What Are The Best Cruises For Families

Fred Olsen Cruise Lines

British cruise company Fred. Olsen offers a traditional cruise experience to classic destinations around Europe including the Mediterranean, British Isles, and the Baltic and Adriatic seas.

• European departure points: Belfast, Dover, Edinburgh, Falmouth, Glasgow, Harwich, Liverpool, London Tilbury and Southampton. The cruise line also offers fly-cruises for non-UK departures.

• Onboard experience: A classic cruise atmosphere featuring a modern fit-out, and entertainment options such as shows, bingo, dance classes and shuffleboard.
• For kids: On peak holiday cruises Fred. Olsen offers a kids club with daytime and evening activities for kids under 12.

Offering over 190 sailings to 65 European ports of call, its little wonder this luxury liner has been voted Europes Leading Cruise Liner at the World Travel Awards eight years in a row.

• European departure points: Barcelona, Berlin, Copenhagen, Hamburg, Rome, Southampton, Rotterdam, Marseilles and Venice.
• Onboard experience: Norwegian offers freestyle cruising options which allow you to eat, play and sleep whenever it suits you. Its American-based fleet comprises modern ships with international cuisine and popular American-style entertainment.

• For kids: Norwegian provides some of the best entertainment options for young and old. This includes musicals, circus and magician shows and rock climbing walls for kids, in addition to the onboard kids clubs. Connecting and family staterooms are available.

The 6 Best Cruises For Kids In 2021

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“Offers kid-friendly river cruises that are loaded with educational opportunities.”

Odyssey Of The Seas From Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean is a great pick for active families, whod like to swim, slide, surf, zip-line, sky dive, rock climb and ice skate togetherall without leaving the comfort of the cruise ship. Parents can escape to the adults-only solarium for R&R while kids, from babies to teens, take advantage of spacious kids-only play areas, explains Silverstein. Of the 27 ships in Royal Caribbeans fleet, its newest ship, Odyssey of the Seas, is the crown jewelin addition to being the first Quantum Ultra Class ship to arrive in North America. Set to embark on its maiden voyage to the Caribbean from Ft. Lauderdale in November 2020, Odyssey of the Seas is jam-packed with family-friendly entertainment, including a wind tunnel skydiving experience for kids ages 3 and up, a glass observation capsule lofted 300 feet above sea level for the whole family to enjoy, a roller skating rink, bumper cars and even an on-bard trapeze school! Plus, family cabins and multi-bedroom suites give families plenty of accommodation options on Royal Caribbean ships, Silverstein adds.

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Best Msc Cruise Ship For Kids: Msc Seaside

MSC Cruises is a family-owned cruise line thats focused on making it easy for families to explore the world. Learn new languages, cultures and cooking skills in immersive onboard programming and interact with people from all over the globe. MSC Seaside is one of the best cruise ships for kids because it sails year-round to the Caribbean from Miami.

MSC Seaside features modular connected staterooms , an interactive aqua park with four waterslides, a splash zone and adventure trail ropes course. High-tech fun includes a Formula 1 simulator and XD Cinema, which catapults you inside the film youre watching. Two of the longest ziplines at sea whisk guests away at 344 feet, or you can strike it big at the two full-size bowling lanes.

There are six distinct kids areas on board MSC Seaside. Developed in partnership with Chicco and featuring the latest Chicco baby equipment, supplies and toys, MSC Baby Time features a space where babies up to age 3 can play with their parents in a separate baby care drop-off area. LEGO bricks are a big part of the fun in the Mini Club for kids ages 3 to 6 and the Junior Club, for 7 to 11-year-olds, which also offers video games. Tweens and teens also have their own spaces.

Tip: Check out the;Kelly & Kloe MSC Cruises web series, which is about two tween sisters and their ship captain father.

Bateaux Mouches Lunch And Dinner Cruise

Get the best view of Paris as you enjoy a Bateaux Mouches Lunch and Dinner Cruise. Their a la carte menu includes starters, main courses, cheeses and desserts, and an impressive selection of wines and cheeses. Bateaux Mouches is also one of the few companies that offer a brunch cruise every Sunday, the perfect start to a day of sightseeing. Their extensive menu also caters to tourists with specific dietary needs and those with allergies.

Departure Point: Port de la ConférenceLanguages Offered: Commentary is not available, although guests are provided with route mapsAccessibility: Priority access for the disabled available. No wheelchair-accessible toilets at the boatExtras: Special menus for Valentines Day, Christmas, New Year, and Mothers Day is available

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Oasis Of The Seas Cruises

Operated by Royal Caribbean, the Oasis of the Seas is the world’s largest cruise ship. Boasting everything from teen centers to yoga studios, this cruise offers ample attractions for every teen. Some examples include DJ lessons, juice bars, hip youth lounges designs to feel like ultra-luxurious nightclubs, and even teens-only spas that deliver treatments like pedicures and facials. Additionally, Oasis of the Seas Cruise staff host a variety of themed nighttime events for teens, such as slumber parties and costume events. Finally, teens can take advantage of the on-board surf simulator, rock climbing walls, zip lines, and cupcake shop.

