Cruise Ship Vacations For Families - 9 Cruise Options Worth Considering
Cruise ship vacations for families offer an incredible opportunity for families to have unforgettable journeys together. With a wide range of cruise lines and ships to choose from, finding the perfect fit for your family's preferences and interests is easier than ever.
Author:Jane RestureAug 16, 202352K Shares929.2K Views
Cruise ship vacations for familiesoffer an incredible opportunity for families to have unforgettable journeys together. With a wide range of cruise lines and ships to choose from, finding the perfect fit for your family's preferences and interests is easier than ever.
Whether you're seeking luxurious amenities, thrilling adventures, or engaging activities for different age groups, there's a cruise ship vacation that caters to your family's unique needs. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the best cruise options for families, highlighting their standout features and activities to enjoy.
MSC Cruises, MSC Seascape
MSC Seascape Cruise Ship Tour 4K
When it comes to an exceptional family cruise experience, MSC Cruises shines with its MSC Seascape ship. With an impressive array of amenities and activities, MSC Seascape is a top choice for families looking to create lasting memories.
- All-Star Amenities -MSC Seascape boasts 11 dining venues, 20 bars and lounges, and an impressive 13 pools, ensuring that every family member can find their preferred spot to relax and indulge.
- Family-Focused Activities -Catering to children of all ages, MSC Seascape offers a variety of age-specific clubs and activities. Kids up to 17 years old can enjoy sports, competitions, parties, and more in dedicated clubs designed to encourage socialization.
- Parent-Friendly Services -Recognizing the need for parent relaxation, the ship provides baby and toddler services, allowing parents to savor the onboard dining and entertainment options while their little ones are well taken care of.
Activities to Enjoy
Families can embark on exciting shore excursions such as the Excursions Explorer Package, MSC Bike Adventours, and MSC Protectours, enhancing their cruise experience with immersive adventures.
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Evrima
Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection Ship Tour! The Spectacular Evrima!
For families seeking a luxurious and pampered cruise experience, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's Evrima offers an unparalleled journey of opulence and enrichment.
- All-Star Amenities -Indulge in the lavish offerings of the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, complete with a full-service spa featuring a sauna, steam room, and quiet areas. Enjoy onboard classical and jazz performances that add an elegant touch to your family vacation.
- Exclusive Children's Programming - Families can experience a white-glove service while ensuring their children have an equally enchanting time. Evrima's comprehensive creative program caters to kids aged four to 12, with dedicated youth counselors for added guidance and engagement.
- Personalized Air and Land Arrangements -Take advantage of the concierge's expertise to customize air, land, and hotel arrangements, allowing you to focus on enjoying the Ritz-Carlton's legendary service.
Activities to Enjoy
Families can partake in the immersive theatrical and cinematic dining experiences, bonding over shared moments with beloved characters from Marvel and Frozen.
Royal Caribbean, Wonder Of The Seas
Wonder of The Seas | Full Walkthrough Ship Tour & Review | Royal Caribbean | SUPER NEW SHIP
Royal Caribbean's Wonder Of The Seas promises an all-inclusive family adventure on the high seas, featuring an array of exhilarating activities for all ages.
- All-Star Amenities -With six record-breaking water slides, Surfside—a family-friendly neighborhood—and Thrill Island—a waterpark with rock climbing, mini-golf, and more—Royal Caribbean ensures non-stop excitement for families.
- Award-Winning Children's Program -Adventure Ocean, Royal Caribbean's acclaimed children's program, caters to various age groups, offering immersive playrooms and engaging activities. Late-night programming provides flexibility for parents while ensuring fun for kids.
- Diverse Family Time -Families can bond in Surfside's aqua park or enjoy Thrill Island's thrilling attractions. Parents can explore the ship's amenities, including a spa, casino, and theater, knowing their children are well-entertained.
Activities to Enjoy
Families can embark on unforgettable water adventures, conquer the Ultimate Abyss waterslide, and indulge in Surfside's dining options while creating cherished memories together.
Disney Cruise Line, Disney Wish
COMPLETE Disney Wish Cruise Ship Tour - See EVERYTHING on Board!
For families with young children seeking enchantment and magic, the Disney Cruise Line's Disney Wish provides a dreamy escape filled with beloved characters and captivating experiences.
- All-Star Amenities -Immerse yourselves in theatrical and cinematic dining experiences featuring favorite Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar characters. The ship's staff is adept at handling overworked kids and selective eaters, ensuring seamless experiences for parents.
- Character-Focused Activities -Children can meet and interact with beloved characters like Elsa and Olaf during theatrical meals, creating magical moments straight out of their favorite films.
