{"id":9068,"date":"2023-07-15T13:49:11","date_gmt":"2023-07-15T10:49:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rochaksafar.com\/?p=9068"},"modified":"2023-07-15T13:49:11","modified_gmt":"2023-07-15T10:49:11","slug":"10-best-cruise-lines-for-families-with-small-kids-in-2023","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rochaksafar.com\/10-best-cruise-lines-for-families-with-small-kids-in-2023\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Best Cruise Lines For Families With Small Kids in 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"
Planning a vacation as a family is always an exciting endeavor. When you have small kids, the prospect becomes both thrilling and challenging. A cruise vacation can be a great choice, offering an array of activities, experiences, and destinations to suit every family member. Yet, the key to a successful family cruise is choosing the right cruise line.<\/span><\/p>\n Some cruise lines go the extra mile to cater to families with young children, offering everything from kid-friendly meals and family cabins to dedicated kids’ clubs and child-friendly entertainment. However, with the plethora of cruise lines, deciding on the best one for your family might seem daunting.<\/span><\/p>\n This blog will explore ten of the best cruise lines for families with small kids, each with unique strengths and offerings. We’ll delve into what makes each one stand out, from their engaging children’s programs to their family-friendly amenities and accommodations. So, let’s set sail and embark on this journey to find the perfect cruise line for your next family adventure!<\/span><\/p>\n Booking a luxury cruise as a family, especially with small kids, involves considering several factors to ensure an enjoyable and memorable experience. Here are some key factors to consider:<\/span><\/p>\n By keeping these factors in mind, you can ensure that you book a cruise that meets the needs of every family member, making for a relaxing and memorable vacation experience.<\/span><\/p>\n Arguably one of the best cruise lines for families with small kids, Disney Cruise Line offers a magical experience that will delight children and adults alike. Known for its attention to detail, Disney brings the enchantment of its brand to the high seas, making every cruise a fairytale adventure.<\/span><\/p>\n Kid-Friendly Amenities and Accommodations:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0Disney Cruise Line offers spacious family staterooms equipped with bathtubs\u2014 a bonus for families with small kids. The ships also provide baby care essentials, like cribs, diaper disposal units, and bottle warmers.<\/span><\/p>\n Children’s Programs and Activities:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab cater to kids aged 3 to 12 with many themed activities, games, and storytelling sessions. The “it’s a small world” nursery cares for infants and toddlers aged 6 months to 3 years.<\/span><\/p>\n Entertainment:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0Disney characters are an integral part of the cruising experience. There is no shortage of magical moments, from character meet-and-greets to themed deck parties and Broadway-style shows. The onboard movie theaters screen Disney classics and new releases.<\/span><\/p>\n Safety and Convenience:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0The wristband system helps keep track of kids on the ship. Parents can also stay connected through the complimentary Wave Phones in each stateroom.<\/span><\/p>\n Dining:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0Kid-friendly meals are readily available, and rotational dining allows families to enjoy different dining venues while keeping the same table servers.<\/span><\/p>\n Destinations and Shore Excursions:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0Disney Cruise Line offers many itineraries, including popular destinations like the Caribbean, Alaska, and Europe. Their private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay, highlights Caribbean cruises, offering a range of family-friendly activities.<\/span><\/p>\n As one of the most recognized cruise lines in the world, Royal Caribbean offers a variety of family-friendly amenities and activities that make it an excellent choice for families with small children.<\/span><\/p>\n Family-Friendly Amenities and Accommodations:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0Royal Caribbean’s family staterooms are designed with extra space and storage, which is essential when cruising with little ones. The ships also offer baby gear, including high chairs, cribs, and baby bathtubs.<\/span><\/p>\n Children’s Programs and Activities:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0The Adventure Ocean program, for kids aged 3 to 12, offers a range of activities from science experiments to art projects, all designed to entertain and educate. A Royal Babies and Royal Tots program for younger children also features interactive playgroup sessions.<\/span><\/p>\n Entertainment:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0Royal Caribbean is renowned for its high-energy entertainment. It offers Broadway-style shows, parades, and character meet-and-greets with popular DreamWorks characters. Its ships also have family-friendly features like ice skating rinks, rock climbing walls, and mini-golf courses.<\/span><\/p>\n Safety and Convenience:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0All children are provided with wristbands with the stateroom information for safety. Parents can also use the Royal Caribbean International mobile app to keep track of activities and manage their schedules.<\/span><\/p>\n Dining:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0The cruise line offers My Family Time Dining, where kids are served their meals within 40 minutes, after which the Adventure Ocean staff escort them for evening activities, allowing parents to enjoy their meal leisurely.<\/span><\/p>\n Destinations and Shore Excursions:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0Royal Caribbean sails to over 260 locations worldwide, including family-friendly destinations like the Caribbean, Alaska, and Europe. They also offer a variety of shore excursions suitable for families.