Our users support our website. Therefore, we sometimes earn affiliate commissions when you click through the affiliate links on our website. Rest assured that all of our recommendations are made whole-heartedly with the intent of helping travelers like you discover the world authentically and responsibly.
If you have decided that the new year to treat yourself to a luxurious cruise, you are at the right place! We share the best cruise lines for families that adults and children will love in this article! We have covered it all from the world-famous Royal Caribbean to the more adventurous Lindblad Expeditions. After this, we bet that you will be ready to pack your bags and book your dream cruise vacation! These days expedition cruises are becoming very popular, be sure to check out all the options if this seems like the best cruise for your family.
1. Disney Cruise Line
Whether you plan a family trip or a romantic vacation with your significant other, you can never go wrong with Disney! Disney cruises are the best way to find a little magic and dive into a world of fairy-tales experiences! The destination options are endless – from the exotic shorelines of Iceland to the endlessly sunny Southern Caribbean, you will find your dream journey! Of course, a fantastic family-friendly cruise must come equipped with fabulous outdoor areas. Parents can sit back and enjoy a day of sunbathing while the kids take full advantage of the themed parties and onboard entertainment.
Although Disney-themed cruises appeal to families with young children, older kids and teens have plenty to keep them entertained. Every family member will have a blast, from excellent entertainment to fun pools to secluded cool hangout areas with various video games. Then, as the night approaches, head to the restaurant to dive into a world of remarkable cuisine and recap on your day’s activities filled with wonder and fantasy!
2. Royal Caribbean
As one of the most renowned cruise companies, Royal Caribbean will treat you to an experience of a lifetime! Royal Caribbean cruises take family vacations to the next level. Onboard these miniature floating cities, guests find everything from tennis courts to unbelievable zip line adventures, to arcades, to enthralling shows and entertainment. While Royal Caribbean itineraries bring travelers to the world’s dreamiest destinations, the outstanding ships make Royal Caribbean one of the best cruise lines for families that adults and children will love! Consider booking your Royal Caribbean adventure through a luxury travel advisor for added perks.
Each vessel has a unique theme and offers various incredible adventure experiences on board. For example, if you plan a family trip with young children, you may want to check out Allure of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, or Freedom of the Seas, which feature the unique Dreamworks Character Parade. However, if you’re traveling with teens, we strongly suggest choosing an itinerary that includes the Royal Caribbean private island destination in the Bahamas – CocoCay. This exotic oasis with secluded white sandy beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters is the ultimate getaway experience!
3. Ama Waterways
Ama Waterways specializes in river cruises. Spend time sailing on the Danube and explore charming cities, enjoy the peaceful scenery of the Rhine, the ancient history of the Nile, and many others! Although many river cruise itineraries cater to an adult audience, Ama Waterways collaboration with Adventures by Disney makes them one of the best cruise lines for families that adults and children will love!
The company has specifically designed the Ama Lea ship to provide the perfect family cruise holiday. With only 78 staterooms and a total of 156 passengers, guests enjoy a personalized and luxurious cruise experience! What could be better than exploring fairytale villages and storybook settings together with your children on board the Adventures by Disney line! As a bonus, the cruise offers special Disney nights, where guests get to dress up as their favorite character. A massive hit with families for kids and adults.
4. Norwegian Cruise Line
If your idea of a fun family vacation involves a mix of luxury, entertainment, and a plethora of fun experiences, then Norwegian Cruise Line might be your best bet! No matter what your dream cruise holiday looks like, chances are high you will find it on board the Norwegian ships! For a truly luxurious experience with top-notch service and incredible amenities, book a suite in the Haven. Secluded at the top of each vessel, you will find a private world of extraordinary luxury, where guests have access to many intimate experiences, lounges, and sundecks. The Haven suites also come with a personal butler and concierge to indulge your every whim. Working with a travel agency can help secure the Haven experience.
Haven guests receive priority for activities, dining reservations, and shore experiences. However, the Haven is not the only reason Norwegian is one of the best cruises lines for families. School-age children and teens will enjoy the wide variety of entertainment provided onboard the ship. During the day, you can participate in arts and crafts workshops, rock-climbing, or racing on the biggest go-kart track in the sea. However, don’t let them tire themselves out too much as it would be a shame to miss the unique music shows, dance competitions, stand-up comedy, and live performances at night.
