Taking a cruise can make for a great family vacation. However, it's important to pick a cruise line that is kid-friendly as some cruise lines cater more to adults. The following cruise lines offer great family activities, along with youth programs, where kids and teens can have fun on their own while parents can spend some time alone.
Family Cruises on Disney Cruise Lines
Come join Mickey Mouse and a host of other beloved Disney characters on one of Disney Cruise Lines vacations. With exotic locations like the Bahamas, Caribbean, and Europe, families can participate in all sorts of fun activities while onboard such as deck parties, contests, and dancing.
Disney Cruises offers youth clubs for kids and teens throughout the day which are free until midnight. Families can dine in Disney themed restaurants, swim in a character pool, and be entertained by live stage shows, music, and movies. If the kids aren't into Disney, then consider an alternate cruise line as Disney Cruises tend to be on the high end in terms of cost.
Carnival Cruise Line With Kids
Known for their Fun Ships, Carnival Cruise Lines has plenty of activities to keep the kids busy while sailing to such exciting destinations as Mexico, the Bahamas, Alaska, the Caribbean, Europe, and more. Onboard activities include golf, table tennis, and basketball, along with contests and youth groups for kids and teens which are open until 10:00 p.m. free of charge.
Although parents may not appreciate the free ice cream available all day, kids will love it. There's also plenty of fun to be held poolside, especially with the fun slides Carnival is known for.
Family Friendly Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines
If ice skating, rock wall climbing, and miniature golf sound like fun family activities, then take into consideration a vacation on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Royal Caribbean offers cruises world wide including Europe, Asia, Mexico, Bahamas, and South America, to name just some of their exhilarating destinations.
With onboard youth clubs, junior cruisers can make new friends and participate in fun activities in Ocean Adventure, while teens can hang out in their own nightclub or enjoy parties and movies. Parents of kids six months to three years of age can join their little ones for some age-appropriate activities onboard with special play sessions just for babies and toddlers.
Kid-Friendly Holland America Cruises
Whether it's their 6-Day Eastern Caribbean Cruise or their 114-Day Grand World Voyage, trained staff members will be sure there are plenty of things for kids to do on a Holland America Cruise. Kids three to seven can hunt for treasure, play games, and participate in arts and crafts at Club Hal – Kids. Children eight to twelve can compete in sports events and have parties at Club Hal – Tweens. For teens, there's The Loft and The Oasis where teenagers can dance, sing karaoke, join in sports tournaments, or watch movies.
Of special interest is the kids and teens Culinary Arts Center which debuted in 2007 on vacations to Alaska. The forty-five minute sessions range from simple recipes to more complex and include breakfast, lunch, and dinner preparations, along with snacks, in this free onboard activity.
Family Fun on Celebrity Cruise Lines
Shoot some hoops, play a round of table tennis, or join in some volleyball fun with the kids on a Celebrity Cruise. With cruises around Europe and South Africa, along with cruises to Alaska, the Caribbean, Bermuda, the Panama Canal, and other thrilling locations, both parents and kids will find plenty to keep them busy while out at sea.
Kids can let loose at the Fun Factory which features arcade games, karaoke, toys, and other activities. For younger kids, Celebrity Cruises has teamed up with Leapfrog Edutainment to provide educational games pertaining to the different ports of call. Teens can try their hands at the video arcade, dance, and participate in sports activities, all while under adult supervision. For children under three, parents can join them for Fun Factory events.
When planning a cruise with kids, be sure to check the cruise line for family activities, along with youth clubs for kids. Not only is a great way to spend quality time together, parents can get some alone time to do some adults activities knowing their kids are safe in a supervised youth club.
Readers may also enjoy Disney Cruise Vacations, along with Carnival Elation Cruise With Kids, and Cruise Travel Information.
Janis Masyk-Jackson - I'm here to seek out the truth about some of life's mysteries. There is nothing new about New Age beliefs. These are beliefs that have ...
Join the Conversation