The Best Cruises For Kids - A Top 10 List

A great vacation is one of the best ways to unwind and bond with your family, that’s a fact. However, it’s also a fact that many people find that planning for one can be extremely stressful. Things like the budget, where to go, how to get there, what to do, etc. — all of these things add up.

Cruising eliminates all those problems. You don’t even need to consult a travel agent to help you with the preparations. Everything you need and want is in one package. That’s probably the reason why it’s a hot trend that a lot of cruise lines have expanded over the years.

Still, you have to always take into consideration safety while traveling with your kids. Regardless of how great and expensive your family’s cruise package is, everything will be ruined in case something goes wrong.

Also, note that not all cruises are created equal especially if you’re with your kids. With that being said, check out this top ten list of the best cruises for kids.

Pride Of America

Sometimes, it’s a pain when you can’t go on vacation because of conflicts with schedules. Well, the Pride of America takes care of that problem for you! That’s because it sails round trip from Honolulu year-round so you’ll never have an excuse not to go.

Why kids will love it: Unfortunately, there are no waterslides or ropes courses on this ship. BUT, if your kids are into nature tripping, the volcanoes are sites to behold. They can also try the Sports Court for a little hoops challenge as well as the Blast Off Video Arcade.

Price: from $1,376 per person

Norwegian Getaway

Built in 2014, the Getaway has a total guest capacity of 3,963. Parents and kids of all ages can indulge in more than 28 dining options. Miami’s Ultimate Ship is also packed with entertainment with five water slides and three levels of action-packed activities in the sports complex.

And if that’s not enough, they also have the Broadway musical Million Dollar Quartet and a whole lot more.

Why kids will love it: aside from the action-packed Aquapark which includes the fastest drop at sea (Free Fall), they also have the pirate-themed park for the little ones. And if that’s not enough, kids can try the ropes course which also has a mini version.

Price: from $787 per person

Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas

Royal Caribbean is well known for its huge ships packed with lots of entertainment onboard. In fact, it has eight of the biggest ships in the world! The coolest itinerary is a seven nights roundtrip from Cape Liberty, NJ, to the Bahamas (runs from October to April).

Is skydiving even possible on a cruise? The Anthem of the Seas boasts a cool skydiving simulation from RipCord by iFly. It’s so huge a ship that it can accommodate 4,905 passengers and yet, they’re still able to include cool features and great interior design.

Why kids will love it: well, how about interacting with Kung Fu Panda, Shrek, and other Madagascar characters at the DreamWorks Experience? That’s just one. Kids and kids at heart can also enjoy playing in the SeaPlex — choose from skating rink, bumper cars, circus school, ball courts, DJ booth and Xbox lounge.

Price: from $838 per person

Carnival Vista

The Carnival Vista is a 3,934-passenger cruise ship which was launched in 2016. At Havana Bar and Pool, parents will find an island retreat that they will surely love. The music is kind of loud but if you and your family don’t mind, the Vista is an excellent choice.

The Vista takes pride in their very first IMAX at sea and the SkyRide which zips around the upper deck. And don’t worry, even babies are welcome aboard!

Why kids will love it: for starters, there’s the WaterWorks aqua park featuring its Kaleid-O-Slide raft ride. There’s also the Dive-In Movies at the pool, the whimsical Seuss at Sea activities, and Dr. Seuss Bookville. And when your kids finally get hungry, there’s Guy’s Burger Joint.

Price: from $749 per person

Disney Wonder

Is there even a kid who doesn’t love Disney? The Disney Wonder holds 2,700 passengers and is easily recognizable thanks to its Mickey Mouse hues of red, black, and yellow. And if that isn’t enough, wait for the horn to toot the first seven notes of “When You Wish Upon a Star.”

Everything from recreation to dining, to entertainment, are all dashed with a Disney whimsy. The coolest itinerary runs from May to September. It’s a seven nights roundtrip from Vancouver to Alaska. Behold glaciers, whales, and grizzlies — a true Disney experience indeed.