<\/span><\/p>\n Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is renowned for its casual, freestyle cruising philosophy that translates into a relaxed, no-pressure vacation experience \u2013 perfect for families with small children.<\/span><\/p>\n Family-Friendly Amenities and Accommodations:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0Norwegian’s family-friendly cabins, particularly the Family Mini-Suites, are well-appointed and provide the extra space a family with small children may need. Certain ships also feature two-bedroom family suites, which can accommodate larger families.<\/span><\/p>\n Children’s Programs and Activities:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0Norwegian’s Splash Academy caters to kids aged 3 to 12 with age-appropriate activities. The Guppies Program offers interactive parent-supervised activities for children under three.<\/span><\/p>\n Entertainment:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0Norwegian offers a wide range of family-friendly entertainment options. Depending on the ship, these may include mini-golf, waterslides, bowling lanes, and even a circus school. Certain ships also offer Nickelodeon at Sea, featuring character meet-and-greets and Nickelodeon-themed activities.<\/span><\/p>\n Safety and Convenience:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0Children in the youth programs wear a safety wristband for safety. Norwegian also offers a mobile app to help parents stay informed about the activities and amenities available on board.<\/span><\/p>\n Dining:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0NCL stands out with its Freestyle Dining concept, which allows families to dine whenever and with whomever they choose, offering a variety of kid-friendly menu options across multiple onboard restaurants.<\/span><\/p>\n Destinations and Shore Excursions:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0With itineraries spanning the globe, including the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, and more, families can choose an adventure that suits their interests. NCL’s shore excursions also include family-friendly options.<\/span><\/p>\n Princess Cruises, one of the premier cruise lines in the world, is also an excellent choice for families with small children. Their programs are designed to provide meaningful and memorable experiences for all ages.<\/span><\/p>\n Family-Friendly Amenities and Accommodations:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0Princess Cruises offers family suites with room for up to eight people. These suites include two bathrooms, which can be a big plus for families with kids. Mini-suites offer more space with added seating and can also accommodate families comfortably.<\/span><\/p>\n Children’s Programs and Activities:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0Princess Pelicans (ages 3-7) and Shockwaves (ages 8-12) are the dedicated kids’ clubs on Princess Cruises, offering a variety of age-appropriate activities, including arts and crafts, movies, talent shows, and educational programs. Note that childcare for under 3’s is not typically provided.<\/span><\/p>\n Entertainment:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0The cruise line features Movies Under the Stars, a poolside movie experience families can enjoy together. Other entertainment may include puppet shows, magic shows, and family-friendly performances in the Princess Theater.<\/span><\/p>\n Safety and Convenience:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0Princess Cruises includes security measures for the kids’ club, where parents have a specific password to drop off and pick up their kids.<\/span><\/p>\n Dining:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0The dining options include kid-friendly menus with favorites like pizza, hamburgers, and ice cream. They also offer flexible Anytime Dining for families to eat at their convenience.<\/span><\/p>\n Destinations and Shore Excursions:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0With cruises to destinations worldwide, including Alaska, the Caribbean, Europe, and more, families can find a cruise that fits their interests. Many shore excursions, such as wildlife viewing, beach outings, and historical sites, are also suitable for families.<\/span><\/p>\n Holland America Line is well-known for its classic, elegant cruising experience. While it tends to attract an older demographic, it’s also surprisingly well-equipped for families with small children.<\/span><\/p>\n Family-Friendly Amenities and Accommodations:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0Holland America’s larger, newer ships, like the Koningsdam and Nieuw Statendam, offer family ocean-view staterooms that accommodate up to five people. They feature two bathrooms and extra living space for comfort.<\/span><\/p>\n Children’s Programs and Activities:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0Club HAL offers a range of supervised, age-appropriate activities for kids aged 3 to 12. Activities include arts and crafts, sports competitions, treasure hunts, and video game tournaments. There’s also a dedicated space for toddlers under 3, though parental supervision is required.<\/span><\/p>\n Entertainment:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0From interactive game shows to magic workshops and wildlife-themed programs in partnership with BBC Earth, Holland America offers a variety of family-friendly entertainment. Some ships also feature a water play area for children.<\/span><\/p>\n Safety and Convenience:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0Holland America takes safety seriously and offers wristbands for children, allowing for quick identification if needed.<\/span><\/p>\n Dining:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0Kid-friendly menus are available in the main dining room and at the Lido Market buffet. High chairs, booster seats, and baby food are available upon request.<\/span><\/p>\n Destinations and Shore Excursions:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0Holland America’s itineraries span the globe, and many excursions are suitable for families. The cruise line’s private Bahamian island, Half Moon Cay, is a particular highlight, offering child-friendly activities like a water park and nature trails.