When it comes to going on a cruise vacation, you want to have an experience like no other, and what is a better way than to pack up and travel the world on some of the best cruise line choices for families? There are many cruise lines available on the market to choose from, but some cater more to family entertainment than others do. You can look forward to the likes of engaging in family-friendly activities that go from onboard games to onshore excursions.
The activities are age-themed, meaning you can find an activity for every family member. The packages are often worth your while as they are packed with so much value that will help you create lasting memories that will live on for years.
Whether you are looking for a small ship to sail the seas or you are looking for a larger zone to mix and mingle with other families from around the world…there is a cruise line that has exactly what you are looking for. While every cruise line notes that they cater to the family, here are a few that stand out in that category and are worth booking for your next getaway.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line will take you to numerous destinations around the globe and they are known to feature loads of activities and programs to keep the family occupied for the entire voyage.
For the smaller age group, 5-12, you can have them explore Splash Academy, which presents activities such as sports, kiddies’ parties, themed party nights, creative play sessions, and much more. No matter the type of child you have (hands-on or theory lovers), you can rest assured there is something to keep them fully engaged while you are in your own zone.
For the age group 13-17, supervised activities include video games, music, art, movies, and chill zones for teens. As for adults, there are endless activities that range from adult-only pools, casino and gaming lounges, private beach clubs, spas, and so much more.
Desiring to spend some time together? No problem! The cruise line has zones where the family can bond, such as casual dinners, scavenger hunts, shore excursions, family nights, and mini-golf games. The cruise line’s newest ship, Norwegian Prima, also has a three-level race track to get your racing skills tested.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
Every age group has its own entertainment zone onboard Royal Caribbean Cruises as ages 3-5 can engage in safe and supervised experiments (kid-friendly activities) that can earn them certification as a Jr. Adventure Scientist; 6-8 being engaged in themed parties; 9-11 having tons of engaging and fun activities, and teens having their own zone to enjoy their favorite G-rated movies, arcade game lounges, parties, and chill spots.
Adults definitely have the freedom to enjoy just about every activity onboard they feel free to do. Interestingly, a child care service (ages 3-11) runs from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. for adults looking for an intimate moment together.
As for spending time together, you can participate in the cruise line’s family movie time, family dining, shore excursions, games, parties, and poolside fun, or relax in a quiet library and learn a thing or two.
Celebrity Cruises
Here we have a cruise line that lets families spend as much time together as they want and create some lasting memories like no other. There are tons of activities to engage in, such as silent disco parties, outdoor movie nights under the stars, cupcake decorating competitions, archery tournaments, laser mazes, and much more.
In addition to the onboard activities, you can look forward to a grand time together while on shore, as the excursions have a lot to cover, and you are free to engage in whichever you are comfortable with. There are age-themed activities for everyone, so while adults are out enjoying a soothing massage, they can rest assured that the rest of their family is fully-entertained and happy.
The good thing about this cruise line is that teens can enjoy some cool spa sessions that are specially designed for them.
Hurtigruten
Hurtigruten is a Norway-based cruise line that doesn’t limit the destinations they will take you to around the world. On the voyage, you and your entire family can explore so much together, whether onboard or on shore.
The family cabins are great, with accommodating features and amenities that will make your experience worthwhile. There are some cool family-themed activities for every family, such as hands-on projects, tours, night-time star watching on the deck, and other excursion-based activities. There are also onboard tips from travel experts who help you to create that lasting family moment.
Disney Cruise Line
Disney has always been that family-themed industry, so it comes as no surprise when the cruise line keeps the family fully entertained while they are on vacation. Aside from taking you around the world, you can look forward to engaging in activities such as casual and formal dining, excursions, musical and art entertainment, and much more.
The cruise line is known to have additional activities such as live theater action, fireworks, meet and greet with Disney characters, deck parties, waterslides, and nightlife activities. Castaway Cay, the cruise line’s private island, features a family beach, walking trails, boat rentals for river cruises, a snorkeling lagoon, and chill spots for every member of the family.
While the kids enjoy their sessions, adults can bask in the numerous adult-only zones the cruise line is known to offer on most of the ships in their fleet.
River Cruises
River Cruises is an exclusive cruise line that offers families the advantage of bonding and creating memories together. Even though many people originally recognized them as a senior-themed cruise line, they have worked their way to becoming a “go-to” option for the entire family as they have been working overtime to attract a younger traveler group smoothly.
They have teamed up with the likes of AmaWaterways to provide travelers with river cruises…an added bonus for families to get a chance to bond with nature and reminisce on some good moments. While adults manage to get a moment to themselves, the cruise line steps up to provide endless entertainment and activities for younger cruisers and teens.
Lindblad
Lindblad has teamed up with lots of tour groups, such as National Geographic, to provide a vacation experience like no other for families who desire to spend some time together. The cruise line’s adventure trails are perfect for every member of the family, so no one gets left behind when it comes to creating some cool memories with each other.
You can look forward to family-friendly dinner environments, fitness centers to keep your health in check, kayaking in Alaska, snorkeling, and so much more. If your family loves everything about nature, Lindblad is a standout cruise line that will help to provide everything you are looking for on your trip.
Final Thoughts on Best Cruise Line Choices for Families
Ready to build your family bond and create a lasting memory you can create nowhere else? Any of these cruise line choices for families are ready and waiting to give you an affordable package filled with loads of entertainment and activities to keep you fully engaged both at sea and in different landscapes around the world.