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Best Cruises for Families

he Disney Dream docks at Castaway Cay, Disney's private island in the tropical waters of the Bahamas, reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests. In a setting of crystal-clear turquoise waters, powdery white-sand beaches and lush landscapes, the 1,000-acre island offers one-of-a-kind areas and activities for every member of the family. (David Roark, photographer)

Have you ever considered taking your family for a cruise vacation? One of my favorite experiences was taking the multigenerational family on a Disney Cruise. Sit back and read on as I share all the best cruises for families — and get ready to book your next family vacation on a cruise.

The best cruises for families include Disney Cruise Line.
The best cruises for families include Disney Cruise Line.

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Best Cruises for Families

With the help of our affiliate partners and travel specialists at Get Away Today, read on for the best cruises for families so you can start planning your next family vacation.

First-time cruiser? We have these 6 essential first-time cruise tips.

This is why your next vacation should be a cruise.

Disney Cruise Line

One of the best cruises for families: Disney Cruise Line.
One of the best cruises for families: Disney Cruise Line. Photo: Diana Rowe

Get Away Today partners with all major cruise lines, but it kind of goes without saying the Disney Cruise Line really appeals to families. A Disney Cruise is packed with magic that’s fun for all ages, and always tops the list of the best cruise line for families.

Wide range of entertainment, kids’ clubs, spacious staterooms and more! Character Interactions. Family Entertainment. Adults-only spaces. Themed Dining. Broadway-Quality shows.

Destinations: Bahamas, Caribbean, Europe, Alaska.

Take a look at some of the perks of a Disney Cruise, and why I think it’s one of the best cruises for families.

Complimentary Kids’ Clubs

While we didn’t take advantage of the kids’ clubs on Disney Dream, each of the four ships in the Disney Cruise Line includes complimentary kids’ clubs. For ages 3 – 17, you’ll find something for everyone on board.

  • Disney’s Oceaneer Club: This club is designed for ages 3 – 12, and children are not separated by age. This can be helpful for siblings who prefer to spend their time together in the kids’ club. Counselors provide supervision for games, crafts and other engaging activities.
  • Disney’s Oceaneer Lab: For kids ages 3 – 12, counselors assist children during hands-on experiments. There is also free-play, movies, and games in the Lab. It is connected to the Oceaneer Club, so children can go between the two.
  • Edge: This club is for tweens ages 11 – 14 so they can have their own retreat onboard. Guests can enjoy a spot to play video games, watch movies or participate in guided activities with counselors and each other.
  • Vibe: For teens ages 14 – 17, Vibe provides a fun hangout. Counselors oversee this club where teens can enjoy a snack bar, karaoke contests, and even dance-offs. Vibe includes an outdoor sundeck on select ships, hi-tech media rooms, and games.
  • “it’s a small world” Nursery: While not complimentary, there is a kids’ care option for guests ages 6 months to 3 years. The nursery includes an acclimation area, a play area, and a separate area for naps.

Complimentary Soft Drinks

All four ships in the Disney Cruise Line offer complimentary soft drinks, including soda, lemonade, and tea. Enjoy unlimited access to self-serve dispensers and stay refreshed throughout your cruise vacation.

All-Inclusive Dining

On the Disney Dream, my 2 year-old granddaughter loved the desserts (surprise!).
On the Disney Dream, my 2-year-old granddaughter loved the desserts (surprise!).

Yeah, I know most cruisers know this already, but your food options are endless.

Great food, lots of choices, even for my pickiest oldest granddaughter — who was over the moon excited about complimentary room service!

When you're teen wants to chill in the cabin on the Disney Dream, she'll be all smiles when she is told Disney Cruise Lines includes complimentary room service.
When you’re teen wants to chill in the cabin on the Disney Dream, she’ll be all smiles when she is told Disney Cruise Lines includes complimentary room service.

Spacious Staterooms on Disney Cruise Line

To help families feel more comfortable, staterooms aboard Disney Cruise ships feature split bathrooms. With split access to the bathrooms, family members can more easily share the space. There’s also more storage compartments and even themed, magical portholes onboard select ships.

For our multigen family of four girls, we had plenty of room — even though we were rarely in our room. The shared bathroom with a separate sink and mirror from the toilet and bath was a great perk! While my daughter and her two girls slept on the bed, I claimed the fold-out sofa as my own.

Themed sailings

Select Disney Cruise Line itineraries offered themed experiences, including Star Wars Day at Sea, Marvel Day at Sea, Halloween on the High Seas and Very Merrytime cruises.

Themed Pools

Enjoy both leisure time and thrills in the pools and waterslides on Disney ships. Look for themed pools, an aqua coaster, adult-only pools, and even splash and play areas for young guests.

