Are you looking for the best family cruises in 2023?
When it comes to planning the perfect family vacation, few options can match the sheer excitement and adventure of a family cruise. In 2023, cruise lines are offering an array of incredible experiences tailored to families of all sizes and interests. In this blog post, we will explore the best family cruises 2023 has to offer, while also providing insightful reviews of the top cruise lines that cater to kids. So, grab your sunglasses and sunscreen as we set sail on a journey to discover the perfect family cruise for your next vacation. These are the best family cruises in 2023.
Best family cruises 2023
The best family cruises 2023 offers cruise options for your family by considering factors such as the ship’s amenities, destinations, family-friendly activities, and age-appropriate programs for children.
Here are some popular cruise lines that caterer to families.
- Disney Cruise Line is widely recognized for its family-friendly cruises. The company provides dedicated kids’ clubs, character meet-and-greets, themed parties, and even nurseries for infants and toddlers.
- Royal Caribbean International offers Adventure Ocean Youth Programs, which cater to children of all ages. They have designated areas and activities for various age groups, including a nursery for infants.
- Carnival Cruise Line provides supervised youth programs for children from toddlers to teenagers. Camp Ocean and Club O2 are among the dedicated spaces and programs available for kids and teens.
- Norwegian Cruise Line offers the Splash Academy and Entourage programs for kids and teenagers, featuring age-appropriate activities, games, and entertainment. Princess Cruises has the “Youth Centers” program for kids and teens, which includes age-appropriate activities, arts and crafts, and games.
- MSC Cruises offers a range of kids’ clubs and entertainment options for children and teenagers. They have also established partnerships with popular children’s brands such as LEGO and Chicco.
- Holland America Line provides Club HAL, a program specifically designed for kids aged 3 to 17. They offer dedicated areas and activities tailored to different age groups.
- Cunard Line offers supervised children’s programs on select sailings, including activities and entertainment for kids and teens.
- Celebrity Cruises offers the “Camp at Sea” program, which includes activities for children and teenagers, as well as babysitting services.
- Costa Cruises has a Squok Club with age-appropriate activities for kids and a Teen Club for teenagers.
- Viking Ocean Cruises, although primarily focused on adult-oriented cruises, does offer select sailings with family-friendly amenities and activities during school vacation periods.
Don’t forget to grab your Cruising decals. These decals can be applied to any flat surface; such as Luggage, Car windows, White boards, travel mugs,Signs, etc.
Disney Cruise Line programs
Best family cruises 2023
- Youth Clubs: Disney Cruise Line has age-specific clubs for children, including the Oceaneer Club (ages 3-12), Edge (ages 11-14), and Vibe (ages 14-17). These clubs offer age-appropriate activities and entertainment.
- Character Meet and Greets: Kids can meet their favorite Disney characters throughout the cruise, often with photo opportunities.
- Pools and Water Play Areas: Disney ships have family pools, water slides, and splash zones designed for kids to cool off and have fun.
- Movies: Watch Disney movies and TV shows in designated onboard theaters or in the comfort of your stateroom.
- Kids’ Dining: Disney offers special dining options for kids, including character-themed meals with appearances by Disney characters.
- Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique: A salon experience where young guests can be transformed into princesses and pirates.
- Pirate Night: On select cruises, there’s a Pirate Night with a deck party, fireworks, and pirate-themed activities.
- Youth Activities: Various organized activities such as arts and crafts, storytelling, games, and science experiments for different age groups.
- Sports Deck: There are sports courts for activities like basketball and miniature golf.
- Arcades: Video game arcades are available for older kids and teens.
- Club Disney Junior: Special events and activities for the youngest cruisers, including those under 3 years old.
- Entertainment: Kid-friendly live shows, including Broadway-style productions and character-themed performances.
- Kids Clubs Open Late: Some nights, the kids’ clubs stay open late, allowing parents to enjoy adult-only activities while their children are supervised.
- In-Room Babysitting: Babysitting services for a fee are available for parents who want a night out.
- Teen-Exclusive Spaces: Vibe and Edge are teen-exclusive areas with lounges, games, and activities designed for older kids.
- Character Breakfasts: Special breakfast events where kids can enjoy a meal with Disney characters.
- Adventure Activities: Kids can participate in interactive adventures throughout the ship, such as the Midship Detective Agency or Star Wars: Millennium Falcon – Smugglers Run game.
- Family-Friendly Shore Excursions: Disney offers excursions tailored to families, ensuring that kids have a great time at each port of call.
- Special Events: Themed cruises for holidays, like Halloween on the High Seas and Very Merry time Cruises.