- Expert Care for Kids -Disney Wish's attentive staff is skilled in catering to children's needs, making the cruise a hassle-free experience for parents and ensuring young ones have a memorable time.
Activities to Enjoy
Families can embark on a 3-night Bahamian cruise, creating memories through character interactions, theatrical dining, and a host of engaging activities designed for young children.
Celebrity Cruises, Celebrity Ascent
Celebrity Ascent | Preview Tour (2023)
Celebrity Cruises offers a cruise experience tailored to the interests of teenagers, providing them with an abundance of engaging activities and opportunities for socialization.
- All-Star Amenities - Celebrity Ascent features spa treatments available for the whole family, with separate kid and teen offerings. This ensures that every family member, regardless of age, can indulge in relaxation and rejuvenation.
- Teen-Specific Activities - Celebrity Cruises' Camp at Sea program caters specifically to teenagers aged 13 to 17, offering a diverse range of art, culinary, and recreational activities. Teens can enjoy silent discos, sports competitions, video game challenges, and socializing with peers.
- Family-Friendly Luxury -Celebrity Ascent offers amenities for the entire family, including parents. The state-of-the-art spa with kid and teen-specific menus ensures that family members of all ages can enjoy quality bonding time.
Activities to Enjoy
Families can immerse themselves in the variety of spa treatments available, participate in teen-specific activities, and explore Celebrity Ascent's range of offerings designed to foster family connections.
Princess Cruises, Sapphire Princess
Sapphire Princess - Walk-Through Tour Video | Princess Cruises
For larger families seeking a rich blend of exploration and education, Princess Cruises' Sapphire Princess offers a captivating journey through Alaskan wonders.
- All-Star Amenities - Sapphire Princess offers the innovative OceanMedallion, a wearable device that grants access to accommodations and tracks other members of your party onboard, ensuring efficient navigation for large families.
- Discovery-Driven Activities - Camp Discovery provides science-based activities inspired by the Discovery Channel's lineup, offering engaging experiences for children aged three to 12. The ship's lounges cater to different age groups, encouraging socialization and learning.
- Family-Bonding Experiences - Families can enjoy Animal Planet-affiliated shore excursions, partake in group movie screenings under the stars, and engage in activities like mini-golf and scavenger hunts.
Activities to Enjoy
Families can partake in the 7-Day Jeff Corwin's Nature & Adventure Voyage, exploring the beauty of Alaska through engaging activities, science-based programs, and unforgettable shore excursions.
Norwegian Cruise Line, Norwegian Prima
Norwegian Prima | Full Walkthrough Ship Tour & Review | Wonderful New Ship | Full HD
Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Prima offers a diverse range of activities that cater to different interests within the family, ensuring everyone enjoys their cruise experience.
- All-Star Amenities -Norwegian Prima offers extensive children's programming, making it an ideal choice for families with varying interests. The ship's offerings include the Guppies Program, Splash Academy, and Entourage programming.
- Diverse Children's Programs -From the Guppies Program for infants to the Entourage program for teens, Norwegian Prima ensures that children of all ages have access to engaging and age-appropriate activities.
- Family-Bonding and Personal Space -The ship offers family activities such as mini-golf and scavenger hunts, allowing families to bond over shared experiences. Adults can also enjoy amenities like the spa, casino, and theater.
Activities to Enjoy
Families can engage in the wide range of children's programming available on Norwegian Prima, including age-specific clubs, sports, and art-based activities tailored to individual interests.
Hurtigruten, MS Santa Cruz II
Schiffsrundgang MS Santa Cruz II | Hurtigruten Expeditions
For families with a thirst for adventure and exploration, Hurtigruten's MS Santa Cruz II offers an intimate journey through remarkable destinations, providing opportunities for active engagement.
- All-Star Amenities -MS Santa Cruz II provides an intimate experience with a 90-passenger capacity, ensuring a personalized and immersive journey for families.
- Unique Expeditions -The ship's itineraries include stops in Machu Picchu and the Galápagos Islands, offering families the chance to explore these iconic destinations through specialized expeditions.
- Expert-Led Activities -Families can benefit from onboard photographers sharing tips and tricks for capturing wildlife photography, enhancing the educational aspect of the cruise.
Activities to Enjoy
Families can embark on a 14-Day South America Expedition Cruise, tracing Charles Darwin's footsteps through the Galápagos Islands, and capturing the beauty of nature through expert-led photography sessions.
Cruise Ship Vacations For Families Document Checklist
Embarking on a cruise adventure requires more than just packing your bags. Ensure a smooth journey by having these essential documents ready:
Passport And Visa Requirements
Make sure you have the right identification documents for hassle-free boarding and re-entry.
