Family travel expert Sarah Huff (who specializes in cruising with kids) wrote in Today's Parent that the biggest mistake is booking a ship that doesn’t match your family's stage and style, which is exactly why I, as a long time travel writer and reviewer, I look for two non-negotiables: kids’ programming that’s genuinely engaging and adults-only spaces to reset.
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Best overall for the whole family: Disney Cruise Line, DestinyBest for over-the-top ship adventures: Royal Caribbean, Icon ClassBest for parents: Norwegian Cruise Line, Prima ClassBest value for younger kids: Carnival Cruise LineBest value with big-ship energy (and strong kids clubs): MSC CruisesBest for multigenerational trips: Princess CruisesBest for older kids: Celebrity Cruises1) Disney Cruise Line (Best Overall)
Claire Gallam Volkman
I loved how many adults-only spaces they had (like the Haunted Mansion Bar) balanced with tons of places for kids (including a Hero Zone for both young and old, or the Oceaneer Club for younger kiddos). The amount of photo opps on board with all the characters is also a win for everyone (grandma included). The aesthetics are unmatched too, with beautiful artwork on every level, thoughtful details (like Avenger-stamped cutlery at the Avenger's Restaurant), and a curated experience that actually works for everyone.
Why kids love it: It’s heroes-and-villains themed and built with dedicated spaces by age—from Disney’s Oceaneer Club (including the Marvel Super Hero Academy) for ages 3–10 to Edge (ages 11–13) and Vibe (ages 14–17), plus splashy hits like the Toy Story water play zone and AquaMouse.Why adults love it: When the kids are off at the clubs, there's plenty to do for the grown-ups, including grabbing a quiet lounger and a drink at the adults-only Quiet Cove area, then keeping the night going with a cocktail at De Vil’s Piano Lounge (or a date-night dinner at Palo Steakhouse).
2) Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas (Best for Max Thrills)
Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
Why kids love it: Surfside (Splashaway Bay + Baby Bay), Adventure Ocean and nonstop energy that keeps up with even a 7-year-old's endless source of spunk. Why parents love it: after the slides and FlowRider, I could escape to The Hideaway for a real grown-up breather. Plus, the food? It wasn't typical cruise far, and the variety was endless.
3) Norwegian Prima (Best for Flexibility + Parent “Upgrade” Options)
Claire Gallam Volkman
Why kids love it: built-in youth programs and teen hangouts, like Splash Academy. Why parents love it: The flexible pacing is a gift in Alaska, and when I needed a real breather, Vibe Beach Club was my reset button: an adults-only deck with padded loungers, hot tubs and its own bar.
4) Carnival Celebration (Best Value for Younger Kids)
Carnival Cruise LInes - GETTY
Why kids love it: I love that they can bounce between Camp Ocean, WaterWorks and Seuss fun, and still have tween/teen spaces (Circle “C” / Club O2).Why parents love it: The value is the biggest draw, saving families thousands compared to other lines (which is imperative when you're traveling with a big family).
Why kids love it: I love that it’s structured and exciting, with an age-based kids clubs that has LEGO-built-in fun, plus big-ship attractions (water park, bumper cars, simulator) that feel like a theme park at sea.Why parents love it: I love the value (as a mom always trying to make every dollar stretch), and I love how easy it is to sneak away for an adults-only drink at the Yacht Club or a massage at the spa.
6) Discovery Princess (Best for Multigenerational Trips)
Why kids love it: I like that the youth spaces are truly age-based, with hands-on activities and their own places to hang (so they feel independent without me having to entertain them 24/7).Why parents and grandparents love it: I like the relaxed, easy flow onboard—and I love that The Sanctuary gives you a real adults-only escape when you want quiet.
7) Celebrity Cruises (Best for Families with Older Kids)
Saint Thomas, US Virgin Islands - April 01 2014: Celebrity Reflection Cruise Ship docked in Saint Thomas in the US Virgin Islands.Why kids love it: Camp at Sea has real variety (plus a teen space), and the ship has “do it together” hits like Le Petit Chef and silent disco nights that don’t feel babyish.Why parents love it: it feels more grown-up overall, and the Solarium is the calm, adults-only breather when you want quiet. And, if I'm being honest, Le Petit Chef is as fun for adults as it is for kids.
Related: These Are the 10 New Cruise Ships Everyone Will Be Talking About in 2026
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