5. Celebrity Cruises
As you can expect by its name, the Celebrity Cruise Line offers one of the most upscale sea experiences. This makes it a perfect choice for families traveling with teens and older children. With more than 300 destinations across all seven continents, it would be impossible not to find what you dream of! However, as you are voyaging, Celebrity Cruises will impress you with sophisticated modern, luxurious design and phenomenal dining experiences.
The well-equipped outdoor areas and spa are so welcoming that you may want to spend your hours soaking up the sun and fully embracing your best vacation self, cocktail in hand. Stopping by the casino, admiring the art collection onboard, and joining a hot glass class are only some of the other cruise activities which will keep you busy.
6. Lindblad Expeditions
As you may have already guessed, Lindblad Expeditions is the perfect cruise line for adventurous families. If your children are curious and eager to see the world – from the mysterious Galapagos island to the furthest corner of the Arctic, Lindblad is calling your name. What makes Lindblad Expeditions one of the best cruise lines for families with school-age and teenage children is their collaboration with National Geographic.
Although every Lindblad experience is unique and exciting, families with teenage children and young adults will enjoy participating in the Global Perspective Program. This program is offered on select expeditions inviting guests to interact with and learn from best-selling authors, scientists, world photographers, astronauts, and other fascinating individuals. When choosing the best expedition cruise line for your family, this one is a great option.
Are you traveling with curious and adventurous school-age children who want to learn about the world? We recommend sailing with Lindblad to the Galapagos or Alaska with their exclusive family-friendly Global Explorers Programs. The program was created to educate children through fun exploration-based activities both on and off-board the ship about the world we live in!
7. Uncruise Adventures
Similar to Lindblad Expeditions, Uncruise Adventures is not for everyone. If you are looking for a large, luxurious cruise with non-stop entertainment for young children, this is not the right cruise line for you. However, if you’re looking for something truly adventurous and want to immerse yourself in wildlife and experience new cultures, Uncruise Adventure is the perfect cruise line! As this is an adventure line, they welcome guests 8 years of age and older. This makes it an ideal cruise for families with school-age children and teenagers. Be sure you pack properly for the different adventures on your itinerary. Here are some tips for packing for adventure travel.
Uncruise ships carry 22- 86 guests, making them one of the most intimate and personalized adventure vessels. Still, the views are panoramic, the activities are thrilling, and the experiences are once-in-a-lifetime! In particular, the expedition cruises will take you to places that most large ships cannot enter. With Uncruise Adventure, it is more about the destination than the journey. The size of the vessels also makes them an excellent option for a multi-generational family charter or multi-family adventure. Rent out the entire vessel and create a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Although the ships are not equipped with rock climbing walls, arcade centers, and ice skating rinks, they appeal to families for their immersive itineraries. These ships have unique access to remote destinations. Onboard the ship, days are spent participating in exciting shore adventures, listening to engaging lectures, and learning about our world. Undoubtedly, You will find yourself having fascinating, in-depth conversations with people that have the same interests as yours. Although there are less than 100 people on any given sailing, your small group will embark on fascinating adventures. These are things you will remember long after you have gone back home.
8. Princess Cruise Line
Princess Cruise Line is a great option iff you want to get the whole family together and have a large group with varying interestn! Their programs and activities make their cruises the perfect multi-generational family vacations. With massive ships sailing worldwide, you can find the best cruise that fits all of your needs.
Additionally, book one of the luxurious suites to escape from the hustle and bustle of onboard entertainment. While the kids will enjoy the pools and entertainment, adults love the gourmet restaurants. Mom and dad can also take a few hours to rejuvenate their minds and bodies in the word-class wellness center while their little ones participate in educational activities through the Camp Discovery Programs. At the end of the day, you will all love gathering together and watching a movie under the stars!
So, which one of these 8 Best cruise lines for families that adults and children will love sounds most enticing to you? Let us know. We would love to know your thoughts!
Like what you’re reading? Join Our Luxury Travel Inspiration FREE Facebook Group For Insider Secrets and Special Giveaways!
Boutique Travel Advisors is a full-service, luxury travel agency. We specialize in creating bespoke itineraries for discerning clients around the world. Please visit our website or call 480-787-1477 to speak with a dedicated travel expert.
Are you planning an international or domestic trip? Check out our other articles to help you come prepared.
