The Best Cruise Lines For Your Family Cruise

Are you planning a family holiday but not sure where to go or what to do? Why not look at some of the most family orientated cruise lines that’ll take you to amazing destinations and provide you with plenty of activities to do on board.

Here we have recommended three different cruise lines that cater to families.

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean is well-known for having innovative ideas and one-of-a-kind activities on their many ships. One of these extravaganzas is the Sky Padˢᵐ, which can be found on board Independence of the Seas, amongst other vessels.

Sky Pad is a virtual reality, bungee trampoline experience, where children between the ages of five and seven can engage in many different games. Once they’re strapped into a harness with the headset on, they’ll be transported onto a different planet and set tasks, like smashing up sweets in the candy land or jumping over obstacles. This unique experience can only be booked by reserving a space with the onboard box office.

Royal Caribbean is also known for its many onboard waterslides, including the Blaster, Riptide, Tidal Wave and Perfect Storm. The Blaster is the longest waterslide at sea and allows guests to couple up and ride a raft, as multiple jets push you faster. Make sure you hold on when you hit the 800 feet drops. Riptide is the only headfirst, mat racer waterslide at sea and, if that’s not enough, its transparent tube goes off the side of the ship, over the sea. Make sure you don’t close your eyes, otherwise you’ll miss it.

When sailing around the Bahamas and Bermuda, you will get the chance to visit Coco Cay, Royal Caribbean’s own private island filled with waterslides, pools and much more. The perfect destination for a travelling family.

There are also kids clubs available on board for children under the ages of 11, which allows the parents to have the chance to experience the Solarium, an adult-only area with a pool, sun beds, hot tubs and a bar.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line is the third largest cruise line in the world and based in America. Their ships are perfect for families as there’s plenty for the kids to do, including the Aqua Park and Sports Complex.

The Aqua Park is home to the whip, two duelling waterslides where thrill seekers race side by side against each other through many twists and turns. Free Fall is also located within the complex and is a plunging waterslide that’ll test your courage.

The third and final chute is the Epic Plunge, which transforms from a tube to a huge water bowl and your only way out is to fall through the bottom. Children can also splash around in the tropical-themed pool and meet their favourite Nickelodeon characters like Sponge Bob Square Pants and Dora the Explorer.

In the Sports Complex, you can all engage in competitive games on the multi-use court – everything from basketball and volleyball to dodgeball and football. Miniature golf is also available on board Breakaway and Breakaway plus cruise ships and is perfect for families who wish to spend some quality time together.

You can also rock climb and witness some amazing ocean views, or try something new like the bungee trampoline and zip line in the ropes course. The ropes course consists of 40 different elements that’ll test your strength, fitness and fear of heights. If you’re an adrenalin junkie, try walking the plank eight feet over the side of the ship to test your balance.

If, after all these adventurous activities, you wish for some peace and quiet then visit the adult-only spa and treat yourself to any treatment of your choice. There are youth groups for children aged between three and 11, where they’ll engage in activities with other children of a similar age.

Disney Cruise Line

If your children are huge Disney fans and wish to meet and engage with all of the different characters, then a Disney Cruise will be perfect for you.

There are plenty of live shows every night that they will love, including Beauty and the Beast and Tangled: The Musical. Both of these provide a live viewing of the film and its best songs.

The children will also be able to attend meet and greets with the likes of Mickey and Minnie mouse, Pixar characters and Marvel superheroes like Spiderman and Captain America. If you book a seven-night cruise (or more), you will have the opportunity to meet your favourite characters, while feasting on a delicious breakfast. Make sure you remember your camera to capture these magical moments.

You can attend themed deck parties, such as the Frozen Deck Party, where your children will be able to meet all the characters, sing along and dance together. Trivia games are also hosted to test both you and your children’s knowledge of the many Disney films and their characters.

As well as that, karaoke sessions are held to encourage you to sing along to the Bare Necessities or Let It Go with your children and other families. Finally, Disney movies are shown in the theatre throughout the day and evening, so make sure you don’t miss your favourite.

When cruising on Disney Magic, you have the chance to explore Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. However, if you choose to sail with Disney Dream, you’ll discover Castaway Cay in the Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line’s private island, filled with many amazing experiences.

To book a sailing with one of these cruise lines, contact us via our website or call us on 0800 021 3237.