The kid-friendly cruise lines most loved by families – with onboard waterparks, themed activities & live shows
GOING on a cruise with little ones can be tiring if the ships aren't equipped with kids in mind.
So, we've rounded up the best family-friendly cruises that offer onboard babysitting, kids' clubs, and countless activities.
Disney Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and P&O are the cruises best equipped to handle kids of all ages.
Compared to hotel kids' clubs, the spaces and activities offered on cruise ships are usually way bigger and more structured, with many lines featuring brand tie-ins to heighten the excitement.
Disney cruises
Disney Cruises is well known for providing countless kid-friendly features, entertainment options, and little touches that will impress passengers of all ages.
There are interactive activities, thrilling excursions, themed parties and character meet-and-greets.
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The clubs on Disney's newest ships have immersive spaces themed after Marvel and Pixar.
These dedicated spaces promise to make kids feel like they "strolled into their favourite movie".
Disney cruise ships also feature original musicals, live productions, and a variety of acts based on its most loved films.
Shows include Frozen, Tangled, Alladin and Disney Dreams, to name a few.
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For kids aged 3 to 12, the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab are usually praised by parents.
They feature interactive activities, arts & crafts, themed play areas, and storytelling sessions facilitated by Disney counsellors.
There are also specific areas on board for older children and teenagers, such as the Edge Club for tweens ages 11 to 14 and the Vibe Club for teens ages 14 to 17.
These clubs include different entertainment and activities for bigger kids, like sports tournaments, dance parties, and karaoke.
- Check out the best deals on Disney Cruises here
Royal Caribbean
Another cruise company that stands out with families is Royal Caribbean.
Among the many activities and facilities onboard Royal Caribbean cruises are family-friendly activities and entertainment.
Everyone can find something to enjoy, whether it's zip lines, water parks, ice skating rinks, or Broadway-style performances.
The ships have areas specifically designed for kids and teenagers, such as the Adventure Ocean Youth Programme.
These programmes offer supervised youth programmes where kids can play games and meet new friends while being watched over by staff members with training.
Older kids and teenagers can also socialise, play games, and participate in peer-organised activities in their private hangout areas, like the Teen Lounge and the Living Room.
Royal Caribbean also offers a range of family-friendly features, such as mini-golf courses, rock climbing walls, water slides, and swimming pools.
- Check out the best deals on Royal Caribbean cruises here
Cruising on the "Spanish Flair" starts from £5,668 for a family of four in the summer of 2025.
P&O
P&O Cruises always receives praise from families for its "incredible facilities" for kids.
Family-friendly restaurants, family staterooms, and age-appropriate kids' clubs are all features of its few family-focused ships.
Archery, football, basketball, and splash pools are among the sports available.
With supervised youth programs at The Reef, children aged 2 to 17 can engage in age-appropriate activities, games, and workshops while making new friends.
This cruise line differs from other lines in offering kid-friendly shore excursions.
The excursions include kayaking, biking, beach trips, boat tours and even treks to the top of snow-covered mountains or volcanoes.
- Check out the best deals on P&O cruises here
Cruising on the "Norwegian Fjords" starts from £3,124 for a family of four in the summer of 2024.
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