Here is our unbiased round-up of the best cruises for kids in 2023. Cruising with kids can be a fun and exciting way to introduce your children to new places while keeping them entertained. There are so many options for cruising with kids that it can actually be daunting to find the right child-friendly cruises for your family, so here are some of the best cruises for kids in 2023.
In addition to figuring out the best cruises for your kids (and of course your whole family), it’s important to know some basic facts about cruising with children, and even some of the downsides that may come up with taking cruises with kids (there aren’t many, but there are a few). So we recommend that you also check out our How to: Cruises with Kids and our Some of the Ups and Downs of Cruising with Kids. Ok, here we go!
Best Cruises for Kids Made Specifically for Kids: Disney Cruises
Of course, Disney Cruise Line is a no-brainer if you’re looking specifically for cruises aimed squarely at kids. And they have something for kids of all ages. So if you’re looking for a cruise line that’s specifically designed for families with kids, then Disney Cruise Line is definitely the way to go. With character meet-and-greets, themed restaurants, and entertainment that’s not just kid-friendly, but made specifically for kids, so your children will be in a world of magic and wonder. Of course there are also plenty of activities for the parents, so everyone is assured of having a good time!
But you didn’t need us to tell you that, did you? So here are some cruise lines that you may not have realized have great offerings for the whole family as well.
Best Cruises for Kids – General Cruise Lines
Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean has an extensive range of onboard activities and amenities that will keep your kids entertained for hours on end. From rock climbing walls to water parks, video arcades to ice skating rinks, there’s something for every age and interest. Plus, Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean program offers age-specific programs for children starting from the wee little ones and going all the way up to older teenagers!
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line is another great option for families with kids. Their ships feature water parks, rope courses, mini-golf, and sports courts, and they offer a wide variety of family-friendly excursions at each port of call. Plus Norwegian’s Splash Academy program provides supervised activities and entertainment for kids from ages 3 to 12!
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line offers a relaxed and casual atmosphere that’s perfect for families with young children. The ships feature water slides, mini-golf courses, and splash zones, as well as their day camp program called Camp Ocean for kids ages 2 to 11. And of course there are plenty of family-friendly dining options and entertainment venues on each Carnival ship.
MSC Cruises
MSC, which stands for Mediterranean Shipping Company, offers a Mediterranean-style cruising experience that’s perfect for families with older kids. The ships feature a wide range of activities, including a water park, sports courts, and a 4D cinema. The Teen’s Club offers age-appropriate programs for teens, and the Mini Club and Juniors Club provide supervised activities for younger children.
The Best Cruises for Kids are the Ones that Work for You!
At the end of the day, no matter which cruise line you choose it’s essential to look for itineraries that include ports of call in which you will be interested, which also offer kid-friendly activities and attractions. Keep in mind that each cruise line has age restrictions for certain activities, so be sure to read the fine print before booking.
Cruising can be a great way to spend quality time with your kids while exploring new destinations. The above cruise lines offer a range of amenities and activities to keep everyone entertained, and each one offers a unique experience. So pack your bags, and get ready for a family adventure on the high seas!
You can check these cruise lines out here: Disney Norwegian Carnival Royal Caribbean MSC Cruises
