Young passengers may look forward to excitement, adventure, and lifelong experiences on cruises for kids’ high-seas excursions. With a range of amenities and activities, kids cruises are the perfect choice for families with young children looking for a vacation. These include kid-friendly dining options, onboard sports and recreation, youth clubs, family-friendly entertainment, babysitter and nursery services, kid-friendly cruise ships, and specialized teen clubs. To meet the needs of guests of all ages, these ships offer flexible meal times, entertainment, and supervised activities. Read on to learn more about the best luxury cruises for kids.
Think about special features such as kid-friendly activities, ship facilities, and destinations when selecting a cruise line for your family. Popular choices with themed ships, character interactions, and age-appropriate activities include Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and MSC Cruises. Kid-friendly features and activities are available on luxury cruise lines such as Windstar Cruises, Crystal Cruises, and the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. These include kid-focused activities, movie evenings, splash and play zones, shore excursions, and clubs specifically for kids and adolescent hangouts.
Best Cruises for Kids
For families with children, cruises might be an excellent choice for a vacation. Numerous cruise lines have a range of features and programs made especially with kids of various ages in mind.
For the whole family, a cruise will appeal. Your spouse or children won’t ever say, “I’m bored!” There are ample activities for all age groups, including teens, parents, and toddlers. The enjoyment never ends, just like the sea you’re sailing.
#1. Cruise Line Carnival
Families love Carnival Cruises because they are renowned as fun ships. Their kids program provides a range of activities, kid-friendly cuisine, and other amenities to ensure that children have a pleasant cruise experience. Your young cruisers may look forward to age-appropriate, supervised groups featuring outdoor movies, theme parties, ocean bingo, individual and group art projects, and more. They can also make new friends at the Beary Cuddly Workshop.
#2. Regent Seven Seas
Children’s programming is available on summer and holiday sailings with Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Games, arts and crafts, bingo, Mariner Idol, scrapbooking, sporting events, and other engaging activities for younger cruisers are all planned as fun and instructive events. Your children will create lifelong friendships and memories.
#3. Celebrity Cruises
A celebrity cruise is the ideal vacation for both adults and children. There will be plenty of entertainment for kids of all ages, such as sports, games, movies, and much more. The award-winning ships of Celebrity make the perfect backdrop for a family cruise holiday. Your family will enjoy crafts, theme parties, athletic competitions, film projects, gaming challenges, and other special occasions. The entire family may enjoy themselves with a range of family-friendly games.
#4. Costa Cruises
Costa Cruises honors family getaways. The entertainment and creative activities are perfect for younger travelers. There will be treasure hunts, ice cream and chocolate parties, sculpting, painting t-shirts, and more. Teens and preteens love participating in sports competitions, such as water basketball, volleyball, and more. In addition, there will be group dinners, dancing lessons, talent displays, and international karaoke.
#5. Disneyland Cruise Line
For the whole family, Disney Cruise Line offers a spectacular experience. The ideal activities are offered to let kids’ imaginations run wild. There is much interactive entertainment for kids, tweens, and teens on board. Younger cruisers can enjoy dining, art, costume parties, comic improv, dance parties, high-tech entertainment, and a plethora of other enjoyable and stimulating entertainment options.
#6. Uniworld
Uniworld provides the chance to fully immerse oneself in places that the whole family can visit. Younger visitors will take pleasure in hands-on culinary lessons and special dishes. Both aboard and onshore activities will be available, such as treasure hunts, cable car excursions, ghost tours, gondola rowing, painting Venetian masks, and seeing the renowned Lipizzaner stallions. These recollections are enduring.
#7. Holland, America
The whole family may enjoy an elegant and exciting holiday on a Holland America cruise. Kids can participate in entertaining, informative, and age-appropriate activities. You can be sure that your younger family members are having a blast with all of the activities offered, like hip-hop workshops, cooking courses, ice cream socials, teen-only programs, treasure and scavenger hunts, and much more.
