If you are considering a cruise for your next family vacation, comparing the lines is a good starting point. Too often, I hear stories of people who have reserved cruises on the basis of the recommendations of others or because of a brilliant brochure that they received by post and who did not appreciate it. It’s almost always because they weren’t on the right cruise.
Cruise ships are known to offer something for everyone, but not all ships are for everyone. And unless your family is settled on Disney, you may not know where to start looking for. Each cruise line has its own “personality” and specializes in a particular field such as catering, entertainment and leisure activities. Choosing a cruise line that takes care of your interests (and budget) allows a much more fun experience.
If you are wondering what is the best cruise line for your family, use the simple guide below to refine the higher options. (For this article, I excluded the Disney cruise line because it is in its own category. See our guide to book a Disney cruise to find out more.)
1. You are an adventurous family who wants endless options for fun.

Royal Caribbean tends to attract active families with recreational reflections ranging from zip line and a fraud wall to simulated surf parks and drawn parks. The line goes beyond for families, thanks to its children’s club and its dedicated accommodation. The theme districts of its largest ships develop the catering options, and you can always end the evening with first -rate entertainment.
Best ships (if larger is better): Seas icon, Utopia of the seas, wonder of the seas, symphony of the seas, harmony of the seas, the look of the seas and oasis of the seas.
Best ships (on a slightly smaller scale): Freedom of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Voyar of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Ovation of the seas, odyssey of the seas and spectrum of the seas
Review Cruise: The seas icon is even greater, more daring and better than what I expected
2. You and your children are free minds.
None of the hours of restoration and planned dress codes separate the Norwegian cruise line in the industry, attracting families who wish to move away from a traditional cruise experience. The largest ships on the line offer infinite options for fun through equipment such as bowling alley, string routes and racing slopes. Food and entertainment are fantastic, but we would not want to talk about the spa, which makes a perfect adult escape when children are in the young club.
Best ships: Norwegian prima, Norwegian escape, Norwegian escapade, Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian joy
3. Children’s spaces and activities are priorities.


On MSC Cruises, the Kids’ Club is not only child care equipment. It is an experience encompassing spaces and activities in a thoughtful way throughout the ship that inspires creativity and learning (a nod to its Lego partnership). Babies as young as six months are pampered with chicco toys and activities and optional mom and me lessons, while even the most demanding teenagers will want to participate in the drone academy on certain ships. For families looking for more privacy, MSC’s Yacht Club, an enclave of exclusive consequences and advantages, is a dignified investment.
Best ships: MSC World America, MSC Seascape, MSC Seaside, MSC Meraviglia, MSC World Europa and MSC Grandiosa
Small sailors: These are the best cruising companies and children for children under the age of 5
4. You are on a tight budget but I don’t want a “alcohol cruise”.
The term “alcohol cruise” is often used to describe a short and cheap cruise with a lasting crowd. The carnival cruise line adapted to a budget has a reputation for them, but it is always possible to enjoy a more family and affordable cruise if you book the right ship. The older and smaller ships of the line which tend to evoke the vibrations “alcohol cruise” on shorter escapades than seven nights feel nothing of its greatest ships that have been launched during the Last 10 years. It is thanks to the growing investment of the line in those who have children – in higher -end attractions, exclusive family cabins and young fanciful clubs, among other features.
Best ships: Carnival Horizon, celebration of the Carnival, Carnival Vista, Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Panorama and Tuesday
5. Your family prefers to travel at a slower pace.


Most of the family cruise lines are pointed out by the best terraces full of action. Princess Cruises slows down the rhythm with its pool terrace, where families swim and bask during the day, and come back at night to watch a film on the big screen – it is even more special with popcorn, a warm cover and a starry sky. Each ship has a children’s club, and some to put it with family features such as a splash cushion, striker cages and a simulated laser shooting field.
Best ships: Princess Sun, Caribbean Princess, Royal Princess, Royal Princess, Sky Princess, Ruby Princess, Enchanted Princess, Emerald Princess and Princess of the