must-do. Some singers in the cheesy song-and-dance production "Dear Future Husband" were painfully off-key.

And if you want to munch on a bag of popcorn during the movie, you'll have to pay $4. Smelling the buttery snack without having one in my hands was a torturous tease.

Several of Firenze’s bars — like Piano Bar 88 — featured live musicians, too.

Moda Bar and Lounge also had singers, if you count karaoke night.

But if you want a drink to accompany the entertainment, you'll have to spend about $13 for cocktails and $9 for beers and seltzers.

So, late-night foosball it was — for four nights in a row. At least it was free.

Activities like live music and board games are almost always free on cruise ships.

But that doesn't exempt Carnival Firenze from the industry-wide push for more pay-to-play amenities . There's a reason the company saw a spike in onboard spending in the second quarter of 2024 compared to the same time last year — despite rising ticket prices.

I doubt it's solely because of increased participation at Firenze's live "Deal or No Deal" game show, which starts at $25 to play. Or the $4 shuttle from the port at Ensenada, Mexico on day three to downtown (which I regret not paying for).

In retrospect, I wish I had fallen for Firenze's upcharged foods.

Norwegian and Royal Caribbean's newer ships had complimentary dining that was as good as, if not better, than the premium options. I still crave Norwegian Prima's free food hall .

I can't say the same for my no-fee dining experience on Firenze.

The ship had six specialty restaurants ranging from teppanyaki to steaks.

The cruiseliner has a kitschy Italian theme, as its name might suggest. But if I had wanted to continue the Italian tune with some shrimp scampi and burrata at the Il Viaggio restaurant, I would've had to drop more than $40.

So, instead, I had my nightly meals in the mediocre main dining room, which served the same dinner dishes as the buffet.

None of my Carnival Firenze dinners were stellar, and finding a piece of plastic in my pasta didn't help, either.

I always have juice with my breakfast at home.

But continuing my ritual on Firenze would've meant coughing up $5 per glass. It was tempting, especially as the main dining room server stopped by every table with a tray of the colorful concoctions.

For lunch, I bounced around options like the Guy Fieri-branded burger shack and the pizza, Italian-Mexican fusion, and Italian sandwich stands.

My no-spend requirement meant I had to snub the almost $40 teppanyaki lunch, $1.50-a-piece empanada, and $6 Korean barbecue steak pizza (the pizza stand had free and upcharged pies).

That meant none of my lunches were standouts. The burgers were too heavy (mine came with a slab of fried mozzarella), the salsa verde at the sandwich stand was inedible, and the buffet was forgettable.

Even worse, the chicken wings at the buffet cost extra. Oh, Carnival.

The only craveable lunch was at La Strada Grill, a tucked-away buffet with sandwiches and fresh vegetables.

It was the only light and fresh meal I had on the ship. I couldn't understand why it and another salad stand were closed until the last day of the cruise.

At that point, I had already grown tired of all the heavy foods.

But a quick pick-me-up at the coffee shop would have required me to break my no-spend rule, too.

The buffet had free coffee, Lipton, and Bigelow's green tea bags. But if you want something closer to your neighborhood coffee shop, the onboard café charges $4.50 for a latte and $4 for a doughnut.

I don't remember the last time I drank that much Lipton tea.

Activities like the afternoon 'Tea Time' also had a cost barrier.

Tea bags at the program were $1.50, unbeknownst to me until I was seated. After expressing disinterest in paying, I was later offered the buffet's teas.

Caffeine might be mandatory if you stay in the cheapest windowless cabin.

Like any mass-market cruise ship, the most affordable option was a windowless interior stateroom and letting Carnival assign me my cabin.

Traveling alone for work meant I had to eat the solo supplement . My interior cabin, booked fairly last minute, cost $735, including $64 in optional gratuities.

But in 2024, the cheapest itinerary starts shy of $360 per person, including taxes and fees, for the same four-night sailing — from Long Beach, California, to Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico — as the one I went on.

Carnival put me in one of Firenze’s accessible, wheelchair-friendly rooms.

This meant the shower — a curtain surrounding floor drains — was one of the largest I've had at sea. And all the furniture came pushed against the wall, making the cabin feel spacious for someone without physical disabilities.

But where the stateroom excels in size, it fails in design.

It was one of the ugliest rooms I've ever stayed in. The furniture looked dated, the bathroom had almost no storage, and there were no bedside outlets.

That said, the starting price of $90 a day is hard to beat. At least it encouraged me to spend more time around the ship than inside my windowless dungeon.

Overall, my no-spend Carnival Firenze cruise was fine. Not amazing. Not life-changing. Just fine.

The surplus of complimentary onboard activities rivaled that of more expensive ships. But if my meals weren't lackluster, they were bad.

I'm sure I would have a different review if I had spent an additional $50 on the steakhouse or $100 on the chef's table . But the less-than-desirable complimentary food ultimately plagued my four nights at sea.

If you're considering cruising on Carnival Firenze , I'd recommend paying for at least one of the specialty restaurants. The money will be worth skipping the buffet and uninspiring dining room.