#8. Norwegian Cruise Line
Family cruises with Norwegian Cruise Line are truly remarkable. Activities are family-friendly, age-appropriate, stimulating, and maybe both thrilling and calming. For your favorite cruisers, there are teen dance groups, Circus School, cupcake decorating, themed parties, creative arts, sports challenges, bowling, mini golf, waterslides, and more.
Best Cruises for Kids
To guarantee the greatest experience, look into special characteristics like destinations, ship amenities, and kid-friendly activities when choosing a cruise line for your family.
These are the best cruises for kids:
#1. Disney Cruise Line
One of the greatest cruise lines for families, especially with young children, is Disney Cruise Line. Disney Cruise Line provides a wonderful experience for kids of all ages with its themed ships, character interactions, Broadway-style musicals, and age-appropriate activities.
#2. Royal Caribbean International
Family-friendly cruises are one of Royal Caribbean’s specialties. They provide a plethora of kid-friendly amenities and activities, such as water parks, sports facilities, entertainment venues, and their Adventure Ocean youth program.
#3. Cruise Line Carnival
Families with children also frequently choose the Carnival Cruise Line. In addition to a range of family-friendly amenities like water parks, mini-golf, kids’ clubs, and entertainment suitable for all ages, they provide reasonably priced tickets.
#4. Cruise Line Norwegian
Norwegian Cruise Line popularized the Freestyle Cruising concept, which gives families flexibility and independence. Water slides, sports facilities, kids’ clubs, and family-friendly dining options are just a few of the kid-friendly activities and entertainment alternatives available.
#5. Princess Cruises
Princess Voyages provides kid-friendly features and activities on their family-friendly voyages. They have collaborations with Discovery Inc. for the Discovery at SEA events, which offer kids fun and instructive activities. Princess Cruises also provides family-friendly entertainment options, pools, and kid programs.
#6. MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises offers a variety of family-friendly features and activities. They offer kid-focused play areas and activities thanks to their relationships with Chicco and LEGO. In addition, MSC Cruises provides kid-friendly entertainment, water parks, sports facilities, and family-friendly staterooms.
#7. Costa Cruises
Due to its extensive array of family-friendly features and activities, Costa Cruises is a well-liked option for families traveling with children. They provide sports facilities, water parks, kid-focused clubs, and entertainment alternatives for a range of age groups.
#8. Holland America Line
Although Holland America Line isn’t as well-known for its family-friendly cruises, it still has great choices for households with young children. Club HAL is a program that offers entertainment and activities to kids between the ages of three and seventeen. In addition, Holland America Line provides family-friendly shore excursions, sports facilities, pools, and lodging options.
#9. Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises, which is well-known for its luxurious cruise experience, caters to families with children. Children can enjoy age-appropriate entertainment and activities at Celebrity Cruises’ Camp at Sea program. Celebrity Cruises offers family-friendly eating selections, swimming pools, and sports facilities in addition to rooms.
#10. P&O Cruises
Families often choose P&O cruises, especially in the UK. They provide kid-friendly pools, family-friendly entertainment, sports facilities, and kid-focused clubs. In addition, P&O Cruises offers family-friendly shore excursions, family-friendly dining selections, and family-friendly staterooms.
Best Luxury Cruises for Kids
The market for luxurious family travel is rapidly growing, and there are many excellent cruise options available. However, the amenities offered to kids are distinctly less extensive than those found on larger mega-ships. Here are the answers to some often-asked questions if you’re wondering how to go on a luxurious cruise with kids.
Luxury Cruises That Allow Kids?
While children are welcome to travel on most luxury cruise lines, very few offer kids’ clubs or facilities with structured activities. The others call on parents to watch over their children at all times, which might work for homes where the youngsters are happy to read or use technology. Here’s how kids are currently accommodated on luxury cruise lines:
#1. Regent Seven Seas Cruises
On Regent’s 490-750 passenger luxury ships, Seven Seas Voyager, Seven Seas Mariner, Seven Seas Navigator, Seven Seas Explorer, and Seven Seas Splendor, children can participate in the Club Mariner program, which is under the supervision of certified counselors. The caveat is that youngsters can cruise for discounted rates on a limited number of sailings, usually during the summer and on holidays. Age groups 5-8, 9-12, and 13-17 are catered to with activities like games, movie evenings, and arts & crafts. To sail, a child must be at least a year old.