- Educational Programs: Opportunities for kids to learn about marine life and ocean conservation through activities like the Aqua Lab.
These amenities and activities are designed to cater to children of all ages, ensuring they have a magical and entertaining experience while sailing with Disney Cruise Line. Please note that the availability of some amenities may vary depending on the specific ship and itinerary, so it’s a good idea to check with Disney Cruise Line for the most up-to-date information.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line programs
Best family cruises 2023
- Adventure Ocean Youth Program: This program is divided into age groups, allowing kids to participate in age-appropriate activities and games. It includes:
- Aquanauts (ages 3-5)
- Explorers (ages 6-8)
- Voyagers (ages 9-11)
- Teens (ages 12-17)
- Splashaway Bay: A water park featuring fountains, water cannons, and slides suitable for younger children.
- H2O Zone: Another water play area with interactive sculptures, geysers, and pools.
- DreamWorks Experience: On select ships, children can interact with DreamWorks characters like Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, and Madagascar’s Penguins through parades, character breakfasts, and photo opportunities.
- Royal Babies & Tots Nursery: A childcare center for infants and toddlers (6 months to 3 years old), offering trained staff and age-appropriate toys and activities (fees may apply).
- Kids’ Clubs: These are dedicated spaces for children and teenagers to hang out, play video games, participate in organized activities, and meet new friends.
- Rock Climbing Walls: Many Royal Caribbean ships have rock climbing walls suitable for older children and teenagers.
- Mini Golf: Miniature golf courses are available on several ships.
- Ice Skating: Some ships have ice skating rinks with family-friendly sessions.
- Adventure Science Lab: Interactive science experiments and activities for kids to learn while having fun.
- Sports Court: Courts for basketball, soccer, and other sports can be found on many ships.
- Arcade: Video game arcades are typically available for older kids and teenagers.
- Teen-only Lounges: Hangout spots for teenagers, where they can watch movies, play games, or socialize.
- Family-friendly Entertainment: Royal Caribbean offers family-friendly shows, movies, and live performances suitable for all ages.
- My Family Time Dining: Early dinner seating option where kids can eat quickly and then join Adventure Ocean staff for supervised activities while parents finish their meals.
- Babysitting Services: In-cabin babysitting services are available for an additional fee.
- Please note that the availability of these amenities and programs can vary by ship and may be subject to change, so it’s a good idea to check with Royal Caribbean or consult the specific ship’s information for the most up-to-date offerings before your cruise.
Please note that the availability of these amenities and programs can vary by ship and may be subject to change, so it’s a good idea to check with Royal Caribbean or consult the specific ship’s information for the most up-to-date offerings before your cruise.
Carnival Cruise Line programs
Best family cruises 2023
- Camp Ocean: Camp Ocean is Carnival’s supervised youth program, divided into age-appropriate groups. It offers a range of fun and educational activities for children, including arts and crafts, games, and themed parties.
- Circle “C”: Designed for tweens aged 12 to 14, Circle “C” provides a cool hangout spot with games, music, and organized activities.
- Club O2: This teen club is for guests aged 15 to 17, offering a space to socialize, dance, and enjoy themed parties.
- WaterWorks: WaterWorks is a water park on select Carnival ships featuring water slides, splash zones, and other aquatic fun.
- SportsSquare: Kids and teens can enjoy sports activities such as mini-golf, basketball, and foosball in this recreational area.
- Seuss at Sea: Carnival partners with Dr. Seuss Enterprises to offer Seuss-themed activities and character meet-and-greets, including the Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast.
- Dive-In Movies: Outdoor movie screenings with family-friendly films under the stars.
- Build-A-Bear Workshop at Sea: Kids can create their own stuffed animals with this fun activity.
- Video Arcade: Many ships have a video arcade with a variety of games.
- Dr. Seuss Bookville: A library filled with Dr. Seuss books and interactive reading spaces for kids.
- Pools and Water Slides: Besides WaterWorks, there are usually multiple pools and water slides suitable for kids.
- Live Shows: Carnival often hosts family-friendly live shows and entertainment.
- Family Movie Time: Screening of family movies in onboard theaters.
- Character Meet-and-Greets: Kids can meet popular Carnival characters.
- Kid-Friendly Dining Options: Carnival offers children’s menus and early dining times for families with young children.
- Babysitting Services: Babysitting services are available for an additional fee during designated hours.
- Night Owls Program: Late-night babysitting services for an additional fee, allowing parents to enjoy evening activities.
- Educational Programs: Some cruises may offer educational programs and workshops for children.
- Youth Spa Services: On select ships, there are spa services tailored for teenagers.
