Best Family Cruise Lines

Why are these cruise lines listed as "Best Family Cruises"?

With all of the cruise lines having excellent amenities and kids programs, why in the world would I have only the 5 on my home page listed (note that there is a caveat that these are not limited to--I'll explain later in this page)?  Read further to gain my insights and see why these are my favorite choices for families.

Onboard programs and facilities have taken a wide leap in the past few years.  Some of the changes:

• Kids programs are broken down into smaller groups by age, example, some lump all 3-8 year old guests into the same kids program while some group them 3 to 5, 6 to 8 because development stages vary and they don't want the kids to get bored.
• Teens and betweens programs have been incorporated on some of the cruise lines, so you not only have programs for those 14 to 17 year olds, but also for 12-14 where they are not necessarily socializing the same way but they aren't playing like the 3 to 8 year old guests either.
• Programs are created in conjunction with well known companies that have extensive knowledge of kids (based on their marketing strategies) such as Crayola, Coca-Cola, and Fisher-Price (not to mention Disney of course).
• Rooms - family suites and rooms that connect are making their way onboard.  Many of the ships being built today include these larger, family friendly rooms and suites.
• Onboard activities:  rock climbing, elaborate water parks, surfing, boxing, movie matinees and bowling.  So many things to do that the ship could be considered the destination rather than the wonderful ports of call.

So, having said all of that, why these 5?  I'd like you to consider:

Royal Caribbean - With Royal Caribbean you have to consider their Voyager and Freedom Class ships as the best for families of all ages.  The reasons are as big as the ships. 

• Rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks, miniature golf, inline skating, ship's indoor promenades for shopping and special events.  Then, on the Freedom Class ship you also have surfing, boxing, and water park.  So many ways for kids to have fun.
• The kids program - kids are grouped into smaller age categories.  Aquanuts are 3-5 years old and participage in story time and toilet paper soccer; Explorers are ages 6 - 8 and may play backwards bingo, make their own surfboards, and take part in adventure and science activities; Voyagers, ages 9 - 11 play foosball and capture the flag as well as science experiments.  Teens are also divided into two groups, Navigators, ages 12-14, take part in "open mic" karaoke contests and rock-wall challenges, while the older teens, 15-17 have their own toga parties and group skate sessions.
• Johnny Rockets, the 1950's style luncheonette, is offered only on Royal Caribbean ships.
• Activities are also available for the under 3 age group at no charge, but parents must participate.

Downside to Royal Caribbean is they are still on the formal dining system, but this is being addressed and there should be a form of a flexible dining scheme in place by the end of 2008). 

Carnival - Carnival's ships may lack the onboard activities that Royal Caribbean offers on their Voyager and Freedom Class ships, but they do offer a great alternative with a special program focused on the teen travelers.

• Kids are divided into five age groups.  Toddlers, ages 2-5, play Funship Bingo, do arts and crafts and have sing-alongs.  Juniors, ages 6-8, play Disney trivia, paint t-shirts, and participate in games throughout the ship.  Intermediates, ages 9-11, have talent shows and scavenger hunts.  Circle C, pre-teens, aged 12-14 and Club O2 teens, aged 15-17 have access to regular disco evenings, special teens-only shore excursions and video games.
• Teens are welcome in the Carnival spas.
• Carnival's program accepts children as young as age 2, most other lines require them to be 3.
• The older, Fantasy Class ships which do the 3, 4, and 5 night cruises are implementing a new program which includes water parks on their ships.  This program of upgrades is ongoing and will be eventually implemented in all of their Fantasy class ships.

Disney - Now, most of you who know me, wonder how in the world this one got to the third spot on my list of best family cruise lines.  Well, Disney is not necessarily the best for families with older children, although, I can't say anything at all bad about their program.  Disney has the absolute best setup for families with multiple age groups.