#2. Paul Gauguin Cruises
Families are welcome on board the 330-guest m/s Paul Gauguin, which cruises Tahiti and the South Pacific year-round. During summer and holiday sailings, children ages 7 to 15 can participate in the free Moana Explorer Program, which offers participatory nature discovery. Children must be at least a year old to sail, and the ship has the authority to limit the number of kids it may accommodate.
Additionally, any child under the age of 21 must go with a parent or other responsible adult who is at least 21. Eight adjoining balcony cabins that may become four suites, each sleeping four people, and two brand-new luxury suites, each sleeping four guests, are also available on the ship.
#3. Windstar Cruises
Tiny-ship cruise operator Windstar accommodates 148–342 people on its sailing ships (Wind Star, Wind Surf, and Wind Spirit) and yachts (Star Pride, Star Breeze, and Star Legend), but only if accompanied by an adult who is at least 25 years old. Children 8 years old and older are eligible to travel on Windstar’s ships and yachts.
#4. Seabourn
A child must be six months old to go on a non-transoceanic cruise and twelve months old to go on a transoceanic trip on any of the all-suite Seabourn ships, which include the Seabourn Odyssey, Sojourn, Quest, Encore, and Ovation. However, most cruises do not accept children. A select few Premium Suites can sleep more people than the Verandah Suites on Seabourn’s 450–600 passenger ships, while some Verandah Suites can only hold one child.
#5. Cruises on Silversea
On Silversea’s small luxury ships, Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper, and Silver Spirit, children six months and older are welcome. However, throughout the entire voyage and on all shore excursions, children under the age of eighteen must be in the company of a parent or other responsible adult over the age of twenty-one. There may be restrictions on which shore excursions children under the age of eight may participate in.
#6. Oceania Cruises
Onboard Oceania’s six mid-size ships—Oceanica, Oceania Nautica, Oceania Insignia, Oceania Regatta, Oceania Sirena, Oceania Marina, and Oceania Riviera—children ages one to seventeen are welcome to travel, but they must share a cabin or suite with an adult who is eighteen years of age or older.
#7. Azamara
Children six months or older (twelve months for transoceanic voyages) are welcome on this boutique cruise line’s three 690–702 passenger ships, the Azamara Journey, Azamara Quest, and Azamara Pursuit. However, as this blog explains, parents are responsible for providing food for young children and for keeping them entertained.
#8. SeaDream Yacht Club
Couples and groups of friends are the target audience for SeaDream’s two intimate 112-passenger luxury boats, SeaDream I and SeaDream II. However, children from 1 to 17 are welcome as long as they are with an adult (18 years of age or older) who will be in charge of watching them at all times. On both ships, a few of the Yacht Club staterooms can be joined to form Commodore Suites that can accommodate four people. For older youngsters, a water sports platform and water toys are entertaining diversionaries.
#9. Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity is regarded as a premium cruise company, and while its ships are larger than other luxury ships, they are also more kid-friendly and provide all-inclusive trips (i.e., drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities are included in the cruise ticket). Programs for children and teenagers include Teen Club (for cruisers aged 13–17) and Camp at Sea (for ages 3–12). There are numerous connecting stateroom options, including cabins that can sleep up to four people and the Royal Suites on Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Apex, which can seat up to ten people.
Things to Know When Planning the Cruises for Kids
When planning cruises for kids, here are some important things to know:
#1. Considerations for the Destination
There are luxury cruises offered for children in several locations, including Alaska, the Caribbean, Europe, and the Mediterranean. When selecting a cruise, take into account the temperature, attractions, and family-friendly activities available at the destination.
#2. Age Limitations
Certain activities or kids’ clubs may have age limits, according to some luxury cruise lines. Verify that the cruise line offers activities appropriate for your children’s age group and that the age restrictions are met.
#3. Places to Stay
Large suites or connected cabins are common family-friendly features on luxury cruises for children. A separate sleeping room, additional beds, and childproofing measures are a few conveniences that these hotels might offer.