- Special Events and Themed Days: Look out for special events and themed days, such as Pirate Night or Halloween parties.
Remember that the availability of these amenities and activities can vary depending on the ship, cruise itinerary, and the age of your child. It’s a good idea to check with Carnival Cruise Line or the specific ship’s website for the most up-to-date information on children’s amenities and programs for your cruise.
Norwegian Cruise Line programs
Best family cruises 2023
- Splash Academy: This is NCL’s complimentary youth program, divided into age-appropriate groups, which offers activities and entertainment for children aged 3 to 17. It includes arts and crafts, games, and themed parties.
- Guppies Nursery: Designed for children aged 6 months to 3 years, Guppies Nursery offers childcare services for a fee. Trained staff takes care of the little ones and provides age-appropriate activities.
- Aqua Park: Many NCL ships have water parks with slides, splash zones, and pools designed for kids. These water features are great for family fun.
- Sports Complex: Some NCL ships feature a sports complex with activities like mini-golf, rock climbing walls, and basketball courts suitable for older children and teenagers.
- Entertainment: Kid-friendly entertainment options may include Broadway-style shows, live music, and interactive game shows suitable for families.
- Video Arcade: NCL often has video game arcades on board with a variety of games to keep older kids and teens entertained.
- Teen Clubs: Teenagers have their own dedicated spaces and clubs where they can hang out, socialize, and participate in age-appropriate activities.
- Family-Friendly Dining: NCL offers family-friendly dining options, including kid’s menus and flexible dining times to accommodate families with children.
- Character Meet and Greets: On select cruises, NCL may have character meet and greets with popular Nickelodeon characters or other themed characters.
- Babysitting Services: NCL provides group sitting services in the evenings for an additional fee, allowing parents to have some adult time while their children are looked after.
- Shore Excursions: NCL offers family-friendly shore excursions that cater to children’s interests, such as wildlife encounters, beach days, and cultural experiences.
- Special Events and Parties: There are often special events and parties for kids, such as pajama parties, themed events, and holiday celebrations.
- Educational Programs: Some cruises may offer educational programs and workshops for children, including arts and crafts, science experiments, and cultural activities.
- Kids’ Pools: Apart from the water park, many ships have dedicated kids’ pools with shallow areas for safe splashing.
Please note that the availability of these amenities and activities may vary from ship to ship and over time. It’s a good idea to check with Norwegian Cruise Line or consult their website for specific details on the amenities and programs offered on the cruise you are interested in.
MSC Cruise Line programs
Best family cruises 2023
- Mini and Junior Clubs: MSC Cruises typically offers age-appropriate clubs and activities for children, divided into different age groups. These clubs provide supervised playtime, games, and creative activities.
- Swimming Pools: Many MSC Cruise ships have dedicated children’s swimming pools or splash areas designed for safe and enjoyable water play.
- Water Slides: Some ships feature thrilling water slides and water park areas that are a hit with kids of all ages.
- Arcade and Video Games: Onboard arcades and game rooms are equipped with a variety of video games and activities to keep older children and teenagers entertained.
- Sports and Outdoor Activities: Depending on the ship, children can participate in sports such as soccer, basketball, and mini-golf. There are often designated areas for sports and physical activities.
- Kids’ Shows and Entertainment: MSC Cruises typically hosts family-friendly shows, including magic shows, musical performances, and other entertainment suitable for children.
- Kids’ Menus: Children’s menus are often available in the onboard restaurants, offering a selection of kid-friendly meals and snacks.
- Babysitting Services: MSC Cruises may offer babysitting services for an additional fee, allowing parents to enjoy some adult-only time during their cruise.
- Educational Programs: Some cruises feature educational programs and workshops tailored to children’s interests, such as arts and crafts or science-related activities.
- Character Meet-and-Greets: On select sailings, popular characters from children’s entertainment may make appearances for meet-and-greet opportunities and photo sessions.
- Teen Clubs: For teenagers, MSC Cruises often provides dedicated teen clubs and lounges where they can socialize, play games, and participate in age-appropriate activities.
- Family-Friendly Shore Excursions: When the ship docks at various ports of call, MSC Cruises may offer family-friendly shore excursions suitable for children and parents to enjoy together.
- Special Events: During holidays and special occasions, MSC Cruises often hosts themed parties, events, and celebrations suitable for families.
Please note that amenities and activities can vary from ship to ship, so it’s a good idea to check the specific offerings for your chosen cruise itinerary and vessel. Additionally, the availability of certain amenities and programs may be subject to change, so it’s advisable to verify the latest information with MSC Cruises before booking your cruise.
