Cruise Line Dress Code Comparisons
A detailed comparison of cruise line dress codes, showing how mainstream, premium and luxury ships differ in expectations and style guidelines.
Top 5 Cruise Lines for Families
The short answer
Top cruise lines for families include Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Disney.
The best cruise lines for families offer a range of activities and amenities to keep kids entertained, from water parks to kids' clubs, with typical prices for a 7-night cruise ranging from $800 to $2,000 per person, depending on the time of year and cabin category.
In this article, we'll explore the top 5 cruise lines for families, including their onboard amenities, family-friendly cabins and kids' programs, as well as the trade-offs to consider when choosing a cruise line, such as the time of year and duration of the cruise, with many sailings available from 3 to 14 nights.
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Compare prices →Carnival Cruise Line Family Amenities
Carnival Cruise Line is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, with a range of onboard amenities including water parks, kids' clubs and family-friendly cabins, such as the Family Harbor suites on the Vista-class ships, which can accommodate up to five people and offer access to a private lounge and complimentary breakfast and snacks.
The kids' clubs on Carnival ships are divided into age groups, with activities and entertainment tailored to each age range, from the Camp Carnival program for younger kids to the Circle C lounge for teenagers, which offers a relaxed, adult-free space with games, music and social events, and is typically open from 10 am to 1 am.
- Water parks with water slides and splash zones
- Kids' clubs for different age ranges
- Family-friendly cabins with extra amenities
Royal Caribbean Family-Friendly Cabins
Royal Caribbean offers a range of family-friendly cabins, including the Ultimate Family Suite on the Symphony of the Seas, which can accommodate up to eight people and features a private movie theater, game room and balcony with whirlpool tub, with prices starting from around $1,500 per person for a 7-night cruise.
The cabins on Royal Caribbean ships are designed to accommodate families of all sizes, with options ranging from interior rooms to suites with multiple bedrooms, and many ships offer a family-friendly neighborhood, such as the Boardwalk area on the Oasis-class ships, which features a carousel, arcade and other kid-friendly attractions, and is located on decks 6 and 7.
- Ultimate Family Suite with private movie theater
- Family-friendly neighborhoods with kid-friendly attractions
- Cabins with multiple bedrooms and balconies
Disney Cruise Line Kids' Programs
Disney Cruise Line is renowned for its kids' programs, which are designed to appeal to children of all ages, from the It's a Small World Nursery for toddlers to the Edge lounge for teenagers, which offers a range of activities and entertainment, including games, music and social events, and is typically open from 10 am to 1 am.
The kids' clubs on Disney ships are staffed by trained counselors who lead activities and games, and the ships also feature a range of family-friendly entertainment options, including live shows and character meet-and-greets, with prices for a 7-night cruise starting from around $1,200 per person, depending on the time of year and cabin category.
- It's a Small World Nursery for toddlers
- Kids' clubs with trained counselors and activities
- Family-friendly entertainment options with live shows
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Norwegian Cruise Line Family Amenities
Norwegian Cruise Line offers a range of family-friendly amenities, including water parks, kids' clubs and family-friendly cabins, such as the Haven suites on the Epic-class ships, which feature a private pool and sun deck, and can accommodate up to six people, with prices starting from around $1,800 per person for a 7-night cruise.
The kids' clubs on Norwegian ships are divided into age groups, with activities and entertainment tailored to each age range, from the Guppies program for younger kids to the Entourage lounge for teenagers, which offers a relaxed, adult-free space with games, music and social events, and is typically open from 10 am to 1 am, on decks 12 and 13.
- Water parks with water slides and splash zones
- Kids' clubs for different age ranges
- Family-friendly cabins with extra amenities
MSC Cruises Family-Friendly Options
MSC Cruises offers a range of family-friendly options, including kids' clubs, water parks and family-friendly cabins, such as the Family Suite on the Meraviglia-class ships, which can accommodate up to six people and features a private balcony and extra amenities, with prices starting from around $1,000 per person for a 7-night cruise.
The kids' clubs on MSC ships are staffed by trained counselors who lead activities and games, and the ships also feature a range of family-friendly entertainment options, including live shows and character meet-and-greets, and are typically open from 9 am to 11 pm, on decks 11 and 12, with many sailings available from 3 to 14 nights.
- Kids' clubs with trained counselors and activities
- Water parks with water slides and splash zones
- Family-friendly cabins with extra amenities
Princess Cruises Family Amenities
Princess Cruises offers a range of family-friendly amenities, including kids' clubs, family-friendly cabins and entertainment options, such as the Movies Under the Stars outdoor movie screen, which shows a range of films, including family-friendly titles, and is located on the Lido deck, with prices for a 7-night cruise starting from around $1,200 per person, depending on the time of year and cabin category.
The kids' clubs on Princess ships are divided into age groups, with activities and entertainment tailored to each age range, from the Pelicans program for younger kids to the Remix lounge for teenagers, which offers a relaxed, adult-free space with games, music and social events, and is typically open from 10 am to 1 am, on decks 12 and 13, with many sailings available from 3 to 14 nights.
- Kids' clubs for different age ranges
- Family-friendly cabins with extra amenities
- Entertainment options with outdoor movie screen
Key takeaways
- Carnival Cruise Line offers family-friendly amenities like water parks
- Royal Caribbean has family-friendly cabins with extra amenities
- Disney Cruise Line has kids' programs with trained counselors
- Norwegian Cruise Line offers family-friendly amenities like kids' clubs
Where to book this cruise
When booking a family cruise, consider the time of year and duration of the cruise, as well as the onboard amenities and kids' programs, and be sure to compare current sailings and prices on CruiseDirect before booking, as prices can vary depending on the cruise line and ship, and look for special offers and discounts that can help you save money, and also check the cabin category and location to ensure it meets your family's needs.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best cruise line for families with young children?
Disney Cruise Line is often considered one of the best cruise lines for families with young children, due to its range of kids' programs and family-friendly amenities, with prices starting from around $1,200 per person for a 7-night cruise.
Do all cruise lines offer kids' clubs?
Most major cruise lines offer kids' clubs, but the age range and activities can vary, so it's best to check with the cruise line before booking, as some may have specific age restrictions or requirements.
Can I book a family-friendly cabin on any cruise ship?
Many cruise ships offer family-friendly cabins, but they can be limited, so it's best to book early to ensure availability, and also check the cabin category and location to ensure it meets your family's needs, as prices can vary depending on the cruise line and ship.
What are the typical prices for a family cruise?
Typical prices for a family cruise can range from $800 to $2,000 per person for a 7-night cruise, depending on the cruise line, ship and cabin category, as well as the time of year and duration of the cruise.
How do I find the best deals on family cruises?
To find the best deals on family cruises, compare prices and itineraries across multiple cruise lines and booking websites, such as CruiseDirect, and look for special offers and discounts that can help you save money, and also consider the onboard amenities and kids' programs when making your decision.
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