#4. Documentation for Travel
Make sure you have all of your family members’ travel documents together, including their passports, visas, and any necessary medical certifications. Verify the particular requirements for your location and make sure all of your documentation is valid for the duration of your voyage.
#5. Activities and Entertainment
A variety of entertainment and activities are available on luxury cruises for children, including character meet and greets, educational programs, sports, games, and arts and crafts. It’s a good idea to review the cruise operator’s activity schedule to make sure your kids will enjoy some of the offerings.
#6. Shore-Based Tours
Luxury cruise lines frequently offer family-friendly shore excursions at different ports of call. These adventures could include family-friendly guided tours, beach outings, wildlife encounters, or cultural experiences. You can plan fun activities for your kids by looking at the shore trip options.
#7. When Is It Best to Cruise?
Find out when it would be best to take a cruise to your intended location. Considerations include the type of weather, the busiest travel times of the year, the accessibility of particular activities, and the presence of wildlife. For instance, summertime Alaskan cruises are very popular because of the warmer weather and the chance to see wildlife.
#8. Security and Safety
Children’s safety and security are given top priority by luxury cruise lines. They employ qualified personnel, follow security procedures, and have child watchers in kids’ clubs and recreational areas, among other safety precautions.
#9. Reservations and Costs
There may be differences in the cost and booking procedures for luxury cruises for children. It’s critical to comprehend the entire pricing structure, including any extra fees for kid-focused services or activities, and to make reservations far in advance to guarantee the preferred lodging and activities.
#10. Length of Cruise
Kid-friendly luxury cruises can last anywhere from a few days to multiple weeks. Think about how long will work best for your family’s vacation schedule and preferences. Longer cruises give you more time to see more destinations, but shorter cruises can be better suited for younger passengers.
What Is the Minimum Age to Go on a Cruise?
Depending on the cruise operator and itinerary, there are different minimum ages for taking cruises. For instance, most cruise lines have a minimum age requirement of six months, but some may have a minimum age requirement of twelve months for specific itineraries. To travel alone, guests of Carnival Cruise Line must be at least 21 years old. It is imperative to confirm the age requirements and any limits on activities or amenities with the particular cruise line.
Is a Cruise Good for Children?
Given that they offer family-friendly amenities, security precautions, entertainment, eating options, and adventure opportunities, cruises might be an excellent choice for families with young children. Find the ideal cruise line for your family by researching their offerings and those of other cruise lines.
What Cruise Line Allows Children?
Many cruise operators let kids go on their ships. As examples, they include Disney Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and Royal Caribbean International. These cruise lines all provide a range of family-friendly features and activities, including kids clubs, swimming areas, entertainment programs, and special deals like Kids Cruise Free or Kids Sail Free.
Is a 4-Year-Old Free on a Cruise?
Children under the age of four can travel for free or at a reduced rate on certain cruise lines, though availability and restrictions may apply. Kids can sail for free or at a discounted rate on several cruise lines, including Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, MSC Cruises, and others. These deals may have different age restrictions and cutoff dates.
Do You Need a Passport for a Cruise?
Depending on the citizenship and itinerary of the cruise, a passport is usually needed. Passports may not be required by US citizens on closed-loop voyages, but certain cruise lines may. The cruise usually requires a passport if it visits foreign locations. Additional citizenship documents from the government can be accepted. To find out the exact criteria, contact the cruise line.
Summary
The destination, age limitations, lodging, travel documents, entertainment, shore excursions, optimal sailing season, and safety precautions should all be taken into account while organizing a luxury cruise for children. Make sure the cruise line provides age-appropriate activities for your children by researching the weather, local sights, and activities.
- SOUTH AMERICA CRUISES: Top Picks In 2023-2024
- The Best Luxury Cruise Lines of 2023: A Comprehensive Guide
- BEST DISNEY RESORTS FOR KIDS
- KIDS SAIL FREE CRUISES: The Ultimate Guide for Families
- MOST LUXURIOUS CRUISE LINES in 2023-2024
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