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7 Affordable Cruise Lines for Families (Kids Sail Free Deals)
Cheapest Cruises for Families: Top 10 Budget-Friendly Lines with Kids
Cheapest Cruises for Families: Top 10 Budget-Friendly Lines with Kids
Cheapest Cruises for Families: Top 10 Budget-Friendly Lines with Kids
Cheapest Cruises for Families: Top 10 Budget-Friendly Lines with Kids
Cheapest Cruises for Families: Top 10 Budget-Friendly Lines with Kids

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P&O Cruises is one of the cheapest family-friendly cruise lines. From time to time they offer reduced kids' prices, with children able to sail from as little as £1, which makes for fantastic value for money. The drinks on-board are cheaper than many other cruise lines, being similar to local pub prices.
6 family-friendly cruise lines for a multi-generation cruise
P&O Cruises. P&O Cruises are relatively traditional in their style of cruising. This one is very popular with British families when looking for family-friendly cruise lines for multi-generational cruising. This is a good choice if you are traveling from a port in the UK, most likely on a cruise from Southampton.
What Are the Most Affordable Cheapest Cruise Lines?
MSC Cruises is one of the cheapest cruise lines if you want to take a 7-day sailing to the Caribbean. Finding a cruise for just about $200 per person per day is possible. Photo Credit: Nate Hovee ...
5 Ways to Find Cheap Family Cruises
3. Book Early (or Late) A little research goes a long way when it comes to finding a cheap family cruise. Cruise lines often offer sales; you just need to find them. Wave season, considered a promotional time when many cruise lines offer deals, runs between January and March. Holidays can also be a good time to find and book a cheap family ...
Family cruises and bonus offers at Priceline
Most cruise lines qualify seniors as 55 and older. Exceptions to this are: Costa Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises. These lines qualify seniors as 60 and older. Past Guest Discount ... Escape with the whole family on a cruise vacation with Priceline and take advantage of special discounted ...
The Ultimate Guide To Cheap Cruises For Families
Cheap cruises for families start with the ideal cruise line that caters to the needs and preferences of every member of your family. Here's how you can navigate the seas of options to find the perfect fit: 1. Research Family-Friendly Cruise Lines. Start your quest by researching cruise lines renowned for their family-friendly offerings.
6 Perks Cruise Lines Offer Large Groups and Families
Crystal Cruises lets you use your onboard credit for private shore excursions to destinations like Pompeii. - Photo by Viacheslav Lopatin. Shipboard credits — which can be used in the spa, shops, bars, and other venues onboard — are a typical extra offered to groups. For families with six full-fare-paying members, Crystal hands out $200 ...
The best cruise lines for families, expeditions and more
Best cruise line for families. Royal Caribbean International ships have an array of onboard offerings for kids and adults. The line's most recent addition, Icon of the Seas, ...
I tried to spend as little as possible on Carnival's newest cruise ship
But in 2024, the cheapest itinerary starts shy of $360 per person, including taxes and fees, for the same four-night sailing — from Long Beach, California, to Catalina Island and Ensenada ...
Disney Cruise Set to Sail from Singapore in 2025
Disney Cruise Line estimates the passenger capacity of the 208,000-gross-ton Disney Adventure to be approximately 6,700 with around 2,500 crew members. When will Disney Adventure sail from Singapore? Disney Adventure is set to sail beginning in 2025 from Marina Bay Cruise Centre for at least five years as part of a collaboration between Disney ...
Stuart Line Round Robin Cruises
How to get to Stuart Line Cruises. For cruises departing from Exmouth, take the train to Exmouth Station and then it's a 10 minute walk to the Stuart Line booking office at Exmouth Marina. For cruises departing from Topsham, take the train to Topsham Station and then stroll to Topsham Quay, not forgetting to explore this quaint town along the ...

7 Affordable Cruise Lines for Families (Kids Sail Free Deals)

Affordable Family Cruise Lines – A Comparison

Carnival Family Cruise Sample Pricing

What to Expect on a Carnival Family Cruise

Carnival Cruise Line Kids Club Information

2. MSC Cruises

What to Expect on an MSC Family Cruise

MSC Family Cruise Sample Pricing

MSC Kids Club Information

3. Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Family Cruise Sample Pricing

What to Expect on a Norwegian Family Cruise

Norwegian Cruise Line Kids Club Information

4. Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean Family Cruise Sample Pricing

What to Expect on a Royal Caribbean Family Cruise

Royal Caribbean Kids Club Information

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5. Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises Family Cruise Sample Pricing

What to Expect on a Princess Family Cruise

6. Holland America

Holland America Family Cruise Sample Pricing

What to Expect on a Holland America Family Cruise

7. Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Family Cruise Sample Pricing

What to Expect on a Celebrity Family Cruise

Final Thoughts on Affordable Cruise Lines For Families

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Cheapest Cruises for Families: Top 10 Budget-Friendly Lines with Kids Sail Free

Affordable Family Cruise Lines

2. Norwegian Cruise Lines

3. MSC Cruises

4. Royal Caribbean

5. P&O Cruises

6. Celebrity Cruises

7. Princess Cruises

8. Holland Cruises

9. Costa Cruises

Honorable Mention: Disney Cruise Line

What Cruise Lines Offer ‘Kids Sail Free’ Deals?

How to Find Affordable Family Cruises

Tips for Saving Money On Cruises

Book At The Right Time

Join Cruise Loyalty Programs

Set A Daily Budget

Choose An Affordable Cabin

Take Advantage Of Deals And Discounts

Bring Your Own Amenities And Snacks

Plan Your Own Shore Excursions

Look For Onboard Dining Deals

Take Advantage Of Free Or Low-Cost Onboard Activities

Limit Internet Use

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