Wonder Of The Seas Completes Sea Trials

The ships — and cruise lines — that follow are our top cruises for kids. Every family’s travel style is different, so these are certainly not the only ships to consider. Think of them as a starting point as you narrow your choices for an unforgettable family vacation at sea.

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Tips For Traveling With Teens

When you choose to take your family on any one of these seven cruises, your teens will thank you. Packed with fun, teen-specific activities, these cruises cater to everyone in the family. Whether you have a teen who loves rock climbing or one who just wants a pedicure and a glass of fizzy soda, these cruises are sure to deliver amenities that will make everyone in the family happy. Additionally, many cruise lines offer teen-specific travel tips to help families better plan their upcoming adventure.

Once you’ve chosen your cruise, ensure that you’ve adequately prepared everyone in the family. Do some research to make sure that nobody needs additional vaccines or medications prior to the cruise, and consider purchasing international travel insurance if your cruise will take you out of the country.

There is nothing quite as beautiful, majestic and exciting as a cruise, and families with teens can rest assured that these companies understand their needs. Designed to offer a fun, relaxing experience for everyone in the family, these cruise lines will take the burden of being entertainer and parent off your shoulders. So go ahead, kick your feet up and relax as your teen enjoys any one of the fun, unique, teen-specific activities these cruises have to offer.

Where Do Seine River Cruises Depart From

Departure points for Seine River cruises depend entirely on the activity provider. For example, Bateaux Parisiens depart from Port de la Bourdonnais near the Eiffel Tower while the Vedettes de Paris cruise departs from Port de Suffren. While there are different departure locations, they are all easily accessible and are near important landmarks.

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Best European Cruise: P&o Cruises

PO Cruises

• Ship Name: Britannia
• Itinerary: Stavanger, Flam, Olden, Bergen

Families considering a cruise to Europe should consider sailing on Britannia, operated by the U.K.-based cruise line P&O. Their H20 Club is designed specifically for teens ages 13 to 17. There, they’ll enjoy a pool table, retro-style arcade, game consoles, and more. Britannia also has entertainment for the entire family. Nightly shows include performances from comedy piano players to cabaret and pop music; there’s truly something for everyone.

Cruises Are Fun For The Whole Family But Some Cruise Lines And Cruise Ships Cater To Groups Of All Ages Here Are Our Reader’s Top Picks

The best family vacations are the ones that bring everyone together to share new experiences and of course, have a ton of fun! Cruise lines may have been geared towards adults in the past, but modern ships are floating amusement parks with special areas catering to young children, pre-teens and teenagers so parents and other family members can enjoy the other amenities without worrying about what their kids are up to.

Porthole Cruise readers love nothing more than enjoying a cruise vacation with the whole family, and here are their Best Cruise Lines for Families for 2020. Click the link below to navigate to each section!;

MSC Cruises

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Batobus Seine River Hop

Similar to hop-on hop-off bus tours, the Batobus sightseeing cruise allows you to board and alight from any of the designated stops. With 24-hour and 48-hour passes, you can easily weave between exploring Paris and enjoying a panoramic tour onboard a state-of-the-art boat. The Batobus hop-on-hop-off cruise has 9 strategic stops, including the Louvre, Notre Dame, and Place de la Concorde. While this is a convenient way of getting around Paris, this isnt the most wheelchair-friendly since most stops can be accessed via stairs.

Departure Point: Stops include the Tour Eiffel, Musée dOrsay, St-Germain-des-Prés, Notre-Dame, Jardin des Plantes, Hotel de Ville, Louvre, Place de la Concorde, and InvalidesLanguages Offered: Commentary is not availableAccessibility: Access to the boat is possible with a wheelchair, but access to most stops is through stairs. Extras: Batobus Pass+ tickets are available for those who want to combine an Open Top bus tour with the sightseeing cruise

Danube River Cruise: Christmas Markets From Adventures By Disney

If youre thinking ahead to Christmas vacation planning already, a charming Christmas Markets Danube River Cruise from Adventures by Disney is the way to go. Similar to Disney Cruise Lines ocean cruises for families, Its river cruises provide a mix of together time and separate activities with Disney caliber, explains, Silverstein. Just dont expect to see any Disney characters walking around onboard, she says. This eight-day cruise along the Danube River makes 19 stops in Germany, Austria and Hungary. While on board, your family will be entertained with fun activities, like sing-a-longs and holiday cookie decorating. During your journey, youll stop at charming Christmas markets and visit areas of Salzburg, Austria that were made famous by;The Sound of Music, along with other historic sites. Plus, with choose your day itinerary options, you and your family can handpick your favorite excursions to participate in and customize your schedule, offering extra flexibility thats helpful in creating a fulfilling family cruise experience.

