When it comes to cruising, there’s a plethora of options, from family-friendly ships with fireworks at sea to ultra-luxury brands where caviar can be served right in your suite. But if you’re traveling with your extended family, it can be hard to figure out which brand is the best to make everyone’s vacation dreams come true.
So we asked three expert travel advisors this exact question: What cruise line is best for great multi-generational cruises and why? And while all three gave the same answer, their tips for executing that multi-generational cruise of a lifetime are what stand out.
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What’s the Best Multi-Generational Cruise for Families?
There are many opportunities to meet Disney characters on a Disney cruise, such as at Disney's private island destination Castaway Cay in the Bahamas.Photo by Matt Stroshane, courtesy of Disney
“The best multi-generational cruise is the one where everyone feels like they had their own vacation, yet still comes home with incredible memories they created together,” says Beci Mahnken, VTA, Founder & CEO of MEI-Travel. Mahnken suggests Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, or even Princess Cruises for a multi-generational cruise. “The key isn’t choosing the 'best' cruise line; it’s matching the right family with the right cruise line based on their travel style, interests, and expectations,” she continues.
Royal Caribbean offers families endless active days, where mornings can start with a dip in the pool or a climb on the rock-climbing wall, and evenings can end with a high-energy dance party in the club. On the other side of the spectrum, Princess Cruises is all about relaxing and immersing yourself in a destination, especially on cruises to Alaska or the Mediterranean. Somewhere in the middle is Disney Cruise Line, known for its attention to detail and making sure everyone in the family feels that warm sense of Disney magic.
Greg Antonelle, co-owner of MickeyTravels, LLC and Let’s Adventure Travel, LLC, mirrors Mahnken’s response by saying Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean are the best for multi-generational families.
“Disney has styled its ships so that every member of the family can go off and enjoy their own adventures during the day. Then, they’ll all come together at night to participate in rotational dining together. There, they can regale one another with their tales of exploration,” says Antonelle.
He also says that the luxury of choice is what makes Royal Caribbean so exciting, particularly with one ship. “The Icon of the Seas is absolute overkill in this regard in the best possible way. That ship is one giant adult playground at sea, yet kids love it every bit as much as their parents.”
Our third travel advisor strictly says Royal Caribbean is the best for multi-generational families. “There are so many activities for all ages, including kids clubs, carousels, rock climbing, miniature golf, pools, hot tubs, a casino, laser tag, family dance parties and specialty dining, just to name a few. Also, their entertainment is top-notch and enjoyable for kids all the way to grandparents,” says Melanie Kostrab, Travel Advisor and Team Lead at Travelmation.
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What Multi-Generational Families Should Know Before Booking a Cruise
Alaska is an ideal cruise destination for a multi-generational trip.Royal Caribbean
“One of the biggest things people should know before booking is to book early. Multi-generational families often need several staterooms close together, connecting cabins, or specific room types, and those tend to disappear quickly,” Mahnken says. She also encourages families to plan as much as possible ahead of time so you’re not wasting your precious time onboard solving problems.
It's also easier if you work with a travel agent who can do the heavy lifting for you, like linking various onboard reservations. “This can be a confusing process, so go to an expert who can handle this for you,” says Kostrab.
You should also do your own research (or use a trusted travel agent like one of the ones highlighted in this story) to learn how all-inclusive your cruise really is. “The overwhelming majority of cruise businesses use that term, but some mean it more than others,” says Antonelle.
For example, Disney Cruise Line includes soda in their overall cruise cost, but Royal Caribbean does not.
Antonelle advises that families set clear expectations before the cruise. "You’ll want to speak with all members of your family about what they want to get out of the trip. People often schedule cruises without fully considering what’s involved.”
Some things your family should talk about before stepping onboard the ship include what types of excursions to do and who wants to do them, how much time the entire group wants to spend together, and how much time everyone spends doing their own thing.
Related: The One Thing You Should Never Do the Day Before Your Cruise, Say Experts
The Number One Tip For Successful Multi-Generational Cruises
Disney The Tale of Moana is a fantastic show worth seeing with your entire family on the Disney Treasure.Disney Cruise Line
Every travel agent said the number one tip for a multi-generational cruise is being okay with splitting up the larger group.
“Some of the best family memories happen when everyone has a chance to enjoy the vacation their own way before coming back together. Cruises are one of the few vacations where grandparents can relax, parents can recharge, and kids can stay entertained, all at the same time. Then everyone can reconnect over dinner, a favorite show, or a shore excursion and share the highlights of their day,” Mahnken explains.
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