Fun on the Beach
Whether you want to travel in luxury or just get away for a fun-filled vacation, there’s a cruise ship that’s just right for you and your family. Which one is best depends on how old your kids are, and what you enjoy.
But several things will make your cruise more enjoyable for all, including supervised, all-day kids programs, indoor and outdoor play spaces, age-appropriate activities, babysitting services, kids menus and child-friendly dining options.
Here’s our list of the Top 10 Cruise Ships for Families:
1) Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas
With a water park featuring the FlowRider surfing simulator, ice-skating rink, video arcade, toddler’s-only pool, Johnny Rocket’s, and 22,000-square feet dedicated to kids, Freedom is great for children of all ages. The Adventure Ocean program divides children into five age groups. This is the best ship for teenagers.
2) Disney Magic
It’s a little more expensive than its competitors, but Disney Magic can’t be beat for younger children. Adults will appreciate changing dining rooms, the adults-only pool, and the bath-and-a-half setup. You can even preorder more than 1,000 baby products and have them waiting in your cabin. Kids meet their favorite Disney characters, and there’s Disney-style entertainment around the clock.
Disney Magic
3) Caribbean Princess
The kids programs on this Princess ship are both entertaining and educational. The little ones might create their own tee shirts, while older ones do science experiments or go for a scavenger hunt. The 10,000-square-foot Fun Zone has its own pool and Movies under the Stars are a fun nighttime activity for the whole family.
4) Carnival Freedom
From the 214-foot waterslide to the cool teen disco, Carnival Freedom has lots to offer younger travelers. Their counselors are well trained, and they have programs for kids from 2 to 17. Parents can kick up their heels with group babysitting available until 3AM.
5) Crystal Serenity
Parents who want to travel with their kids but still want a luxury cruise will be best served on Crystal. On voyages with enough children, a Junior Activities Director creates the program at the beginning of the cruise, and kids receive a daily newsletter. There’s a children’s menu and on most cruises, kids get a backstage tour of the galley or theater.
6) Norwegian Pearl
Freestyle Dining is the big draw on this NCL ship. With nearly a dozen places to eat and the ability to dine when it’s convenient for you, meal times are hassle free. For kids, there are indoor and outdoor activity centers, a video arcade, and a cool club for teens.
7) Westerdam
Although Holland America isn’t the most kid-friendly cruise line, families with older children will likely enjoy a cruise on Westerdam. With music, video games, and large-screen movies, the teens-only Loft and adjoining Oasis sun deck are winners, and the Culinary Arts Center is fun for older kids who like to cook.
Out on Deck
8) Paul Gauguin
Although this isn’t a ship designed for kids, during the summer and over holiday periods, Paul Gauguin offers the Ambassadors of the Environment Program. Designed by Jean-Michel Cousteau, it gives 9 to 17-year-olds first hand experience with marine and island ecosystems. And the sports platform is also a hit.
9) Ventura
P & O changed course with the introduction of Ventura in 2008. The ship is very family-friendly with The Reef, which has supervised activities for kids from 2 to 17, special children’s dinners every night, and family staterooms with extra fold-down beds. The first circus school at sea teaches tightrope walking, clowning, juggling, and more.
10) Luminosa
The Italian cruise line, Costa, give its young guests a cosmopolitan experience with Italian lessons, cooking demonstrations and classes with the ship‘s entertainers, theme dinners for kids, and midnight dip pool parties for teens. A 4D cinema and Play Station World area are other hot features.
Find more Top Ten Cruise Ship Lists here.
Fun on the Beach Flickr Image: adjustafresh
Disney Magic Image Flickr: flickrized
Out on Deck Image Flickr: flickrized