Best Cruise Ships for Kids

It doesn’t matter which cruise line, ship or itinerary, family vacations like cruises will always have something for the kids. Whether the ship is a Disney Cruise, and the whole ship is a wonderland for kids, or aboard a Cunard cruise for a trans-Atlantic sailing, there is always something fun for kids.

Let’s start with the obvious answer. Disney Cruise Line’s ships are packed to the portholes with things for kids. Disney’s myriad properties mean the media behemoth can put on all kinds of special events at sea. For instance, in 2020, Disney Cruise Line will host Marvel Days at Sea, where heroes from the Marvel universe are present on sailings to the Bahamas and the Western Caribbean, departing from Miami. Next year will also see the return of Star Wars Day on cruises to East and West Caribbean from Port Canaveral. Disney also hosts Halloween cruises and cruises for varying holidays throughout the year.

Like most cruise lines, Disney ships are packed with pools for the entire family, but include special options for young children like Mickey’s Pools, ear-shaped wading pools.

Party on the Disney Wonder. Photo: Joshua Daniels | Dreamstime.com

Royal Caribbean has its own ace in terms of kid-friendly amenities. The Anthem of the Seas features a number of services, experiences and facilities for kids. SeaPlex, for example, is huge with a multipurpose entertainment space. The space changes from a skating rink to bumper cars to trapeze and more.

Anthem also has a number of other amenities for kids and parents to indulge in together: an arcade, simulated surfing and rock climbing, simulated skydiving and much more. The Anthem sails to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda and Canada out of New Jersey.

Norwegian Escape is Norwegian’s answer to Anthem of the Seas. Escape features the fastest waterslides in the cruising industry, a multilevel sports complex filled with activities for sailors of all ages and the chance to “walk the plank” eight feet over the side of the ship.  The escape also has a mini splash park for young sailors, miniature golf, a ropes course and more.

No matter which line and ship you choose, there are bound to be a number of childcare services available on board. You might spend a fair bit of time on the cruise ship, but remember, the destination is important, too.