- Passport Book -Ensure validity for at least six months after your cruise ends.
- Passport Card -Valid for re-entering the U.S. via Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, or the Caribbean.
- Closed-Loop Voyage -Original birth certificate and driver's license may work for U.S. port departures.
Boarding Passes
Streamline your check-in process with the necessary boarding passes.
Check-In -Complete mobile app check-in or carry printed boarding passes for smoother embarkation.
Health Information
Stay informed and prepared with essential health-related documentation.
- Health Forms -Fill out health forms provided by the cruise line, including COVID-19 related questions.
- Vaccination Proof -Carry original vaccine card if required.
- Destination Inoculations -Carry proof of necessary vaccinations for specific destinations.
Visas And Destination-Specific Documents
Ensure you have the right permits for your cruise destinations.
Visas -Research and obtain necessary visas well in advance.
Cruise Line Luggage Tags
Keep your luggage organized and easily accessible.
Luggage Tags -Print and attach cruise line-provided tags to facilitate smooth luggage delivery.
Permission To Travel
- Pregnancy -Provide a doctor's note if pregnant, as some lines have restrictions.
- Traveling with Minors -Carry notarized permission letters when traveling with minors without parents or guardians.
Other Travel Information
Have important details at your fingertips for travel convenience.
Flight and Hotel Details -Carry essential flight and hotel information for pre and post-cruise stays.
Emergency Contacts
Stay prepared for unexpected situations with a list of contacts.
Emergency List -Carry a printed list of emergency contacts, including medical, credit card, embassy, and consulate contacts.
Travel Insurance Information
Ensure peace of mind with the right travel insurance details.
Travel Insurance - Print policy card with policy number and company phone number for quick assistance.
Photocopies Of Important Documents
Have duplicates of vital documents for added security.
Photocopies -Carry photocopies of passport, driver's license, birth certificate, and credit cards.
With these essential documents in hand, you'll be ready to embark on your cruise adventure with confidence, knowing you're prepared for any situation that may arise.
People Also Ask
Do I Need A Passport For A Cruise?
You should have a passport book when taking a cruise from the United States. While some "closed-loop" cruises may not require a U.S. passport, it's advisable to carry one in case of emergencies like medical evacuation or unexpected port changes.
How Much Is A Cruise For A Family Of 4?
For a family of four during this time of year, expect to pay around $3000 to $5000. Off-season cruises might be available for approximately $2000, depending on school schedules.
What Age Group Cruises Most?
Cruising generally attracts adults from their 30s to 80s, creating a diverse age range on ships. You won't typically find a ship exclusively filled with 20-year-olds.
Where Do Kids Stay On A Cruise?
Family staterooms cater to families and vary by ship. They can accommodate four to ten people, offering separate sleeping areas or room-dividing blackout curtains for privacy.
What Is The Cheapest Cruise To Go On?
The most budget-friendly cruise line is Carnival Cruise Line. You can embark on a 3-day Bahamas cruise aboard Carnival Conquest for as low as $99 per person.
What Age Is Free On Cruise Ships?
Kids aged 12 or younger qualify for the "Kids Sail Free" promotional offer. This limited-time offer provides a free cruise fare for children under 12 and is available during specified dates.
Conclusion
Cruise ship vacations for families offer an array of choices, each catering to different preferences and interests. Whether you're seeking a luxurious experience, all-inclusive excitement, or tailored activities for children of all ages, these cruise lines provide exceptional options.
From the enchanting Disney Wish to the adventurous MS Santa Cruz II, families can embark on unforgettable journeys that create lasting memories for all members. When planning your next family vacation, consider these cruise options to ensure an experience that caters to your family's unique dynamics and interests.
Jump to
MSC Cruises, MSC Seascape
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Evrima
Royal Caribbean, Wonder Of The Seas
Disney Cruise Line, Disney Wish
Celebrity Cruises, Celebrity Ascent
Princess Cruises, Sapphire Princess
Norwegian Cruise Line, Norwegian Prima
Hurtigruten, MS Santa Cruz II
Cruise Ship Vacations For Families Document Checklist
People Also Ask
Conclusion
Jane Resture
Author
Since she embarked on her first world trip in 2002, Jane Resture spent the past decades sharing her personal journey and travel tips with people around the world. She has traveled to over 80 countries and territories, where she experienced other cultures, wildlife she had only read about in books, new foods, new people, and new amazing experiences.
Jane believes that travel is for everyone and it helps us learn about ourselves and the world around us. Her goal is to help more people from more backgrounds experience the joy of exploration because she trusts that travel opens the door to the greatest, most unforgettable experiences life can offer and this builds a kinder, more inclusive, more open-minded world.
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