Why kids will love it: Inside Disney’s Oceaneer Club, kids can ‘train’ alongside their favorite superheroes through fun-filled games and activities. And for the little ladies, there’s Anna and Elsa in Frozen, a Musical Spectacular. Even the kids’ meals are served on Mickey Mouse plates, how cool is that?

Price: from $1,685 per person

Regal Princess

If your family is looking for a getaway but isn’t a fan of loud noises, the Regal Princes is your best bet. But that doesn’t mean that it’s not packed with entertainment and activities for the whole family. In fact, it’s the other way around.

This 3,560- passenger cruise ship has accommodations ranging from Suites, Club Class, Mini-Suite, Deluxe Balcony, Balcony, Interior, and Wheelchair-accessible staterooms. It’s also packed with a lot of dining options including Alfredo’s which is the best pizza at sea.

Why kids will love it: While it doesn’t have theme-park thrills like those from other cruises, it makes up for it with its Movies Under the Stars on a giant poolside screen and The Voice of the Ocean singing competition and Discovery at Sea activities.

Price: from $1,525 per person

Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas

The Harmony of the Seas truly stands by its name by combining the world’s biggest ship with tons of adventures, entertainment, food, and everything else. It’s a must-choose cruise for families who’d like to try the boldest and action-packed thrills — perfect for kids with the bravest of hearts.

But don’t worry. It’s also friendly to tiny tots too so bring them along. Be it swimming with the dolphins, rafting through underground caverns, or perhaps the world’s longest zip line — you’ll never run out of things to do while your family’s onboard.

Why kids will love it: provided that your kids are tall enough and yes, brave enough, they can try the 10-story-high Ultimate Abyss or Perfect Storm slide trio. Younger kids will never be left out as they can have fun with Dreamworks characters.

Price: from $924 per person

Carnival Pride

Launched in 2002, the Carnival Pride is the second ship in the cruise line’s Spirit Class. It brings the world to you through historical artworks found in the public spaces aboard the ship. With a total guest capacity of 2,124, it comes equipped with 1,062 passenger cabins — all you have to do is choose which one suits you and your family.

Why kids will love it: The activities at Camp Carnival will surely bring a lot of fun to kids of all ages. There are also a lot of well-trained security staff to look after the kids while the parents have some fun. The activities are divided based on specific age groups, so no one gets left behind.

Price: from $439 per person

Disney Magic

What sets Disney Magic apart from its twin (the Wonder) is that it has a more intimate feel to it. It makes for a trip where you can get to know your fellow passengers and socialize with them. As far as attractions are concerned, it will never fail all Disney fanatics and kids.

You choose from three different pools which are all freshwater and heated. And at night, parents can a have few hours off from their kids via the ‘After Hours.’ It’s a cluster of themed bars packed with different activities after 8 pm.

Why kids will love it: There are two theaters aboard the Disney Magic — one is for the ship’s magical production shows, and the other is for Disney movies. Pretty much, kids will be greeted by their favorite characters everywhere on the ship.

Price: from $500 per person

MSC Divina

Best for families under a budget, the MSC Divina will not fail to impress you. It’s an Italian-owned cruise ship that features a lively Mediterranean vibe and can welcome aboard up to 4,345 passengers.

It’s worth noting that kids under eleven can cruise for free! But make sure you book early since availability is limited. Parents will also love the free Chicco childcare equipment that is provided while onboard.

Why kids will love it: While the MSC Divina is a true budget-friendly cruise, kids will still enjoy activities like the virtual Formula One auto racing, interactive 4D cinema, Virtual World Arcade, and the Lego activity areas and demonstrations. Not too bad!

Price: from $537 per person

A Few Simple Tips When Booking One Of The Best Cruises For Kids

Book early to get the best cabin types and destinations.

Check that the activities or programs offered by the cruise are tailored to your children’s needs and wants. If you have multiple children going with you, take into account their ages. After all, the cruise is for them to enjoy and have a lot of fun.