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The 7 Best Cruises For Teens Of 2021

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• Best Overall: MSC Meraviglia See Rates at Expedia“A roster of activities like the waterpark with a thrilling body slide.”
• Best European Cruise: P&O Cruises See Rates” Their H20 Club is designed specifically for teens ages 13 to 17.”
• Best Educational: Princess Cruises See Rates at Expedia
• “The teens club on Emerald Princess is called ‘The Beach House’ and has a modern, chilled-out vibe.”
• Best for Families: Disney Cruise Line See Rates at Expedia“Fantasy has both a tweens and a teens club.”

Best Activities: Carnival Cruise

• Ship name: Carnival Vista
• Itinerary:;Roatan, Honduras; Belize City, Belize; Cozumel, Mexico

The port of Galveston is home to the Carnival Vista, a game-changing ship for Carnival that is chock full of fun activities. Kids can make a splash at Waterworks, Carnivals thrilling waterpark at sea complete with Kaleid-O-Slide, a high-speed waterslide with a changing pattern of lights. Then theres Sky Ride, a suspended bike course with great views but is not for the faint of heart, and a giant IMAX movie theater. Family favorites like Dr. Seuss characters can be found roaming the decks, or kids can head over to the Build-A-Bear workshop. The kids club, Camp Ocean, has a roster full of activities for each age group and tweens and teens have their own space, too.

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The Best Cruise Lines For Kids And Families

There are so many great places to visit in the world, and so little time in which to do it. From the Caribbean Islands to Canadas shores, from Alaska to Hawaii and Mexico nowadays a family cruise is a great option for families that love to travel but dont need the hassle of booking flights and finding affordable hotels.

You get to sightsee, relax, and enjoy the actual travelling rather than be exhausted by it and there are so many activities to keep the kids busy the biggest surprise for parents is when the cruise has finished the kids are reluctant to leave the ship.

Youll love being onboard as much as them. So pack your bathing costume and get ready for days of sun, fun and relaxation in between exploring the worlds best beaches, funnest cities and most enchanting sightseeing destinations.

Best Cruise Lines For Families

From kid-friendly ships and shows to family-favorite experiences and shore excursions, these are the best family cruises and cruise ships.

When Disney Cruise Line launched in 1998, it was a game changer for family cruises. Now in its third decade of operation, Disney Cruise Line consistently tops the list of best cruise lines for families. And with a new ship launching in 2022, parents and kids alike are already buzzing with anticipation for what will undoubtably be one of the best cruise ships for kids in years.;

Of course, the best family cruises arent limited to just Disney. Carnival Cruises, Princess, Norwegian, MSC, and a host of other cruise lines have helped usher in a new era of family vacations on cruise ships with amenities like kids clubs, waterslides, age-appropriate stage shows, dining experiences, reduced fares for young children, andperhaps best of allkids sail free deals.

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Best Carnival Cruise Ship For Kids: Carnival Panorama

Launched in December, 2019, the;Carnival Panorama;provides a good bang for your vacation buck, and is the first Carnival ship to depart from Long Beach, California, in 20 years. Stops on its Mexican Riviera itineraries include Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas and Mazatlan.

Theres fun for all onboard, including a water park with a tube slide, spiral slide, tipping bucket and splash park. Pedal your way around SkyRide, a new suspended cycling experience with panoramic views of the ocean. Bowling, mini-golf, basketball and Ping-Pong make for an amusing family time. You can catch a concert, movie or sporting event on the big screen at Carnivals Seaside Theater or try your hand at Hasbro, The Game Show, a live stage show in which participants can play adaptations of Hasbros popular games, such as Connect Four Shots basketball game, for prizes.

Carnivals Camp Ocean is like summer camp on a ship, with crafts, dancing and games all supervised by enthusiastic counselors. There are Dr. Seuss-themed activities, a reading area, and parade onboard. Teenagers can meet new friends and chill out in exclusive teen zones. Lip Synch Battle: Carnival,;one of the best shows at sea, is your crews chance to go on stage to showcase your singing chops and dance moves. Rockin new live shows and a comedy club that includes family-friendly performances ensure no one will be bored.

The Best Cruise Lines For Families

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Planning a family cruise can be tough, and one of the main problems that families face is being overwhelmed by all the options. There are so many cruise lines for families to choose from, each with their own unique offerings.

Some cruise ships which are fantastic for teenagers, would be a nightmare for parents of toddlers. Some family cruise lines have lots of activities for parents and kids to do together, where others have fantastic kids clubs that your children wont want to leave.

When considering the best cruise lines for families, you should look at all the options and decide which aligns best with what you and your kids will enjoy.

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Best Activities: Norwegian Cruise Line

NCL Getaway

• Ship Name: Norwegian Getaway
• Itinerary: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; Mazatlan, Mexico; Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Norwegian Getaway has five water slides, including the fastest at sea, plus two swimming pools and four hot tubs. Theres also a massive sports complex with a ropes course, rock climbing wall, and basketball court. Teens have their own space called Entourageduring the day, its a clubhouse with theater workshops, themed events, pool parties, and more but in the evening, it becomes a teen dance club. Getaway is also home to some fabulous live entertainment including production shows, standup comedy, and their own rendition of Deal or No Deal. Norwegian also hosts freestyle dining, so families have more flexibilities about where and when to dine.;