Holland America Cruise Line programs
Best family cruises 2023
- Club HAL: Club HAL is a supervised program designed for kids aged 3 to 17. It offers age-appropriate activities and entertainment, including arts and crafts, games, movies, and more.
- Kids and Teens Centers: Holland America ships often feature dedicated spaces for children and teenagers to hang out and participate in activities with their peers.
- Youth Staff: The cruise line employs trained youth staff who organize and oversee various activities and programs for children, ensuring their safety and enjoyment.
- Age-Appropriate Activities: Activities are tailored to different age groups, including toddlers, tweens, and teens, to ensure that each child has a fun and engaging experience.
- Kid-Friendly Dining: Special menus with child-friendly options are available at the main dining rooms and buffets, catering to kids’ tastes and preferences.
- Family-Friendly Shore Excursions: Holland America offers family-friendly shore excursions that are suitable for all ages, allowing families to explore the ports of call together.
- Babysitting Services: Babysitting services may be available for a fee, allowing parents to enjoy some adult time while their children are supervised.
- Teen-only Activities: For teenagers, there are often special activities and spaces where they can hang out, make friends, and enjoy age-appropriate entertainment.
- Educational Programs: Some cruises may offer educational and enrichment programs for kids, such as workshops on wildlife, marine biology, and more.
- Movies and Entertainment: Family-friendly movies, shows, and entertainment options are typically available onboard.
- Swimming Pools: Most Holland America ships have swimming pools that are open to children, with designated family swimming times.
- Special Events: The cruise line may host special events and parties for children during the cruise, such as talent shows, themed parties, and holiday celebrations.
Please keep in mind that the availability of these amenities and programs may vary depending on the specific ship and itinerary, so it’s advisable to check with Holland America or visit their website for the most current information and offerings for children on their cruises.
Cunard Cruise Line programs
Best family cruises 2023
- Children’s Clubs: Cunard typically offers age-specific children’s clubs or programs, such as “The Play Zone” for younger kids and “The Zone” for teenagers. These clubs provide supervised activities and games.
- Arts and Crafts: Children often have opportunities to engage in arts and crafts projects, which can include painting, drawing, and other creative activities.
- Games and Puzzles: Board games, video games, and puzzles are often available to keep kids entertained.
- Sports and Physical Activities: Cunard may offer sports and physical activities like basketball, mini-golf, and table tennis to keep active kids engaged.
- Movies and Theater Shows: Family-friendly movies and theater shows are typically scheduled for children and their families.
- Dining Options: Cunard ships often have special menus for kids in the main dining rooms and offer flexible dining times to accommodate families with children.
- Themed Parties and Events: Cunard sometimes hosts themed parties and events for kids, like pirate nights or masquerade balls, depending on the itinerary.
- Educational Programs: Some cruises may include educational programs designed to teach kids about the places they’re visiting or the environment.
- Babysitting Services: Cunard may offer babysitting services for a fee, allowing parents to have some adult time in the evenings.
- Family-Friendly Shore Excursions: While not specific to the ship itself, Cunard can arrange family-friendly shore excursions that are suitable for children and parents.
- In-Cabin Amenities: Some cabins may be equipped with amenities like cribs and diaper disposal units for families with infants.
- Special Events: On certain sailings, Cunard may host special events like meet-and-greets with favorite characters or entertainers.
Please note that amenities and programs can vary by ship and cruise itinerary, so it’s a good idea to check with Cunard Cruise Line for specific details and availability when booking your cruise. Additionally, some amenities and programs may be subject to change or modification based on the ship’s current policies and regulations, especially in light of health and safety considerations.
Celebrity Cruise Line programs
Best family cruises 2023
- Camp at Sea: Celebrity offers age-appropriate youth programs for children aged 3 to 17, including Camp at Sea for younger kids and X-Club for teenagers.
- Outdoor Play Areas: There are designated outdoor play areas with fun activities like basketball, table tennis, and more.
- Kid-Friendly Pools: Some ships have dedicated children’s pools or splash areas for younger cruisers.
- Video Game Arcade: Celebrity Cruises usually have onboard arcades with video games and entertainment options for kids and teenagers.
- Movie Nights: Family-friendly movies are often screened in dedicated theaters or outdoor areas.
- Sports Court: Some ships have sports courts where families can play basketball, volleyball, and other sports together.
- Educational Activities: Celebrity offers educational and enriching programs and workshops for kids, such as STEM activities and art classes.
- Culinary Classes: Kids can participate in cooking and baking classes to learn new culinary skills.
- Talent Shows: Some cruises host talent shows where kids can showcase their talents.
