Cruising With a Family of 5: Cost Comparison -

Last updated on May 9, 2026

Cruising with a family of 5 isn't easy on many cruise lines

Ever since we got off our most recent Disney Cruise, I’ve been dreaming about booking another cruise. But cruising with a family of 5 is tricky. Not all cruise ships have rooms that fit a family of 5. In fact, a lot of cruise lines have very limited options, or no options at all, for more than 4 people in a stateroom. I’ve been on the hunt for good cruises for families that can accommodate my whole family without costing a fortune.

Disney cruises are great for families of 5, however, they are quite a bit more expensive than other cruise lines.

I often find myself wondering if a Disney cruise is worth it. And if not, what other options do families of 5 have? And how do they stack up cost-wise against other cruise lines? I’ve done the research and I have the answers for you.

In order to have the most accurate comparisons, I searched for the closest-matching Caribbean itineraries, leaving from Florida, during the same week of March in 2024. I priced out interior rooms (cheapest) and balcony rooms (my fave). But just know that oceanfront rooms are likely priced just between the two categories I priced. Here are the options I found:

7 Night Caribbean Cruise, March 24-31 or March 23-30 for 5 people; prices ranged from $4,257 to $12,264 for the cheapest options on the various cruise lines.

Introduction to Family Cruises

A family cruise is one of the most memorable ways to travel together. They offer adventure, relaxation, and entertainment for every member of the family. And with so many cruise lines catering to families—like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Disney Cruises—there’s truly something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking kid friendly cruises with endless activities, spacious family suites, or just a comfortable room with twin beds and split bathrooms, the options are plentiful.

For a family of 5, it’s important to choose a cruise line that can accommodate your group comfortably. That might mean booking a stateroom with a double sofa bed or connecting rooms for more space. With various cruise lines offering different amenities and room configurations, planning a family cruise has never been easier—or more exciting. From the moment you step onboard, you’ll find that cruising is a fantastic way to bond, explore new destinations, and enjoy all the comforts of home (and then some) while at sea.

Cruise Line	Rooms That Fit 5?
Royal Caribbean	Yes, limited. Must call to book and get pricing.
Carnival	Yes
Disney	Yes
Norwegian	Yes
Princess	No

Edit: I’d like to note that Holland America cruise line also has cruise ships for a family of 5. I didn’t include that here since it’s not the most popular family ship. However, when I update this post in the future, I’ll add it. In the meantime, you can read about the which Holland America ships are best for families. And check out my guide to family cruising with Holland America.

How to Cruise with a Family of 5 on Royal Caribbean

I used to believe that they did not have 5-person staterooms on Royal Caribbean and that you had to book two separate rooms. I just discovered that if you call, there are some cruise ship staterooms that can fit a family of 5 in one room. This is important for families wanting to stay together. However, you need to book early to secure cruise ship rooms that sleep 5, as these are limited and sell out quickly.

Some of these staterooms may even include a second bathroom, a valuable feature for added convenience. The pricing for two adjoining balcony rooms was very similar to the price of a stateroom that sleeps 5 with these amenities when I just called them. So consider it fairly even. Especially since Royal Caribbean is considered one of the best ships for family vacations due to its family-friendly cruise ship amenities.

Cost Breakdown:

Prices ranged significantly for different room types and configurations when booking a cruise for a family of 5.

Two interior rooms (the cheapest option for a family of 5, since a standard cabin on Royal Caribbean typically accommodates up to 4 people): $7,307 (the 3-person interior rate was crazy expensive and I have no idea why)

Two balcony rooms: $8,343.55

When comparing the cheapest options, booking two interconnected standard cabins (interior rooms) is usually the most affordable choice for a family of 5, while upgraded rooms like balconies increase the price range considerably.

Check out my comparison of Disney Cruise Line vs Royal Caribbean Cruise Line.

Cruising with a family of 5 is difficult on Royal Caribbean. — Image from Carnival website

Cruising with a Family of 5 on Carnival

Carnival offers ocean view and suite options for families of 5, with ocean view staterooms providing scenic views of the sea and a more enjoyable cruise experience. However, ocean view rooms can be limited and book up quickly, so availability may be scarce. The suites allow your whole family to stay in one room, which is convenient for families traveling together, and feature a balcony, king bed, double sofa bed, and upper pullman bed.

Tip: Pack swimsuits or other essentials in your carry on so your family can start enjoying the ship’s amenities as soon as you board.

Cost Breakdown:

For our Carnival cruise search, prices ranged significantly depending on the room type and configuration for a family of five.

Ocean suite for 5: $5,806

Two separate interior rooms: $4,257

Two separate balcony rooms: $5,467

The cheapest option for a family of 5 was booking two separate interior rooms at $4,257, making it the most budget-friendly choice compared to suites or balcony rooms.

Cruising with a family of 5 is easy on Disney.

Cruising With a Family of 5 on Disney

Disney Cruise Line offers cruise ship staterooms specifically designed to accommodate the whole family. They fit up to 5 people in both the oceanfront and verandah categories. Many of these family staterooms feature a king bed, bunkbeds, and a single bed. And for added convenience, some include a second bathroom—an amenity that makes getting ready much easier for families.

Cost Breakdown:

Prices ranged significantly for Disney cruise room options that can accommodate a family of 5, depending on the type of room and amenities.