• Kids program is broken up into smaller categories.  Their Oceaneer Club, ages 3-7, has separate schedules for ages 3-4 and 5-7 with some overlap throughout the day.  Oceaneer Lab, ages 8-12 has plans for 8-9 and 10-12, again with some overlap. Other features are the Flounders Nursery for the up to three set (an hourly charge and a total time available limit apply) and the teen program, Stack or Aloft (depending on which ship you are on), which is located in the faux funnels.
• Ship layout, these ships have separate areas for adults only, families, and kids.  It makes it nice for the older folks to lay out in the sun with their favorite beverage and relax without the little ones.  There is even a coffee cafe located just steps from the adults only pool.
• Movie studio for viewing feature movies (they show new movies opening in theatres on the same night as they open in land theatres).  Studio Sea is an area which presents interactive activities for kids and parents.
• Cabins are a bit larger than on most cruise lines at 214 sq. ft for inside and ocean view.  The cabins feature a split bath, meaning that while the kids are getting a bath  or shower, mom and dad can be using the mirror and sink in the other toilet area (there are not 2 toilets in this arrangement).
• The private island is unique among the cruise industry in that you do not tender to shore.  Once the ship has docked, you get off on shore and immediately start your day.  The island is separated into kids, family and adults only areas.
• Palo's, the adults only restaurant is a must for all adults.  The menu and service are well worth the additional cover charge.
• Dining in the main dining rooms are a unique experience since you rotate amoung the three restaurants while keeping your same table and waitstaff.
• Shows in the main showroom are of the quality you would expect from the Disney company.

Downside on Disney is that the nursery charges for the under 3 set and only allows a limited amount of time in the nursery for each child per cruise, and the price for the Disney cruise lines leave some folks who might otherwise book to search for other options.

Princess - the three newest ships, the Caribbean, Crown and Emerald were all designed with families in mind.

• Kids program - Princess Pelicans, ages 3-7 includes arts and crafts and a variety of games.  Pirateers, ages 8-12, are entertained with scavenger hunts and science programs geared to the area (i.e., Caribbean).  Off Limits, ages 13-17 features dance parties, shipboard Olympics, and karaoke.
• Shore excursions appropriate for families are offered.
• Family suites
• Kids dedicated splash pools.
• Personal Choice dining gives you the choice of dining at the same table and same time every night as in traditional programs, or you can elect to be flexible and eat in the dining room when you want to (as well as go to the buffet).
• Movies under the Stars offers you the chance to sit on the deck and watch great movies and eat popcorn, hot dogs, and drink your favorite beverages.

Downside (or maybe not) is that group babysitting is available, at a charge of $5 per hour.

Norwegian - this cruise line is on the list mainly because of their "Freestyle Dining" program which is "eat when you want, with whomever you want, and wearing whatever you want".  You don't have to worry about taking along the formal clothes and eating at 8pm every night.  As long as you are appropriately attired for the restaurant you are dining in you are welcome.

• Kids crew is a well rounded program but lacks some of the innovative touches of the other cruise lines.
• Kids club features a play gym, movie theatre, computer center, and arts/crafts area.
• Separate video arcade.
• Teens only club with a juice bar and touch screen jukebox.
• Separate splash pool for kids and a private hot tub (no adults allowed).
• Each ship has multiple restaurants (some as many as 12), so there is always something for the picky eater in the family.  Some of the buffets have kids areas where the tables are kids sized.
• Family friendly accommodations, interconnected cabins are featured in the inside to suite categories.

Downside is that this line and dining programs are not for those cruisers who like the formal dining arrangements.  If doing the Norwegian American ship out of Hawaii for the 7 night cruise, be aware prepared to view this as transportation and hotel around the islands, it is NOT the traditional cruise.

As I stated earlier in this article, these are just a few (and my favorite) of the great cruise options with kids.  Holland America is working on their kids program, but didn't make the top five list because the kids program wouldn't be enough to direct my thoughts to their line.  Another outstanding option would be MSC cruises where kids sail free and they offer themed cruises such as Baseball greats, again, not enough of a reason to start with them unless the itinerary was just the right one.

While the above is a great starting point in determining which cruise ship is best for your family, I always recommend working with a great travel agent (me or someone else) who specializes in family travel.  Most travel agents do not charge additional to work with you, so why not take advantage of their special knowledge and skills.

If you are looking for a great family cruise, call me at 303-404-2288 or email me at melody@gimmeabreakvacations.com for my family vacation planning. 

I plan your vacation as if it were my own!