<\/span><\/p>\n MSC Cruises is a Europe-based cruise line known for its stylish ships and family-friendly amenities. With a partnership with LEGO and Chicco, they offer unique entertainment and childcare services, making them a strong choice for families with small children.<\/span><\/p>\n Family-Friendly Amenities and Accommodations:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0MSC offers a variety of family cabins and suites to fit your family’s needs. They have cabins that can accommodate up to 10 people, making them an excellent choice for larger families.<\/span><\/p>\n Children’s Programs and Activities:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0MSC Cruises offers dedicated kids’ clubs for various age groups, including the Mini Club for children aged 3 to 6 and the Junior Club for those aged 7 to 11. Both clubs offer a variety of activities, such as arts and crafts, LEGO activities, and sports competitions.<\/span><\/p>\n Entertainment:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0Onboard entertainment includes 4D cinemas, F1 simulators, water parks, and interactive, LEGO-themed play areas. They even have a “DoReMi” musical game that the whole family can enjoy.<\/span><\/p>\n Safety and Convenience:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0MSC Cruises offers a security bracelet system for kids that allows parents to track their children. The MSC for Me app also lets parents stay informed about activities and services onboard.<\/span><\/p>\n Dining:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0MSC offers dedicated children’s menus in the main dining room and buffet. There’s also a “Happy Dinners” service where kids quickly receive their dinner during the parents’ first course and a “Fun Time Dinner” service where kids eat under the staff’s supervision while parents enjoy dinner alone.<\/span><\/p>\n Destinations and Shore Excursions:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0MSC Cruises offers a wide range of destinations worldwide, and many shore excursions are suitable for families with kids.<\/span><\/p>\n Costa Cruises is an Italy-based cruise line renowned for its Italian-style cruising experience. It provides many amenities and activities designed to entertain families with children.<\/span><\/p>\n Family-Friendly Amenities and Accommodations:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0Costa Cruises offers a variety of family cabins and suites that can accommodate families of various sizes. Some of their ships feature the “Family Cabin,” a two-bedroom setup that offers plenty of space and privacy for families.<\/span><\/p>\n Children’s Programs and Activities:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0Costa’s kids’ clubs are divided into different age groups. Mini Club is for children from 3 to 6 years old, and Maxi Club is for those from 7 to 11 years old. These clubs offer arts and crafts, treasure hunts, and parties. Squok Club, available on certain ships, includes a children’s pool and a pirate ship play area.<\/span><\/p>\n Entertainment:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0Many Costa ships feature a 4D cinema, a Grand Prix racing simulator, and a water park with water slides. Family-oriented entertainment, such as magic and talent shows, are also offered.<\/span><\/p>\n Safety and Convenience:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0Costa provides a security identification bracelet for children. They also offer babysitting services, subject to availability.<\/span><\/p>\n Dining:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0Costa offers kid-friendly menus and flexible dining times to accommodate younger passengers. Special dietary needs can also be catered to upon request.<\/span><\/p>\n Destinations and Shore Excursions:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0Costa Cruises offers family-friendly destinations worldwide, including the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Asia. Their shore excursions include family-friendly options like beach days, wildlife tours,\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n P&O Cruises, a British-American-owned cruise line, offers a family-friendly experience with a distinctly British flavor. Their dedication to ensuring families have a fantastic time on board is evident in their wide range of kid-friendly services and amenities.<\/span><\/p>\n Family-Friendly Amenities and Accommodations:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0P&O Cruises offers a range of family-friendly cabin options. These include family suites and cabins that can accommodate up to five people, some even offering child-friendly bathroom amenities and extra storage for push chairs.<\/span><\/p>\n Children’s Programs and Activities:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0P&O’s kid’s clubs are split into different age groups: Splashers (2-4 years), Surfers (5-8 years), Scubas (9-12 years), and H2O (13-17 years). Activities range from puppet shows and arts and crafts for younger kids to discos, sports competitions, and gaming for the older ones.<\/span><\/p>\n Entertainment:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0Many of P&O’s ships feature theatres, cinemas, and family-friendly pools. Their larger ships offer a more comprehensive range of entertainment, including sports courts, a rock-climbing wall, and even a zip line.<\/span><\/p>\n Safety and Convenience:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0P&O provides a pager service for parents of children aged six months to four years old, giving added peace of mind. There are also family-friendly shore excursions and pushchair rentals available.<\/span><\/p>\n Dining:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0Kid-friendly menus are offered in most restaurants, with earlier dining times available for families. Many ships also feature poolside pizzerias and ice cream bars, which will surely be a hit with the kids.<\/span><\/p>\nWhat to Look for When Booking a Luxury Cruise as a Family with Small Kids<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Top 10 Cruise Lines For Families With Small Kids<\/span><\/h2>\n
1. Disney Cruise Line<\/h3>\n
2. Royal Caribbean<\/h3>\n
3. Norwegian Cruise Line<\/h3>\n
4. Princess Cruises<\/h3>\n
5. Holland America Line<\/h3>\n
6. MSC Cruises<\/h3>\n
7. Costa Cruises<\/h3>\n
8. P&O Cruises<\/h3>\n