A family cruise offers the luxury of spending time together and with enough activities to keep everyone entertained! Imagine the excitement of waking up to a new port of call each day or spending a day at sea with the adrenaline-pumping waterslides and activities on board.
Whether it’s your first time on a cruise, or you are well versed in cruising, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite family-friendly cruise lines to help you create memories to last a lifetime on your next holiday.
Carnival
Reputed as a family-friendly cruise line, Carnival offers shorter (three to four-day cruises) for first-time cruisers or longer for those planning to take in a few more destinations and more time at sea. With a range of ports accessible via a long- or short-haul flight from Canada, the options include the popular Caribbean as well as New Zealand, Asia, Europe, and Alaska to name a few. The on-board Skyride won Best Onboard Thrill and brings thrills to passengers of all ages as they pedal over the sea and play structures provide fun for all ages while adults-only are also on board.
Included activities onboard Carnival are:
Waterworks Waterslides
Skyride
Make it with Michaels Crafts
Cooking Demonstrations
Mixologist
Serenity Adult-Only Retreat
Additional expense activities include:
Skyzone
Build-a-Bear workshop
Carnival Kitchen
Bingo
Candy Shop
Portrait studio
Royal Caribbean
Dubbing themselves as the ultimate family vacation, Royal Caribbean, is just that - Royal. Two-night cruise options from popular departure ports including Fort Lauderdale and Brisbane, Australia allow the adventurous family to make this an add-on to a city break or week-long family vacation. With youth and teen programs, onboard activities including the Typhoon and Cycle waterslides, lively shows, and entertainment from morning to night, you may not want to disembark! Royal Caribbean also holds an Autism-Friendly certification to ensure their products and services are accessible to all individuals.
Included activities onboard Royal Caribbean are:
Supercell, The Perfect Storm, Typhoon and Cyclone Waterslides
Splashaway Bay Splash park
Captains Reception
Teen Hideout Hangout (ages 13-17)
Adventure Ocean
Up and Away Musical at Sea
Art Auctions
Royal Escape Room (ages 12+)
North Star (360-degree views)
Flowrider surf simulator
Sports court
Ultimate abyss dark tunnel slide
Ripcord by iFly
Bumper cars
Dance lessons
and much more!
Norwegian
With spectacular dining, award-winning entertainment, contemporary accommodations, specialty itineraries, a large selection of destinations, and a plethora of onboard activities, Norwegian is one of the most favorite family-friendly cruise lines. With shore excursion vouchers, depending on the destination, guests could enjoy snorkeling on a barrier reef, venturing through Game of Thrones territory, or exploring the best neighborhoods for selfies. For older children, the Mediterranean cruise taking in Barcelona, Cannes, and Rome makes for an exciting itinerary. The contemporary onboard accommodations are spacious and the option for your own “haven” is a possibility.
Included activities onboard Norwegian are:
Race tracks,
Laser-tag
Ropes courses,
Waterpark with waterslides and splash pad
Oceanfront promenade
Broadway shows including Kinky Boots
Live entertainment
Casino
Sports complex
Fitness center
Kids Boxing club
Exclusive Teen Zone
Disney Cruise Lines
This is the ultimate in family fun for all ages. Expect visits from your favorite Disney characters, clubs for children of all ages where play is themed, imaginative, spacious family rooms, and live shows every evening to enhance your experience. As this cruise line is well versed in catering to all audiences, activities start at sunrise and continue past sunset. The Bahamas is the most popular route with shore excursions including banana boating, dolphin watching, and snorkeling. However, Adventures by Disney takes river cruising in Europe to a new level with family fun activities at every port of call and while onboard.
Included activities onboard Disney are:
Live shows
Character experiences
Fireworks at sea
Youth clubs (ages 3-17)
Adult only pool area
Waterslides and splash pad
Salon
Sports and fitness centre
Princess
Planning a weeklong family getaway? Hop aboard one of Princess Cruise Line’s ships to spend seven days sailing through Mexico, Alaska or even the Mediterranean Sea for a vacation that packs luxury with adventure and culture. Onboard activities include excursions for the whole family and cultural immersions, children and teens, and even just the adults,
Included activities onboard Princess are:
Discovery at Sea enrichment programs
Encounters with Discovery at Sea
Festival experiences from around the world including Rio's Carnival, Oktoberfest, and Celtic festivals
Destination themed activities
Culinary demonstrations and wine tasting
Casino
Art gallery and art courses
Pools and hot tubs
Sporting area with mini-golf, ping pong, and basketball
Book clubs
Dancing
Specialty dining and cuisine
If you've become inspired by any one of these cruise lines and everything that they have to offer, contact Krista Tovell to start planning your next family vacation getaway.