- Teen Lounges: Teens have access to dedicated lounges where they can hang out, play games, and socialize with their peers.
- Interactive Game Rooms: Some ships have game rooms equipped with video games, air hockey, and more.
- Family-Friendly Entertainment: Enjoy family-friendly live shows, performances, and musical acts.
- Babysitting Services: Babysitting services may be available for parents who want some alone time or wish to enjoy the ship’s nightlife.
- Children’s Menus: Specialized menus with kid-friendly options are available in the onboard restaurants.
- Youth-Focused Shore Excursions: Some shore excursions are designed with families in mind, offering activities suitable for children.
- Celebrity iLounge: Kids and teens can explore technology and digital media in this onboard space.
Please note that the availability of these amenities may vary depending on the specific ship and cruise itinerary. It’s a good idea to check with Celebrity Cruise Line or review the details of your specific cruise to see which amenities and activities are available for children during your trip.
Costa Cruise Line programs
Best family cruises 2023
- Squok Club: This is Costa’s signature kids club where children are divided into age-appropriate groups. It offers supervised activities, games, and entertainment throughout the cruise.
- Teen Zone: Costa also provides a dedicated space for teenagers, where they can hang out, make new friends, and enjoy activities tailored to their age group.
- Swimming Pools: Many Costa cruise ships have swimming pools suitable for children. Some even have water slides and splash areas.
- Video Arcades: Kids and teens can enjoy video games and arcades onboard.
- Mini Golf: Some ships offer mini-golf courses for family fun.
- Sports Activities: Costa Cruise Line offers various sports activities like basketball, volleyball, and table tennis that kids can participate in.
- Entertainment Shows: There are family-friendly entertainment shows and performances that children can enjoy with their parents.
- Movies: Some ships have movie theaters where family-friendly films are screened.
- Arts and Crafts: Creative activities like arts and crafts sessions are often organized for children.
- Dining Options: Children’s menus and early dining options are available in the ship’s restaurants to cater to young tastes.
- Babysitting Services: Costa Cruise Line offers babysitting services for a fee, allowing parents to enjoy some adult time.
- Interactive Games: Some ships have interactive games and activities that encourage family participation.
- Educational Programs: Occasionally, there might be educational programs or workshops for kids that combine learning with fun.
- Theme Nights: Special themed nights and parties, like pirate nights or costume parties, add to the excitement for children.
- Family Excursions: Costa Cruise Line offers family-friendly shore excursions, ensuring that children can explore destinations alongside their parents.
Please note that amenities and activities can vary depending on the ship, cruise itinerary, and the age of your child. It’s a good idea to check with Costa Cruise Line directly or visit their official website for specific details and to inquire about amenities available on the cruise you are interested in.
Viking Cruise Line programs
Best family cruises 2023
- Swimming Pools: Viking ships typically have swimming pools, which can be enjoyed by children.
- Movies: They may offer family-friendly movie screenings in the onboard theaters.
- Board Games and Puzzles: You can find a selection of board games and puzzles in the ship’s library or game room.
- Educational Programs: Viking may offer educational enrichment programs that can be of interest to older children and teenagers, such as lectures on history, culture, and science.
- Shore Excursions: Depending on the itinerary, there may be shore excursions that are suitable for families, including tours of historic sites or outdoor adventures.
- Dining Options: While Viking Ocean Cruises primarily cater to adults with fine dining options, there are usually more casual dining venues where families can enjoy meals together.
- Sports Deck: Some Viking ships have a sports deck with activities like mini-golf, shuffleboard, and table tennis.
- Spa and Fitness Center: Although primarily designed for adults, older teenagers may have access to the spa and fitness center.
- Onboard Entertainment: There might be live music, magic shows, or other forms of entertainment suitable for families.
- Kids Club: Viking Ocean Cruises do not typically have dedicated kids’ clubs or childcare services like many family-oriented cruise lines. However, they may provide limited supervised activities during peak holiday periods or upon request, depending on the ship and availability.
- Private Tours: Families can arrange private tours at some ports of call if they prefer a more customized experience.
It’s important to note that Viking Ocean Cruises primarily target adult passengers seeking a more relaxed and culturally enriching cruise experience. If you are looking for a cruise line with extensive amenities and activities specifically designed for children, you may want to consider other cruise lines that specialize in family-friendly vacations.
Conclusion
As you plan your family vacation for 2023, consider the cruise lines mentioned above, each offering unique experiences and family-friendly activities. You can easily find the best family cruises 2023 has to offer and ensure your family adventure at sea is unforgettable. So, pack your bags, set your course, and get ready for a voyage of a lifetime with your loved ones. Bon voyage!