Traveling on a big cruise ship for days on the sea while experiencing the vibrant culture and hospitality on the ports is among the best vacations one can imagine. Several companies offer their unique itinerary and plans for the vacation.

Some ships specialize in adult entertainment onboard while others take the passengers to beautiful ports and cities along the route. However, if you have a family with kids then it might be difficult finding the perfect cruise.

In this article, you will find 8 best cruises for families to enjoy. These ships specialize in family-friendly environments and have a lot of things to do for both kids and adults alike.

  • best cruises for family

    • 1. MSC Seascape

    Recommended Itinerary: 7-Night Western Caribbean From Miami

    Price: Starting from $449

    Available Months: July - January

    MSC Seascape is one of the most high-tech and family-friendly cruise ships in the elaborate fleet of MSC Cruises. This ship is voted one of the best cruises in the world for families by Forbes magazine for a reason. It offers exciting facilities and entertainment for people of all ages.

    The itinerary of 7 nights in the Western Caribbean from Miami starts in Florida and takes the passengers to different ports in the Caribbean and brings them back to Florida.

    Some of the amenities and facilities in MSC Seascape include 11 dining venues, 20 bars and lounges, 13 pools and water features, kids clubs, and much-needed baby and toddler services allowing the parents to enjoy moments in the cruise themself.

    2. Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Evrima

    Recommended Itinerary: 11-Night Barcelona to Rome

    Price: Starting At $13,200

    Available Months: April - October

    Unlike other ships on our list, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Evrima is known for unparalleled luxury in the seas. This cruise caters to families in the most luxurious way anyone can expect. The 11-night trip has several overnight halts in different European cities to let you explore the nightlife and iconic places.

    In terms of luxury, this Super Yacht offers a full-service spa with a sauna, steam room, quiet areas, and onboard classical and jazz performances. To cater to younger members of the family, the cruise offers a comprehensive creative program complete with a dedicated, full-time youth counselor for an added fee per session.

    Additionally, the cruise only offers suits and as a passenger on this cruise, all you need to do is show up and let the staff take care of you for a white-glove experience.

    3. Wonder Of The Seas

    Recommended Itinerary: 7-Night Eastern Caribbean

    Price: Starting At $907

    Available Months: Every Month

    Wonder Of The Seas is one of the largest cruise ships in the world operated by Royal Carrebian offering one of the best curing experiences to its passengers. The 7-night eastern Caribbean cruise starts at Port Canaveral in Orlando, Florida, and ends at the same place in the morning of the 8th day, but in between the passengers will different ports of the US and in the Bahamas.

    The ship is filled with fun activities such as a 10-stories waterslide, a surf simulator, a zipline, and ocean adventure, among others. However, to entertain the kids and keep them occupied, this cruise also offers one of the best award-winning children’s programs which includes immersive playrooms and even climbable creations.

    However, the best part of this cruise for families is Surfside, an expansive play area for the kids with plenty of dining options for the adults making it the perfect place for everyone to come together.

    4. Disney Wish

    Recommended Itinerary: 3-Night Bahamian from Port Canaveral

    Price: Starting At $2,965

    Available Months: January - September

    This short and quick cruise of just three days is perfect if you are seeking a family getaway but do not have weeks or months to spend. This cruise starts at Port Canaveral in Florida and takes you to Nassau, Bahamas, and Disney Castaway Cay, before returning to Florida. Passengers of all ages can have fun along the way as this is a family-friendly cruise with a lot of entertainment options to try out.

    Additionally, if you or your kids are fans of Disney movies then you're up for a treat. Characters from Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars, and Disney movies are found all around the cruise, and even host theatrical dinners for the little ones onboard.

    5. Celebrity Ascent

    Recommended Itinerary: 12-Night European Route From Barcelona

    Price: Starting At $1,999

    Available Months: May

    Celebrity Ascent might be the perfect cruise ship for going on a 12-night European Route from Barcelona with your teenagers. Although this ship has amenities to draw attention and entertain people of all age groups, teens in particular are treated with activities such as silent discos, sports competitions, video game challenges, and socialization with other teens onboard.

    However, that does not mean small kids or adults will lack entertainment. They get to enjoy the family spa with state-of-the-art technology and meticulously crafted adult and kids menu dining. This one-way trip will take you from Barcelona in Spain to popular cities of Italy, and Greece as well.

    6. Sapphire Princess

    Recommended Itinerary: 7-Day Jeff Corwin's Nature & Adventure Voyage From Vancouver to Anchorage

    Price: Starting At $448

    Available Months: September

    Unlike other cruises in our list, 7-Day Jeff Corwin's Nature & Adventure Voyage From Vancouver to Anchorage is a themed cruise hosted by Jeff Corwin who is a wildlife biologist and Emmy-Award-winning TV personality. He has sailed to Alaska over 150 times and now takes passengers aboard Sapphire Princess while sharing his stories and adventures.

    Apart from the exciting things the host has to share, the ship also offers numerous other activities including family dining services, planetarium, stargazing activities, movies under the stars, and many more. Spas and hot tubs heal you after your tiring day of adventure and entertainment onboard.

    7. Norwegian Prima

    Recommended Itinerary: 9-Day Mediterranean: Italy, France And Spain

    Price: Starting At $1,600

    Available Months: Any Time of the Year

    The Mediterranean is one of the best routes for cruising with your family. Many cruise companies have their routes and features planned out and Norwegian Cruise Line unleashes their Prima cruise ship on this route.

    On this 9-day voyage through the Mediterranean, the passengers get to go through several ports in many European cities. While the adults enjoy spas, theaters, movies, and casinos, they can leave their kids under the careful supervision of the cruise staff.

    Kids of all ages have specialized programs to suit their needs and age ranging from Splash Academy which features free, interest-based programming including sports and art to video games, movies, music, socializing, and more for teenagers.

    8. MS Santa Cruz II

    Recommended Itinerary: 14-Day South America Expedition Cruise With Stops In Machu Picchu and Galápagos

    Price: Starting At $6,290

    Available Months: March Onwards

    Unlike other cruise ships on our list, MS Santa Cruz II is much smaller offering a quaint and close-knit feeling when traveling for two weeks exploring South America with fellow passengers. This scene route will let you explore Machu Picchu and Galápagos and all the wildlife in those beautiful islands.

    Do not get fooled by the modest size of the ship. Despite its small size, this worthy vessel has all the amenities and features anyone expects during a cruise vacation. It offers excellent restaurants, a science center, a fitness area, balconies, and observation decks. Moreover, the friendly staff onboard the ship will take good care of 90 passengers.

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