Character Encounters

Disney Cruise Line offers an abundance of character meet & greets including with Daisy Duck on the Disney Dream.
Disney Cruise Line offers an abundance of character meet & greets including with Daisy Duck on the Disney Dream.

You’ll have a chance to meet Characters onboard Disney ships, as well as book Character Dining experiences. With entertainment available at select restaurants, you’ll be able to enjoy dinner and a show.

Castaway Cay

he Disney Dream docks at Castaway Cay, Disney's private island in the tropical waters of the Bahamas, reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests. In a setting of crystal-clear turquoise waters, powdery white-sand beaches and lush landscapes, the 1,000-acre island offers one-of-a-kind areas and activities for every member of the family. (David Roark, photographer)
The Disney Dream docks at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the tropical waters of the Bahamas, reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests. In a setting of crystal-clear turquoise waters, powdery white-sand beaches and lush landscapes, the 1,000-acre island offers one-of-a-kind areas and activities for every member of the family. (David Roark, photographer)

Did you know Disney has their own private island in the Bahamas? Select Disney Cruise Line itineraries include a stop at Castaway Cay. Soak up tropical sunshine and spend a day at the beach. For my multigenerational family of 4 (Grammie, my adult daughter, and my two granddaughters ages 2 and 15), this was hands down our favorite stop!

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line

Add this to the best cruises for families: Wonder of the Seas Photo: Royal Caribbean Cruises

Another cruise line that caters to families of all ages is Royal Caribbean. Ships feature a variety of onboard entertainment options, and select sailings include “Perfect Day” packages. Here are some of the reasons why Royal Caribbean one of the best cruises for families:

Onboard Activities

Depending on which ship you sail, Royal Caribbean has onboard activities that appeal to all! Choose from zip-lining, rock climbing, bumper cars, ice skating, leisure pools, water slides, sports decks, entertainment, fine dining and so much more.

Perfect Day Itineraries

Have you heard of Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day itineraries? These Bahamas and Caribbean sailings include a stop at Coco Cay, which is home to North America’s tallest water slide. Perfect Day also offers relaxing beaches, floating cabanas, hot air balloon experiences, delicious food and more.

Discounted Royal Caribbean Cruise Deals

Kids Sail Free promotion

Royal Caribbean is well-known for its Kids Sail Free promos. Book with Get Away Today by January 31, 2020, to take advantage of this deal on select sailings in the new year.

BOGO Sailings

For cruises booked by January 31, 2020, you can enjoy 60% second guest fares and 30% off third and fourth guests’ fares. Apply these savings to vacations setting sail after January 27, 2020.

Carnival Cruise Line

One of the best vacations in 2020 is a cruise.
One of the best vacations in 2020 is a cruise.

Families love Carnival Cruise Line for its variety of onboard activities. Participate in group experiences ranging from basketball to a round Family Feud. See what there is to love about a Carnival family cruise.

Onboard Amenities

Carnival Cruise Line onboard activities offer a lot of variety! Included in your fare are experiences such as lip sync battles, SkyRide, Family Feud Live, Seuss at Sea, crafts and more.

Kids’ Clubs

Kids can gather in their own space for guided activities, meals, and movies. With different clubs for various ages, there will always be something fun for the kids to do while the adults recharge.

  • Camp Ocean: This complimentary kids’ club is designed for ages 2 – 11.
  • Circle C: This complimentary kids’ club is designed for ages 12 – 14.

Dining 

There is a plethora of dining included in your fare, and with so much variety there is a menu to appeal to each family member. Look for restaurants such as Lucky Bowl, Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, Swirls, and Pizzeria del Capitano.

Destinations for Best Cruises for Families

Best Cruises for Families #bestcruisesfamilies #familyvacation #disneycruiseline #royalcaribbeancruises #carnivalcruises

When you book a cruise with Get Away Today, you can enjoy multiple vacations in one! Set sail to destinations such as the Bahamas, Caribbean, Bermuda, Mexico, and even Hawaii.

Your family will love the onboard experiences offered by Disney, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival Cruise Lines, and the ports of call will be the icing on the cake. Explore the world together and make lasting memories, all available at the lowest fares with Get Away Today.

Best Price Best Service Guarantee

You’re never penalized for booking early (and you won’t miss future deals!) with Get Away Today, whether you’re cruising, heading to the Disneyland Resort or to the beaches of Hawaii. Their Best Price, Best Service Guarantee ensures that if any additional discounts arise after you book, you can be refunded the difference. Call a cruise specialist at 877-510-2929 for free quotes and travel planning. Be sure to let them know Traveling in Heels sent you!