Oceanview room for 5: $12,264

Verandah room for 5: $13,328

2 separate interior rooms: $12,825

2 separate verandah rooms: $14,757

The cheapest option for a family of 5 was the oceanview room at $12,264. It was the most affordable choice among the available Disney cruise accommodations.

Cruising with a family of 5 is possible on Norwegian — Image from Norwegian Cruise Line website

Cruising With a Family of 5 on Norwegian

Norwegian Cruise Line also offers various options for traveling with a family of 5. On their cruise ships, “The Haven” suite is a 2-bedroom suite. It has a balcony and sleeps up to 6 in one room. And it often includes a second bathroom—a huge benefit for families. There are also oceanview rooms on the cruise ship that can accommodate up to 5 in one room. This makes it easier for the whole family to stay together comfortably.

Cost Breakdown:

For our family of five, prices ranged significantly depending on the Norwegian room option we considered.

The Haven Suite for 5: $13,116.45

Oceanview room for 5: $5,960.85

Two separate interior rooms: $6,040.85

Two separate balcony rooms: $7,392.05

Of these, the Oceanview room was the cheapest option for a family of 5.

**Note: NCL offers free drinks and specialty dining on cruises, but the gratuities are factored into these prices and can be removed if you opt out of those promotions.

Cruising With a Family of 5 on Princess

The Princess cruise line does not offer any 5-person stateroom options. For a family of 5, you must book two rooms, as there are no staterooms that accommodate five people. Typically, these will be standard cabins. Although you can also consider upgraded options or interconnected cabins for more space and privacy.

Cost Breakdown:

For our family of five, prices ranged significantly depending on the Princess room option we chose.

Two separate interior rooms: $4,527.60

Two separate balcony rooms: $6,487.60

The cheapest option for a family of 5 was booking two separate interior rooms, making it the most budget-friendly choice for our Caribbean cruise in April 2026.

Choosing the Right Ship

Selecting the right ship is key to ensuring your family cruise is a hit with everyone. Start by looking for ships that offer plenty of family friendly amenities, such as water slides, mini golf, and kids’ clubs designed for different age groups. Many cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, feature connecting cabins, adjoining rooms, or even family suites that can comfortably fit a family of 5. Some ships go the extra mile by offering two bathrooms in select rooms. This makes mornings and bedtime routines much smoother for larger families.

Don’t forget to check out the kids’ club offerings—programs like Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean or Disney’s Oceaneer Club provide supervised fun for children, giving parents a chance to relax. When comparing ships, consider what matters most to your family: more space, special activities, or convenient room layouts. The right ship will make your family vacation both comfortable and unforgettable.

Planning and Booking

When it comes to planning and booking your family cruise, a little preparation goes a long way. Working with a travel agent can help you navigate the many options and find the best cruises for your family’s needs and budget. Booking early is especially important for families of five. Rooms that accommodate larger groups—like family suites or two connecting rooms—tend to sell out quickly, especially during school breaks and peak travel seasons.

Keep an eye out for cruise line promotions, such as free specialty dining, onboard credits, or discounted shore excursions, which can add significant value to your trip. Always ask for a detailed cost breakdown so you can compare prices for rooms, dining, and activities across different cruise lines. For example, Norwegian Cruise Line often includes perks like specialty dining and drinks in their cruise fare, which can help stretch your vacation budget further. With careful planning, you’ll find a family cruise that offers both fun and good value.

Onboard Amenities and Activities

One of the best parts of a family cruise is the incredible variety of onboard amenities and activities designed to keep everyone entertained. From live entertainment and Broadway-style shows to water parks, mini golf, and even ice skating rinks, cruise ships are packed with options for all ages.

Many cruise lines, like Disney Cruises, offer themed activities and character meet-and-greets that kids love, while parents can enjoy relaxing by the pool or catching a show. Room service is often available, making it easy to grab a snack or meal in your cabin. This is especially handy for families with young children. Whether your family enjoys active adventures or prefers to unwind together, you’ll find plenty of family friendly options to fill your days at sea and create lasting memories.

Kids’ Programs and Services

Kids’ programs and services are a major highlight of family cruises. It gives children the chance to make new friends and try new activities in a safe, supervised environment. Most cruise lines offer kids’ clubs tailored to different age groups, with engaging programming that ranges from arts and crafts to science experiments and scavenger hunts.

Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean and similar programs on other ships ensure that kids are entertained while parents get some well-deserved downtime. Many cruise lines also provide babysitting services, kids’ dining options, and family-friendly shore excursions. And this makes it easy for parents to relax and enjoy the cruise. Best of all, many of these kids’ programs are included in your cruise fare, offering both convenience and great value for families.

Dining Options

Dining on a family cruise is a treat for both kids and parents, with a wide range of options to suit every taste. Cruise lines typically offer family friendly dining in the main dining room, casual buffets, and specialty restaurants featuring everything from Italian to steakhouses. Norwegian Cruise Line, for example, is known for its specialty dining options, which can be a fun way for parents to enjoy a special night out.

Many ships also offer flexible dining times and kids’ menus, making it easy to accommodate picky eaters or busy schedules. Room service is often available for those nights when you just want to relax in your cabin. Be sure to check for any dining restrictions or reservation requirements, especially for specialty restaurants. With so many choices, dining becomes another highlight of your family cruise. You can be sure everyone in the family finds something they love.

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